Holster Recommendation

[Bob512]

Hi and greetings from the South Carolina coast.



Been lurking for a few weeks and have enjoyed getting to know the forum a bit. Lots of good information here.



I have several M&P pistols but I'm looking for a holster specifically for my M&P 9MM 2.0 with a 4" barrel. I'm interested in OWB, so if you should have any suggestions, please send them my way.



As an aside, I also have a Bodyguard 380 (It's currently back at S&W getting fixed, so don't get me started on that) a J- Frame 43C and a J-Frame 351C.



Regards


Bob

[jesus1684]

This is the holster I got for my M&P 40c. They also sell one without a thumb break if that's what you prefer.

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[sandog]

Welcome to the forum, Bob. Lots of good guys here that will help with any questions.
That J&J looks like a nice holster, hard to get leather, any leather for that price.

You'll find that if 10 guys answer this thread, you'll get 10 different answers. Holsters are a personal thing.

I've used DeSantis, Galco, Bianchi for leather and for Kydex, On Your Six Designs.
Nearly everybody makes a good holster, some are a LOT more expensive than others though.

[ContinentalOp]

Originally Posted by sandog

You'll find that if 10 guys answer this thread, you'll get 10 different answers. Holsters are a personal thing.

To piggyback on this, we all pretty much had to figure out what works for us through trial-and-error. Unless you get really lucky, you'll probably have to go through the same process. We all have a box of holsters for a reason.

As to my recommendations, my favorite leather holster makers, based on personal experience, are Kramer Handgun Leather, TT Gunleather, Milt Sparks, and Side Guard Holsters.

For kydex, I like JM Kydex.

There are lots of good holster makers out there, custom or production, leather or kydex.

While there are certainly some low-priced holsters that are of good quality, as a general rule you get what you pay for.

You may also want to do a search in the Carry Gear and Concealed Carry subforums as the topic of holster recommendations comes up quite often.

[MyDads38]

Good Morning from Indiana, Bob!
I have several holsters for each pistol/revolver I own; most of them leather (I'm an old guy and that's what I like lol). But also have some kydex as well. It is a personal thing, and I only carry OWB. One of my favorites is the DeSantis Speed Scabbard. Or the Mini Scabbard. If you can find a LGS that has a good selection, I'm sure they'll help you find something. Good luck and enjoy that M&P 2.0! :-)

[CB3]

Welcome. Not trying to be unfriendly but to get the best recommendations a little more guidance would be helpful. There are so many options it can be confusing.

Concealed or open carry?
Leather, Kydex?
Position on belt, preferred cant?
Right or left handed?
Any you don’t like? Yaqui slide, cheap nylon generic, etc.?
Level of retention? Just friction, or strap, or mechanical device?
High or low ride?
Preferred attachment? Slide, hooks, straps, belt inside or outside?
Extra mag carrier combined with holster?

You will get a lot of replies that go off in the weeds and make choosing a holster even more difficult without us knowing some of these parameters. We would like to help.

[pazzo]

muddy river tactical.

It's a family owned business, they make IWB/OWB, kydex or leather for all the popular makes and the holster orders usually get shipped in a day or 2. Lifetime warranty and relatively cheaper than the Vedder which is another good one, but I find rides a little too low in the IWB config for me.

It's all I use, except for the occasional pocket holster for the BG380 or a Bladetech for my G43x.

[Sheepdogged]

Bravo Concealment: S&W M&P 9 2.0 compact (4") Holster | OWB Concealed Carry Holster– Bravo Concealment

[Classic Radio99]

I would highly recommend Crossbreed Holsters, I use their IWB holsters for several different guns.
They also make a wide variety of OWB holsters.
They make holsters for a wide range of guns, the holster is specific to the model of gun. (But not every one of their holsters is for every possible gun.) They have an online holster finder that will show you what's available.
As CB3 says, you really need to think about what you want the holster to do for you, and consider the questions he brought up. That will help you determine the best holster for your situation.
CrossBreed(R) Holsters | Concealed Carry Holsters | IWB and OWB Holsters
Good Luck!

[dla]

TEGE - about $22 on Amazon.

[Zed16]

I like the Safariland 6377 ALS holster I bought for my Shield. Here are some for the M&P 9: Safariland 6377 ALS Belt Holster for Smith and Wesson | Up to 28% Off 4.5 Star Rating Free Shipping over $49!

