Ok so I finally got my alien holster for my shield today. Ordered it on June 16 and I now have it. I installed one of those extenders on the base of the magazine for the pinky finger to have some place to land. Well, to my disappointment, that part of the gun sticks out more than I really wanted. My wife says you can not tell what it is, only that you can see something. I am wearing it about the 4 - 4:30 position. I suppose I am going to have to put that original base back on the magazine? Hate to cause I like that thing. How do the rest of you guys adjust the holster as far as deep conceal or ride high? Right now I have it adjust to deep conceal. And are you in favor of the magazine extension for concealing?
SHIELD - Printing
- Thread starter deriter
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Alr
Member
Still waiting for the one I ordered to arrived, did you get the new (cloak tuck 2.0 IWB) holster? Can you show a picture?
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If you're having trouble concealing a Shield, you need to change the way you dress. Dress around the gun.
Service caliber guns don't come much smaller. So you're going to have to adapt.
Service caliber guns don't come much smaller. So you're going to have to adapt.
Well Armed
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Glad I canceled my order with them... Anyway, if it's not printing the shape of a gun, why worry about it? You might be self conscious about it, but most others will not pay it any attention and the last thing on their mind would be that it's a gun.
I'm a small skinny guy. I wear shorts and I wear loose fitted t-shirts. I usually wear firearms in the 3 - 3:30 w/o any problem.
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Well Armed
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Rick_A
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I conceal this
or this
20131111_020945_LLS by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr
along with this
20131019_012035 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr
quite easily...
...so if a shield is a problem I have nothing to offer
or this
20131111_020945_LLS by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr
along with this
20131019_012035 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr
quite easily...
...so if a shield is a problem I have nothing to offer
I don't print, but I don't use the extended mag. I practice (most of my practice) with the short mag and that's what I carry. I have not noticed a difference in my shooting ability because of the lack of landing spot. I tend to carry at about 3:30 and am a smallish guy.
Sorry I can't help more.
Sorry I can't help more.
I got the Alien Gear 2.0 (Neoprene) holster a few weeks ago and no matter how I adjust it, it just doesn't work very well. I had high hopes for it, but it just isn't working for me. So my suggestion would be to look around and try a few other holsters. I realize it might not be what you want to hear, but it's the best advice I can give you. What works for some doesn't work for others. At this point, the best IWB holster I have tried so far is the "Little Foxx" holster with my Shield. It works very well for me. Of course, I haven't nearly tried all of the holsters available...that would cost way too much, but it's the best IWB I have found to date.
I also noticed that the smaller IWB holsters seem to work better for me. A lot of people claim the larger Hybrid holsters distribute weight better, but I have found the opposite to be true. The smaller one clip holster seem to work a lot better in general. I am actually looking for a local store that handles the N82 Professional holster so I can try it for fit and comfort before I buy it...to see if I want to buy it.
I wish I could have helped you more but the truth is, it just might not be the holster for you...it sure wasn't for me. Good luck.
I also noticed that the smaller IWB holsters seem to work better for me. A lot of people claim the larger Hybrid holsters distribute weight better, but I have found the opposite to be true. The smaller one clip holster seem to work a lot better in general. I am actually looking for a local store that handles the N82 Professional holster so I can try it for fit and comfort before I buy it...to see if I want to buy it.
I wish I could have helped you more but the truth is, it just might not be the holster for you...it sure wasn't for me. Good luck.
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Go to appendix carry. You can hide a Barrett .50 cal. there. (just kidding) As a retired LEO, I've carried for 40+ years, Appendix carry is best
Atonal
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Don't use the mag extender and cant your holster as much as it will allow. This will pull the Shield, especially the grip, right up tight to your body. I'm a skinny guy and can conceal the Shield very easily. Canting the holster is the key.
Could be a lot of things brother....
Generally extenders, magwells, and other stuff on the butt of your gun/magazine are going to make the most difference in what pokes through your cover. So yes you might end up taking it off.
But before you do that, can you adjust the cant of the gun? Generally if you add more cant it can reduce printing. Canting it foward tips the butt up so it doesn't stick OUT from your body.
