Shield AIWB Holster

[greeenteeee]

Topic probably beaten to death...

I've already started a bucket of tossed aside holsters so I'm trying to be even more picky.

Looking for an AIWB holster (that can be 4 oclock if possible, but not necessary). I'd like the clip offset as it seems to help with thickness and adjustability is good, even if I have to modify it myself.

I've considered the Alien Gear (though it's not for AIWB).
I'm considering a few from Garrett Industries-- Silent Thunder GT and Slim.

But browsing eBay (easiest way to see pictures it seems) I like the addition on the piece below the trigger guard that seems to keep the grip of the gun closer to you, which is an issue I have when at 4 oclock.

Anyone know of any good holsters to look into that have those features? Thanks in advance.

 

[gatekeeper]

The Q Series Minimalist ($39.99 at Quarter Master) is the one that I like. The on things I noticed about these threads is nobody talks about the pants down when using the restroom. The Minimalist keeps the weapon in place, in the pant waistband. Most IWB holsters I've seen are not capable of that retention. They are also ambidextrous, you can use the clip that it comes with it is extremely strong steel. I opted to put Comp Tac clips on my for the adjustability, they come in different sizes and types. I have one for my Shield 45 ACP and another for my M&P 40 PRO.

Comp-Tac Holsters | Concealed Carry | Competition | IWB

Q-Series Stealth Minimalist Inside the Waist Band Holster

 

[Shield9mm]

Tulster or Dara holsters are great Kydex holsters. Well built and retention is adjustable. I like the belt clip on the dara better so that's the one I currently use. I've seen on their website some like the one you posted and some with the magazine holder too.

 

[Shield9mm]

The Quest Minimalist ($39.99 at Quarter Master) is the one that I like. The on things I noticed about these threads is nobody talks about the pants down when using the restroom. The Minimalist keeps the weapon in place, in the pant waistband. Most IWB holsters I've seen are not capable of that retention. They are also ambidextrous, you can use the clip that it comes with it is extremely strong steel. I opted to put Comp Tac clips on my for the adjustability, they come in different sizes and types. I have one for my Shield 45 ACP and another for my M&P 40 PRO.

Comp-Tac Holsters | Concealed Carry | Competition | IWB

Q-Series Stealth Minimalist Inside the Waist Band Holster

I saw that one on ebay and liked a lot, but this is the first review I read about it, good to know. Was thinking of getting one.

 

[CQB60]

Garrett Industries Silent Thunder...

 

[Brasky]

I have one of these for my Glock 23 and sp101 and love them. Going on two years now of everyday carry with the Glock and still works great. I'm going to try this with the new shield 45 I have coming

Desantis Sof Tuck

[ame]https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005LPMDWC/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1492550026&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=sof+tuck+shield&dpPl=1&dpID=31lT6V1cpWL&ref=plSrch[/ame]

 

[walkin' trails]

Look at Spencer Keepers Concealment. They one for small pistols that work for both AIWB and standard IWB called the Errand. I have not yet found an AIWB that I could stand for very long, but am considering one of theirs.


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[John Reid]

Take a look at Vedder Holsters. They can be worn AIWB or just IWB. The ride height and cant is adjustable.

http://www.vedderholsters.com/lighttuck

 

[greeenteeee]

Thanks guys, many great options here. That minimalist is interesting but looks like I have a lot of options to choose from. In the meantime, gf "stole" my Shield but she replaced it with a PC 9 today... and I was debating on 9 or 40 this time around. The PC slide is locking all the way back, barrel stuck when it does. Gonna clean lube and sort that out before I can look into these holsters.

 

[jim46ok]

If you want "minimalist" then the VersaCarry is about as small as you can go. I've been carrying my LCP in one for about 3 years. And it does retain well in "pants down" scenarios....

 

[CB3]

BTW, AIWB = Appendix Inside the Waistband. This refers to carrying the gun at the 1 or 11 o'clock position, usually straight vertical.

AIWB holsters have differences built into them different from carrying IWB at 3 or 4 o'clock. Looking for an AIWB to carry at 4 o'clock may not get you what you really need.

