This review is for my initial thoughts about my Wright Leather Works IWB holster.

A little background...

Soon after I bought my S&W M&P Shield 9mm hand gun I started looking for quality, usable IWB and OTB holsters. I read hundreds of reviews and looked at dozens of options. As most of you know, most holsters have as many good reviews as they have bad. After all of the reviews, I decided I wanted at least one quality all leather holster. I looked at several contenders and decided to go with Wright Leather Works for my purchase. This decision was based on quality, reviews, price, and style. When I purchased, the turn around time was over 3 months, and just under 3 months it took. I placed my order May 28 and received it today. It arrived priority USPS and they sent me notification when it shipped.

I will add that in that time, I have tried MANY different holsters. I have settled on a BlackHawk Serpa for OWB carry and I couldn't be happier with it. IWB has been a different story. I have a Alien Gear Neoprene that I am not happy with at all. I have posted the reasons why in other threads. I have tried several cheapies from Amazon that haven't worked either. What has worked is a Little Foxx Hybrid and a versacarry. Both work for me very well. I am 6 foot 1 inch tall and around 280lbs and double clip hybrids usually don't work well for me. That brings me to the Wrights Leather Works holster.

I decided to go with the "Cobra Hybrid Holster" with metal clips, all in black. I am not going to take pictures because it looks just like the one on this webpage except in black...
Cobra Hybrid Leather Holster | Wright Leather Works LLC
It is an IWB and an OWB holster all in one.

First impressions:

Very positive. It is a high quality product that visually looks stunning. It is constructed well. The fit, both to me and the gun, right out of the postage box is excellent! Let me add, I did purchase the model for the Shield WITH the LaserMax Laser. I did this because I have a laserMax, but also because I read that the model that works with the laserMax works very well with the LaserMax on or off the gun. That report was correct. The holster shipped with a card that states how to break-in and care for the holster, a pamphlet of other Wright Leather Works offerings, a card for joining the NRA, and a leather key chain.

The gun fits very well into the holster to begin with. Retention is excellent. I am willing to bet it might be a little tight if not for the LaserMax option, but for me (with the LaserMax option), break-in will not be needed. When the holster is against the body, retention is even better (as it is with almost all IWB holsters). Drawing and re-holstering is easy. I am actually surprised at how very comfortable it is. Most 2 clip IWB holsters do not work well for me. They are very uncomfortable and I can never get them to fit...even after hours / days of trying. With this holster, once I got it positioned where I wanted it (around 5 O'clock), it almost feels as if it isn't there! Sitting, driving, standing...all comfortable. It is all constructed very well and the clips (metal) retain excellent. I am a little worried about the clips being metal, due to my car seats, etc... but so far, it has not been an issue. It is something I will watch and if they become a problem, I might switch them out for some kydex clips I have laying around. There's really not much more to say. I paid $134.00 total, tax and shipping included. I have not tried it OWB yet, and may not. As mentioned the Blackhawk Serpa works OWB for me just fine.

So, basically, a great holster, a decent price, and an overall good deal. I haven't had it long yet, but if it's working for me this well already, I can't see it not being a holster I use on a regular basis. I will report back if anything changes or if I notice something different and I will try to answer any questions I can, but, as mentioned, I will not take any pictures, because they wouldn't serve a purpose more than the pictures on the website.

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M&P Shield 9MM

I have a Wright Leather Works' Predator holster - an OWB holster for my Shield. It is an excellent leather holster - really well made (Made in the US BTW). It is a very high quality holster, nice leather work with good retention and it also keeps the Shield very close to the body. At this time I am not mastered posting a photo but you can see it in on the WLW website (Predator Pancake Leather Holster | Wright Leather Works LLC). In the event you are looking for a leather holster I must say that I am very satisfied with this holster and I highly recommend Wright Leather Works. I agree with Lycan's review of WLWs' Cobra Hybrid OWB/IWB Holster. In fact today, I just placed my order for Wright's Cobra holster for another handgun.

