Shield Holster Questions

Red_Ryder

Red_Ryder

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I just got a Shield and am looking at how to carry it concealed. I know there are a lot of IWB holsters out there and I'm considering several but have a question. How much space do they add to your overall waist size? Will I need to buy bigger size pants to allow for the holster/gun?
I looked at the Sneaky Pete holsters and saw a lot of mixed reviews. They're supposed to look like a cell phone case but they're a lot bigger and it seems to me they might attract more attention than they should.
Before purchasing the gun I figured I would pocket carry but with the weight of the gun and ammo, I'm not sure that will work, either.
Anyone have any similar issues with how to carry the Shield?
 
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6ft 1in and 195 pounds. I pocket carry almost exclusively, with my Shield 40. Any larger and it would not work. I seldom use a pocket holster, and only if the pants would cause printing. I do have to tighten the belt to keep the pants from sagging. I carry the extra mag in the opposite pocket. With the gun,extra mag, wallet, and cell phone it's 2 1/2 pounds, as I weighed them all. I hardly notice it and it does not add any discomfort. However pocket carry does not work good in the vehicle and I keep it out of the pocket, so it is easy to get to it.

Bob
 
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crossbreed, if you can slide both hands on opposing sides inside of your pants at hip level you should be good. I wear a 36", but after thanksgiving and until after new year things get a bit snug.
 
You will need a good extra inch to carry comfortably IWB, especially if you prefer tucking your shirt in. Wearing tactical pants or shorts with tabs on the sides work great along with an IWB holster of leather/kydex such as Old Faithful Old Faithful Holsters - The Holster Store of Most Comfortable Gun Holsters. You also want a decent belt or you will have droopy drawers. BDU belts work as well as leather gun belts. Unlike Bob, I find pocket carry works much better with the BG380 in a pocket holster... however, it does not pack the punch of the 40 Shield presently on my hip.
 
I carry my Shield in a Remora IWB wearing pants a size larger than normal (2" larger waist). I find the Shield too big to pocket carry in my pants (5' 9" 170 lb), but I have a BG380 for pocket carry when I need it. I've been thinking about getting a Crossbreed or similar to replace the Remora for daily carry.
 
I don't care for pocket carry at all. Yes, it's convenient but that's about the only advantage.

I started off pocket carrying, then went to OWB, now happily IWB.

As far as buying bigger pants, depends how you dress now. I don't dress "baggy" and didn't have to buy bigger pants for IWB. Plus, before I buy bigger pants I should just lose a little weight!
 
I wear Levi 569 Relaxed fit in a 34 waist. I'm 6'4" 210lbs. I'm able to carry very very comfortably my Shield in a FoxX Trapp IWB holster. I did not have to buy bigger pants. However I do need to upgrade my belt. I can definitely not pocket carry my 9mm Shield...very uncomfortable for me.

Good luck and keep your powder dry!
 
The Nate squared proffessional model from n82tactical.com
I can not say enough good things about this holster. I wear mine at least 16 hous a day. I wear jeans and only a t-shirt. I do tuck in a nicer shirt on Sundays. I do construction work with it on. This is the most comfortable holster. I did upsize my pants I went from a 32 to a 34 waist. The 32s were getting a little tight anyway. I would forget about pocket carry, the Sheild is a little to big for that, although I'm sure someone is doing it and would swear by it.SMITH & WESSON «
 
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I too like the N82 holsters. I have the original style.
 
I carry IWB using an Old Faithful holster and didn't have to buy bigger pants at all, and the jeans i wear are somewhat tighter. Part of it depends on how you plan to carry, for me (being a southpaw) I carry at 8:00 over my back pocket and find that I can do everything very comfortably (including sit in a car for 9 hours which I did yesterday...)

My advice is pick out which holster you like, figure out how you want to carry, and try it with the pants you own. If it's not comfortable, buy a size bigger.
 
I liked the ability to pocket carry the Shield .40 (exact same size as the Shield 9mm), and bought one to replace a P-64 (9x18 Makarov, or similar to 380acp power, with also exact same size and weight as Shield .40). Did not plan on pocket carrying all the time, just as a last resort.

Bought the Desantis Nemesis pocket holster since it could be used as both a pocket and a IWB holster. After a few weeks testing, now pocket carry the Shield 80% of the time, and the rest of the time the Nemesis pocket holster works as an excellent IWB holster. Very comfortable. Easy to forget I am carrying.
 
Thanks for all the suggestions. I've just ordered the PJ tuckable holster. I will let you all know what I think of it after I get it and wear it for a while.
 
dbbrooks said:
I'm in the same search. I have the Shield 9 and I tuck my shirt in. One of my considerations is the PJ. Take a look. It's a great review. Hope this helps!
PJ Holster - Custom Kydex Holsters - YouTube
Click to expand...

Agree the PJ is great for easy on and off. I am also big fan of UBG Holsters, particulary the IWB Canute. Adds very litle to thickness, spreads the weight equally , fairly procid, and fast turnaround time. For OWB, A Kramer Belt Scabbard is darn near perfection.
 
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