 

[greeenteeee]

BTW, AIWB = Appendix Inside the Waistband. This refers to carrying the gun at the 1 or 11 o'clock position, usually straight vertical.

AIWB holsters have differences built into them different from carrying IWB at 3 or 4 o'clock. Looking for an AIWB to carry at 4 o'clock may not get you what you really need.

Yea, I'm noticing that, also when I was looking at Garrett Industry Silent Thunders a while back. I picked up the Shield with a Sticky holster, sort of to protect it when storing it and have experimented with it at AIWB and 4oclock. Because it's clipless, I've noticed sometimes a cant makes it more comfy for me at AIWB-- might be bc of my small frame and wanting it to be comfy when sitting with a 30" waist. Posture is also important too, I find.

The extension thing appealed for the 4oclock because when it's there, the butt of the grip pokes out. It looks easily removable if I ultimately dislike it and move it to AIWB.

 

[CB3]

Yea, I'm noticing that, also when I was looking at Garrett Industry Silent Thunders a while back. I picked up the Shield with a Sticky holster, sort of to protect it when storing it and have experimented with it at AIWB and 4oclock. Because it's clipless, I've noticed sometimes a cant makes it more comfy for me at AIWB-- might be bc of my small frame and wanting it to be comfy when sitting with a 30" waist. Posture is also important too, I find.

The extension thing appealed for the 4oclock because when it's there, the butt of the grip pokes out. It looks easily removable if I ultimately dislike it and move it to AIWB.

I find AIWB to be the safest, fastest and most convenient way to carry. Straight drop works best for me so the grip stays closer to my body and prints less. I now have an "extended barrel" holster for my Shield, not only because I DO have an extended barrel, but also because it is longer and therefore the top tips away from my body less.

Carrying at 4 is harder to conceal, access and control (from a grab) IMO. Also, it can only be accessed with one hand. The covering garment is harder to clear than with AIWB. Very difficult to access when seated (and uncomfortable), especially in a car. AIWB overcomes all these disadvantages.

I put a long strip of loop velcro on the back of the holster to make the rig even more comfortable, although the Shield is smaller and easier to conceal compared to my regular EDC Full Size M&P. With the velcro strip on the back, I can glue a mating piece of hook material to a closed cell or gel foam pad to put at the bottom of the holster, which aids in comfort but more importantly keeps the grip tighter to my waist.

I just received an AIWB holster for a Glock 19 that has the (removable) "wing" to help keep the grip in against my waist. Works well. I'm not sure it is necessary for a grip as short as the Shield when carried AIWB, but it might help. Even carrying my extended MagGuts + 2 mag (10+1 in gun) my Shield grip does not stick out. I have more real estate at my waist than you do--36".





My latest holsters have come from JM Custom Kydex

 

[dlombard]

I am actually planning on buying this:
Model 100T Professional™ Tuckable Inside Waistband Holster - The Safariland Group

Kydex is cool for OWB but IWB all day carry, I gotta have something that feels like clothes. I particularly appreciate that it's tuckable because I never wear my shirts untucked.

 

[CB3]

I am actually planning on buying this:
Model 100T Professional™ Tuckable Inside Waistband Holster - The Safariland Group

Kydex is cool for OWB but IWB all day carry, I gotta have something that feels like clothes. I particularly appreciate that it's tuckable because I never wear my shirts untucked.

I love the look and feel of leather too, and Bianchi works their leather very well. I also used to shoot DAO defensive pistols because of the increased margin of safety, especially when reholstering.

But I tried Kydex and found it to be more compact, to protect the gun better from sweat, and it was a little better priced than most good leather holsters (not so today). I also tried striker fired guns and switched over. I found I had a lot of preconceived notions that were holding me back from progressing with new advancements in CCW.

The above holster has rather poor reviews because of the minimalist clip. That is where the rubber meets the road with a holster. If the belt attachment is not robust and well placed, the holster may move, tilt or not work right on some belts. The advantage of this being tuckable may be lost with other characteristics.

