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Holsters for .45 Shield
- Thread starter ErikH
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photoman
Member
Danby
Member
Got mine through Clearwater Tactical. Good deals on bundles and quality kydex. Also a veteran run business making custom fit holsters with a bit of adjustability.
Try this place if you like leather.
gunholstercenter.com
Richard and Vicki are good folks.
Elpaso saddlery products distributors.
I have 3 shield owb and one shoulder rig for shield as well all from Vicki
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Latest one I picked up for it at show over weekend from her for shield. Due to an RSA failure with it (awaiting sw replacement) I am using it for my 4516-2 which works well due to size similarities. The shield is only slightly smaller in OAL and OAW so they can swap holsters. Handy in deed.
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Jaysq
US Veteran
While I do not have a Shield 45, I do have the Shield 9mm and my answer would be a Wright Leather Works custom holster like my "Predator". I have carried my Shield in this one for about 3 years and the fit and retention are still spot on. This Holster is second to none when it comes to quality and workmanship. It holds the gun close to your body.
Leather Concealed Carry Holsters & Belts | Wright Leather Works LLC
[/url]S&W Shield 003cf3 by Jerry Jaynes, on Flickr[/IMG]
Leather Concealed Carry Holsters & Belts | Wright Leather Works LLC
ScaryWoody
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Being that you probably haven't carried much, the key to a good holster is using a good belt. These are thicker leather than your average Walmart belt. Some are reinforced to keep the pistol upright. I use Daltech belts.
Make sure the holster fits the belt. If the holster has a 2" belt slot and you have a 1" belt than you can expect the holster to rise one inch when drawing. You want it to either fit exactly or be as close too as possible.
Good point, thanks!
InsideWaist
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While I do not have a Shield 45, I do have the Shield 9mm and my answer would be a ... holster like my "Predator". I have carried my Shield in this one for about 3 years...
I'm not familiar with that particular holster, but it seems to me that the small portion of the back of the trigger guard is exposed just enough to accidentally slip a finger in there or maybe snag on some clothing, etc. That said, I prefer (as well as many others do) that the trigger guard be completely protected.
I know you said you've carried it for three years...I'm just making an observation.
I'm a general fan of the pancake style holster, now that I've figured out seasonal wardrobes that cover the gun well enough. The Wright Leather Works model pictured looks like a nice version of the design, and I'm glad to see that it comes with a body shield which many holsters don't.
If you want to look at something a little less expensive, check out the MTR line at Gunner's Alley MTR Custom Slim-Line Full-size Pancake Holster . Even when you add the body shield option you're still almost $20 under the Wright model. I've bought a number of Don Hume holsters from these folks, including the one I use for daily carry of a Shield 9, but it doesn't look like Hume makes holsters for the Shield 45. I would personally be comforable buying one of the MTR models from them.
BTW, to InsideWaist's comment on trigger guard coverage - it's always a design tradeoff between coverage and leaving enough room to get a full finger grip on the gun before drawing it from the holster. It's easier to do with a revolver, that has a lot of "built in" clearance behind the trigger guard because of the design. But with an autoloader you have to either increase the forward cant of the gun to stick the grip straighter up and so away from the leather, or reduce the coverage of the rear of the trigger guard area a bit in order to create space for fingers on the grip. In any event, uncovered space behind the trigger poses no risk for something snagging and causing an unexpected discharge.
If you want to look at something a little less expensive, check out the MTR line at Gunner's Alley MTR Custom Slim-Line Full-size Pancake Holster . Even when you add the body shield option you're still almost $20 under the Wright model. I've bought a number of Don Hume holsters from these folks, including the one I use for daily carry of a Shield 9, but it doesn't look like Hume makes holsters for the Shield 45. I would personally be comforable buying one of the MTR models from them.
BTW, to InsideWaist's comment on trigger guard coverage - it's always a design tradeoff between coverage and leaving enough room to get a full finger grip on the gun before drawing it from the holster. It's easier to do with a revolver, that has a lot of "built in" clearance behind the trigger guard because of the design. But with an autoloader you have to either increase the forward cant of the gun to stick the grip straighter up and so away from the leather, or reduce the coverage of the rear of the trigger guard area a bit in order to create space for fingers on the grip. In any event, uncovered space behind the trigger poses no risk for something snagging and causing an unexpected discharge.
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photoman
Member
You're kidding right ??????????????? Can't find a holster for Shield 45 ?????? from the 30 or so holster makers that make them...
Jaysq
US Veteran
I'm not familiar with that particular holster, but it seems to me that the small portion of the back of the trigger guard is exposed just enough to accidentally slip a finger in there or maybe snag on some clothing, etc. That said, I prefer (as well as many others do) that the trigger guard be completely protected.
I know you said you've carried it for three years...I'm just making an observation.
I just tried to insert my finger into the opening (which is on the back side of the trigger) and it went in to about half of my fingernail. No chance of pulling the trigger or I would not be recommending it
Jaysq
US Veteran
Thank you, it is Walnut
You're kidding right ??????????????? Can't find a holster for Shield 45 ?????? from the 30 or so holster makers that make them...
Well, Alien doesn't have one although it is coming, Geaux doesn't have one...
The problem I have is using the selector tools. I have a "Performance Center® Ported M&P®45 SHIELD". The selectors have S&W Shield, M&P 45, Shield 45, M&P Shield Performance Center...there are so many choices and once you select one, it doesn't say what size barrel it is for. Even the person at Alien didn't know which one I should select and then finally said that it is going to be released at a future date. That's what prompted this thread. There seems to be plenty for the 9mm/.40 but not for the .45.
Well, first....Alien does make the cloak 2 and 3 for the shield 45
I own two of them...wearing one now....the new shape shift for the 45 is under development.
S&W M&P Shield 45 Holster - Concealed Carry | Alien Gear Holsters
Foxx has Shield 45 holsters. IWB holster (Inside the Waistband) from Foxx Holsters
Just to mention two of many.........
Thanks, that's good to know. The rep said they didn't have any for the 3.3" barrel at all... How do you like them?
Ray1970
Member
I think mentioning the 3.3" barrel is kind of irrelevant as I'm pretty sure the Shield in 45 ACP only comes in one size. The fact that it's a Performance Center model likely has little relevance on holster selection as well. I currently have three holsters for mine and had no problems ordering them.
Here is my Dara kydex appendix holster.
Here is a leather pancake holster from a local maker that I repurposed. It was originally for a Glock 26 but I wet it and remolded it to fit the Shield.
I also have a High Noon holster for it but no picture handy.
Here is my Dara kydex appendix holster.
Here is a leather pancake holster from a local maker that I repurposed. It was originally for a Glock 26 but I wet it and remolded it to fit the Shield.
I also have a High Noon holster for it but no picture handy.
