Holster/ Position Options for Full Size M&P?

[S3G]

Hey everyone. Proud owner of an M&P, lookin to figure out a safe and comfortable holster setup. I do a lot of standing/sitting/driving and alternating between the 3, so IWB is pretty much out. I've carried at 6o'clock position a couple times, which is comfortable, but a big safety no-no once the snow and ice show up, dont wanna slip and fall on it and mess my back up. OWB seems comfortable, but also bulky and might be hard to conceal. Wouldnt really work while driving either.

I carried it a couple times in a very thick and very tight hoodie. Wound up positioning it like a vertical shoulder holster, a little under the armpit, just sans holster. Was really comfortable and accessible whether driving/sitting/etc. I'm usually wearing a jacket or hoodie 3/4 of the year anyway so I figured this might be feasible.

I've been looking into both shoulder holsters and the "belly band" holster. The shoulder holsters are either really pricey leather ones, or really bulky nylon ones. But the belly band is inexpensive, minimalistic, and seems like it might be a good choice.

Everyone seems to be wearing it extremely low, like right in the waistband/belt area. I was figuring I could go a size up and wear it right around the lower ribcage area, right where a shoulder holster might sit.

EDIT: Something like this is what I was thinkin: [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Concealed-Carry-Deep-Cover-Holster/dp/B00CNWCFVK/ref=pd_sim_200_3?ie=UTF8&dpID=513UZ6cjXfL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=1RN50H4GVV23KT7QJYY2"]Amazon.com : Concealed Carry Deep Cover Holster - With Free Trigger Guard! : Gun Holsters : Sports & Outdoors@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/513UZ6cjXfL.@@AMEPARAM@@513UZ6cjXfL[/ame]

Figured I'd come here and get the input of some seasoned vets at carrying a full size M&P. Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance!

 

[Motorsporting]

One reason people use belly bands low around the waist is because the belt/pant waistline helps with stability. Many belly-bands are not sturdy enough to support a full-size weapon. I have no experience with the one you pictured though; it's hard to tell from the picture but it doesn't look like he's carrying a full-size, double stack gun. Have you tried cross-draw holsters? The Cuda from Simply Rugged that has 3 slots and can be used strong-side or cross-draw (supposedly a good option if you drive/sit a lot), and if you order the extra straps you can make it an IWB. Good holster with lots of versatility.

Cuda - Leather Concealed Carry Holster

 

[PirateJim]

I think a shoulder holster may be the way to go if you can wear a jacket most of the year. They are expensive, but... *shrug*

There are a lot of people that carry full size guns concealed, but even more that try and never manage to find the right method, like me. You might contemplate a smaller gun like the Shield. They're a lot easier to carry every day all day.

 

[Trigger9]

Hello S3G,

My preference with my H&K VP9 4.3" barrel is a Kydex holster using the pancake loops. They snug up to my hip very closely & there is no movement, no matter how I move. It is a very comfortable set up, right on my hip. I have a quick draw & return. This is my standard set up wearing my suits. The jacket can stay open with nothing revealing at all. There are no issues while driving, sitting, or standing. My holster has various adjustments to it, so I can carry higher or lower to my preference.
You may want to look into the waist band that Lanbec Ind. sells. It is versatile & strong. You can carry a full sized gun (He carries a Desert Eagle), with ease + an extra mag. Check it out to see what you may like.
Hope this helps.
Trigger9

 

[Rastoff]

I like OWB at 9 o'clock (I'm a lefty), like this:

This is a full size 45 and now it has an RMR on it. I use it with this holster:

I wear a loose shirt and have no trouble concealing. In fact, the very small number of people near me that know I carry have always remarked that I don't look like I have anything with me.

 

[Arik]

I carry FS IWB without a problem and do a lot of standing and driving and sitting. I'm a lefty and the gun is right behind my left hip. Somewhere in the 7 - 8 o'clock position

 

[Leatherman-Cowboy]

Simple way is this--OWB with cant. That will pivot your 1911 out and avoid sitting on the barrel. No need to choose a smaller sidearm if you really want to go full sized.

Thank you

 

[Smoke]

Galco Combat Master

 

[S3G]

Thank you for all of the input so far! Lots of great insight and helpful info to look into. I don't wanna give up on carrying the M&P, definitely wanna consider all options before doing so, but not really fond of buying multiple holsters for trial and error haha. I'm going to see if I can try out or borrow an IWB holster to get an actual feel for how the gun will sit at 3/4/5, instead of just tucking the gun back there by itself.

 

[MyDads38]

I have never carried IWB, just not my cup-o-tea. Right hand @ 3 o'clock with a leather high ride pancake with forward cant all day long.

I have this type holster for all my pistols, from my Shields to my FS 1911 45 auto. This includes my 3 FS M&P's. The Galco Combat Master is a top of the line holster (IMO) but I have yet to own one. I use DeSantis Speed Scabbards and really like them. A very nice holster for about 1/3 - 1/2 the cost of the Galco. I also have a wide assortment of holsters for each pistol, all OWB. Leather and Kydex, with paddles and belt loops, and even an Uncle Mike's shoulder holster for the large FS auto's. One thing to remember is use a thick, high quality leather belt, especially for OWB carry. This will make a huge difference in carry and comfort! Don't be surprised if you wind up with a few holsters in drawer, it happens to all of us! LOL

 

[S3G]

Getting a good belt is one of the first things I did haha. Tested it out by twisting and tr to bend/curve it. I've already got a Serpa Blackhawk OWB that I've been toying with these past few days. I'm looking into adjustable IWB holsters too for better concealment. Wanna be able to adjust the position and cant of the pistol, preferably kydex too.