This is the best holster since sliced bread for me. You really forget you are wearing it. There are cheaper, but few can be better. The Cobra is the only holster I own from Wright Leather Works. Sturdy construction. Great materials. It is both durable, and comfortable. I have owned other Kydex or synthetic holsters, but they can't hold a candle to this holster. It makes my Shield 9 disappear. Inside or outside with a stiff belt. Nice draw and retention. I will buy more leather from Wright. The holster is tight to the body. I just hate the three month wait. I am now a leather holster fan boy. There customer service was great too. You are talking to the guy that makes the holster from raw , materials. Not a customer service rep. This is a small craft shop. That is my experience. I can't recommend them enough. Sorry if I sound like I work for them, but I am truly that impressed. Thank you for reading. BTW, I ordered in February of 2015. I received my holster in about 10 weeks. They said three months. I know they pad the date for screw ups. They are crazy if they don`t. Hope you like the one you get.

I have 3 Predators, 2 I bought from Wright direct and 1 from eBay. They are my favorite OWB holsters, they hold the guns high and tight and conceal under a loose shirt.

Curious if anyone that owns one of these opted for the 'Master Collection Upgrade'? Just wondering if it's worth the extra $60?

For those that didn't...any regrets not doing so?

New to CCW and would rather spend a bit more to get a great holster out of the gate. I've got an inexpensive IWB holster which will get me by the the time being...but I like the idea of this being a high quality IWB/OWB leather holster. FYI...I'm looking at it for a S&W Model 60 & 640 as well as my 3rd Gen S&W 4516.

Any comments or thoughts would be appreciated.

I've got the Cobra in Mahogany for my 40c and have had it for about a year .. lead time then was 8 weeks and took every bit of that time ..

I will order the Predator™ Pancake Holster made by them sometime this Spring ..

For the Cobra .. I wear it about 50% of the time and a Garett Industries GX model the other 50% .. The GX is a Kydex front with leather back and I ordered the leather lining on mine .. No holster marks on my 40c from the kydex with the leather liner .. It is every bit as comfortable as the Cobra .. wear both at 5 but the GX could be worn at 11 or 1 also ..

Wright Leather works make very high quality holsters for a number of pistols .. the fit was a little tight at first as most leather holsters are but it broke in easily and of course it was pre molded to the shape of the 40c .. I would recommend either the Wright Leather or the Garret Industries holster as both are very good quality .. The GX if I remember only took just over a week to get to me .. so wait on it is much less .. I actually bought it because of the wait time at Wright's ..

Love the Cobra very comfortable and it is dual IWB/OWB with the leather loops .. I ordered both the leather loops and the metal clips and can't decide which I like better .. Am actually wearing it today IWB with the metal clips .. The master collection is an added layer of thinner leather where the smooth side is next to the pistol .. is suppose to reduce wear on the pistol from holstering and un-holstering your weapon .. is said to be much stiffer because of the double layer of leather .. I didn't order this option .. but am thinking I will on the next one .. is it worth the $60 .. I don't know ..

But if you want a quality holster with dual options Wright Leather Holster might be your answer .. you are also able to change to 3 different canter angles according to your preference .. lead time according to their web site is 8-10 weeks right now ..

No regrets on my Cobra but think I would order the liner .. I will order the liner on my next one .. the stiffness might cause a bit longer breaking in time to mold to the shape of ones body .. I wore mine IWB for about 2 weeks while at home a few hours a day with out the pistol in it to help shape it to my body and seemed to work ..

I would suggest to wear it IWB when you first get it so it will shape to your body a bit more then if worn OWB .. after a few weeks either IBW or OBW shouldn't be a problem .. also order the dual leather loops and metal clips .. that way you will have both and can decide which you like the best and they can be used on other holsters too .. I order addition screws incase one came loose and I lost it I wouldn't have to wait for a replacement ..

I own a cobra hybrid, a cross draw holster for a 9mm and a predator for a 686. I cleaned out my holster drawer after getting them.

I own two predators, one for my 2" 10 and one for a 1.875" J frame. Both are outstanding holsters. Because of how comfortable they are I will never carry IWB again. My only complaint- I forgot to ask them to make one with white stitching to match my belt lol!

My review- 10/10. Excellent holster, secure, comfortable and looks great! Very well designed. I will order from them in the future.

