N82 Tactical Holster - Original - M&P 9mm

A2 Stippling

A2 Stippling

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Purchased my first N82 Tactical holster - Original design - for my M&P 9mm. Ordered it on 11NOV for $42.95 delivered and it shipped 12NOV13! Had it in my hands by the 15th - crazy fast!

This is my first try with the N82. I've heard rave reviews on it from other gun sites - so I threw some money at it! It is like a pancake with some elastic in it…with a backside of soft suede. A suede/leather pancake. My M&P 9mm (4.25" barrel) fit perfectly in the elastic holder -- and it would not slip out when held upside down. The holster has one clip and lacks adjustable cant or depth. Rides a bit high as well.

Wore it for about 12 hours on 15NOV in the house and around the yard doing work. It fits very differently than my Tommy Theis hybrid 2-hook IWB holster I usually wear. (I don't have any other IWB holsters so this is my only comparison). I usually carry at my 7-8 o'clock (I'm a southpaw). If you tried wearing this at 9-8 o'clock, it stuck out of the sides and the weapon was not held close to the body. I ended up carrying at about 7:30…trying to get it flat.
The one hook slid a tiny bit on my 1.75 trainers belt…but not much.

By the end of the night I had a good impression of the gun in the holster. I totally forgot I was wearing it as I laid on the couch. You can't feel the heel of the gun poking you in the love handles…hence the big pancake look.

Opinion - I need more time with it. She is a big holster. I don't want to wear it near my 6 o'clock…but it seems to get flattest with that carry. Anybody else have advice? Do I just need to carry more to get a good mold?

Here are some photos of Day 1 - it already looks different. Will post more pics as I wear it more.

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Looks like a nice pillow for your gun!

I would go with 8 O'clock (Just behind the hip) for a few days and see how that goes - some people like small of the back, but access in the car, standing up from chairs in restaurants (taking it with you…) and the possibility of falling on it and doing back damage are why it's not used so much anymore.

Full size right? I'm a big guy and find it hard to hide so well without a little cant, but not impossible without good wardrobe selection.

Do let us know how you get on - looks like it should be a super comfortable rig ones you find your spot.

The OG on the gun looks great btw - not over the top and accents really nicely. Where did you get or how did you do it?
 
PastureOfMuppets said:
Looks like a nice pillow for your gun!

I would go with 8 O'clock (Just behind the hip) for a few days and see how that goes - some people like small of the back, but access in the car, standing up from chairs in restaurants (taking it with you…) and the possibility of falling on it and doing back damage are why it's not used so much anymore.

Full size right? I'm a big guy and find it hard to hide so well without a little cant, but not impossible without good wardrobe selection.

Do let us know how you get on - looks like it should be a super comfortable rig ones you find your spot.

The OG on the gun looks great btw - not over the top and accents really nicely. Where did you get or how did you do it?
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The "OG"? I will assume you are referring to the stippled parts on the gun done in OD Green paint. I stipple them [A2 Stippling] as a side business. The painting was a summertime thing...I don't do it in the winter. Love the added grip - works for me and 99% of my customers.

Thanks!
 
I love mine in the Pro series holster for my 9c. I want to get one for my shield. Feels very comfortable and I can tuck my shirt wearing it. My full size with TFO sights fits great, but I don't plan on carrying my fs But if I wanted to I could.
 

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Nice write up. I have the Pro version for my Shield and it is by far my favorite holster. Nothing better!
 
*Magic* said:
I have a pro for my 9c love it. It just vanishes under a t-shirt
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One of my main issues with the Pro vs. the Original is the price. Is DOUBLE the price for the Pro ($69.95) THAT much better? I gotta wear this thing more to determine if I would want those "extras".

I wore it for another 8 hours yesterday, but again, indoors and to the mailbox. I live in IL so not a lot of conceal carry throughout the day :cool: IT IS COMFY!

Ordered a G-Code Incog last night….I'm adapting to AIWB carry this winter (after training, training, and some more training). I just don't think I should have to wear an IWB behind my back - don't like doing it. Will advise.

Thanks for the notes.
 
Justin69 said:
Streakpi,
Please give us an update. How's that N82?
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I wear the hell out of it. I've been wearing my M&Pc 9mm in it this whole week. Now that I live in KY I can wear it all the time. It fits and feels great.