The last thing if you want to keep the extender is, you might have to move the holster around from 4, 5, 2:30, etc..or like most you might have to throw your new holster in a box and try a different holster. Some body types/shapes are harder to fit than others.
IMHO, if the extender allows you to shoot better, you should keep it and find a work around for the printing issue. If you shoot the same without it, put the stock one back on and problem solved.
Generally extenders, magwells, and other stuff on the butt of your gun/magazine are going to make the most difference in what pokes through your cover. So yes you might end up taking it off.
But before you do that, can you adjust the cant of the gun? Generally if you add more cant it can reduce printing. Canting it foward tips the butt up so it doesn't stick OUT from your body.
The last thing if you want to keep the extender is, you might have to move the holster around from 4, 5, 2:30, etc..or like most you might have to throw your new holster in a box and try a different holster. Some body types/shapes are harder to fit than others.
IMHO, if the extender allows you to shoot better, you should keep it and find a work around for the printing issue. If you shoot the same without it, put the stock one back on and problem solved.
gunny4053
US Veteran
Move your holster around and find the best spot for it. I've carried a Beretta M9 and a Glock 23 in mine, and they concealed just fine. If a sweet spot can't be found, try a Sticky or Remora holster. They can be placed anywhere, even cross draw or in your pocket. To re-holster, just pull the holster, place the gun back in it, and tuck it back in your pants. I don't know about the Remora, but the Sticky holster is $25 and has a satisfaction guaranty. If you don't like it, they'll buy it back, no questions ask. What do you have to loose?
Also, Alien Gear gives you a 30 day trial. If it just doesn't work for you, send it back and they'll refund your money.
Good Luck and good shooting.
Also, Alien Gear gives you a 30 day trial. If it just doesn't work for you, send it back and they'll refund your money.
Good Luck and good shooting.
PastureOfMuppets
Member
The grip is the the hardest part really, that's why single stack is so popular for carry.
As someone said earlier, you need to dress around the gun.
If you don't have forward cant, that will probably help a lot. If your holster is adjustable go for 10 degrees.
Concealed carry is all about trade offs...
As someone said earlier, you need to dress around the gun.
If you don't have forward cant, that will probably help a lot. If your holster is adjustable go for 10 degrees.
Concealed carry is all about trade offs...
how about single-clip vs. two-clip designs for a Shield? do you guys find that a Shield is plenty light enough for a single belt clip holster? that would seem to open up a lot of options.
not meaning to hijack the thread either, btw.
not meaning to hijack the thread either, btw.
Donn
US Veteran
The Shield's extended mag can present a problem, but remember one thing. You know you're carrying and to you, it sticks out like a sore thumb. 95+% of the populous isn't going to know. The rest, those of us who carry, will know regardless what you do. You should also get used to using the flush fitting mag. I didn't like my pinky in the wind either, but I'm better with it now than the extended one with both my Shield and Compact 9.
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PastureOfMuppets
Member
I've been making a single belt clip holster for a while now. Smaller guns are ideal for it, although I have a FS M&P on one and don't have any issues at all.
It really depends on the clip is the bottom line. A wide clip is obviously going to allow the holster to twist around.
(You can see the kind of clip I'm talking about as a wider clip here - also in the pics above, the leather holster shown has an excellent width piece to attach to the belt)
The real key though is a good purpose made stiff gun belt to go with the holster.
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I could say exactly what Tron said. Although, I do use Remora most of the time but also use an Alien-like product sometimes. Short mag, lack of extenders, undoubtedly helps concealment. Perhaps try fwd canting a bit too. My method is likely what is called deep. Only enough handle and slide is exposed to draw and drop the safety.
Jaysq
US Veteran
You didn't say how you dressed to conceal. I OWB carry my Shield with no problem with printing. I use the standard 7 round mag and a leather holster from Wright Leather Works with a 15 degree cant. Hanes makes a very light tee that comes in different colors. They are much lighter than their beefy tees. I wear one of those tucked in and a button type shirt, left unbuttoned and un-tucked. I have worn this all summer and it is not too hot and looks nice as well.