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an actual conservative

Thanks for all the input.

I'll be ordering for the Cobra Hybrid with the 'Master Collection' option (liner) tonight after reading comments here and on other sites. These look like beautifully made holsters and all the comments confirm this as well.

As an added bonus... My lovely fiance' saw me looking at these and asked if she could give it to me as a birthday gift since she wanted to do something special for me. Now I just have to patiently await its arrival.

Sure you will like it .. I put my other holsters for my 40c in the bottom of the holster box .. except for the GX ..

I plan to order one for my Beretta PX4 in a few weeks ..

Great thread! Thanks for this. Been looking to try other companies besides the typical Safariland and Galco, etc, for my K-frames and I amazingly could not find many holsters without the thumb break. Then I stumbled upon this thread.

I will try Wright Leather Works. The question is how many will I get as I got excited with the plethora of guns they make holsters for. Also if I should splurge on the $60 option (maybe not). I don't carry and it is really for classes (and possibly competition).

Thanks,I've also been trying out many holsters to carry my shield comfortably in and have yet to find one that is comfortable wearing for hours.I have read nothing but glowing reviews about these holsters on other sites and now here.It looks like I'll be ordering the cobra this week.

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I reckon so

I just ordered a holster (Marshal OWB, no master collection upgrade this time) from WLW. Website said 10 - 12 week lead time. Wow. I guess you can't rush art. I am looking forward to receiving it.

If all goes well as far as quality, which I expect, I will order another one, but this time, I will try the master collection upgrade

ordered my Predator for my shield back before Christmas. No Master Collection. Hopefully only have about 3-4 more weeks. Will advise.

I can't believe a whole thread on holsters and not a single picture!

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Kevin in Oregon

Good point

Will post pics of mine when received

I have carried my Shield in a Predator for well over 2 years and the fit & retention are still spot on. These ride close to the body and provide all day comfort. I don't even think about mine when I am carrying.

The next Predator is made for a 2" J frame and my 640-1 is a bit longer than 2" and that is why a little of the barrel is showing

[IMG]S&W Shield 003cf3 by Jerry Jaynes, on Flickr[/IMG]

[IMG]S&W 640-1 005crf by Jerry Jaynes, on Flickr[/IMG]

I also ordered a Predator for my Shield 9mm a couple of weeks ago. Might get here in April? In the meantime I'm getting by with a Blackhawk Size 19 M&P 9/40 Comp Made in Italy. Very high quality leather. Only problem: it's a thumb break. I don't like TB's because the straps interfere with re-holstering. Then you might get lucky and be able to re-snap on the first try. Or not.

So I just cut the straps off Now it's an ugly, cobbed-up holster but it holds the Shield securely and re-holstering is a breeze.

i use a predator with the master upgrade for my bodyguard, its an excellent holster, took about 6 weeks to get though. it was worth the wait however, i really like the holster...

My WLW Marshal™ OWB Holster finally arrived today (about 10.5 weeks after placing the order). It does not have the Master Collection upgrade. It is very nice. I can imagine how one with a Master Collection upgrade would look like. Looks to be a well-made holster.

It is very snug. I need to break it in before "actual" use, which is limited to occasional pistol classes. Some pics below with my CZ SP-01 in 9mm

I have a Predator for a Sig 239 and for a S&W Model 60. Both snug tight and conceal well at about the 4-5 o'clock.

I was also interested in the Marshal. How tight is it? Do you where it more in the 3 o'clock area?

I tried my Marshal on two nights ago. To me, the most comfortable position is at the 4 or 5 o' clock position. It felt more "natural" there. The cant was perfect. It is tight to the body and will seem to conceal well. I put a jacket on and it works. I tried to move around, sit and stand up and it is comfortable.

The holster is very snug. It definitely needs some break in. It is better now after two nights of leaving my gun holstered and maybe 100+ times of unholstering and re-holstering. I am sure it will get better in time as the leather loosens up and molds to the gun more.

Per WLW's website, the Master Collection upgrade will make the holster even more snug. I think the upgrade is a great value with smooth lining and great aesthetics but will require quite a bit of break in.

Hope this helps.