Carry and Holster Advice

[M&P Flea]

I am a new (3 weeks ago) M&P Shield 9mm owner and I am looking to use this as a carry weapon. But I have a problem...

I am a little guy (5'8" 140lbs) with a small waist (29-30in). I take pride in the fact that I can still fit into my commissioning uniform from 22 years ago, but it presents certain challenges. Namely, where and how do I carry?

Anything from 2 - 5 o'clock prints very recognizably on me. Which leads me to 12/AIWB or 6 oclock. I value the ability to conceal that I am carrying very highly.

I understand concerns of AIWB but I feel that training can mitigate the associated risks. As a former Marine Infantry Officer, I believe strongly in appropriate and realistic training. I have carried my Hi-Power at 6 o'clock in the past (very long ago past) and I'm looking to start carrying more regularly.

So, any thoughts or recommendations on which position or holster combinations I should evaluate first?

 

[Mumbleypeg1]

Try a Sticky Holster. You can carry IWB at any location, cant and depth to suit your preference. You can also pocket carry in some pants (depending on how much friction you have between packet and holster). I am 5'9" and 185 with 34 inch waist and can carry a Shield at 3 or 4 o'clock without printing, without loosening my belt, and wearing same size shirt (untucked t-shirt or camp shirt) and pants as I wear if not carrying. Best of all Sticky says they have a no questions asked money back guarantee (I haven't tried to return anything to them) so if you try it and aren't happy with it just send it back.

 

[Rastoff]

Excellent questions. I'm a little larger than you, 5'10" 185lbs, but had similar concerns. I carry a full sized M&P .45 at 9 o'clock OWB(lefty) with no difficulty. I wear un-tucked button down shirts. As far as I know, no one has noticed that I'm carrying. A couple of guys, when I told them, were surprised because they never noticed.

I like the hip carry for several reasons.

• Conceals reasonably well.
• Best place for the presentation.
• Carries the weight well.
• Bending over doesn't allow the gun to print easily.

Second place would be just behind the hip at about 7:30(4:30 for a right hand shooter).

Both places seem bulky when you are starting out. However, at least around here, people aren't looking to see if you have a gun. They usually mistake it for a cell phone or just don't notice it at all.

This is the style of shirt I use mostly:

12:00 makes for a speedy presentation, but I don't like covering the family jewels with my muzzle. 6:00 offers good concealment, but is extremely uncomfortable when you sit and prints badly if you bend over.

 

[hfa68]

Using M&P 9c, I went with a PJ Holster. Using a deeper concealment with a 20-25 degree cant versus the standard 15 degree. But that's wearing it at a about 4-430.

 

[Pisgah]

I suspect that you, like many new concealed carriers, are a bit self-conscious about "printing". The fact is, assuming a decent cover garment that stays in place, no one is ever going to notice the odd visible bump or lump.

I have several police officer friends who know I am licensed to carry, and I enjoy playing "spot the gun" with them. They know I carry, and I invite them to spot my gun. Last week, I had a 4" Model 28 in a strongside IWB holster, covered by only a T-shirt, when I ran in to two of them coming out of a neighborhood restaurant. Neither could spot the gun, and one even said, "You're tryin' to get us! You're not carrying anything today!"

Boy, did his eyes get wide when I lifted my shirt just a hair!

 

[shawn mccarver]

I am a new (3 weeks ago) M&P Shield 9mm owner and I am looking to use this as a carry weapon. But I have a problem...

I am a little guy (5'8" 140lbs) with a small waist (29-30in). I take pride in the fact that I can still fit into my commissioning uniform from 22 years ago, but it presents certain challenges. Namely, where and how do I carry?

Anything from 2 - 5 o'clock prints very recognizably on me. Which leads me to 12/AIWB or 6 oclock. I value the ability to conceal that I am carrying very highly.

I understand concerns of AIWB but I feel that training can mitigate the associated risks. As a former Marine Infantry Officer, I believe strongly in appropriate and realistic training. I have carried my Hi-Power at 6 o'clock in the past (very long ago past) and I'm looking to start carrying more regularly.

So, any thoughts or recommendations on which position or holster combinations I should evaluate first?

One of the requirements of concealed carry is that you must "dress around your pistol."

If that means a size bigger in pants for IWB carry, then you buy a size bigger. Do you think anyone else will notice, and you know you are still the same size as 22 years ago, if that helps your self-worth.

To me, the Shield is for pocket carry. I would never carry it in a belt holster. If I were going to carry a belt holster, I would get a bigger pistol, like a full size M&P. Of course, if you are that concerned about your body appearance, I imagine your pants are too tight for comfortable pocket carry.

