Leg holster for M&P 9c

[Brien]

I'm going on a backpacking trip in about a month and I'd like to take my 9c with me. It seems to me a leg holster would be the best way to carry it. All I've seen are full-size 9mm holsters. Is there one specific to the 9c I can use?

 

[tectrry]

I am looking at getting the Galco Ankle Lite Ankle Holster for my 40c. The AL 286 says that it is for the 9c/40c.

 

[walkin' trails]

If you're referring to a tactical drop holster, I don't think anyone makes one specifically for he compact 9. There is just no market for, or mainstream practice for the use of a compact concealment pistol for SWAT or military applications (as a primary handgun). A compact will fit in many of the Safariland tactical holsters designed for full sized pistols of the same product line as long as long as they're the standard holster and not one made to accommodate a weapon mounted light.

Personally, having been trained all my professional life to draw my primary handgun from a hip holster, I always found the drop holsters to be a bit slow on the draw and uncomfortable to wear. Furthermore, they were originally designed to clear ballistic vests, keep the handgun away from the long gun sling, among other things. More modern designs have, if not replaced the drop holster, have at least provided some options for those of us who occasionally do tactical stuff but don't care for certain items. There are a number of professionals out there now who have, or are going back to a hip holster with a bit more tactical flavor. For just plain hiking, what's wrong with a belt holster designed specifically for your compact?

 

[gordon21]

Ankle holster instead? Lots of choices and probably a lot cheaper. This assumes you are wearing long pants and not shorts. If you are right handed you have the option of wearing on the inside of the left leg (preferred) or on the outside of the right leg.

 

[Bkreutz]

I'm going on a backpacking trip in about a month and I'd like to take my 9c with me. It seems to me a leg holster would be the best way to carry it. All I've seen are full-size 9mm holsters. Is there one specific to the 9c I can use?

If it were me I'd put the pistol in one of the side pockets of the pack. I think something strapped to my leg would be irritating after the 2nd mile. Unless you're hiking in an area with dangerous game (or gang banger hikers) I don't see the need for quick access.

 

[vipermd]

Walkin'trails is spot on. As a " low speed, HIGH DRAG, tac-tickle ninja" I have tried the drop leg, only to be irritated by the constant bumping on my thigh when used over a "long" walk, or extended period of time. Ankle holsters are great if I am seated in a car, since I carried concealed I see no benefit to put it on my boot when walking through brush,water,mud, etc. A hip rig whether on a good belt, and a well fitted holster or a "Ranger" belt/duty rig that is easy on /off will prob be the most stable, and keep your weapon in the best position for the fastest and smoothest draw. Another advantage of a strong side hip over ankle carry is that you will not get a face full of brush if /when you try to acquire your weapon incorrectly. Use K.I.S.S. whenever possible. Be Safe,

 

[Riflemann]

I use a DeSantis ankle holster for my Shield, and it works great for all day, but I have never hiked with it on. I also have a DeSantis belt holster, and a BlackHawk #4 pocket holster for the Shield. I would think your 9c would be close in size.(But the compact 40c is the only gun I don't have)

 

[Brien]

For just plain hiking, what's wrong with a belt holster designed specifically for your compact?

Thanks for the info. The reason for the leg holster is because my pack rides on my waist. I need something off the hip. I want to take my 9c since its the lightest gun I own.

Fortunately, I found this one on Amazon for $21. I think it'll be fine for my intended use.

Amazon.com : Outbags OB-30TAC (LEFT) Nylon Tactical Drop Leg with Mag Pouch for Glock 26 / 27 / 29 / 30 / 40, Ruger SR9C / SR40C, S&W M&P Compact, Taurus Millennium PT58 / PT132 / PT138 / PT140 / PT145 / PT609 / PT638 / PT709 Slim / PT740 / PT745, Ruger LC9 and SR22 with Crimson Trace, Kahr CW9 / CW40 / CW45, Walther P22 Compact / P99 Compact : Gun Holsters : Sports & Outdoors@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/510RScH4p7L.@@AMEPARAM@@510RScH4p7L

 

[vipermd]

is it a thumb break? I could not tell from the photos.

 

[Brien]

is it a thumb break? I could not tell from the photos.

I'm not sure either. I'll post a quick review after I get it next week.

 

[walkin' trails]

Price may not always be a good refection of how good a holster works, but be careful with it. The older ballistic nylon tac holsters did not always offer the best pistol retention. They're not molded to the gun like the newer Kydex-types. Some of the more pricy versions from Eagle or Blackhawk had secondary straps to keep the thumb break secure so that it didn't pop open during exertion and let the gun go flying. Having worked a few years on the Southwest Border running down trails or crawling through brush, I can say it is not difficult to lose a pistol from a poorly designed, poor quality, or poorly maintained holster. Talk about feeling naked when you realize that you're a couple pounds lighter and don't remember exactly where you started feeling that way.

 

[CVF]

I'd go with either of these over a drop leg, no catching and snagging on things.

Amazon.com: ActiveProGear Jogging Concealment Holster: Sports & Outdoors@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51qnVC58MnL.@@AMEPARAM@@51qnVC58MnL

Amazon.com: Covert Escape RG(TM) Flashlight/Tools/Camera/GPS/Cycling Chest Pack by Hazard 4(R): Sports & Outdoors@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51KqgRG6nfL.@@AMEPARAM@@51KqgRG6nfL

Or if you have to open carry(and happen to already own a SERPA) head over to a Army/Navy store to pick up a cheap Molle vest and order this. Even better if your BP had Molle on the waist strap already, one I used to use did IIRC.

Amazon.com : BLACKHAWK! SERPA S.T.R.I.K.E. CQC Platform (Ambidextrous) : Tactical Vests : Sports & Outdoors@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/416f%2BwPoaZL.@@AMEPARAM@@416f%2BwPoaZL

 

[Brien]

I got the $21 one from Amazon today. I'm very pleased with it. My 9c fits like a glove. There is a strap that goes behind the hammer and snaps in. There is also a larger strap that goes over the smaller strap that velcro's down over it.

The leg straps feel very secure. I'll still need to play with the straps to get them dialed in, but I think this will totally meet my needs.

 

[MP9cBilly]

Adding weight to the leg, while walking long distances, is bad... especially the ankle. They say a pound at the foot (boots) is like 4 pounds on the back... in terms of energy required to carry it. Like others have said, I'd have in the bag... you could attach a side bag for it...

 

[Brien]

If it becomes uncomfortable I can always throw it into my pack.

 

[Carrot]

I would look for a paddle holster, maybe something with mechanical retention like QCQ, that can go on your pack belt and then slide onto your pants once you're in camp. I would get something with good retention as you wouldn't want your sidearm to fall out of the holster when you are picking up or taking off your pack. You should be able to get it to fit well in an appendix carry location that won't interfere with your arm swing, and the hunk of steel up front will actually act as some good counterbalance. I'm also going to say that with a pack potentially blocking your elbow movement during a normal strong side draw, the appendix position would probably be more natural given the angry lump of necessities on your back.

- The Carrot

 

[vipermd]

Brien- It is 10-18-2013, How did the holster work?? Be Safe,

 

[forrestinmathews]

I recently went hiking with a full size M&P and the best place I found to carry it was in the pack. A vest was too hot. The back pocket strong side was great for accessibility, but interfered with sitting, especially on rocks.

I think that a drop down leg holster is too tacticool and generally doesn't fit in which is important should you need to interact with anyone. Might as well sling an m4 at that point. You'll get just as much attention.

So what was the verdict of the OP?