I never found a tuckable that met all my requirements for stability and concealment. It was always too much of a compromise, especially if it had robust clip(s) to attach it. When I worked, it was always in a suit, and I often removed my suit coat. In 1995 I settled on using a small Shield size gun in small pocket size Thunderwear (deep AIWB), and when I dress with a tucked in shirt that has been my method of carry for 22 years.

I consider it deep carry, more concealed and therefore a little harder to draw and to reholster. The former is a training issue; the latter a non-issue, as reholstering is the least of my concerns if I have to use the gun for defense. It's comfortable, discreet, and bathroom duties are easier than with any other holster. I can wear a typical dress belt that would not support a gun, and nothing shows externally.

Just some additional options that I have found work for me. I have carried concealed, including with full size pistols, almost every day (except for travel) for over 25 years.

 

[Masonic_John]

I find AIWB to be the safest, fastest and most convenient way to carry. Straight drop works best for me so the grip stays closer to my body and prints less. I now have an "extended barrel" holster for my Shield, not only because I DO have an extended barrel, but also because it is longer and therefore the top tips away from my body less.

Carrying at 4 is harder to conceal, access and control (from a grab) IMO. Also, it can only be accessed with one hand. The covering garment is harder to clear than with AIWB. Very difficult to access when seated (and uncomfortable), especially in a car. AIWB overcomes all these disadvantages.

I put a long strip of loop velcro on the back of the holster to make the rig even more comfortable, although the Shield is smaller and easier to conceal compared to my regular EDC Full Size M&P. With the velcro strip on the back, I can glue a mating piece of hook material to a closed cell or gel foam pad to put at the bottom of the holster, which aids in comfort but more importantly keeps the grip tighter to my waist.

I just received an AIWB holster for a Glock 19 that has the (removable) "wing" to help keep the grip in against my waist. Works well. I'm not sure it is necessary for a grip as short as the Shield when carried AIWB, but it might help. Even carrying my extended MagGuts + 2 mag (10+1 in gun) my Shield grip does not stick out. I have more real estate at my waist than you do--36".





My latest holsters have come from JM Custom Kydex

What sight is that and how is it mounted?

 

[greeenteeee]

Kydex is cool for OWB but IWB all day carry, I gotta have something that feels like clothes. I particularly appreciate that it's tuckable because I never wear my shirts untucked.

It seemed kydex was the slimmest and I like that it keeps it's shape. I ordered the Q-code so I'll see how that is. I do notice that many of the no name eBay holsters look very similar to name brands $60 and up. Maybe it is a mold/fit issue-- and cheaper ones add more wear?

Also ran into this. Has the height adjustability I'm interested in, but without an offset clip. Maybe I'm looking for a unicorn.

http://www.vedderholsters.com/rapidtuck/

Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Belt Clip for Concealed Carry

 

[CB3]

What sight is that and how is it mounted?

It is a Shield Reflex Mini Sight (RMS) made in England. It is in a specifically milled slide cut. The sight is not as wide or tall as most other red dot sights, so it fits compact guns like the S&W Shield real well. It has a sighting groove in the back, so I can use standard height Heinie Straight Eight nite sites. It's a 3.5 MOA dot and works just fine.

Shield Sights RMS in Full Production | RECOIL

 

[CB3]

Also ran into this. Has the height adjustability I'm interested in, but without an offset clip. Maybe I'm looking for a unicorn.

http://www.vedderholsters.com/rapidtuck/

Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Belt Clip for Concealed Carry

Adjustable height and cant holsters must have extra real estate to provide those adjustments. That makes the holster bigger and heavier. If you don't yet know what you really need, it's a start, but a holster with the ride height and cant you actually end up settling on will be more compact and therefore also more comfortable.

The clip draw is an unsafe gimmick. The gun is exposed to body sweat; it is not very stable; it is uncomfortable; rides too low and most importantly, the trigger is always uncovered and susceptible to an unintended discharge. Bad idea, IMO.

 

[greeenteeee]

Adjustable height and cant holsters must have extra real estate to provide those adjustments. That makes the holster bigger and heavier. If you don't yet know what you really need, it's a start, but a holster with the ride height and cant you actually end up settling on will be more compact and therefore also more comfortable.

