I have 3 and use all 3 from time to time. They are all made for the full size M&P but the compact works just fine with all 3. The one I like the most is a Fobus evolution paddle. It has no retention, just friction to keep the gun in place. It works good. I have read postings that it will rub the finish off. I haven't noticed that yet. The second one is a Blackhawk CQS serpa. Its a retention holster. The gun won't come out until you press the reliece. It could be the best choice in crowded areas. The fobus rides close and feels better. You can forget its on your hip. The blackhawk may show more through a shirt. My third one is a cheap inside the pants. It works, but I can"t use it for very long. What I usually do is put my M&P40c in my pants pocket. Most of my pants are cargo pants with extra pockets. The pockets help hide the gun.
Midway has holsters listed by gun and they are rated by us users. If we don't like one we let them know it.
Good luck
Phil
I carry an M&P 9c and I'll second the motion on the Fobus. If you want leather try the Galco look at the Concealed Carry Belt for a belt holster or a Summer Comfort for IWB. Both work well for me. The Fobus will clear a CT laser and the two Galcos will if you stretch them a little.
Just ordered one of these for my 9c after falling in love with the one I purchased for my J frame S&W.
The snap design makes getting the holster on/off ALLOT faster and easier. Ray makes a nice holster for very reasonable $ IMHO.
The best holster...that's a wide open question. For mine I have a Comp-Tac MTAC for ccw, a Comp-Tac paddle for carrying at the range or anytime I want an open holster, and I've got a Simply Rugged "Cuda" on order for more options. I can't wait for that one to come in. I have a couple of other Simply Rugged holsters but not one for my M&P.
"Best" holster is a subjective term, while I'm sure the above are all excellent IWB/OWB holsters they aren't for everyone. I have some nice IWB leather gear that I wear very seldom, it doesn't work for me in most cases. The M&P compacts give you a wide range of options, for me the answer is a Galco Ankle Lite ankle holster for my M&P40c. It is a very concealable package being not much larger than a J-frame 38. Weight is within 2 ozs. of a steel J-frame. All in all it is a perfect fit for me.
Am a fan of FIST holsters. I carry 40c in there #9 Close Cropped Shortcut. Have several others. Great quality, material, designs and comfort. Prices had hike in the fall but below DeSantis & Galco. Variety of models & have Kydex along with leather.
Blade tech IWB for my M&P 40c has been a great holster. comfortable to wear. pistol secure. smooth draw with easy one handed reholster. never was a fan of IWB until i tried this one. I also like the galco outside belts as another holster. check them out
I usually just drop it in my pocket. I have a De Santis and it works good, but it makes the gun sit high in the pocket. I am afraid someone would see the gun from behind me. You have to be careful with out a holster. The trigger is exposed somewhat.
Phil
Just received a holster from theholsterstore.com (the HD model). I wore it on a 2 mile walk. Shifted from 1.00 - 3.00 position while experimenting and found that 3.00 is the most comfortable. In that position, I almost forgot it was there. it is a high quality holster IMO, molded to fit the gun, and well constructed for durability.
Comp-tac minatour spartan is by far the best holster I have ever used. Leather/kydex hybrid that is super comfortable. Best holster for CCW IMO. Use this holster every day and I forget that I am wearing it, it is that comfortable. Of course I tried like 40 holsters before tried the spartan, but its all trial and error.