lmacrichter
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What is a good CCW holster that doesn't cost too much?
MP 9C
- Thread starter lmacrichter
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If you want a cheap kydex OWB, try Fobus.
Fobus Holster: S&W M&P, PADDLE HOLSTER
Generally found elsewhere for less than $30.
Fobus Holster: S&W M&P, PADDLE HOLSTER
Generally found elsewhere for less than $30.
mafbloggerdanny
Member
I also went with Alien Gear. I never tried the original tuck but I got the 2.0 that has the synthetic/plastic backing instead of leather. It's very comfortable and the interchangeability of the shells is great if you carry more than one model for CCW.
IWB Lobo Gun Leather. Ray is a member here.
OWB Lobo Gun Leather. Ray is a member here.
.
Twodog09
Member
ive got the N82 tactical holster and I love it.
OP
lmacrichter
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Thanks for the suggestions. Now to make up my mind.
redwood0_7
Member
I have a M&P9c and I carry it in a DeSantis E-Gat owb. Like it real well.
JeffF64
US Veteran
i went with this for a shield Onyour6designhttp://onyour6designs.com/shop/firearm-holsters/smith-wesson-holster/ but they make them for the compact as well, I have a PJ kydex IWB holster for a compact, found this and it was considerably cheaper, think the kydex is different thickness between the two, but works well can hardly tell your carrying. they make them either IWB or OWB. took about 10-12 days from order to recieve it and i ordered on a Firday or Saturday evening.
I too have the 9c and I love it.
I have tried various IWB holsters including the Alien Gear. When I first got the AG holster, it was way too tight for my gun. I had to heat it up with a hair dryer and once it was nice and warm, put the sock enclosed gun in and I let it cool. Much better, but now it was too loose. I then heated up the holster and put the naked gun in and push down in the trigger guard area. Better. I then started to wear it. I can honestly say that I could not get it comfortable for me. Plus it was a pain to put on and take off, which surprised me since I have used hybrid holsters (kydex and leather) in the past.
The darling husband (who loves the AG holster) suggested that I try the N82 Pro holster (the one with the plastic shell). I found a used one on line and bought it. I can honestly say that it is my favorite holster! Easy for my to take off and put on. The retention on the gun is fantastic (you have to twist the gun inwards to release it from the holster, easy to do) and no chaffing. Plus it is very comfortable. I can wear it all day, no problems. The other day I went to our clubs rifle range. It is a cold range (no loaded guns, unless you are shooting them, so no CC). I took my carry gun out of my holster, stashed it in the car, and left the holster on while I shot my rifle. I forgot it was even on. It has a suede backing that has no rough edges, a neoprene center, so no sweat get through, and a black top. The way it is designed, the gun does not touch my skin. So no worrying about sweat getting on your gun or your gun chaffing you. I have seen a lot of youtube videos about various holsters and most of the people who are making the videos, wear an under shirt when they CC. I assume this is so the gun or holster does not chafe them. I don't know about you, but I don't want to have to wear multiple layers of clothes (especially when it is 99 degrees outside with high humidity), just so I can carry. With the N82 I don't, just put it on and go.
While the N82 might not be the cheapest, you really don't want to scrimp on the holster. Having the right holster is very important. Asking on here which holster you should get is fine, but everyone has an opinion. You need to figure out what is best for you. Find someone who has a N82 holster or whatever holster you are interested in, and check them out, before you buy, if you can. For me, the N82 Pro holster is the perfect one for me, and everyone who I have talked to, who has one loves them. Just my $.02 worth, but I hope this helps you with your decision.
I have tried various IWB holsters including the Alien Gear. When I first got the AG holster, it was way too tight for my gun. I had to heat it up with a hair dryer and once it was nice and warm, put the sock enclosed gun in and I let it cool. Much better, but now it was too loose. I then heated up the holster and put the naked gun in and push down in the trigger guard area. Better. I then started to wear it. I can honestly say that I could not get it comfortable for me. Plus it was a pain to put on and take off, which surprised me since I have used hybrid holsters (kydex and leather) in the past.
