Tomkat
Member
I am a man of generous girth and wondered if anyone has a suggestion for a carry holster? I am partial to leather but have an open mind. Thanks in advance.
IWB holster for M&P Shield?
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NCW Ray
Member
I carry a 40c in a Bianchi Model 135 Allusion and it is very comfortable. I don't have much of a waist, but it rides well without a lot of re-adjusting needed. I'll be ordering the same holster for my Shield40 after it is delivered tomorrow. It's a leather wrapped thermal-molded synthetic core.
Bianchi Model 135 Allusion
Bianchi Model 135 Allusion
This is the S&W forum, not the S&M forum...
j/k
I am a slightly larger sized guy myself. I currently use a "Little Foxx" IWB holster to carry. I like it a lot and it is small and simple. I have an AlienGear Neoprene IWB holster and a Wright's Leather Works holster on the way, but they have not arrived yet. Some people say that the larger IWB holster are more comfortable because they distribute the anchoring point of the gun, but I guess I will have to see when they get here. The thing about IWB carry is that you have to find the correct position to give you maximum comfort. For some it is appendix carry, for others it's 5 O'clock...but for each person it is individualized. The larger Hybrid style IWB usually provide adjustment for cant and ride height, but are usually a bit more difficult to put on and take off than something like the "Little Foxx". Unfortunately, what works great for some really doesn't work well for others. I've done a lot of reading and researching about holsters before I ever bought one and still find myself with several...always looking for the perfect balance of comfort and function. Maybe it exists, but I'm still looking for it.
I use a BlackHawk Serpa for OWB carry and I love it. People that think they are dangerous aren't using them correctly.
"generous girth"? You mean fat! So am I!!
I have a Ozarks Hybrid that works well. But, my preference is a kydex at the 8 o'clock position (left handed shooter). I like my Cook's holster-you cannot see it and it is comfortable-even when it is hot which is most of the time here.
I have a Ozarks Hybrid that works well. But, my preference is a kydex at the 8 o'clock position (left handed shooter). I like my Cook's holster-you cannot see it and it is comfortable-even when it is hot which is most of the time here.
OP
Tomkat
Member
Thanks fellas. How about Versacarry?
We give new meaning to the old saying "One big, happy family!"
Too generous in girth here as well so I'm curious as to what is recommended myself. I can't even IWB my 442 comfortably
.
OP
Tomkat
Member
I ended up with the Versacarry holster. I like it a lot.
dcpron
Member
I have sat on the sideline for a few years now, but I feel I have to add my two cents.
At 5'7" and 285 lbs I don't think I qualify a skinny. I bought the Ailen Gear holster for my Shield 40 about 2 months ago. After wearing it regulary, most of the time it's easy to forget that it's there. My first holster purchase other than the $15.00 types. NO Regerts
At 5'7" and 285 lbs I don't think I qualify a skinny. I bought the Ailen Gear holster for my Shield 40 about 2 months ago. After wearing it regulary, most of the time it's easy to forget that it's there. My first holster purchase other than the $15.00 types. NO Regerts
palmetto99
Member
Tomkat, we are all adults here and I don't tell other adults what to do, but, sir, be careful with that Versacarry thing. Not covering the trigger on a striker fired pistol is a bad idea. Spend a little more time looking for a better method of carry. Enjoy that Shield.
Charlton Heston
Member
You can't go wrong with the Stealth Gear Onyx. Its really comfortable, thin, padded, vented and totally adjustable.
I have no relationship with these guys, just a happy customer.
http://www.stealthgearusa.com/collections/iwb-holsters
Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
I have no relationship with these guys, just a happy customer.
http://www.stealthgearusa.com/collections/iwb-holsters
Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
Protected One
Member
+1 on this^. A holster w/o a trigger guard (for THIS gun) is not for me!
Tagua makes a nice 4-in-1 holster for the Shield. It's what I use most often. Cost is only ~$35.
Since my last post, I received my Wright Leather Works holster:
Cobra Hybrid Leather Holster | Wright Leather Works LLC
It is a great IWB / OTB holster. If you want all leather, I highly recommend it.
I also bought a Hidden Hybrid Holster and it is excellent.
