What is a Good IWB Holster for CC of M&P?

[stormbringerr]

Lost Lake - I am anxious to hear your comparison of single vs double clips.

I wore my AlienGear IWB about 7 hours yesterday. I wore it with a long shirt tail out as I didnt want to mess with tucking (I haven't developed that skill yet ). It is very comfortable but I would like to find a single clip tuckable (requirement for me) for quick trips.

try foxx holsters for single clip rigs.i have an alien gear for my sig 2022 and a little foxx single clip for my m and p compact 9

 

[dcashel]

I just got this Ritchie Leather Co. Nighthawk IWB Holster from my shield and it's great. It took 4 weeks to get it after I ordered it. It is very similar to the Alessi Talon as the Ritchie use to work with Lou Alessi years ago.

 

[46Slick]

Sourdough Pancake?

I have the sourdough pancake for my Model 60 3" with straps.

The Cumberland (Versa-clip II)

I also have the Versa clip II for my CZ 75 D PDR with straps. This also fits my Sig P229(w/o rail). Very comfy for me. I am 6' and 260lb including a big overhang. I wear a T shirt, belt clip suspenders, gun belt and a cover garment. At 3 to 4:30 or so, both IWB.

 

[Vinney47]

Just got back to review this thread. I have the full sized M&P9 with the Crimson Trace Grips. I've took several guy's advice and have ordered an Alien Gear IWB specific to the Crimson Trace grips. A nice touch I thought. Wondering about a good belt and cover garment for summer wear. Taking my CC class Friday. I'm a newbie so any advice would be appreciated!

recently I replaced my belt for CC, started a thread in the concealed carry section of this forum

http://smith-wessonforum.com/concealed-carry-self-defense/358693-good-gun-belt.html

I had leather, but found over some years it stretched and softened, so this time I am trying a nylon belt - 2 layers with a stiffener insert in-between. Ended up going with a Amazon.com: Uncle Mike's Tactical Two-Layer Nylon Reinforced Instructor's Belt (Large, Black): Sports & Outdoors@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31gdAGaIzDL.@@AMEPARAM@@31gdAGaIzDL and have really liked it so far. I like "infinte adjustments", as opposed to buckle holes. I never tuck in my shirt, so the less than classy look to it is never seen. It's stiff and has improved comfort for when I CC. Still, lots of folks swear by leather and sometimes it's more appropriate / less obvious it's a gun belt if it's going to be visible.

For cover garment, it just needs to be long enough and loose fitting (as in not tight). I've found that natural fabrics (cotton, for example) are more forgiving to printing than the synthetic fabrics (polyester, nylon) for what it's worth.

 

[happy]

Foxx IWB

I am also new to CC. Read a LOT of reviews, and settled on the Foxx IWB hybrid for my M&P Shield. I have the Crimson Trace laser, and they make a model for it. Fits perfectly. Comfortable all day. You forget about having it on. Get the Kydex belt clips instead of the standard metal clips. Hybrids for Smith & Wesson

 

[S&WForty]

recently I replaced my belt for CC, started a thread in the concealed carry section of this forum

http://smith-wessonforum.com/concealed-carry-self-defense/358693-good-gun-belt.html

I had leather, but found over some years it stretched and softened, so this time I am trying a nylon belt - 2 layers with a stiffener insert in-between. Ended up going with a Uncle Mikes Instructor belt and have really liked it so far. I like "infinte adjustments", as opposed to buckle holes. I never tuck in my shirt, so the less than classy look to it is never seen. It's stiff and has improved comfort for when I CC. Still, lots of folks swear by leather and sometimes it's more appropriate / less obvious it's a gun belt if it's going to be visible.

For cover garment, it just needs to be long enough and loose fitting (as in not tight). I've found that natural fabrics (cotton, for example) are more forgiving to printing than the synthetic fabrics (polyester, nylon) for what it's worth.

I've got one of them. I really like it for wearing with warmups or other pants that don't have belt loops.

 

[adams484]

I make holsters for a business here is my advice.

I kind of like the looks of the Galco King Tuk for an IWB holster but am open to any advice. This will be my first Concealed Carry. I'm about 5'11" but weigh 250.
Not that I have much use for 'em any more but I have some pretty good sized "love handles". Seriously though, does my build kind of dictate what type of holster or CC style I should use?

