Problem Finding an OWB holster for 9mm Shield

[exdetsgt]

Almost every holster maker lists lots of IWB holsters but very few list OWB holsters for the 9mm Shield. I've been carrying OWB for decades and always well-concealed and always in a leather holster.

In my lgs, same thing. Several IWB, no OWB. But I did find a black leather OWB Blackhawk 3-slot pancake for an M&P 9/40 compact and just for the heck of it I put the Shield into it. Lo and Behold, a perfect fit. Unfortunately it's a thumbreak model and when snapped the thumbreak is too long - about 1/2 an inch. On the other hand, because the Shield is a perfect fit, snug, doesn't move, is not loose, I'm beginning to think, "Who needs a thumbreak?"

So I bought it. It's beautifully made, Italian leather, even has a birthdate stamped at the bottom rear: 2/14. Never saw that on a holster before. In the garage at home, and with the Shield unloaded, I thought I'd practice drawing, get a bit of muscle memory going. Yikes, because the thumbreak was not snug against the back of the slide it wouldn't unsnap! Leaves three alternatives:

1. Take it to a leather worker and have the leather strap shortened and the metal snap repositioned,

2. Just leave it unsnapped,

3. Cut the thumbsnap off; it becomes an open top, just like the Galco Concealable for my SP101.

I'm frankly tempted by number 3. Any input deeply appreciated.

 

[STCM(SW)]

"3. Cut the thumbsnap off; it becomes an open top, just like the Galco Concealable for my SP101.

I'm frankly tempted by number 3. Any input deeply appreciated."

What I would do if it's a snug fit.
Your not running or jumping fences after BG's, are you?

 

[exdetsgt]

STCM(SW): Not anymore. Bit long in the tooth for that.

 

[Fred_G]

I would have shopped around a little more for a holster maker that makes what you really wanted. Or just cut the strap off.

 

[McE]

Looks like they're a dime a dozen with an ebay search for "shield owb"

 

[27Veer]

I have a DeSantis Speed Scabbard for all my M&P's. Very comfortable and strong enough to survive several advanced classes with Ayoob.

 

[Hillbilly77]

I am the same way. For OWB carry, I only use leather holsters with a thumb break. Just my preference.
With my Shield, I use a DeSantis for OWB carry.

The gun fits like a glove and it conceals well. I've been using it for more than a year with no problems. It is easy to draw and reholster, snap, unsnap, etc.
The strap is a bit longer than it needs to be, but the gun doesn't move around in the holster at all.

Some pictures for your consideration (you can see the holster is well-worn):

The part number of the holster:

 

[MX5Fan]

Wright Leatherworks.....awesome holsters and they make it for the Shield.
http://www.wrightleatherworks.com/products/predator-pancake-holster

 

[CaptRon956]

There are tons of OWB holsters for the M&P shields... Bass pro shop, Academy, Cabelas, online, offline, down the street at your local gun store...

Dont skimp out on a cheap holster and a belt.... A lot of people spend hunders on a carry gun and go out & spend 20 bucks on a holster... Buy the best you can afford and buy a belt made for carry guns..

Here are my suggestions,

Desantis Thumb break holster as shown by "hillbilly77" is a excellent holster used by some LEO's here in Texas.

Fobus kydex paddle holster Fobus Holster: S&W M&P Shield EVOLUTION BELT HOLSTER

Alien gear OWB holster Alien Gear Cloak Slide OWB Holster (Outside the Waistband)

PJ kydex holster are freakin awesome! http://pjholster.com/


I use a Alien gear clock tuck 2.0 IWb holster for my Shield 40 as shown in the pic and in the upper corner is their OWB holster...

 

[exdetsgt]

Thanks, everyone. You've all been very helpful. Well, I'm going to live with the Blackhawk for awhile and see how it goes (seeing as I already own it). I did cut it off, but just the outside strap, not the piece closest to the belt. It's rigid anyway and sort of acts as a buffer between gun and skin. Seems to work OK: fast draw, easy to reholster, holds the Shield high and snug against the body in the 4 o'clock position. Doesn't print under an untucked shirt. I don't use IWB holsters as I have a 33" waist and wear 33" jeans so there's no room.

My favorite holster maker is D.M. Bullard in Azle, Texas. I have the Bodyguard model for my 1911, which has more of a forward cant than most holsters. He makes some serious stuff out of exotic leathers. Google him and take a look. I'd add the link, but I don't know how. And he makes good gun belts (I have one).

 

[NCW Ray]

I see no reason...unless you are completely broke...to cut up a holster to "make it work" for your Shield. There are MANY OWB holsters made specifically for it. If you like the Bullard holsters so well, why not buy one of them?

 

[Indynick]

I got a Desantis Mini Scabbard OWB Holster for Shield with Crimson Trace Laser Guard for an NRA Pistol Defense class. I have always used a thumb break in the past, but after the class, I decided this is what I want to use.

 

[9mmjld]

+1 on the Desantis Mini Scabbard OWB Holster. I have been using one over a year.

 

[Bob O]

Bulldog Cases fits perfectly, been using it nearly everyday since day one.

 

[Jaysq]

Take a look at Wright Leather Works for outstanding workmanship, fit and retention. I have carried my Shield in their "Predator" for over 1 1/2 years and am well satisfied.
Concealed Carry Leather Holsters - Wright Leather Works LLC

[/url]S&W Shield 003cf3 by Jerry Jaynes, on Flickr[/IMG]

 

[exdetsgt]

Jaysq, thanks for the link. I like the Predator, especially the sweat guard and the reinforced area around the holster mouth. I'm going to order one. I think I read that there's a 4-6 week wait. That will give me time to wear out the Blackhawk.

 

[PirateJim]

There are indeed a lot of holsters out there. I am very pleased with my Lobo Gun Leather enhanced pancake. It is well that you are ready to get along with what you've got for a bit, because many custom holsters have some wait time involved.

 

[MX5Fan]

Jaysq, thanks for the link. I like the Predator, especially the sweat guard and the reinforced area around the holster mouth. I'm going to order one. I think I read that there's a 4-6 week wait. That will give me time to wear out the Blackhawk.

Hi, I too can atest to the quality, comfort and conceal ability of the Predator Holster, however, I belive the Wright Leatherworks wait time is more like 12-14 weeks. I can say with all sincerety, that it is absolutely, worth the wait....it takes a lot of patience though.

 

[bedbugbilly]

A quick question on the Desantis "sheath holster with the thumb break" as shown in the one post. I'm thinking strongly on that model - I want thumb break plus the option to adjust "retention". The thing I've read on several reviews . . and which was mentioned . .. is that the thumb strap seems long on them? I've heard/read that complaint several times.

What's the "scoop" on that . . . is it too long and if so, why? Seems like Desantis should be able to correct that but evidently not? I like the holster . . just don't want a thug break strap that is "too long" which might not "break" if needed due to not being snug to the pistol.

 

[JLM]

I have an OWB from Concealment Solutions, and love it!

http://www.concealmentsolutions.com/siprowbr.html