The darling husband (who loves the AG holster) suggested that I try the N82 Pro holster (the one with the plastic shell). I found a used one on line and bought it. I can honestly say that it is my favorite holster! Easy for my to take off and put on. The retention on the gun is fantastic (you have to twist the gun inwards to release it from the holster, easy to do) and no chaffing. Plus it is very comfortable. I can wear it all day, no problems. The other day I went to our clubs rifle range. It is a cold range (no loaded guns, unless you are shooting them, so no CC). I took my carry gun out of my holster, stashed it in the car, and left the holster on while I shot my rifle. I forgot it was even on. It has a suede backing that has no rough edges, a neoprene center, so no sweat get through, and a black top. The way it is designed, the gun does not touch my skin. So no worrying about sweat getting on your gun or your gun chaffing you. I have seen a lot of youtube videos about various holsters and most of the people who are making the videos, wear an under shirt when they CC. I assume this is so the gun or holster does not chafe them. I don't know about you, but I don't want to have to wear multiple layers of clothes (especially when it is 99 degrees outside with high humidity), just so I can carry. With the N82 I don't, just put it on and go.
While the N82 might not be the cheapest, you really don't want to scrimp on the holster. Having the right holster is very important. Asking on here which holster you should get is fine, but everyone has an opinion. You need to figure out what is best for you. Find someone who has a N82 holster or whatever holster you are interested in, and check them out, before you buy, if you can. For me, the N82 Pro holster is the perfect one for me, and everyone who I have talked to, who has one loves them. Just my $.02 worth, but I hope this helps you with your decision.
Last edited:
shlike
Member
I have a Fobus paddle holster as well. It is well made and inexpensive, but I don't use it for CCW as it rides a little low on the belt and not as tight to the body as I like. For CCW I use a Desantis mini slide for my 9C (see the middle gun in the photo below). It is high-quality and reasonably priced, and conceals well with minimal printing. I wear it at 3:00-3:30. My other carry guns also picture below are a Kahr CW45 in a Detroit Concealment Kydex, and a Kahr CW380 in a Mitch Rosen belt slide.
I don't have a Fobus. The OP was requesting feedback on cheap holsters & Fobi are cheap. I use a Comp-Tac paddle holsters for both my M&P 9c and Shield.
Comp-Tac : Top-Quality Firearm Accessories
Sgt 45
Member
Unfortunately, good and cheap do not go together for a CCW holster, or any holster for that matter. Kind of like buying a Shelby Cobra to drive and putting the cheapest tires you can find on it and using discount gas. Just my .02
I've always been a fan of CrossBreed holsters. Been using them
since they were working out of the garage. But, I recently bought
an Alabamaholster pancake for my Shield. Best holster I've ever
used. Takes 8 weeks to get one and they ain't "cheap", but are
comparable in price to CrossBreed. I wore this one for about a
month and ordered an IWB for the Shield and a pancake OWB for
my 9c.
Like I said, not cheap, at least not for a retired civil servant but
worth the price and the wait.
Dano
since they were working out of the garage. But, I recently bought
an Alabamaholster pancake for my Shield. Best holster I've ever
used. Takes 8 weeks to get one and they ain't "cheap", but are
comparable in price to CrossBreed. I wore this one for about a
month and ordered an IWB for the Shield and a pancake OWB for
my 9c.
Like I said, not cheap, at least not for a retired civil servant but
worth the price and the wait.
Dano
lhump1961
US Veteran
The holster you choose is an important part of the whole CC idea. It has to do it's job and not be noticed doing it...if you notice it then it's not a good buy...cheap usually wont' get it done. I have all Lobo Leather for my stuff and am very happy with it so of course that's where I'm at! Ray can make any style you want custom made for your gun and you'll never have to buy another for that role as long as you own it.
Here are a couple...I like the snap loop for on/off convenience.
Here are a couple...I like the snap loop for on/off convenience.
Attachments
TheBoroMP
Member
An alternative to the Alien Gear is the Vedder. I bought one and use it almost daily. Very comfortable and can be ordered off amazon.