If this is your first CCW holster (at this point only CCW holster). I would recommend a hybrid kydex and leather IWB at the 4 to 5 o'clock or 7 to 8 o'clock (left handed) position given your build. I would not waste a lot of money on a name brand but instead find an decently made holster to start with. Some people just can't tolerate IWB and if you are going to carry a full size plastic double stack gun you will find they are slightly wider than their all metal counterparts, width is a big thing with IWB even 0.010" is noticable. I regularly carry a Beretta 92 FS in one of my hybrid holsters in the summer and hardly notice it at all. But I also tried the same holster style with my FNP45 and it is not for IWB. For it I use a pancake style with belt straps for easy on and off. But most importantly don't go and spend ton of bucks until you have found what you like then put some money into it. Besides IWB CCW is not for show it is all about function. However OWB can be both in that looks become more important. Another thing, don't test an IWB holster by putting a firearm in it and holding it upside down to check for retention or any holster for that matter. Retention changes when it is on the belt and you don't want to pull your pants over your head when drawing your CCW. Or worst yet fighting your holster for your firearm when you need it the most. LEO's have to really concern themselves with levels of retention the average guy does not. They are mandated to wrestle with drunks, criminals and idiots while carrying. The average guy just needs to be able to present the firearm before they get close enough to wrestle with you. And a LEO is known to be armed so concealed means concealed.

These are just my observations after wearing almost every conceivable holster style. I live in Alabama and even carry in a shoulder rig in the summer sometimes when driving a lot. It can be done with a tee shirt and a slightly larger light straight tailed button up shirt for a cover garment but that is not ideal CCW. But it works in case you drive a lot.

Another point most never even consider, keep the ability to remove and replace the holster in mind. Keep that in mind for those occaisions when you, heaven forbid, need to go in a gun free zone like schools, court houses, and the post office. Having to drop your drawers in the parking lot is uncomfortable to many. As well as stripping your belt to remove and replace your holster.

The single clip style holsters and paddle style are quick and convenient but they loose a little in stability in my opinion.

These points are all subjective and what works for some is awful for others. Also I only carry full size handguns, no compacts or sub-compacts so I can only speak to that size range. So again try a few inexpensive holsters to see what works for you then pour your hard earned money into it.

I hope this helps some. I am not posting my site here as I feel it is not appropriate to this forum to advertise for free. You can contact me privately if you want to ask something not covered here I am always happy to share what I have learned.

 

[Phenix11-12]

I bought my boyfriend a SuperTuck Deluxe (Combat Cut) from Crossbreed for his M&P 9c, and he loves it. He's about the same build as you describe yourself. Check it out: CrossBreed® Holsters

 

[crracer_712]

I've got a few, including an OWB from Ray's. The one I always use is the Desantis Intruder. I had been using one for my M&P 40C for nearly two years, I decided to start carrying the 9mm shield so I picked one up for it. Ironically, the one for the shield will fit the 40c like a glove. I now use the Intruder that was purchased for the 9mm shield for both the 40c and the shield as it is a bit smaller footprint than the original one for the 40c.

I much prefer something with kydex over an all leather. The all leather I had Ray make for my Glock 30SF is just too tight for CC. I've used wax paper, a lightweight cloth wrap around the gun, etc. to try and stretch it out but to this day I still have to keep my thumb on the slide so the slide doesn't come back while inserting. The mag pouch for the same gun was impossible to draw the mag from as well as impossible to get the mag seated anywhere near the bottom. Used wax paper to assist and it split the leather at the corners.

I don't like to wear a belt most of the time, and with the intruder holster, it stays on my jeans like I want it too.

 

[Sgt461]

I had been using Crossbreed for my Shield and XDs pistols. However I found the metal clips wear through my shirts and I'm concerned about the leather seats in my car. I recently got a Comp-Tac holster "Minotaur" that mounts with plastic{?} clips and am very pleased. I am about your dimensions and these work great, comfortable with real good access. good luck with your search, I just looked in my holster box, sometimes takes a few tries unfortunately.

 

[SavageSmoker]

I am 5'11" and 225lbs. I carry my Shield .40 in a holster from Hidden Hybrid Holsters

I love it. It is comfortable and gives you plenty of carry options and adjustment. It can also be used as an IWB or OWB depending on your needs. Check them out...very well made.

 

[wittmeba]

I ordered a Kydex .08 IWB and I hate it. It's way too tight. It's marred my slide (Anyone know how I can fix this BTW?).

I've tried to loosen it and no change. It's tough to draw my M&P and when I place it in the holster it actually presses the slide back almost enough to cock it!!

I need to find something usable!!!

Have you contacted the mfg? Perhaps they would take it back, rework it or provide a new shell if you can convince them it is dangerous.

 

[wittmeba]

I am a little amazed what businesses will charge "YOU" for. I just read where Crossbreed Super-tuck charges $7.50 to remove material for their "Combat Grip" option.

And of course Old Faithful wants $30.00 to put your kit together.

 

[Thiokol]

+1 for the Hidden Hybrid. After a few minutes, you don't even know it's there.

