Best OWB holster for 1st time carry

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stevehertzler

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I just bought an M&P 40C and I plan on carrying it but I don't have a holster yet. I am a large guy at 6' 3" and 240 lbs. and in my early fifties. I live in the south and I perspire easily so I am leaning towards Kydex or plastic.
Any suggestions? I have been reading the other posts here and have some ideas but not really sure since this will be the first time that I will carry.

Also, what is some of the normal clothing to cover up, especially when it's warm?

Steve
 
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The Bladetech works well for me.

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-- Chuck
 
Here is what I use for my M&P40c and reload. It is my The Slide in exotic stingray (one of my first exotics years ago) and Snap Single Mag carrier.

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I also own a M&P 40c. I have a Blackhawk Serpa Concealment holster. Model #25. Specifically made for the M&P compact. Great thing about it is that with a standard phillips screwdriver you change out 3 screws and go from a paddle holster to a belt holster. I live and Arizona and highly recomend this because of the comfort of it and also cause it is Kydex. Well worth the money. Just to let you know I am also 6'1 and 205lbs.
 
Steve, I'm sure you must've read my numerous posts with regard to the PSS custom kydex holster that I got for my 40c w/CTC grip. If you haven't already, take a look at their website and my evaluation. It's an IWB/OWB inter-changeable set up that takes all of about 3 mins to switch. Since these are custom made, you need to be very (honestly) specific about your exact body dimensions. Mine fits and works like a charm.

Personal Security Systems Kydex Holsters

http://smith-wessonforum.com/concea...l-security-systems-pancake-kydex-holster.html
 
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Thanks MCG, very nice review. I am considering that holster as well as thinking about making my own Kydex holster.
Any thoughts on that? I have read many posts as well as YouTube videos on the subject. I am a woodworker so a very hands on kind of guy.
Steve
 
stevehertzler said:
Thanks MCG, very nice review. I am considering that holster as well as thinking about making my own Kydex holster.
Any thoughts on that? I have read many posts as well as YouTube videos on the subject. I am a woodworker so a very hands on kind of guy.
Steve
Click to expand...

My initial thoughts about making your own kydex rig is that you will need a blue gun/replica to mold the kydex in the exact/net shape of your pistol. Not to mention the amount of trial and error that you will probably encounter with materials, shapes, temperature settings, dimensions, cant, belt clips, hardware, etc. If you're willing to go through all of that, knock yourself out. PSS has done a lot of R&D and prototyping, and has worked out a lot of the bugs, plus they have an inventory of blue guns based upon market and customer feedback.

Let me know how it works out. Maybe post a photo or two.
 
Thanks MCG for the concern about the heat possibly damaging the gun, and I surely don't want anything to happen to a new gun, so I called S&W just now and they said that there isn't any issues with it getting too hot from the Kydex. That small amount of heat for that short of a time isn't an issue. The Kydex cools off much faster than the polymer can heat up, as well as it requiring much more heat to damage it.
Thanks for the concern,
Steve
 
When I am carrying an auto, often out in the woods, I like the Fobus line of Kydex paddle holsters for their easy on and off, and their durability. For concealment, I guess I am old fashioned, but I like a good pancake style holster, as it seems to draw the gun up tight, and prevent any holster flop you get with holsters incorporating narrow belt loops.

Inside waist band holsters are probably the most concealable, but at 6'3 and 280 lbs I find them uncomfortable. In hot weather, I'll wear an untucked T-shirt or polo shirt, some times a semi-baggy button up dress shirt.
 
Thanks MSteve, nice pictures. I am going to try to make one similar to that out of Kydex.
Fisninfool, sounds like you and I are close to the same build and that's why I am lookin' for OWB. I like the Kydex material for holsters as that I perspire so easy, especially here in the south. I also enjoy playing around in my shop (I am a woodworker) so making a Kydex one will be a fun challenge. I just made my press today and got my supplies yesterday from knifekits. I will post some pictures when I get one made.
BTW, how do you post multiple pictures in one post?
Steve
 
Comp Tac makes an excellent Kydex holster. Don Hume has an extensive line of leather holsters that are well made and reasonably priced. I use the Don Hume 721 OT or the JIT for OWB. If you are interested in an IWB the one I like the best is the Crossbreed supertuck. It's a leather/kydex hybrid they are very comfortable. Regardless of what kind of holster you decide on be sure the holster has a sweat shield to keep the gun away from your body.

Warm/hot weather cover garment for me (I live in Southeast Texas) is a loose fitting untucked shirt. Cool/cold weather cover isn't a problem.
 
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