I do appreciate all the expertise expertise advice everyone has shared so far, thank you!

 

[MyDads38]

Getting a good belt is one of the first things I did haha. Tested it out by twisting and tr to bend/curve it. I've already got a Serpa Blackhawk OWB that I've been toying with these past few days. I'm looking into adjustable IWB holsters too for better concealment. Wanna be able to adjust the position and cant of the pistol, preferably kydex too.

I do appreciate all the expertise expertise advice everyone has shared so far, thank you!

I have a CQC Serpa for every pistol I own. I didn't think I would like it until I tried one. They are not really a "concealment" holster, IMO, but with the right covering will work. There are so many nice holsters/options available, it's no wonder most of us have a drawer full! LOL

 

[S3G]

I have a CQC Serpa for every pistol I own. I didn't think I would like it until I tried one. They are not really a "concealment" holster, IMO, but with the right covering will work. There are so many nice holsters/options available, it's no wonder most of us have a drawer full! LOL

I do like the Serpa, i'm a fan of the finger-button release for an OWB holster and it's pretty ergonomic and natural for me when I draw. I got it off a friend for 15 bucks so I figured why not. Then I tried different hoodies and jackets to conceal it and I was slightly disheartened. Understandable that there's not gonna be the one perfect holster for every situation/preference, so I may have to suck it up and buy multiple ones haha.

I do miss the ease of carrying my little sr22 in in desantis pocket holster, but after the rimfire fail I had with it at the range i'm very hesitant to rely on it for self defense.

 

[vista461]

Hey everyone. Proud owner of an M&P, lookin to figure out a safe and comfortable holster setup. I do a lot of standing/sitting/driving and alternating between the 3, so IWB is pretty much out.

Just curious why that makes iwb out? I've driven fromWI to FL and back and also from WI to NM and back iwb and didn't have any issues. I carry at 3:30.

 

[27Veer]

I carry my MPc9 in a IWB holster made by a local holster maker Cory Bolin. Tomorrow I will be teaching a class and be on the range all day. IWB conceals the best but is sometimes uncomfortable so we are doomed to have a drawer full of holsters as we search for utility and comfort.

 

[TeleGuy53]

Galco Combat Master

Looks like they don't make this one for southpaws...

 

[TeleGuy53]

I like OWB at 9 o'clock (I'm a lefty), like this:

This is a full size 45 and now it has an RMR on it. I use it with this holster:

I wear a loose shirt and have no trouble concealing. In fact, the very small number of people near me that know I carry have always remarked that I don't look like I have anything with me.

holdster brand/model, please!

 

[Biggfoot44]

Fact of Life #1 - Concealing a full size pistol is primarily a clothing issue. You have to make a decision to dress around the gun. How much you need to change depends on your current style, and how tightly you wear your shirts/ upper garmets. In my regular life I like loose & roomy , and flannel or work type shirts , or otherwise with that weight of fabric.


IWB is highly personal , and dependent on very small variations in body contours in the waist/ butt area. To Me 95% of IWB are medeval torture devices.

But do not dismiss OWB , this is the best and most versatile option. As alluded to, the ride height and cant ( aka Rake, aka Tilt ) are important.

The key parameters are : with your build & typical trousers , the muzzle doesn't hit chair/ car seat , and uncomfortably push up. The butt doesn't contact the car seatback so as to twist the gun foreward . This could be due to not contacting at all, or contacting on the side of the grips , and not the base of the mag.

This is minium for driving comfort, further fine tuning may be more concealable on foot, or easier to draw. Typically a 3:30 - 4:30 for rt handers, is more comfortable than point of the hip.

Pancakes are comfortable, keep the gun stable, and conceal best of OWB holsters. It is a rare person for whom a pancake doesn't work acceptably well. But if need be , an Avenger style holster is next closest ( loop on back of holster, combined w/ trailing slot ).

 

[TeleGuy53]

But do not dismiss OWB , this is the best and most versatile option. As alluded to, the ride height and cant ( aka Rake, aka Tilt ) are important.

Pancakes are comfortable, keep the gun stable, and conceal best of OWB holsters. It is a rare person for whom a pancake doesn't work acceptably well. But if need be , an Avenger style holster is next closest ( loop on back of holster, combined w/ trailing slot ).

100% agree with you! Whichever pistol I decide to buy, I definitely want it in a OWB, canted, pancake-style holster.

I like the Galco Combat Master holster in Smoke's post, but it appears that Galco doesn't make it for a left-hander. What are some good brands for the type of holster that you are recommending?

Thanks!

 

[S3G]

Been practicing carrying OWB at about 3ish, maxed the cant all the way forward and it conceals pretty well, but is a bit awkward on the draw. Did about half cant forward and its a better draw but the rear bottom of the grip is pokin out a bit, even with a baggy hoodie/coat.

I tried out a shoulder holster and it was god awful. Looked like i was carrying a small puppy under my armpit and just couldnt get comfortable with it whatsoever.

I'm gonna get an IWB holster and try it out for a while. As I mentioned before I was practicing by just tucking the gun back at 4-o'clock but without a holster it was twisting and the grip was stickin out a good 3" away from my body.

Definitely gonna have to practice more though, cause when I'm reaching back there I'm subconsciously thinking the gun's at 6-o'clock, and my palm is facing backward (pistol's grip is pointing to my right). Guess it's just more comfortable for my arm to bend that way lol. No way the holster would work that way at 5-o'clock because the grip is sure to poke out like crazy around the curve where my hip meets my side.

If only there werent so many risks with carrying at 6-o'clock, this all would have been solved weeks ago haha.