OWB holster for Shield

[Back40]

Picked up my Shield 40 from PSA last Thursday(first handgun). Now I'm in the market for an outside the waistband holster. Seems most of the holsters discussed in other threads are IWB which I may opt for after I get my CWP. Thanks for your recommendations.

Update: I failed to mention that the majority of my open carry will be when I am on recon of a fairly large wooded tract of property. While I like leather, a material that will not be as impacted by perspiration is most likely the way I will go. Thanks again for the feedback!

 

[The Sarge]

I highly recommend the High Noon Holsters "Slide Guard". After 36 years of serious business carry, High Noon is the only holsters I will use. Take a look around their site as there is lots of good info there. Bill

 

[Grjfer]

Take a look at this thread, http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-m-p-pistols/348675-m-p-shield-holster-dave-pipenger.html. I have one of Daves holsters and really like it for OWB carry.

 

[Ransom]

When I bought my Shield I got a Amazon.com : DeSantis Scabbard S&W Shield Right Hand Black : Gun Holsters : Sports & Outdoors@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31U9CKw97aL.@@AMEPARAM@@31U9CKw97aL. It's a fine holster but I switched to IWB and never use it now. If you are interested, PM me and I'll make you a good deal.

 

[Jaysq]

You will want to look for a holster that is made for your gun only. This will give you the proper fit and retention. For OWB I don't think you can beat leather. The next thing is a gun belt. I like solid one piece bull hide. It should be at least 1/4" x 1 1/2". My holster and belt are from Wright Leather Works and their craftsmanship is the best I have ever seen. They are also great to work with.
Classic Collection Leather Holsters | Wright Leather Works LLC

 

[Kitgun]

Leather: lobogunleather.com or rgleather.freehomepage.com
Kydex: crownholsters.com Any of these guys can make you a great owb holster.

 

[webfarmer]

I highly recommend the Galco Stinger belt holster. Was really tight at first like most are and shortly thereafter fit the Shield perfectly. I carry most waking hours at home (retired) and switched from the Remora IWB to the Galco. Remora to be saved for when out and about. It gets so you forget it's on you until your arm touches or whatever. Worth a look anyway. Good luck!

 

[AFrost20]

There are SO many options, you will most likely get a good, and different, suggestion in every response. If you don't have to have a leather type holster, and you want some positive retention, I would suggest the Blackhawk series. I have one in,graphite for my MP9c and love it.

 

[OilTrader]

Another DeSantis fan here. I have the Sof-Tuck for IWB and the Mini Scabbard for OWB. Both are comfortable, well made and will last you a lifetime. I really like the Mini Scabbard. It rides very close to your body so its easily concealed, and has adjustable retention so you can fine tune it to your liking. I also have a Thumb Break Scabbard as Ransom mentioned above. Again, well made and comfortable.

But what I like, others may not. There's a world of great leather holsters out there...guess that's why the wife has a closet full of purses. Accessories are always in fashion.

 

[Water-Man]

Mine rides in a Raven Concealment Phantom which, IMO, is the best Kydex holster on the market.

 

[HeavyDuty Ken]

I have two types of OWB holsters for the majority of my guns:

* A Kydex pancake, the one by Atomic Dog Holsters is my favorite; and

* A retention holster, I prefer Safariland 6378s.

I am also trying the idea of a clip-on crossdraw OWB for the car, I have one from PJ Holsters that is very impressive.

Since you will be open carrying on woodland, I highly recommend you start with a Safariland ALS holster like the 6378. It will give you Shield a bit more security in the brush. There are three related models - the 6377 has a belt loop only, the 6378 has both belt loop and a paddle, and the 6379 has a belt clip only. The 6378 is the most versatile IMO.

There is also a new retention holster design by Safariland that sits a little closer to the body - see their model 5378 for examples. I have one on order, they are still in pre-production.

 

[dav2no1]

Rocket Man....RM HOLSTER ECP extreme cant paddle...kydex, awesome EDC holster. Had mine for a year? now. Super comfortable and great draw angle, as well as easy access on/off. You wont be disappointed.

Home Page

 

[ginzo]

I'll throw this into the mix: Panther Concealment Custom Kydex Holsters and Knife Sheaths

Good luck.

 

[badjujumatt]

I have a Galco Stinger also. My only complaint is the single belt loop on the holster. I find that the rig has a tendency to slide on my belt between loops. I really like having 2 belt loops/clips on the holster, then I can trap the rig on my jeans.

Do you have this issue too? If so, do you have a way around it??

I highly recommend the Galco Stinger belt holster. Was really tight at first like most are and shortly thereafter fit the Shield perfectly. I carry most waking hours at home (retired) and switched from the Remora IWB to the Galco. Remora to be saved for when out and about. It gets so you forget it's on you until your arm touches or whatever. Worth a look anyway. Good luck!

 

[JRC332]

Another DeSantis fan here. I have the Sof-Tuck for IWB and the Mini Scabbard for OWB. Both are comfortable, well made and will last you a lifetime. I really like the Mini Scabbard. It rides very close to your body so its easily concealed, and has adjustable retention so you can fine tune it to your liking. I also have a Thumb Break Scabbard as Ransom mentioned above. Again, well made and comfortable.

But what I like, others may not. There's a world of great leather holsters out there...guess that's why the wife has a closet full of purses. Accessories are always in fashion.

+1 on Desantis. I also have the Mini Scabbard and the Sof-Tuck. I find that I use the Mini Scabbard the majority of the time I carry either one of my Shields.

 

[webfarmer]

I have a Galco Stinger also. My only complaint is the single belt loop on the holster. I find that the rig has a tendency to slide on my belt between loops. I really like having 2 belt loops/clips on the holster, then I can trap the rig on my jeans.

Do you have this issue too? If so, do you have a way around it??

I noticed that about the single belt loop also. My holster doesn't move very much so it hasn't been a pain for me quite honestly. I don't notice it when shoveling snow, walking, snow blowing, chipping driveway ice etc. Things might be different come summer with different clothes maybe.

The one plus of the free movement though is when sitting down on a couch for example, it allows me to move it slightly forward for comfort. And it comes off the belt fast if the need arises. That said, it's been very comfortable for me. Wish I had a better answer for you badjujumatt.

 

[Mumbleypeg1]

+1 on Desantis. I also have the Mini Scabbard and the Sof-Tuck. I find that I use the Mini Scabbard the majority of the time I carry either one of my Shields.

Ditto on DeSantis. I also have both and the mini scabbard is what I use most of the time. With a good belt the mini scabbard holds the Shield close to the body and is thin, light and easy to conceal OWB with an untucked shirt, t-shirt, sweatshirt, sweater, or a vest, depending on the weather. It's high quality leather, fits the gun perfectly and is not at all expensive.

 

[mltndw3]

My new Shield holster and belt

I checked the forums, looked at the pictures, and settled on a Wright Leatherworks holster for my Shield (just like Jaysq's). I also ordered the belt which is a fine piece of work. I really love this rig. I now want to buy one for my new 642 so I can put that in the rotation.