So now I can choose from my Little Foxx, Wright Leather Works, or my Hidden Hybrid holsters. All of them work great for me. The Wright Leather Works and Hidden Hybrid holster are both for the Shield 9mm WITH the LaserMax laser, but they both work fine without the laser on the gun as well.
I also use a versa-carry on occasion. It is a quick on / quick off option that works very well. I know a couple of people that use the versa-carry as their everyday carry holster. Neither them nor I have had any problems with the versa-carry. I just find the other holsters I mentioned more comfortable for longer periods. Of course, my Shield has the thumb safety, and I use it. If an open trigger on one side bothers you, there is a thread or two floating around the forums that show how people have easily modified the versa-carry to provide for full trigger protection. I even heard a rumor that versa-carry was working on a solution as well.
Cobra Hybrid Leather Holster | Wright Leather Works LLC
It is a great IWB / OTB holster. If you want all leather, I highly recommend it.
I also bought a Hidden Hybrid Holster and it is excellent.
So now I can choose from my Little Foxx, Wright Leather Works, or my Hidden Hybrid holsters. All of them work great for me. The Wright Leather Works and Hidden Hybrid holster are both for the Shield 9mm WITH the LaserMax laser, but they both work fine without the laser on the gun as well.
I also use a versa-carry on occasion. It is a quick on / quick off option that works very well. I know a couple of people that use the versa-carry as their everyday carry holster. Neither them nor I have had any problems with the versa-carry. I just find the other holsters I mentioned more comfortable for longer periods. Of course, my Shield has the thumb safety, and I use it. If an open trigger on one side bothers you, there is a thread or two floating around the forums that show how people have easily modified the versa-carry to provide for full trigger protection. I even heard a rumor that versa-carry was working on a solution as well.
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sipowicz
Member
I am a huge leather fan but I like kydex for striker fired pistols since the top of the holster can never collapse and catch on the trigger during reholstering...
Protected One
Member
That hidden hybrid is a great looking holster.
I've had mine on for 2 days now (daytime hours) and honestly I forget it is on. It really didn't need a break-in period, but I just kept it on anyway. When the gun is holstered in it, I know it is there, but in a good way. I can honestly say it hasn't been uncomfortable at all. I was a little worried about this style of IWB holster when the Alien Gear 2.0 didn't work out for me, but the Hidden Hybrid sure does.
Of course, that is just my opinion and experience with it.
I got the Outback all leather IWB holster for the Shield.
I like it and the price is right.
Now, of course ,my wife is going to want the shield back as that is who I got it for.....
I like it and the price is right.
Now, of course ,my wife is going to want the shield back as that is who I got it for.....
bufford
Member
CompTac Minotaur - very comfy and blends with my round shape!
gunfighter48
US Veteran
I'm 5' 7" and weigh 255lbs. Any of the Crossbreed style holsters are great for IWB carry. They spread the weight over a larger area. I have a DeSantis Intruder for my Shield and it works great. The Versa Max style holster are also excellent for IWB. I also like the Summer Comfort style holsters for IWB. If I could only have one it would be the Crossbreed style holsters.
De Santis makes an IWB, called the Cozey Partner
In my opinion, it's one the best hoster I've yet to sell with a Shield.
Very simlar to Milt Sparks Summer Special, however there is slightly a little more leather fore and aft, to aid in stability
Also comes in Black.
In my opinion, it's one the best hoster I've yet to sell with a Shield.
Very simlar to Milt Sparks Summer Special, however there is slightly a little more leather fore and aft, to aid in stability
Also comes in Black.
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I tried Crossbreed, Alien Gear, Old Faithfull with mixed success. None were bad, just not exactly right. A buddy lent me his N82 IWB for my 9mm Shield and the search was over. It's shirt tuckable, very comfortable, secure, has one belt clip and did I mention comfortable?
10-2314
I read all of these posts and I'm still wondering which IWB holster is the one for me.
I really liked the "Old Faithful" holster that I saw on line. They had write up's about it on some search engines and it was available in a kit. The web site has a video that explains how to assemble the kit. O.K., so I'm convinced and try to place an order. No luck. The kit is not shown on the web page. So I did an extensive search on line for the kit and came across a page telling me that Old Faithful and Alien holsters have merged as of June of 2014.