 

[PastureOfMuppets]

Y'all can keep your leather. I'm now rocking this. Light weight and just about know it's there enough to know it's there... which I think is kinda important.

 

[BluGrass]

Y'all can keep your leather. I'm now rocking this. Light weight and just about know it's there enough to know it's there... which I think is kinda important.

What holster is that and how much?


I'd rather die on my feet than live on my knees

 

[PastureOfMuppets]

What holster is that and how much?

I made that one.

I ordered a Kydex .08 IWB and I hate it. It's way too tight. It's marred my slide (Anyone know how I can fix this BTW?).

I've tried to loosen it and no change. It's tough to draw my M&P and when I place it in the holster it actually presses the slide back almost enough to cock it!!

I need to find something usable!!!

I make Kydex holsters.

Is it all Kydex? If so they have messed up lining it up. If it's a hybrid, then it's a bad mold.

If the company gives you no joy, drop me a PM and I can see if I can help.

If you need something fast, also drop me a line... I have a few FS M&P bits I can drop in the post pretty damn quick to get you out of trouble.

 

[Ruger_Up]

I kind of like the looks of the Galco King Tuk for an IWB holster but am open to any advice. This will be my first Concealed Carry. I'm about 5'11" but weigh 250.

Not that I have much use for 'em any more but I have some pretty good sized "love handles". Seriously though, does my build kind of dictate what type of holster or CC style I should use?

I just got mine from Rubicon Tactical few days ago. His prices are very reasonable and he'll customize any way you want. So far it's very comfortable and conceals really well. Michael even put a "build your own" holster page on the site which allows you to get really creative and try something out of the box.

http://www.rubicontactical.com/

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[K.macocker]

I own at least 7 different styles of holsters for my shield to find the perfect fit for me!
All kydex iwb and owb, to all leather, to remora one piece with rubber gripy exterior to leather/kydex hybrids.

1st you have to decide your tolerance level. Some people can stick a tree on their hip and walk around all day and never give it a second thought. While some more finicky people can barely carry an iwb pocket knife with belt clip and not be annoyed. I lean more toward the second (thus 7 or kore holsters for the same dang pistol!)

2nd as stated before. An excellent very stiff belt will spread the load across your waist band more.

3rd. If it's smaller you'd think less noticeable? Right? Not necessarily true. A lump is worse than a long sloping rise.
I have the iwb all kydex and that's about as small as it gets. But it is so narrow (front to back of body) that it feels like a knot digging in my side. I've tried the all leather and just wasn't my perfect either. Even the N82 ( which has a large softer back "plate" against the body is more bulky to me than my favorite. And that is the foxx or alien kydex/leather hybrid design so many seem many like. I continually go back to mine. It's not that same brand but same hybrid design and works the best for me.
Just make sure it has 2 belt clips and has a high section so the upper part rear sights area doesn't poke you in the side nearly as bad!
I'm thin so I actually heated mine up with a lighter and bent the 2 tabs that have the rivets back so it wraps my body better. Helped me a lot!! It did loosen up the hold on the gun by bending the tabs back. But I found when wearing the holster inside the waist band my hip curved the leather around my hip enough that the shield was extremely secure. Just not as tight when laying on the dresser.

I have also have:
-paddle holster. Bulky and bounces. Not really concealable.
-Lower back all leather, waking around is great, sitting down sucks. And belt must be partially removed to add/remove the holster.
-shoulder. Annoying as can be for me. But would be good if traveling a lot in a vehicle. Gun is easier to access in a car seat than on a hip.
-belly band, this awesome in the fact you barely notice the gun and 2 mags are there. Probably because your so annoyed by the belly compression of the belt! Lol. Plus it's very hot.
-the all kydex owb raven style bounces on my hip and is too stiff when sitting and/or bending over for me.
-I have found comfort in an ankle holster for my pocket pistol. Smaller than my shield. But not an easy access when needed.
-rumora ( all sticky exterior material) works great for storing you firearm in a glove box and want to run in a store" real quick and put back in the glovebox as soon as you return to the car. But when wearing for extended time periods it shifts a lot.

I've found I use different holsters for different "situations". This me and you may he completely different.
Hope I could help in some way
Kmac

 

[BluGrass]

I made that one.




I make Kydex holsters.

Is it all Kydex? If so they have messed up lining it up. If it's a hybrid, then it's a bad mold.

If the company gives you no joy, drop me a PM and I can see if I can help.

If you need something fast, also drop me a line... I have a few FS M&P bits I can drop in the post pretty damn quick to get you out of trouble.

Pasture I have sent you a PM with pictures of the thumb safety in the on off position. Please send me a reply with a quote on that one you have posted on this thread. Thank you in advance


I'd rather die on my feet than live on my knees