I need advise on a holster for an M&P9

[Sheepdogged]

I'm thinking about buying an M&P9. I had an M&P40c circa 2006-7 that had some problems with the finish. I currently carry a Glock 26, a FNS 9c, and a M&P Bodyguard 380. I really don't care about the finish on these guns because I kinda like the Boba fett look anyway. The finish of my 2014 G26 started getting wear marks almost immediately carrying it in a kydex holster. I think it looks cool as is, but the dark black finish of the M&P's these days looks so awesome that I was kinda hoping to keep this one looking good because it's primarily going to be a nightstand/range gun, but I'll be carrying it concealed in the winter also. I plan on going OWB for the first time in many years as I'm just sick of being disappointed in my IWB holsters and my weight fluctuation. I guess my first question is How are these dark black finishes holding up to holster wear these days? Also, what do people think about leather? Is it necessary to maintain the finish? I'm not going to have a manual safety on mine, and I know that's a concern for some people. Even James Yeager said he recommends using Kydex over leather because it's better at keeping its shape not having a safety (not that I follow his advice too closely). So if anyone has a relatively new dark black M&P who has put some holster time into it, I'd like to hear from you about your experience with both OWB and IWB holsters. Thanks.

 

[McE]

Any holster you use will put wear marks on the gun, but I prefer kydex for its retention capabilities, ease of reholstering, and doesn't hold moisture.
The black finish is mostly cosmetic, the real surface 'protection' is under that, so your concerns are going to be purely cosmetic in nature.
My M&P45 has a lot of in/out time with a Serpa holster for competition, but haven't seen any noticeable wear on it. The slide doesn't make much contact with the holster, just the polymer lower/trigger guard/rail area/etc.
All of my carry guns however are unpainted stainless slide/poly lower, as is my preference. Stainless material for the sweat/rust resistance, unpainted so it looks good longer.

 

[gabbyh75]

Try a leather holster. A quality horsehide holster will definately hold it's shape. I've worn Kramer holsters for the past ~20 years. kramerleather.com

 

[Bkreutz]

The Melonite process on a M&P is almost indestructible. I have a 9 Core that I used in competition for 2 years. 90K rounds through it. Typical stage is 20 to 30 rounds so that works out to over 3000 draws (not counting dry fire practice). I don't see any wear whatsoever. Most of the time I used a Blade Tech holster.

 

[Sheepdogged]

The Melonite process on a M&P is almost indestructible. I have a 9 Core that I used in competition for 2 years. 90K rounds through it. Typical stage is 20 to 30 rounds so that works out to over 3000 draws (not counting dry fire practice). I don't see any wear whatsoever. Most of the time I used a Blade Tech holster.

Wow, that's a lot of rounds! Thanks for the insight.

 

[Sierra117]

The Melonite process on a M&P is almost indestructible. I have a 9 Core that I used in competition for 2 years. 90K rounds through it. Typical stage is 20 to 30 rounds so that works out to over 3000 draws (not counting dry fire practice). I don't see any wear whatsoever. Most of the time I used a Blade Tech holster.

Dang son. 90k? That is awesome!