Holster modification for M&P/Trijicon HD

[Jhp147]

I carry and M&P .45 mid-size in a Comp-Tac Gladiator on duty daily. I normally wear blazers/slacks. I recently found about 2-3 dozen tiny holes on the outside of a new blazer. I thought it was wearing until I realized they were around my gun. I've had rear sights wear out blazer linings before, and had linings replaced, but these are going THROUGH the coat fabric. A look at the gun/holster showed what was going on, the Trijicon HD sights are sharp as a razor on the corner. I love these sights and this holster, and didn't want to pay to get 5-6 blazers re-lined knowing the sharp sights would puncture the outer cloth too-and getting them all done with some really think lining would easily cost over $100 bucks. A check of my other coats shows some damage, but not to the extent of the others or it is hidden by fabric weave. No holsters around with a high protector, not sure I want to take a file to the sight as the shape of the top edge does not lend itself to re-shaping/bevel. So, I fashioned this "paddle" extension of the top of the holster to shield the sight. Used some old holster hardware I had from when I intended to start working with Kydex to fasten it. Again, not perfect but decent to work I hope. The "paddle" shield seems to work, it sits a bit out (more heat gun) but presses against the sharp sight and should save me having to replace any more coats (one nice blue blazer is a total loss). If anyone has any other thoughts/experiences/ideas on this I'd welcome it. I wear a thick Armor belt and the gun rides pretty tight to my side in the Gladiator, but I have an arm on my chair at work and I think it is "pinching" it. I'm thinking of calling Comp-Tac after they get moved, they used to do some custom work years ago, maybe they make a holster shell that has a high outside guard.

 

[NewToGuns17]

I like that, great idea. Honestly, they should offer that option with holsters to protect both the gun and your clothing.

 

[Jhp147]

Well, back to the drawing board to make a heavier design, this one caught on a chair arm and bent outward. Bent it back but the Kydex won't flex many times before snapping. Going to have to make something that also anchors on the front too. L-shape, just bends out too easy with the single "stick."

 

[NewToGuns17]

A piece of spring steel with heat shrink tubing for scratch resistance?

 

[Jhp147]

That may be it if my next option in Kydex design doesn't work or I can't make it to fit/suit me. I just can kind of work with Kydex and have sheets on the workbench, never tried to bend metal before.

 

[Arik]

Are the holster clips plastic or metal? I have a similar situation with my holster but it's the clips that eat away at my t-shirts. It doesn't happen overnight and some shirts it's never happened on but sit a certain way one too many times it holes start to appear. At first I thought I had a moth problem until I realized it was only on one side and only on shirts I frequently wear

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[Jhp147]

The Comp-Tac Gladiator holster is an OWB attached to the belt with leather loops with snaps, no problem from them as they don't have an edge like a clip...just the rear sight cutting jacket lining. Wasn't nearly the issue with Bowie sight I had on there before.

 

[Jhp147]

Second Version

The first version broke after a couple of bends back and forth. I had an idea for an improved version, an L-shaped on. I managed a quick version but did not get the bend in the right place. For now, it is attached to the outside of the holster but when it isn't so hot in the garage and I can get a few more minutes, I'll re-do on that fits inside. I scored along the bend line with a Dremel cutting tool so it would bend at a sharper angle, so I don't think I can reheat and bend it 1/4 inch back. The hopefully final version will also have one flat head hex hut in front. There is plenty of clearance so it won't touch the gun during the draw.