My question reflects my inferior rookie skills in how to search this good forum. So, I will appreciate recommendations re: preferred inside or outside the waist band holster for my 9mm series 1.0 Shield. I'm kinda stuck on the CYA model based on good reviews and the Veteran owned factor.
That said, I welcome comments or directions to previous threads where I'm sure lotsa things to consider have been posted before.
Best Regards!

Smith and Wesson Holsters - Rounded by Concealment Express

OK rookie, fellow rookie here. I am currently 66 and bought my Shield9 gen1 in 2017. Fantastic gun for CCW.

I bought a Blackhawk Kydex type IWB/OWB holster at the store where I got it, $20. I wore it OWB and it kept moving on my belt and kept falling out. I needed something else.

I found a holster on Amazon for $20. It has Level II retention meaning that the gun goes in the holster with a clean "snick!" Easy to holster, easy to release. It is very comfortable to wear and doesn't print when I wear an outer tactical-like loose fitting shirt.

It has rubber on the paddle next to my shirt and Kydex for the rest of it. It feels solid and high quality, unlike the cheap flexy Blackhawk holster.

The gun no longer falls out. This rookie likes the positive "snick!" to tell me the gun is properly seated. I can remove it and re-holster it without looking.

I love the Gen1. I love the holster. I use the same holster now with my Shield9 Plus. Highly recommended.

Below is the link to the holster on Amazon.

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Take a look at Vedder holsters. I like having a sweat shield on all my holsters. Spent a lot of time researching kydex holsters before buying.
Vedder holsters offer the most height and cant adjustments of any I ever found.
Pictures of S&W 380 and 9mm EZ. Had a Shield 1.0 for years and sold due to difficulties with racking slide as my arthritis got worse.

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There are likely dozens if not hundreds of holster options.

The decision between IWB and OWB carry is a good first one; some people have the body build (and room in the pants waist) for one or the other.

Most prefer some form of passive retention, meaning no device or strap to undo while drawing. And then location - 3:00, 4:00 (if you are right handed), crossdraw, etc.

Once you make those decisions...you'll probably still have several dozen types from which to choose. Being able to try out a few before buying would be nice. Good luck in your decision.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

I carry my 40 Shield 1.0 in a Mitch Rosen, econoline OWB holster. It holds the Shield close to my body, easy to conceal with just a t-shirt over it.

For me, Alien gear shapeshift 4.0 for IWB, Urban Carry Lockleather for OWB. Both great for all-day wear and carried around 4:00

I have found that, at least for me, the Hidden Hybrid holster checks all the boxes and I have one for each of my concealed carry pistols. It can be worn either IWB or OWB and is extremely comfortable worn either way. If worn IWB, after a few minutes you won't even know that it's there. They're not cheap but well worth the money as you essentially get two holsters for the price of one.



If you're interested, here's a link: Smith & Wesson - MP Shield 9/40 - IWB & OWB - Double Clip

This holster will fit all versions of the Shield except the .45. Here's the link to the Shield .45 version: Smith & Wesson - MP Shield 45 ACP - IWB & OWB - Double Clip

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SWCA #2262, ISRA Member

Many thanks to all who have replied! Your comments GENUINELY APPRECIATED (caps intentional)! Now researching .... Regards!

Don Hume leather IWB. PERIOD

I have a Tommy Theis all kydex holster for my shield.





Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I have three of the CYA IWB holsters. I really like mine. For the price and the fact they are made in USA by veteran owned company checks all the boxes for me. I'm sure there are other ones that are good or better, but my budget doesn't allow for experimentation. I researched as well before I bought my first one and feel like I came out with a holster that fits my needs and budget as well as any could. I guess I'm fortunate in that I'm not one that has the proverbial 'box full of holsters' that so many on this forum have stated they have. OP, I wish you the best on finding the right holster.

For me, I use the Galco Combat Master OWB for my Shield. Good carry angle, hugs the body and provides a clean draw stroke.

I really like my Ventcore.

When I carried a Shield i tried multiple holsters, even more than a few DIY Kydex/leather options. This is what I found that worked the best for me.

Shop | Best Conceal and Carry | Celtic Holsters LLC

After switching to a 2.0 9c I went with the same one.

I like these DeSantis models.

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For OWB, have been impressed with the Azula I carry a 365 in. Very comfortable, holds tight, well built. Hard not to like for $50 delivered.

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I read a bunch of threads on this and was ready to buy a Vedder Light Tuck. But then I read some reviews where long time owners said they changed some features so I went with CYA. Reasonable price and the features I need. But I also have a box of holsters that didn’t work. I like leather but it seems to add more bulk to IWB that I don’t need to add to my waist line. I’ll try the CYA and hope it works.

I bought an Azula for my 1911. Great product for OWB.

I am original poster and wound up with CYA. Works great for infrequent times that I carry. Great quality & retention & price can't be beat. That said, sturdy leather would be nice.

Of several holsters I have for my Gen 1 Shield, the DeSantis mini slide OWB is the best. High ride, stable, comfortable, excellent retention.

Bianchi 100 Pro. IWB.

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LIVE FROM THE DAWGHOUSE

Well. Glad we got that all cleared up

Don Hume Leather IWB is the ONLY way to go. Kydex is like an ugly old lady whereas a leather holster shows extreme good taste.

For AIWB I just use a Galco STO 662. I don't think I bought it for that gun but it fits. They may market a a specific different model for the gun but it couldn't fit any better. Basic suede leather with reinforced opening and plastic clip. I use a fat roll retention system. Compact, light and modestly priced.