[WR Moore]

Originally Posted by ContinentalOp

To piggyback on this, we all pretty much had to figure out what works for us through trial-and-error. Unless you get really lucky, you'll probably have to go through the same process. We all have a box of holsters for a reason.

.

Truer words were never typed. Your preference in cant, ride height etc may differ from what some holster maker thinks are perfect.

A couple of points: the belt slot width needs to match the belt. You need a substantial gun belt (not a $7 special from Wally World) to support the weight of firearm and magazines as well as all the "stuff" we cram in our pockets. Avoid those belts with inserts to stiffen them, they won't mold to your body and will chafe.

Don't neglect some of the offerings from established makers like Bianchi and Safariland or Mitch Rosen. Pancake style holsters or other designs with widely space belt slots allow you to put the holster where you want it without pant belt loops limiting you. They also better distribute weight. Once you do find the "right" holster. Buy a duplicate. By the time you wear your gear out, your favorite might be out of production. Doesn't hurt to have a spare in case your gear gets wet too.

Quality costs, but with reasonable care will last for years if not decades.

While many sneer at them, Fobus belt holsters are good value for the money. I've got several. You might also take a look at Ken Null Holsters. High quality, excellent design but as noted above, quality costs. Uh, maybe save Ken for after you've figured out what works for you.

[hardluk1]

Comp-Tac MTAC a hybrid design rig I have 17 years wearing . Well the discontinued Comp-Tac Neutral is my oldest one but the only difference is the MTAC has a built in forward cant . I still use the old one with a 1911 and the MTAc with my p320c or m&p full size in the same kydex P250 body as there were few P320 holsters available when I bought mine . MY wife said my old one looked ugly ! and order a black mtac back half I just moved the old kydex body to it .

[Bob512]

Thanks guys....appreciate all the responses and tips!

[Bob512]

Originally Posted by CB3

Welcome. Not trying to be unfriendly but to get the best recommendations a little more guidance would be helpful. There are so many options it can be confusing.

Concealed or open carry?
Leather, Kydex?
Position on belt, preferred cant?
Right or left handed?
Any you don’t like? Yaqui slide, cheap nylon generic, etc.?
Level of retention? Just friction, or strap, or mechanical device?
High or low ride?
Preferred attachment? Slide, hooks, straps, belt inside or outside?
Extra mag carrier combined with holster?

You will get a lot of replies that go off in the weeds and make choosing a holster even more difficult without us knowing some of these parameters. We would like to help.

Didn’t take it as unfriendly at all....appreciate the feedback

Concealed
Leather preferred, but open to other options
OWB about 4 o’clock
Right handed
I have a nylon holster for my 351c and it is fine
Would like it solidly in the holster Open to strap or friction
Higher ride
Belt or hook / clip
No extra mag necessary

Thanks

Bob

[MTC(SS)Ret]

Originally Posted by Bob512

Hi and greetings from the South Carolina coast.



Been lurking for a few weeks and have enjoyed getting to know the forum a bit. Lots of good information here.



I have several M&P pistols but I'm looking for a holster specifically for my M&P 9MM 2.0 with a 4" barrel. I'm interested in OWB, so if you should have any suggestions, please send them my way.



As an aside, I also have a Bodyguard 380 (It's currently back at S&W getting fixed, so don't get me started on that) a J- Frame 43C and a J-Frame 351C.



Regards


Bob

If you are looking for a small OWB leather holster you might want to check out the Desantis Mini Scabbard. That's what I carry my EZ 9MM in. It is a belt slide and it has a cutout so you can pcace it over a belt loop and your pants so it doesn't slide around. I got mine on Amazon for about $44 and got it in 5 days with regular free shipping.

[Bumpus13]

Originally Posted by MTC(SS)Ret

If you are looking for a small OWB leather holster you might want to check out the Desantis Mini Scabbard. That's what I carry my EZ 9MM in. It is a belt slide and it has a cutout so you can pcace it over a belt loop and your pants so it doesn't slide around. I got mine on Amazon for about $44 and got it in 5 days with regular free shipping.

I use the same for my shield. Unfortunately, they don’t make it for the regular M&P (at least they didn’t as of last year)

[jesus1684]

Originally Posted by ContinentalOp

While there are certainly some low-priced holsters that are of good quality, as a general rule you get what you pay for.

