Need education on IWB holster types

[papersniper]

I am considering an IWB holster for my M&P 9mm Shield. I'm 6ft, weigh about 210 lbs. I already have a OWB BLACKHAWK Compact Askins holster that I like, but would like to try an IWB holster also. (I also just ordered a M&P 22c and a Fobus SWMP Paddle Holster to try out)

I am totally confused about IWB holsters! There are so many options!

In my mind, comfort is important, and I don't want to take the chance of damaging the gun from sweat, dirt, etc. I want one where I can easily draw and re-insert the gun into the holster. I THINK I want one of the ones that clips on easily without removing my belt, etc. I do not plan to wear the IWB holster all the time, but occasionally, and probably only for 3-4 hours at a time.

I love the look of leather, but I think leather might be a problem with sweat. But those may be more comfortable than the plastic ones?
I want to spend between $30 and $50 for the IWM holster. I have looked online at these, and they interest me, but I'd sure like someone to help me understand the differences:

Bianchi 100 Professional - Love the looks of the brown leather, the clip seems stout, like the "sweat guard", but wonder if leather might be unsuitable?
Dom Hume H715-M - Same comments as above.
Sin-City, Alienwear Hybrid, etc - Looks like a lot of width to put in my pants! Probably hold the gun more securely than the single clips, but is it really necessary?
Raw Dog Tactical Defender Pro <& similar designs>- I like the adjustment for cant and retention. I wonder how the plastic feels compared to the leather? Right now I am leaning toward this (style) holsters. There are a lot of similar products available, and they all look about the same to me. I do want adjustable retention, and probably adjustable cant.

So....recommendations? Experience? Thanks a lot!

 

[Smoke52]

I have a new Shield and got the N8 2 pro IWB holster. (Nate Squared is how the brand is pronounced) My first and only IWB holster. It is amazingly comfortable, often forget it is there and wear it all day working a physical job. It meets all of your qualifications but price. $70. Suede backing next to your body with neoprene next to the firearm. No sweat getting through that. Firearm is help in polycarbonate with retention. Has variable cant and is tuckable too. Very easy to remove with the proper action and no one else can grab the firearm.

They also make a less expensive model for the Shield, $40, but that one has no retention and a soft elastic to hold the firearm. Difficult to re-holster. Go with the Pro for a few dollars more and be happy and safe.

I just looked at the ones you had ear-marked and noticed that none of them back the firearm completely. The N8 Pro covers the grip completely on the back side , so no rubbing or poking occurs.

 

[SC_Mike]

Keep in mind with IWB holsters of any kind you are give up about one pant waist size. If your pants, like mine, are a little snug from the start you won't be happy with any IWB.

I prefer leather, its a little easier on my hide and clothing over time. Avoid fancy snaps and loops. I've had several of these from Grizzle Leathers and have been very pleased.

Just my experience.

 

[Arik]

I prefer ones with the 2 clips far apart to spread out the weight. The ones I own are all kydex with leather hybrid type. This is the only holster I wear. Jeans have to be an inch or two bigger, I wear 34 - 35 waist and carry a Glock all day comfortably. I go for function over form because it's there to secure my gun, not for looking at....besides there wouldn't be much to see when it's inside my waste band and under a tshirt/sweater/jacket.

These types of holsters provide me with the most amount of concealment, which is what I'm after. Also kydex doesn't fold like leather so re holstering is easy with one hand.

 

[Ruger_Up]

I second the N82 Pro. Great for all day comfort. Drawing takes some practice since you have to turn the pistol 1/4 turn toward your body to unholster, but it's not as difficult as it sounds. I also carry in a Rubicon Tactical all kydex for short trips. It's very comfortable and adds no extra materials to the gun. BTW, I'm also carrying a Shield 9mm and run pretty close to your size.
http://www.rubicontactical.com/product-category/smith-wesson/


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[handlebar]

Try HighNoonholsters.com
out of Florida, nice and inexpensive

 

[1hatchet]

This is what I have been using for my Shield, has good coverage of the trigger and magazine release which some do not. Single clip for easy on an off and under $40 dollars. In addition comes with 10 degree cant, adjustable retention and sweat shield. Available in many different colors.


Kestrel Holsters | IWB 1 Piece with thumb belt clip

 

[Smoke]

I use a Galco summer comfort holster for a Glock 26 works just fine

 

[gunny4053]

Take a look at the Sticky and Remora holsters. They're about $25, no straps, snaps, or loops to deal with, and you can place them anywhere around your waist you want. Easy to draw from and you simply remove the holster, reinsert the gun, then tuck the whole thing back in you pants. These aren't pretty or super stylish, but they work and work well.







Easy to use and very comfortable.

 

[kozal01]

For my Shield and my LCP I use what's called a hybrid IWB, it's leather backed and has molded kydex plastic that secures the gun. I'm using the Intruder by Desantis for both and it's a great holster, very comfortable after break in.

Looks like this

I carry my 1911 in an all leather style like the one posted above, that one was custom made for my gun.


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[h2ohhh]

Yes a ton of options and opinions on holsters. I have quite a few. My EDC is a compact .45 and I use a dual clip hybrid kydex but also have a Desantis leather single clip that is quite comfy and sweat hasn't been an issue. You can find either of those (my Desantis was in a holster bin at a pawn shop and was $15. Like most of us you will likely end up with both more weapons and holsters that work best at different times of the year when our dress style changes and for different activity. Buy one now and ask for another style for Christmas!