The clip draw is an unsafe gimmick. The gun is exposed to body sweat; it is not very stable; it is uncomfortable; rides too low and most importantly, the trigger is always uncovered and susceptible to an unintended discharge. Bad idea, IMO.

Good point on the extra R.E. requirement. From what I have so far, it has been hit or miss figuring out my cant/ride height adjustability needs as sometimes 0 cant is comfy then next day I need a cant-- could be the wrong holster tho.

For the clip draw I thought the same thing (mainly the uncovered trigger)... but last weekend I ran into a guy in the military (why his Shield was a 40) who let me shoot it a bit. He was using a clip draw and I asked about the concern and he said that's what the safety is for.

The Q Series Minimalist ($39.99 at Quarter Master) is the one that I like. The on things I noticed about these threads is nobody talks about the pants down when using the restroom. The Minimalist keeps the weapon in place, in the pant waistband. Most IWB holsters I've seen are not capable of that retention. They are also ambidextrous, you can use the clip that it comes with it is extremely strong steel. I opted to put Comp Tac clips on my for the adjustability, they come in different sizes and types. I have one for my Shield 45 ACP and another for my M&P 40 PRO.

How long have you had it? It is tight now, but since it is just a "taco" over the frame, I'm concerned it will wear in and become looser over time.

It does have the lowest profile so far of everything I've tried, but I wonder how much thicker a 0.08 kydex wrapping around could be.

The offset clip definitely helps in that regard so that's definitely something I want.

 

[Mal Cap]

I carry my 9 Shield in a Bladetech holster BUT i have a CTC Green Laser Grip Sight which only fits in this holster. This is a IWB rig. I did remove the plastic clip and replaced it with an Ulticlip, covered with some Velcro stick-on tape and it hides nice right behind the belt. It also has "tuckcapabilities which some people like for warmer weather. If you order a Bladetech just make sure it's specified for your gun without the laser sight.

 

[greeenteeee]

So got the Q-series in, wore it a bit yesterday and found some pros and cons.

First, one of my first holsters I got to try was a basic Galco with a fat clip against the slide. In AIWB it is close to 12:30-1 oclock so it gets bulky front and center. No go. That's why I really want the clip to be offset, or inline with the grip and that seems to be in the "tuckable" design.

Here is the Q-series next to the Sticky Holster:

At first I thought the metal clip was sticking out much more than pictured above by 'gatekeeper' but it was nice as it keeps the grip pressed in moreso than the Sticky ever did.

The Sticky protects the slide and is pretty bulky (but not as bulky as a clip in front of the slide) which is why I was looking into Kydex.

Compared to the Sticky, it is obvi more minimalist but I am now thinking too minimal-- due to where I have to wear it, the slide (barrel) is exposed to the rear of jean buttons/zippers. Aside from that, it'd be nice to have a full sweat guard. Summers are 110s here, I don't mind wiping it down/cleaning often, but the button just about does it for me.

Other than that, the Q-series is pretty nice. It taught me I don't NEED it too deep to be concealed (have a better idea of ride height I want/need) and comfortable (so far the most comfortable holster I've tried) which makes me hopeful for a similar design in Kydex. The offset/tuckable clip placement seems to compromise stability like CB3 says, but is worth the less bulk to me.

Extra pics in case others are interested.

On to the next one...

 

[Tradewind36]

I used a Sticky for my Shield 9 for a while but was never comfortable with it's security. I now have a Panther Concealment that I'm very pleased with. Check out their website if you're interested.

 

[SwflG17Guy]

Right now if I am carrying AIWB I use an ACE case. It actually works great and it's as comfortable as I would imagine that it's going to be. It holds it right at the waistband for me, and it's tuckable.
I like carrrying OWB better but it depends on how I am dressed.
I don't believe the ACE case is perfect but it's good enough until I figure out which holster I want to try next.