Now, the cons. Big ones for me. Although it fits, wears, and draws well…RE-HOLSTERING is a b*tch. I have the "Original" so it has a nylon sleeve to tuck the pistol. This means when I draw (from IWB) the holster goes flat. I then have to use both hands and both eyes to carefully reholster my weapon. This sucks.

I spent the day at an outdoor private range a few days ago working my draw and re-holstering. This thing is worse than reholstering to AIWB (with my G-Code INCOG). At least the G-Code-wrapped-gun is aiming at my junk…I'm always careful with that. THIS N82 doesn't work if you like to practice drawing and holstering.

So, I contacted N82 a couple days ago about returning this holster and getting a "Tactical Pro" version. I've done a lot of research on it and I keep hearing how the draw from it is very different than any other holster out there. Don't like that. I like to wear different IWB holsters at different times…my muscle memory is for drawing from them - they are all the same…just pull up! Also, as I said earlier…I'm paying $72 for it. Why the hell is THAT holster (Pro) almost twice what the "Original" costs? Because you are giving me formed kydex-like material? Stupid. However, comma, I like to spend my Stippling profits on gun stuff…so why not.

Long story…sorry…but I get emotional about people taking my money and selling me something almost "too original" for my needs.

PS. This week I am wearing my INCOG as IWB…I started yesterday. Meh.
 
Update from N82. They offered to take back the "Original" holster (even though it is past their 30-day money back guarantee). I bought the new "Pro" holster and they are taking off the $39 for the other holster. Yeah, I know, I am still paying $69…but it is better than I am getting a refund so this Original holster doesn't sit in the "box 'o holsters".

Pretty psyched to get the new holster. Interested in this new draw a lot of people are liking/hating. I will test it and see…sometimes that is all you can do.

BTW- GREAT customer service by N82. Quick, to the point, and friendly. I like that.
 
I have the N82 professional for my 9c for about a year now , it has been great ! There is a slight twist to take the gun out of the holster, it's second nature now , don't let that scare you off !
 


This is my one IWB for my FS 40. I like it. For OWB, I got a PJ Holster.

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk
 
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I wish they made a "combat" cut. All the padding that protects you from the grip only interferes w/ the draw and getting a good purchase on the firearm. I feel the slide/frame are the only place the padding is really needed because the grip is generally away from my body.
 
Brucenterry said:
I wish they made a "combat" cut. All the padding that protects you from the grip only interferes w/ the draw and getting a good purchase on the firearm. I feel the slide/frame are the only place the padding is really needed because the grip is generally away from my body.
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Hmm, I tend to feel the grip of the gun against my body (maybe my love handles hurt the way I carry the gun) more than I feel the rest of my gun. Combat cut would hinder my happiness…and probably go against their "most comfortable gun" motto. My .02 cents.
 
I have had both N8² and Crossbreed holsters for iwb. The Crossbreed holster is just more stable. The N8² always seemed to twist and move. I carry in the 3 -3:30 position.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
 
Justin69 said:
Thanks for the update. Think I'm going to stay clear of this holster.
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Justin, no disrespect, but are you 2? Why would you avoid a holster based on the review of the OP, who, used the wrong holster for his purposes? The Oiginal is meant to be a concealmeant holster, not one for multiple presentations...like practicing at a range. He trashed a perfectly good holster because of his inexperience, he should have ordered the molded model in the first place. The original did it's job, just not for him and now you are avoiding it. I hope it's because you are a more savy shooter and realize you might need a molded holster rather than a comfortable carry concealmeant style holster.
 
ultra45 said:
Justin, no disrespect, but are you 2? Why would you avoid a holster based on the review of the OP, who, used the wrong holster for his purposes? The Oiginal is meant to be a concealmeant holster, not one for multiple presentations...like practicing at a range. He trashed a perfectly good holster because of his inexperience, he should have ordered the molded model in the first place. The original did it's job, just not for him and now you are avoiding it. I hope it's because you are a more savy shooter and realize you might need a molded holster rather than a comfortable carry concealmeant style holster.
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Welllll….I don't know if I agree with you on everything you said (about me), but I will agree that I should have stuck with what I know and use daily - vs. the Original. I didn't want to spend $70 on a completely different concept (the pancake size, the different draw technique and the single clip design)…so I spent $40 and got it. Once I tested it (both on and off range) I decided to return it - and upgrade to the Pro version.

Again, I will agree that others should not be deterred just because I posted some cons with the pros. Use your own judgement, spend your own money, take the risk and try them out. If ya like them, good. If not, send it back - don't just put it in your sock drawer to never be used.

Hooah.
 
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