 

[papersniper]

Try HighNoonholsters.com
out of Florida, nice and inexpensive

Zowie!! $124.95 is inexpensive? What would you consider an inexpensive holster@

Bit out of my budget........

 

[papersniper]

For my Shield and my LCP I use what's called a hybrid IWB, it's leather backed and has molded kydex plastic that secures the gun. I'm using the Intruder by Desantis for both and it's a great holster, very comfortable after break in.

Looks like this

I carry my 1911 in an all leather style like the one posted above, that one was custom made for my gun.


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Yeah, that's one of the ones I mentioned in my original post. Do those not take up a lot of real estate in your pants? They seem like they'd cover about 8-10 inches around your waist, and might be hot from covering that much? Sure wish I could try the ones that interest me.......

 

[kozal01]

Yeah, that's one of the ones I mentioned in my original post. Do those not take up a lot of real estate in your pants? They seem like they'd cover about 8-10 inches around your waist, and might be hot from covering that much? Sure wish I could try the ones that interest me.......

It is large but it doesn't take up a lot of space, but like others have posted the size of the leather backer spreads the weight of the gun out over a larger area which is why they tend to be more comfortable for many. The small single clip style are great but I've found the larger double clip style to be better for all day wear. Sweat in the summer months hasn't been much of an issue for me. Sometimes I get just a little bit of irritation with the leather against my skin in the hot weather but that is pretty rare. Overall this is my favorite, most comfortable and most concealable mode of carry.


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[27Veer]

This is what I have been using for my Shield, has good coverage of the trigger and magazine release which some do not. Single clip for easy on an off and under $40 dollars. In addition comes with 10 degree cant, adjustable retention and sweat shield. Available in many different colors.


Kestrel Holsters | IWB 1 Piece with thumb belt clip

This is what I did also, good holster.

 

[sawlog]

milt sparks versa max 2 and be done with it. best iwb holster hands down. and you do not have to get bigger jeans. I wore 32in waist jeans before I carried and 32in jeans now. and I don't wear my jeans baggy. I can carry my 5in 1911 or my 3in jframe no problems. I think iwb is way more comfortable then owb. your jeans help hold the gun weight. owb feel to me like the gun is always just hanging off you belt. I also ditched my gun belt and went back to a thin leather belt. a thin leather belt that stretches a little is way more comfortable. im a plumber and carry at work all day every day. so im not just talking about walking around Walmart comfort

 

[Lycan]

Hidden Hybrid Holster. In my opinion, it is an excellent IWB. Like others have said, there are literally hundreds of options and everybody has their own favorites.

 

[formernuke]

Holsters are very personal choice and what works for one might not work for others. For example I read a lot of good reviews for Winthrop so I tried one. It does not work for me. The hybrid types I do like, and they are made by a lot of different companies.

Hybrids off the top of my head.
Alien gear
Foxx
Crossbreed
and more that I just can't think of right now.

leather of the top of my head
Galco
Don Hume
Lobo gun leather
armory outlet express
El Paso saddlery
Andrews
several more I can't think of right now.

 

[PastureOfMuppets]

In my mind, comfort is important, and I don't want to take the chance of damaging the gun from sweat, dirt, etc. I want one where I can easily draw and re-insert the gun into the holster. I THINK I want one of the ones that clips on easily without removing my belt, etc. I do not plan to wear the IWB holster all the time, but occasionally, and probably only for 3-4 hours at a time.

If it's going to be on and off a lot, yes, a clip on holster makes sense.

I love the look of leather, but I think leather might be a problem with sweat. But those may be more comfortable than the plastic ones?

Leather will indeed soak up sweat.

Comfort wise... it's a personal preference thing. Personally, I don't like all that extra material (live in a hot place) and much prefer as minimal as possible.

- Love the looks of the brown leather, the clip seems stout, like the "sweat guard", but wonder if leather might be unsuitable?

Sweat guard is great for hot weather and/or if you are not wearing a T shirt between gun and skin. Salt water on the slide of a gun, not ideal and likewise... oiled metal on the skin.

Sin-City, Alienwear Hybrid, etc - Looks like a lot of width to put in my pants! Probably hold the gun more securely than the single clips, but is it really necessary?

Some people like that, it really is preference. Google Alien Gear to see peoples experiences.

I like the adjustment for cant and retention.

Adjustable retention I have fooled around with and come to the conclusion that a well made holster doesn't need it. Universally ideal retention is being able to hold the holster upside down with the gun inside and give it a few shakes without the gun coming out... but when pulled out it comes relatively easily.

Adjustable cant... yeah, I can see the appeal. But once you have it set you won't find yourself adjusting it. Standard can is around 10 degrees. More aggressive is the FBI cant which is 15 degrees.



Hope this helps.

 

[sbacpo]

Take a look at the Sticky and Remora holsters. They're about $25, no straps, snaps, or loops to deal with, and you can place them anywhere around your waist you want. Easy to draw from and you simply remove the holster, reinsert the gun, then tuck the whole thing back in you pants. These aren't pretty or super stylish, but they work and work well.







Easy to use and very comfortable.

This. You can carry exactly where you want. I like the Remora with the reinforced opening. I think Remora is running a special right now.