M&P Shield 45 question

[FLY FIS]

I'm considering getting a new Shield 45, I have the 9mm now and will keep it. I understand that the 45 will be heavier especially if loaded, but would like to have it in the 45 as a CCW also. Will the 45 fit the same holsters that I have for the 9mm, as I have several different holsters???

 

[LAA]

The 45 fits my 9mm holsters. It is just a bit larger, which required a bit of filing on a dedicated 9mm sight pusher.

 

[kthom]

If your 9MM holster has room in the barrel end to allow about a quarter inch more slide to fit, then the rest of your holster will fit the .45 just fine, since the frames are identical. The slide is longer and the grip is longer by a touch on the .45. Some holsters are fit tight to the end of the barrel/Slide on the 9MM. Some kydex holsters are molded tight around the end of the slide. These will not allow the .45 to completely enter the holster. Kydex can be heated and manipulated to allow the slide to enter. Open ended leather holsters will usually accept the longer slide of the .45 or can be manipulated to do so. All I can tell you is that you will have to try your holster(s) and see. Each one will likely be a law unto itself.

 

[MacDonald]

I have the 9, .40S&W, and .45.

The .45 fits all the leather and hybrid holsters I have for the 9, but not the solid ones (Backhawk Serpa, etc).

 

[FLY FIS]

Well I just purchased the handgun and tried my Desantis 9 mm holster and it does not fit. The slide is bigger than the slide of the 9mm. It appears that they will work if it's an all leather holster, but it might loosen up to much to go back to the 9 mm after carrying the 45. Does anyone have any experience with this holster???
BLACKHAWK! Tuckable Holster IWB S&W M&P 45 Right Blk
Just curious if it might be worth getting!!

 

[Bill In Texas]

I thought the frame size of the .45acp Shield was a little larger that the 9mm or .40s&w? I don't think it's enough to make much of a difference in whether a .45 will fit into a 9's holster, but I thought I saw that a .45 is about .05" larger.

 

[CB3]

I buy new holsters to fit my new carry guns. Proper holster fit is critical to proper carry. Jamming a gun of different dimensions into a smaller holster? Not me.

 

[FLY FIS]

CB3 well put!! I will certainly be getting the correct holsters for the 45. There is a difference and it's not worth taking any chances at all. Thanks to everyone fthe hep!!

 

[kannonvaggon]

I have used a Hidden Hybrid holster for a couple years every day. It was made for the 9mm Shield. My .45 Shield fits it just fine and that's a hybrid kydex molded holster. Things depend on how a given holster is made and where the retention points are and such I suppose. Mine worked just fine and I had no need to get a different holster made. YMMV

The .45 is in fact larger in length and width of the slide area as well as the length of the grip butt.
This is truly a VERY slightly larger dimension. You have to hold them up side by side to see any real difference. A tenth of an inch may or may not dictate a change of holster....

A fully loaded and topped off .45 has a little additional weight, so a holster with one small belt clip for instance might not work as well with the added weight. It's a slight difference in weight and you get used to it very quickly but it's there. A good solid holster and belt will be very comfortable with any of the Shield calibers. A fine EDC IMHO