Newbie. 1st pistol. M&P Shield 9mm questions

[Bill In Texas]

Whatever your reason for a retention device (there are several types available beyond the thumb break snap), get a purposeful (designed for your gun) and solid/rigid holster, along with a solid belt strap on a true gun belt. I was at a class this weekend with some rookie shooters (I tagged along with some new-to-shooting friends), and two of the people there had the soft "universal" nylon holsters flopping loosely on their "belts." I'm frankly surprised the instructors tolerated it (the students were constantly struggling when drawing and reholstering). You can buy a good holster with retention for less than $100 (Safariland, Bianchi, G/G, Galco, Blackhawk, ...). You need a solid holster with a solid attachment if you are going to OC (you dont want someone to


easily strip it off your belt). Don't go cheap when you are betting your life on it.

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This is good advice if anyone intends to open carry!

 

[VaTom]

Regarding holsters for a Shield. Since you are in NC you need to check out Wild Bill's Concealment Holsters. I think they are made in NC. They have a website. They also sell nice holster belts.

I carry concealed in a Wild Bill's Fusion paddle holster. Used one of theirs when working and carrying a Glock 23. Now that I am retired I carry my Shield in one. Very comfortable paddle.

 

[Rastoff]

...soft "universal" nylon holsters flopping loosely on their "belts." I'm frankly surprised the instructors tolerated it (the students were constantly struggling when drawing and reholstering).

This would not be tolerated in my class. That's why I don't allow presenting from the holster unless I've trained you or someone I know has trained you, i.e. Front Sight, Gunsite or Thunder Ranch.

You can buy a good holster with retention...

I would like to address this verbiage. ALL holsters have retention. If they didn't, the gun would just fall out. What I believe you're getting at is a higher level of retention. Levels of retention is a phrase/status coined by Safariland. It is more than just the number of steps required to get the gun out: https://www.safariland.com/on/deman...ters-and-gear/Levels of Retention Details.pdf

1) I think if a person sees me open carrying, they are going to take a closer look. Upon closer look, they should be able to see that not only is it holstered, but "strapped in" .....which in my theory would put them a little bit more at ease at the sight. I think it would give a vibe of "ok, he's got it strapped in and is minding his own business, he's probably ok."

It MIGHT give someone a second thought before calling the police.

2) (Biggest reason) I believe it will be much harder for someone to try to grab my gun and run.

That's it really.

These are reasonable reasons for wanting the strap. However, like they said previously, they are a very low probability.

There are literally hundreds of quality holster makers out there. I carry my Shield in an IWB Kydex holster made by someone local (PM me if you want his info). I'll leave the bulk of the suggestions to the others here. However, I would like to discuss the strap a moment.

First, leave this type of strap out of your search:

These are extremely slow to use, should you need your gun. Also, they are quite unsafe. This type can easily get inside the trigger guard which could fire the gun as you re-holster.

This type is better:

Note the width of the strap. This is much less likely to get in the trigger guard. Even so, you must be very careful when re-holstering.

While faster on the presentation than the first type, it is a little more challenging to re-strap upon re-holstering.

Personally I think this type is better than either of those:

Model 6378 ALS

This holster is easier to operate and more secure than either type of strap holster.

Obviously the choice is up to you. Price is a factor, but be wary of going cheap. This is something you will depend on to potentially save your life. Make it a good one and you'll never need a second.

 

[SVTCOBRATKD]

Congrats on getting your Shield!!! Like you have heard, they are awesome guns. Also reside in NC!!
As for IWB, I really like Murph's Holsters, which are made here in NC (China Grove or Mooresville). Murph's Custom Leather
I get mine from Ideal Sportsman in Concord NC., but you can get them on Ebay too.
For open carrying the Shield, I have a Fobus that I picked up from Academy. I use it alot when I'm outside shooting. Easier to reholster while reloading. Also, quick to put on.
One of the least expensive places to get your conceal is in China Grove.....70 for 1, 60 for 2, 50 for 3 or more.
In Meck County it takes about 4 to 6 months once you submit the paper work.

 

[earthtone31]

Get the Desantis Leather Scabbard with the Thumb Break that goes over the top of the gun for the Shield 9. They are great holsters I three of them. perfect fit and well made and secure like it sounds like your wanting

 

[KF-NYC]

Welcome to the forum Cmbconcretefire,

I believe you have received some worthy comments concerning holsters to your post. I took up pistol shooting late in life. It may be different for you, but for me as a green hand learning to shoot with the Shield was difficult. Even now when shooting with a Shield beyond 15 yards, my accuracy begins to suffer. With this compact/subcompact at 25+ yards it is still hit or miss on a steel target. If you like the ergonomics of the M&P, I suggest that you make sure to shoot prior to purchasing - M&P, M&Pc and the Shield. Select the model you shoot the best and that feels the best in your hand. BTW, it is always a matter of personal preference some will prefer a Glock 19 over the M&P.
I have old eyes and rubber tire so I carry concealed OWB under a garment. No matter how good and big you are, there is always some one who is better. Open carry isn't on my agenda. Of course YMMV. So, when and if you open carry take the good advise of others: get a holster with extra levels of retention. Note that some trainers restrict Serpa holsters to only those who are required to wear them as their duty holster. In addition to taking serious handgun training, open carry handgun owners should also take CQS training. Do not forget that criminals train to draw handguns law enforcement retention holsters and this has resulted to very bad consequences. Just last week in my jurisdiction there was a physical confrontation a man was able to remove a policer officer's Glock from an officer's holster. The man then shot and killed a civilian. Good luck.

 

[Sunsetview45]

Newbie. 1st pistol. M&P Shield 9mm questions

I'm going to take the plunge and get one of these guns on Saturday. My main questions regard carrying. I live in NC and it's an open carry state and I do plan to open carry from time to time. This might sound ultra nuts, but I'd like to get a leather OWB holster with a strap that goes across the handle and snaps into place. (Right, wrong or other wise, I have my reasons for wanting this) Where do I even begin looking for this holster?



Now, moving into more modern holsters, give me the top 5 or so holsters for OWB carry for the Shield. Whatever they may be.



I am not a troll and do not intend to cause problems, but I've heard the Shield was recalled (once?) for something. What was the problem, and has it been fixed? Thanks in advance for answers. I'm very excited. Picked the Shield over the G43. Better quality IMHO and $100 cheaper.

Here is another concealed class at a good price. We will be there this Sat doing our class! They are located past Mooresville NC

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[mrchuck]

I'm going to take the plunge and get one of these guns on Saturday. My main questions regard carrying. I live in NC and it's an open carry state and I do plan to open carry from time to time. This might sound ultra nuts, but I'd like to get a leather OWB holster with a strap that goes across the handle and snaps into place. (Right, wrong or other wise, I have my reasons for wanting this) Where do I even begin looking for this holster?

Now, moving into more modern holsters, give me the top 5 or so holsters for OWB carry for the Shield. Whatever they may be.

I am not a troll and do not intend to cause problems, but I've heard the Shield was recalled (once?) for something. What was the problem, and has it been fixed? Thanks in advance for answers. I'm very excited. Picked the Shield over the G43. Better quality IMHO and $100 cheaper.

Check out the GALCO holsters. I use one for my S&W Sigma SW40C and it has held up well.