M&P Shield Holster by Dave Pipenger

This is a little review on a M&P Shield holster made by Dave Pipenger. Another good review was done by skosh69 here.

First, the prompt communication and ship-to-door time was fantastic. From the moment I paid [while requesting some modifications to the holster which fit my type of carry] was 5 business days to my door. There is no 6-8+ week wait on this holster.

I don't wear baggy shirts or jeans, so my attire revolves around slacks and long sleeve shirts for work and jeans/t-shirt/polo for casual attire. Additionally, being a tall, skinny person, [lack of] printing and comfort is very important to me.

I requested that the holster be:

• OWB only
• 15* cant
• Fit as TIGHTLY to the body as possible

I generally like to carry IWB using a Comp-tac MTAC, but sometimes it is not at all possible due to my activities and clothing (office slacks). Dave's holster filled this gap perfectly.

The main body uses 0.08" kydex, 1.5" kydex belt loops and can accommodate IWB loops, too. The best part about the holster is the tight fit it provides to the body. Unlike some other kydex holsters, the design allows very little printing, if any. It is important to note that the safety molding is done so to carry with the safety in the OFF position. Since the biggest gripe about the Shield among EDC folks is the safety, this is no problem to me.

The retention is fantastic. There is a "snap" when holstering the firearm, as well as an easy, smooth draw when getting down to business.

I really don't have anything bad to say about the holster. There can be improvements in the belt loops such as possibly molding them at an angle that fits the curve of the body. This may improve comfort or bring the holster closer to the body but as of right now, it is negligible since the holster is already comfortable out of the box and basically disappears under clothing.

I hope this helps in choosing a holster for Shield carriers. I understand there are many choices out there, as well as different reasons to carry a certain way. Dave's holster is a great choice for the price, turnaround, and quality.

Dave can custom make your holster IWB/OWB/Both/Cant/Sweatshield/Etc. for only $35 shipped. There are no extra charges, fees, etc. that other holster makers tack on to the base price.

You can contact him directly at [email protected] to order to ask questions.

I was in no way discounted, paid, or rewarded for reviewing Dave's holster.

Modifications to my Shield includes a 10-8 rear sight, Hi-Viz front sight, polished internals, and an Apex Tactical DCAEK.

Nice looking holster and an informative review.

Wow that looks like a big chunk of hard plastic hanging on your side.

For IWB :



And OWB:



Yes these cost around $60 and I had to wait a couple weeks for them, but I much prefer the feel of natural leather on my body verses hard plastic.

For the record, I have everything to make Kydex holsters and I have made quite a number of them, but hard plastic will never be the same as supple warm leather.

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I guess you didn't read the last part of my line: many choices out there, as well as different reasons to carry a certain way.

Different strokes for different folks I guess. If you limit yourself to the choices of carry, you ignore the fact that something "good" may come along the way. Reminds me of the early competition shooters who would swear by leather on the course, saying plastic had no purpose on the field and/or no improvement in draw...

FWIW, I carry a 1911 in a Milt Sparks as a duty/suit weapon.

NiteQwill, looks like you split the whole leather vs kydex argument with the leather backed mag holder.

As for the holster, I like it. I have already contacted Dave about ordering one.

Does he have a website?

JimA

I'm not into Kydex holsters in this style cause they're so wide but I do really like that it rides so high. It does look well made though.
There's also someone I seen out there applying thin leather to the backside just to deal with the cold feeling of the kydex.
My stature makes it hard not to print carrying OWB so I don't invest much in trying to do it.