The holster from J&J turned out to be really good quality for the price. Nice heavy leather. Wet formed to specific model. Nice stitching. Reinforced throat to prevent sag and aid in reholstering. They even made the thumb break extra tight. I like this a lot in a leather holster. It makes it a bear for the first day or 2 but when the leather relaxes it's still an easy crisp break, where others relax and will get sloppy and be hard to break. Would definitely recommend if your looking for a cheap but quality leather holster.



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[OldGoat]

Hope I'm not breaking any rule by asking this question on this thread. What's recommended for IWB holster for 9mm Shield? I'm down to: CYA (veteran company) or Concealment Express? Always great info on this Forum! Thanks in advance.

[sarg1c]

Originally Posted by Bob512

Hi and greetings from the South Carolina coast.



Been lurking for a few weeks and have enjoyed getting to know the forum a bit. Lots of good information here.



I have several M&P pistols but I'm looking for a holster specifically for my M&P 9MM 2.0 with a 4" barrel. I'm interested in OWB, so if you should have any suggestions, please send them my way.



As an aside, I also have a Bodyguard 380 (It's currently back at S&W getting fixed, so don't get me started on that) a J- Frame 43C and a J-Frame 351C.



Regards


Bob

Holsters are lik e the guns themselves, It would be hard for someone to tell you what holster you would like. I have carried a few that was not really my favorite , but no problem, just not my favorite. I found a small leather holster at Walmart about a year ago for a Ruger LCP that's works great, not fancy or expensive. Found a lether holster at a yard sale , Nice fits my LC380 Ruger works great. I usually carry it. No problem. Have several expensive holsters for S/W airweight, but seldem carry them. You just need take your gun to several stores before settling on one right for you.... Good luck, there are many to pick from.

[sarg1c]

Originally Posted by Bob512

Hi and greetings from the South Carolina coast.



Been lurking for a few weeks and have enjoyed getting to know the forum a bit. Lots of good information here.



I have several M&P pistols but I'm looking for a holster specifically for my M&P 9MM 2.0 with a 4" barrel. I'm interested in OWB, so if you should have any suggestions, please send them my way.



As an aside, I also have a Bodyguard 380 (It's currently back at S&W getting fixed, so don't get me started on that) a J- Frame 43C and a J-Frame 351C.



Regards


Bob

Bob, don't fall into the trap of picking one someone else likes. I need one for my large .357revolver I carry in the woods with a cutout for a Holographic sight. Just going to do as I previous said, take with me and try a few on for size. When I find one that suits me, I'll buy it.

[S&W Fan]

What CB3 said +++. My M&Ps are carried owb, I prefer those made by KT Mech, very reasonable, well made, lots of options, typically received in two weeks.

[MTC(SS)Ret]

Originally Posted by MTC(SS)Ret

If you are looking for a small OWB leather holster you might want to check out the Desantis Mini Scabbard. That's what I carry my EZ 9MM in. It is a belt slide and it has a cutout so you can pcace it over a belt loop and your pants so it doesn't slide around. I got mine on Amazon for about $44 and got it in 5 days with regular free shipping.

I forgot to mention the packaging for the Mini Scabbard for the 9EZ also listed it fit the M&P 22 Compact

[Zed16]

Originally Posted by OldGoat

Hope I'm not breaking any rule by asking this question on this thread. What's recommended for IWB holster for 9mm Shield? I'm down to: CYA (veteran company) or Concealment Express? Always great info on this Forum! Thanks in advance.

I like my Concealment Express: Concealment Express - Smith & Wesson M&P SHIELD 9MM/40SW (Incl. M2.0 & Perf. Center - Non-Laser) IWB

Make sure you have a thick, good quality pistol belt to carry it with. The belt is as important as the holster for me.

[CB3]

I had to buy an OWB for a class. My local gun store had a Safariland 5198-819 Kydex holster with adjustable cant specifically for the M&P. It is a belt slot attachment for a 1.25” belt, but breaking out two tabs allows it to fit a 1.5” belt. It rode tight on my 1.25” wide nylon riggers belt. The retention screw is adjustable. It has an RDS sight cutout already which I needed. As I recall it was under $40. It has an open bottom so barrel length is not an issue. It’s not made for a light so there is no unnecessary bulk.

[Turq]

I like my Alien Gear set up a lot. It has so many different options available, including buying extra shells, which I did and mounted in my vehicle. I also have the same model Safariland ( I think) that CB3 mentioned. It was inexpensive and works fine