Amazon.com : Vedder Holsters ComfortTuck Hybrid Holster - S&W M&P Compact 9c / 40c (Black Leather with Black Kydex) : Gun Holsters : Sports & Outdoors@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41QK1gsb13L.@@AMEPARAM@@41QK1gsb13L
Amazon.com : Vedder Holsters ComfortTuck Hybrid Holster - S&W M&P Compact 9c / 40c (Black Leather with Black Kydex) : Gun Holsters : Sports & Outdoors@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41QK1gsb13L.@@AMEPARAM@@41QK1gsb13L
walkin' trails
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I try to stay away from cheap holsters. The designs and/or materials don't always lend themselves to good concealment or gun retention. I have been using a Crossbreed Supertuck with my M&P 9c and find it does an excellent job of concealing the pistol. An added bonus is that it also fits my M&P 9 and my full size 45. For a quality inexpensive IWB or AIWB, I have like High Noon's Mr. Softie. For OWB you canfind Bianchis, DeSantis, Akers or Galco offerings that will work well, but are going to cost a bit more than the cheap stuff.
I can echo those here who say you really have to chose what works for you and sometimes it takes a lot of trial and error....
I've only been carrying concealed for 3 years but have tried many different holsters in that time. And I've taken to making holsters from Kydex.
One thing about Kydex/leather is the leather will conform to your body but the Kydex will not. I have been making my holsters by forming them on a curved support that mimics my hip, so I can get the leather curved and the Kydex curved together and then set my retention that way.
I can take probably any hybrid holster, hold it upside down and flex it and have the gun fall out. It's the nature of marrying two dissimilar materials together.
I really like my own holsters, but I make them to fit me exactly, my curve, my carrying position, my ride height. These parameters are different for every individual. You need to find the holster that meets your individual needs, and only you can do that.
Which brings us to the popular holsters.... I think they are popular because they have done a lot of homework and balance each gun model comfortably on the belt, position it for good access, and use good materials and workmanship. But individually we will all have differing thoughts on how they feel and work for us.
My own holsters are different for me since I've lost weight.
I like Lobo holsters... Are they the best holster out there? No. Sorry Ray
But they are a good holster at a good price from a good guy and they are available quickly. I use them often!!
I just received a Milt Sparks Summer Special 2 and wore it for a day and like it very much. It is nearly twice the price of a Lobo though! I still need to tweak my carry position as the cant is a bit more that I usually use, and the gun I have it for is a bit longer than most I carry. I may change the cant a little, it's too soon to tell. But it is comfortable and easy to use. I'll compare 4 different holster manufacturers for that gun when I get the rest of the holsters in....
.
I've only been carrying concealed for 3 years but have tried many different holsters in that time. And I've taken to making holsters from Kydex.
One thing about Kydex/leather is the leather will conform to your body but the Kydex will not. I have been making my holsters by forming them on a curved support that mimics my hip, so I can get the leather curved and the Kydex curved together and then set my retention that way.
I can take probably any hybrid holster, hold it upside down and flex it and have the gun fall out. It's the nature of marrying two dissimilar materials together.
I really like my own holsters, but I make them to fit me exactly, my curve, my carrying position, my ride height. These parameters are different for every individual. You need to find the holster that meets your individual needs, and only you can do that.
Which brings us to the popular holsters.... I think they are popular because they have done a lot of homework and balance each gun model comfortably on the belt, position it for good access, and use good materials and workmanship. But individually we will all have differing thoughts on how they feel and work for us.
My own holsters are different for me since I've lost weight.
I like Lobo holsters... Are they the best holster out there? No. Sorry Ray
But they are a good holster at a good price from a good guy and they are available quickly. I use them often!! I just received a Milt Sparks Summer Special 2 and wore it for a day and like it very much. It is nearly twice the price of a Lobo though! I still need to tweak my carry position as the cant is a bit more that I usually use, and the gun I have it for is a bit longer than most I carry. I may change the cant a little, it's too soon to tell. But it is comfortable and easy to use. I'll compare 4 different holster manufacturers for that gun when I get the rest of the holsters in....
.