OldCat
Member
I have the AlienGear Cloak 2.0 and am returning it, not because of printing but because it's just plain uncomfortable. No matter what position I tried the Kydex portion is very wide and causes the holster to stick out from my body. The only place it feels ok is at the small of my back but that's not my preferred position.
I have a Galco King-Tuk which is my main IWB. It's very comfortable and secure. It is also adjustable for height and cant. However, it's twice the cost of the AlienGear. The negative is that it's not as adaptable to other guns as the AlienGear since the Kydex is riveted not screwed to the backing.
I have a Galco King-Tuk which is my main IWB. It's very comfortable and secure. It is also adjustable for height and cant. However, it's twice the cost of the AlienGear. The negative is that it's not as adaptable to other guns as the AlienGear since the Kydex is riveted not screwed to the backing.
PastureOfMuppets
Member
That's nice for you and other people that live in Virginia.
In other states, it can lead to a lot of pain in the buttery.
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ScrapmasterFlex
Member
listen I recently got an Alien Gear Holsters "Cloak Tuck" (original) IWB Holster * AND* recently got a M&P Shield... in actuality I had ordered the holster for my new Sig P226 MK25 I got in May... but when they told me it would take 4-6 weeks, I had second thoughts, and then I realizes two things- I was never going to carry the MK25 IWB for CCW (I am a small dude) and I bought a Lasermax Genesis green laser, which is not going to fit in the holster- I called Alien Gear and said listen, I am waiting a long time anyway, can you just change it to a Glock 23 ? They said sure... it took 7+ weeks for the holster to come.
Now I was having CCW problems as I am fairly new to CCW and using the Glock 23 for EDC in the Alien Gear Holster was nice, and better than the holster I HAD, but it did not disappear or anything. I made some adjustments, dropped it down a bit, better but not perfect. I had to realize that it was particularly bad when I carry 2 spare, full magazines for the G23 + the actual gun... it's a very heavy load on my hips that seems to make the gun stick out more. Now let me make several points here-
I hate the Alien Gear people, but the holster is very nice. Probably as good as the fancy brands at 1/2-1/4 the price depending. But they are downright jackaces and I think it's absolutely wrong how they took my money, sent me an email saying Order confirmed/payment confirmed, then sent me another sayiing "THANKS- IT WILL BE 6 WEEKS" - I think that is borderline illegal but this is another conversation. I think the Alien Gear Cloak Tuck IWB would be PERFECT for a Shield but I am very hesitant to do business with them again and certainly not interested in waiting. I cannot speak to the 2.0 version as I got the original.
Now as far as carrying the Shield and printing- depending on how I carry it and what I am wearing, I guess it might print oh so little bit. Another point I needed to make above- I am in FL and it's HOT all day every day ... shorts and T-shirts are necessary. So , it's different than maybe other people's carrying. If I was carrying the G23 with the Alien Gear IWB in pants and long shirts and such, I think it would be fine. But it's not and I am not going to just sacrifice half the year - that is one of the main reasons I decided to get the Shield.
Now, as far as printing with the Shield, (again), As said above- if you are finding you absolutely cannot or will not carry it, you're in trouble because anything smaller than a Shield is simply a backup/extremely-dedicated Carry Gun... And I am a small guy, 5'8" maybe 140-145lbs. ... so if I can carry it I think ANYONE can carry it. So far I have been using a Galco Gun Leather holster, a "Walk-a-bout" w/ a spare mag pouch, for a Glock 23... I had it , tried it, fit perfectly... but it's made for front/appendix carry, and generally the Shield fits fine as long as I am not in a tight t-shirt and shorts.. otherwise it's fine.
I did just buy a Blackhawk! pocket holster for trying out, so far so good... I don't think pocket carry is a long-term EDC solution but it has it's uses... but again I think the Cloak Tuck would be ideal I just am not sure I want to buy Alien Gear again- I might go with the Galco King Tuck or a comparable style competitor holster... I am not sure. As for the Alien Gear the poster has that isn't seeming to work- if you don't want it I'd prob be interested but I think you could make it work if you tried playing with it! Hope my info helps someone.
