IWB for shield for thin build

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Mikeyfran55

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I've been debating buying a 9mm shield for months, maybe even a year and finally buying it tonight. Early Christmas present. I've looked through a bunch of posts already about holsters. There's a million and one and I know It depends on personal preference. But what's a good place to start for iwb for thinner build dude. I know I'm going to have to try a bunch out but anyone with a similar body type have and recommendations to start, do you carry appendix or 3,4 o'clock or how? I've never carried before and will be signing up for a class soon. Anything I should know before the purchase this evening?

Thanks
 
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I hope you have rented/borrowed a Shield before you buy just to make sure. I love my 9mm Shield, but I did rent and compare before I bought it.

As far as other recommendations, there are many and have been discussed all through the forum--I would search the forum if you haven't already, and if you have any specific questions after reviewing--post 'em here. I'm sure you'll find most of the answers you need...the forum members here are great help with their thoughts.

That's for your pre-purchase questions on the Shield. For IWB--I use a TactiPac Fusion at 4 o'clock, but as you say, there are so many choices and as many opinions.
 
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Deadbug said:
I hope you have rented/borrowed a Shield before you buy just to make sure. I love my 9mm Shield, but I did rent and compare before I bought it.

As far as other recommendations, there are many and have been discussed all through the forum--I would search the forum if you haven't already, and if you have any specific questions after reviewing--post 'em here. I'm sure you'll find most of the answers you need...the forum members here are great help with their thoughts.

That's for your pre-purchase questions on the Shield. For IWB--I use a TactiPac Fusion at 4 o'clock, but as you say, there are so many choices and as many opinions.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the input. Yes I have rented and researched for what seemed like forever but everything I found is good, just so many options for holster so didn't know where to start. Just didn't have the funds to make the purchase until now.
 
Galco King Tuk. works great with a thin build or thicker build on the body. Great IWB holster for the M&P shield very comfortable even better after the holsters broke in.

Shoot Safe,
Bill G77
 
I have owned my Shield (9mm) for about a month now. While breaking it in I ordered an Alien Gear Cloak 3.0 to see if I would like a hybrid type holster. I've been wearing it for over a week now, every day all day, and actually forget it's there sometimes. It is even comfortable while driving. I have not tried the "tuckable" aspect of it yet, so I cannot comment on how well that works for concealment. But comfort is A-OK, so far. Next Summer may be a different story though.
 
I am 6ft3' 210 lbs and yes I have a slim build. but a bit of a gut lol .. I have the Alien Gear IWB 2.0 and their OWB, I wear either at 4 o clock! Concealed Carry Holsters - Alien Gear Holsters - Gun Holsters Their 2 fer deal is a low cost way to add a holster!
The one I use the most is my Jel Teck 25 $ off E bay , John the owner makes them and they have a adjustable retention like the AG! JelTecHolsters | Budget Minded Products All of the others mentioned are also very good. FYI have a spare drawer or a box handy as you may end up with a lot of extra holsters lol
 
Start with Sticky Holsters. It's not expensive and does the job. Holsters in general are hard to recommend on a forum cause you will get a million answers. Just got to buy em and try em. If it doesn't work sell it or throw it in he holster junk drawer.

For me I use the INCOG Eclipse. It's the Cats pajamas of kydex holsters for AIWB.

I've got more money in holsters over the years than the handgun itself.

Also out of Remora Holsters and Sticky Holsters I prefer The Sticky. Seems to have less bulk.
 
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Bring thin, the only position I've found that works well for me IWB is appendix carry - anything else protrudes like an overgrown tumor. Clip-on models seem to work best for me: Galco has several types. Sticky holsters for me were a joke - they don't stay put and were always threatening to fall completely down into my pants.
 
I know people swear by sticky holsters, but as the poster above me stated - they might not stay put and might slip. I had an ankle holster come un-velcroed once when I was playing with the dog; that was the last time I wore it. A solid holster, with a solid attachment, IMHO, is very important. I have a couple of FOXX holsters for my Shield and they've been great (fit, function, price). For ultimate CCW, I carry it AIWB and it disappears. If you go for appendix carry, make sure you know what you're doing. It can be ... dangerous without the right training and knowledge, so find someone who is capable of providing that for you.
 
I'd avoid sticky holsters (and similar types) like the plague. I've never had one stay put no matter what type of belt I'm wearing or where the holster is placed.

Please remember that if you plan on carrying your gun, a proper belt and holster are paramount to successful carry. Don't skimp.

For IWB, take a close look at a good brand hybrid like Comp-Tac, Crossbreed, AlienGear.

For single clip designs, look at High Noon, PJ Holsters, Clinger Holsters.
 
I agree with you. I ordered several holsters before I ordered the AlienGear 2.0 then upgraded to the new AlienGear 3.0. During the summer heat here I carry IWB tuckable under a shirt. I have worn it up to 12 hours a day, even driving. You do forget that you are carrying. I really prefer being able to carry IWB just under a jacket when weather permits. It is much faster to access. Also there is no break-in period. Recently I ordered a new shell for my MP Shield 40 modified for a LaserMax. I will stay with AlienGear from now on. Affordable, comfortable and modifiable.
 
I'm 6'3", 195lbs and carry my Shield in either a N82 Tactical professional or the Alien Gear Cloak Tuck 2.0 IWB holster. The N82 is my favorite but both are comfortable and work well. Both are carried at the 3 to 3:30 position. As someone else mentioned, a good quality leather gun belt makes a good holster even better. I went with Bullhidebelts.com and have been very pleased.
 
I'm not exactly thin but when I go out I just stick my Shield in a Remora hoster AIWB. When I'm in my Envoy I wedge the Shield in the Remora between the brake lever and the passenger seat and cover it with a baseball hat. It's very secure there and would only come out in case of a collision. It is accessible very quickly from that position and I don't have to put up with reaching through my seatbelt or behind my back if I want it in my hand in a hurry.
 
I'm 5'10" and weigh 180. I went from a PJ Holster to a N82 Pro then back to the PJ with a thin sheet of rubber for padding. At first I thought the N82 Pro was heaven, but as the days and weeks wore on, it just felt bulkier and bulkier. I grabbed the PJ in a hurry one day, and it was like seeing an old friend. Then by the end of the day I remembered how I was tired of the hard plastic rubbing on me. That's when I found a thin sheet of rubber to stick between me and the holster that gives just the right amount of padding without adding bulk.

Both are worn at 3:30. The N82 impaired my ability to bend over in manner similar to touching my toes or worse if I had to lean over towards the right. Overall it just felt huge on my side.

Edit: I'm another person that doesn't trust a Remora or Sticky holster to stay put. I have both, and like someone else posted I now use them to go between my car's console and seat.
 
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Look at the hybrid leather back kydex front holsters. Crossbreed, DeSantis, and Alien Gear all make excellent hybrid holsters. I have and use both Crossbreed and DeSantis brands for my 9mm Shield and my 1911 45s. They are about as slim as a holster can be.
 
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To reiterate the above, first and foremost, BUY A BELT MEANT TO SUPPORT CARRYING A GUN!!!!! DO NOT SKIMP ON THIS!

And for my use Comp-Tac's MTAC, while expensive, is the best I've found FOR ME. I've also had good success with the holsters from Precision Holsters.

I'm not thin, by any means, but I can't stand the overall size of many of the hybrid holsters out there. The MTAC and Precision offerings give that added hybrid comfort over a simple kydex shell while taking up as little waistline/belt line space as possible.
 
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