 

[cleans up]

+1 or kydex vs leather. And no matter how minimalist you are avoid the clipdraw types that leave the trigger exposed. Based on your criteria etc I'm surprised you haven't gone back to the kydex in the original post. I think you'll like it and the claw really does help. I may have run a search for that holster myself actually

 

[Lasor1]

I have a g code incog aiwb. There pretty good It is for 9mm shield. I got new 45 it actually fits it even though website says it won't. any mine had mag carrier with it I thought it was a little bulky so I removed mag slot and it has tons of adjustments on these INCOG Shadow: Edge Works

 

[gatekeeper]

So got the Q-series in, wore it a bit yesterday and found some pros and cons.

First, one of my first holsters I got to try was a basic Galco with a fat clip against the slide. In AIWB it is close to 12:30-1 oclock so it gets bulky front and center. No go. That's why I really want the clip to be offset, or inline with the grip and that seems to be in the "tuckable" design.

Here is the Q-series next to the Sticky Holster:

At first I thought the metal clip was sticking out much more than pictured above by 'gatekeeper' but it was nice as it keeps the grip pressed in moreso than the Sticky ever did.

The Sticky protects the slide and is pretty bulky (but not as bulky as a clip in front of the slide) which is why I was looking into Kydex.

Compared to the Sticky, it is obvi more minimalist but I am now thinking too minimal-- due to where I have to wear it, the slide (barrel) is exposed to the rear of jean buttons/zippers. Aside from that, it'd be nice to have a full sweat guard. Summers are 110s here, I don't mind wiping it down/cleaning often, but the button just about does it for me.

Other than that, the Q-series is pretty nice. It taught me I don't NEED it too deep to be concealed (have a better idea of ride height I want/need) and comfortable (so far the most comfortable holster I've tried) which makes me hopeful for a similar design in Kydex. The offset/tuckable clip placement seems to compromise stability like CB3 says, but is worth the less bulk to me.

Extra pics in case others are interested.

On to the next one...

I posted photo with Comptac clips instead of the one that comes with the Q Series I did not like. I ordered them separately from Comptac.

Standard Clip | IWB Holster Clip | Comp-Tac

 

[greeenteeee]

+1 or kydex vs leather. And no matter how minimalist you are avoid the clipdraw types that leave the trigger exposed. Based on your criteria etc I'm surprised you haven't gone back to the kydex in the original post. I think you'll like it and the claw really does help. I may have run a search for that holster myself actually

Actually funny you mention the Kydex in the original post. I was originally against buying an "eBay" holster as I've read poor quality ones won't fit well as a "name brand" and have durability or cause more wear than necessary, etc.

I've looked into many new holsters because of this thread and was heavily considering many of those mentioned. Even Comp-Tac, they have a 2 oclock one that looked promising. Vedder holsters, JM Custom all has the wide clip on the slide. Blade Tech, even some that weren't mentioned. DeSantis has one that I considered but it lacked a sweat guard (learned I want this from the Q-series).

Anyway, ended up contacting that seller of the holster in the original post -- "crazy eyes holster," asked questions and liked what I heard so I decided to give it a shot. I did pass on the claw, is that a mistake? The offset clip on the Q-series being pushed out was really nice in tucking the grip close to my stomach so I'm looking into finding that piece if possible too.

I found the claw for $10 if I needed to buy it later:
Belt Loops and Accessories - Inside the Waistband - IWB Tuckable Soft Loop Struts and Accessories - DIY Holster LLC

I posted photo with Comptac clips instead of the one that comes with the Q Series I did not like. I ordered them separately from Comptac.

Standard Clip | IWB Holster Clip | Comp-Tac

Ah makes sense. I did have that Comp-Tac clip you mentioned bookmarked, but didn't realize that was WITH the clip. On that note, willing to sell the clip that came with the Q-series?

 

[bigfutz]

This one tauts shining for AIWB. Looks like the clip is offset to keep the profile low. BladeTech's I have experience with are thin Kydex.

Blade-Tech Klipt Ambi Inside the Waistband Holster Ambidextrous S&W

 

[gatekeeper]

I am going to use the original clip for the Q Series, sorry about that. If the plan goes south I will let you know.

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