Now I was having CCW problems as I am fairly new to CCW and using the Glock 23 for EDC in the Alien Gear Holster was nice, and better than the holster I HAD, but it did not disappear or anything. I made some adjustments, dropped it down a bit, better but not perfect. I had to realize that it was particularly bad when I carry 2 spare, full magazines for the G23 + the actual gun... it's a very heavy load on my hips that seems to make the gun stick out more. Now let me make several points here-
I hate the Alien Gear people, but the holster is very nice. Probably as good as the fancy brands at 1/2-1/4 the price depending. But they are downright jackaces and I think it's absolutely wrong how they took my money, sent me an email saying Order confirmed/payment confirmed, then sent me another sayiing "THANKS- IT WILL BE 6 WEEKS" - I think that is borderline illegal but this is another conversation. I think the Alien Gear Cloak Tuck IWB would be PERFECT for a Shield but I am very hesitant to do business with them again and certainly not interested in waiting. I cannot speak to the 2.0 version as I got the original.
Now as far as carrying the Shield and printing- depending on how I carry it and what I am wearing, I guess it might print oh so little bit. Another point I needed to make above- I am in FL and it's HOT all day every day ... shorts and T-shirts are necessary. So , it's different than maybe other people's carrying. If I was carrying the G23 with the Alien Gear IWB in pants and long shirts and such, I think it would be fine. But it's not and I am not going to just sacrifice half the year - that is one of the main reasons I decided to get the Shield.
Now, as far as printing with the Shield, (again), As said above- if you are finding you absolutely cannot or will not carry it, you're in trouble because anything smaller than a Shield is simply a backup/extremely-dedicated Carry Gun... And I am a small guy, 5'8" maybe 140-145lbs. ... so if I can carry it I think ANYONE can carry it. So far I have been using a Galco Gun Leather holster, a "Walk-a-bout" w/ a spare mag pouch, for a Glock 23... I had it , tried it, fit perfectly... but it's made for front/appendix carry, and generally the Shield fits fine as long as I am not in a tight t-shirt and shorts.. otherwise it's fine.
I did just buy a Blackhawk! pocket holster for trying out, so far so good... I don't think pocket carry is a long-term EDC solution but it has it's uses... but again I think the Cloak Tuck would be ideal I just am not sure I want to buy Alien Gear again- I might go with the Galco King Tuck or a comparable style competitor holster... I am not sure. As for the Alien Gear the poster has that isn't seeming to work- if you don't want it I'd prob be interested but I think you could make it work if you tried playing with it! Hope my info helps someone.
Old Faithful and Alien Gear Holsters are owned by the same folks... good folks from my experience. Here in hot, steamy Florida one can carry concealed and even tuck in the shirt or tank... and not print. I carry a Shield 40 every day as you see in the images. Cant, position on the belt, and the fact that people don't look for concealed firearms helps the weapon stay undetected. After a while you will stop being self conscious.
Attachments
yep, that's a nice holster you make. hope to have you make me one soon.
I probably did give a wrong title for this thread. But as I did say, it does not print as in you see the outline of a gun, but of something sticking out a little. Most of the time in the summer I am in shorts and a t-shirt. I am about 5'6" 175 lbs. I can not show pictures as I don't know how to do that. But I will try the cant and see if that helps. I did try the deep conceal and that did help. Maybe adding more cant also will help. I am wondering if even less cant might work. I really appreciate all the comments and suggestions for my problem. I have been carrying for a few years now but still don't want people to figure out that I am carrying. I mean the ones that don't carry as it is a little harder to hide from edc folks.
I totally understand your frustration Scrapmaster with alien, but I do feel I received a good holster. It is the black leather iwb I suppose the standard. It is comfortable. I figured it would come from Idaho, but it came from Arkansas. It does have the alien logo.
Again, thanks for all your support on this topic!
I totally understand your frustration Scrapmaster with alien, but I do feel I received a good holster. It is the black leather iwb I suppose the standard. It is comfortable. I figured it would come from Idaho, but it came from Arkansas. It does have the alien logo.
Again, thanks for all your support on this topic!
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