I went to Alien and looked for the holster as a kit. No such luck. In fact, Alien lists the specifications for their IWB holster as being Neoprene with a Plastic shell holster. That's not "Kydex" or the heavy duty leather as shown on the Old Faithful web page.
So what happened to them? After the merge did Alien decide to forgo using leather and are they not saying .093" Kydex any longer because they went to "Plastic" ?
I liked the features on the "Old Faithful" with the Kydex because it was fully adjustable. It used allen screws to attach the holster to the leather and it could be tightened as needed after breaking in.
So my question is: Does anyone have any suggestions for an IWB hybrid type holster with the .093" Kydex shell and thick leather that "Old Faithful" featured before they merged?
Thanks,
Keats
Arizona
I read all of these posts and I'm still wondering which IWB holster is the one for me.
I really liked the "Old Faithful" holster that I saw on line. They had write up's about it on some search engines and it was available in a kit. The web site has a video that explains how to assemble the kit. O.K., so I'm convinced and try to place an order. No luck. The kit is not shown on the web page. So I did an extensive search on line for the kit and came across a page telling me that Old Faithful and Alien holsters have merged as of June of 2014.
I went to Alien and looked for the holster as a kit. No such luck. In fact, Alien lists the specifications for their IWB holster as being Neoprene with a Plastic shell holster. That's not "Kydex" or the heavy duty leather as shown on the Old Faithful web page.
So what happened to them? After the merge did Alien decide to forgo using leather and are they not saying .093" Kydex any longer because they went to "Plastic" ?
I liked the features on the "Old Faithful" with the Kydex because it was fully adjustable. It used allen screws to attach the holster to the leather and it could be tightened as needed after breaking in.
So my question is: Does anyone have any suggestions for an IWB hybrid type holster with the .093" Kydex shell and thick leather that "Old Faithful" featured before they merged?
Thanks,
Keats
Arizona
Polerbears
Member
I purchased a leather IWB Jason Winnie (made here in Missouri) holster, however it rides a little low in the pants for my liking. Great quality, just not my cup of tea. My friend carries a Kel-Tec PF9, and told me about the Blackhawk! IWB holster he uses. I tried it, and came to like it very much. I picked mine up at Bass Pro for about $15, I believe. It's not leather, but it has a suede-ish layer on the outside that keeps things from moving around.
The M&P Shield will need a size 5. I like it a lot, and for $15 you're not out a lot of cash if you don't fancy it.
The M&P Shield will need a size 5. I like it a lot, and for $15 you're not out a lot of cash if you don't fancy it.
barking_dog
Member
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I have bought several for my shield. I have settled on a frontline from 762 precision. The can't is great. It is good quality leather and simply wears comfortably. It is made in Israel and sales at a very reasonable cost.
formernuke
Member
I have good luck with the hybrid holsters for IWB
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Let's not forget our old pal Lefty at Bell Charter Oak. Fine holsters from a first class guy!
PastureOfMuppets
Member
J Does anyone have any suggestions for an IWB hybrid type holster with the .093" Kydex shell and thick leather that "Old Faithful" featured before they merged? Thanks said:
papersniper
Member
I am curious about this style, yours plus the Cozy Partner, etc. I have a couple of holsters already for the concealed pistols I carry, but I'm always trying to find one that prints as little as possible. So far I'm most happy with IWB holsters, like THIS one from Raw Dog. However, I cannot wear it with all my pants, as some are tighter and won't allow enough space inside the waistband. I love the look and feel of leather, and my favorite type is like THIS one from Blackhawk, their compact Askins style. However the OWB holsters I've tried do not keep the pistol as close to my body as I'd like to reduce printing. I carry the S&W Shield, Springfield XDs 3.3 and a Kel-Tec P11 mainly, and these are pretty small pistols.
Now to my question....with your holster, if worn outside the pants, does the belt go outside the holster, away from your body? That would seem to keep it very close to the body. I've never tried a holster like that, but I think I might try one......but only if I get enough feedback that style will keep the pistol close to my body and not have the grip print so much.
Thanks.
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