If you're interested in IWB there is a smaller company in FL named Vedder Holsters. Excellent products, short turnaround and not very expensive. www.vedderholsters.com
I carry sometimes my full size M&P 9mm in a SafariLand ALS paddle holster that fits outside the waist over your belt. Exact same holster than a lot of LEO's use when not in uniform. But in Texas. Open carry is allowed however i don't normally OC. I carry OWB but throw a short sleeve unbuttoned shirt over a tucked in t shirt.
I agree with gwmac. I have spent many hours searching for a kydex holster that gives you the ability to cant the holster in any direction,
adjust ride high on your belt,is a minimalist holster and gives you a full combat grip. JOMO.
“N82 envoy” holster is another good one if you sweet a lot and don’t want it on your gun. Those are the two I have chosen.
Thanks to the 5 experts who provided very useful advice. Open carry is permitted in NH although it in practice it is very rare. I am short (5'4") and wonder if IWB or a holster that fits outside the waist over the belt would be better for me. I am inclining towards the latter.
The only Safariland holster I could find was this one:
[ame]https://www.amazon.com/Safariland-Concealment-Paddle-Holster-Finish/dp/B005BNI6DE#customerReviews[/ame]
It specifically refers to Glock models. Which model of Safariland does RGVshooter use?
Thanks, CMA
For great quality, comfort, and usually quick service, try the Comp-Tac MTac. www.comp-tac.com It's adjustable and will fit any length of M&P Pistols too. Comp-tac is a great company, with a lot of professionalism and experience behind them. If you want an IWB and OWB, they make a "Flatline" with a thumb break, or the Warrior will work as well.
I originally bought an Alien Gear for a Glock19 traded the shell for an M&P 9c, and a few guns in between, I love the AG holster, wear it all the time , when not at work (would love to wear it then, but being a welder....well, just because)
I just bought a 2.0 9c. The local range a a clearance sale on Galco Concealables, so I picked one up for $69 otd. Works OK under a sport coat. I’ll pick up something else but don’t know what yet.
for a nice quality soft leather IWB holster at a good price, check out muddyrivertactical.com. I bought one for my shield and my 342 fits also. Made in USA.
I originally bought an Alien Gear for a Glock19 traded the shell for an M&P 9c, and a few guns in between, I love the AG holster, wear it all the time , when not at work (would love to wear it then, but being a welder....well, just because)
There are literally hundreds of good holster companies out there. Good luck finding the right one. My favorite is: R Grizzle Leather - Home
We can't tell you what's right for you because it's such a personal decision. What we can help you with is ensuring you don't get a bad holster. This is easy because there are three criteria that every holster MUST have or it's a waste of money:
It must retain the gun. This sounds obvious, but it's the most important aspect of a holster. If the gun can move around as you run or jump, it's useless. The holster must securely hold the gun.
It must let the gun go when you want it out. I've seen plenty of people in training struggle to get their gun out of the holster. If it's that difficult to get the gun out, this could cost your life in a defensive situation.
It must cover the trigger. This also should be obvious, but I'm dismayed at the number of holsters I've seen that don't cover the trigger. Especially when talking about the M&P, the trigger must be covered. More than that, the holster should be form fit so nothing can slip inside the holster an fire the gun. There was a case where a police officer had his keys accidentally slip inside the holster and fire his gun. A holster that is properly molded to the gun won't allow that.
There is a fourth criteria that is not a show stopper, but you should think on it very hard. That is, the holster should stay open when the gun is drawn.
This one is not the most important, but it can prevent injury or negligent discharges (ND). Most NDs happen during reholstering. If you don't have to fumble with your holster to put your gun away, the likelihood of ND reduces dramatically. Further, if you've just defended yourself, it's probably a good idea to put your gun away before the police arrive. After a successful defense with your gun, you're probably not as calm as normal. This is the last time you want to be fumbling with your holster. A holster that stays open is a good thing.
Unfortunately finding the right holster for YOU is usually a real trial and error endeavor. Many people ,including me, have a drawer full of holsters that didn't make the cut. So what worked for me?? A simple and cheap bellyband. Anyhow good luck.
I took me 3 tries to find the perfect IWB for me. My go to is the Vedder Light Tuck.
The retention and the clip are what sold me on the Vedder. It hooks on my belt perfectly. Highly adaptable ride height and cant. I have 4 of these for my M&P 2.0 Compact. Sig 320, Glock 19 and Sig 1911.