You have to make a difficult choice.

 

[Justin69]

I dont have a shield, but this carry method looks sweet! Kangaroo Carry

 

[Ransom]

I'm guessing it's your wardrobe, not your size that is the problem. Wear a loose, button-up shirt with a pattern that hides your CCW. A Remora holster worn IWB will do the job fine.

 

[CJ_mp40c]

I'm 5'9" and 155#. I carry my 40c IWB at 4:00. Right behind the hip bone.

 

[mistahd]

I am a new (3 weeks ago) M&P Shield 9mm owner and I am looking to use this as a carry weapon. But I have a problem...

I am a little guy (5'8" 140lbs) with a small waist (29-30in). I take pride in the fact that I can still fit into my commissioning uniform from 22 years ago, but it presents certain challenges. Namely, where and how do I carry?

Anything from 2 - 5 o'clock prints very recognizably on me. Which leads me to 12/AIWB or 6 oclock. I value the ability to conceal that I am carrying very highly.

I understand concerns of AIWB but I feel that training can mitigate the associated risks. As a former Marine Infantry Officer, I believe strongly in appropriate and realistic training. I have carried my Hi-Power at 6 o'clock in the past (very long ago past) and I'm looking to start carrying more regularly.

So, any thoughts or recommendations on which position or holster combinations I should evaluate first?

I'm a little guy also (5' 7", 30in waist, 145lbs). I carry my Shield 40 at 4 o'clock in a Tuck-This® II ? DeSantis Holster. Jeans and t-shirt or dress slacks and button down shirt for work with no printing issues at all. Very comfortable and inexpensive.

For pocket carry in cargo shorts or jeans with bigger pockets I use The Nemesis® ? DeSantis Holster. You don't even notice it is there.

I started carrying a couple weeks ago and was also concerned about "printing". The more you carry the more comfortable you will feel about it. Wear it around the house when you are home to get use to the feel of it. Try different clothing combinations to see what will work best for each situation (work, casual, formal, etc). People aren't paying attention anyway. They won't even notice.

 

[CJ_mp40c]

I've been using a Sticky Holster but I'm waiting for my Ozark Holster to come in.

 

[MSG Glenn]

Be careful of carrying at the 0600 position. If you fell down you could damage your spine.

I'm 5'7" but a little heavier at 175 lbs (all solid muscle, lol). I have no problems carrying a mid-sized handgun OWB at 3:30 to 4:30 or appendix with just a loose T shirt. Make sure you have a good gun belt. I feel that's at least as important as a good concealment holster.

Like most of us you'll probably end up with a drawer-full of holsters looking for the "right one". My next will be a IWB most likely.

Thanks for your service, Sir.

 

[Deadeye Dick]

A lot of good advise has been given here. Choosing your wardrobe wisely is definitely key in concealed carry. If you are accustomed to skin tight jeans and tucked in tailored shirts you are going to have to make some adjustments. I'm not a large guy myself (5'7", 155#s and 32" waist) but I can easily conceal my full sized M&P .40 with in proper IWB scabbard wearing looser fitting jeans or khakis and a loose fitting polo shirt.

As one poster said you may be very self conscious about "showing" when you first start carrying but after a while you begin to realize that few people pay any at tension to you.

 

[raggedclaws]

I have a Bladetech Nano for my 9c which I like. It tucks the gun in close to the body in the 4:30 position. I don't know if they make it for the Sheild though.



Kim

 

[Bugkiller99]

I'm slightly larger, 150, and 5'8". I've recently lost weight, so my clothes are loose. I've have no problem at 4 o'clock with a Remora. I've also just gotten a Crossbreed super tuck. It may be a little overkill, but its very comfortable for all day carry.
I agree with the other posters in that you may be self conscience. I was also, but after carrying almost all of the time I am less worried about printing.

 

[teesF-15]

Flea,
I carry with the N82 Tactical holster with my 9c.
SMITH & WESSON «
Very comfortable with IWB with zero printing. Good luck.
Are you the AA flea?

T

 

[Rowlette]

I am 5'9 165 pounds with a 31inch waist. I carry MPC 357 in Comp-Tac Minotaur MTAC holster at 4 o'clock with my shirt completely tucked in and I have yet to find anybody can tell I'm carrying weapons unless I tell them. I wear 32x32 pants and 34 belt with a large shirt to compensate for the extra bulk. Problems carrying this concealed in this type matter is going to the restroom because of the awkwardness the weapon position and weight and tucking in the shirt correctly to give no imprinting. But the little inconvenience far outweigh any other alternative and I am never scrutinized. Rowlette