Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Carry Position

I too am vertically challenged (extremely) and carry OWB for most of my guns. I enjoy the comfort of the Avenger Holster here at Defensive Line Leathers. Very well made, very concealable, and works very well for me. Heavy leather, nice cant, and great fit. You do need a good heavy belt for all these owb holster to be comfortable and maintain conceal ability.
 
I carry my XDs in a PJ IWB holster PJ Holster LLC | Simple, Practical, Affordable Holsters. the same holster is on order for my 9mm shield.

I find it very comfortable worn behind the strong side hip and it's very fast.

They do cost $50, but it's hard to believe you can expect to get a comfortable in the waistband holster for $15

As others have mentioned there are other carry methods i.e. pocket and ankle holsters that may be more comfortable when sitting. I use both these methods very comfortably with J frame revolvers.

/c
 
Old Faithful, kit, IWB.

I'm regular size- 6'2", 230#..up-size shirts and shorts, good gun belt.

Carry a 26, F.I.S.T. thin kydex, iWB from time to time.

Uptick on clothing size and good gun belt seems to work for me regardless of the firearms I chose to carry.

75 now, I started carrying when I was 18 and our Uncle provided the firearm, ammunition..food and clothing..and activity directions.

Best.
 
I use the Desantis mini scabbard holster for belt carry. The way the belt loops into this holster, you hardly notice the gun there. The mini scabbard is very slim so it keeps the gun close to your body. I actually have it on my weak side as a cross draw so I can sit in a car without the seat back cushion push up on the grip. For IWB carry, I use the Blackhawk IWB holster (Size 5 for the Shield). Rides a little higher so you can get a grip on the gun. Also the material is much more comfortable than leather against your body. Blackhawk IWB holsters are only $12.99 at my LGS. I've used both holsters on an LC9 for several years and now with the Shield. Both very comfortable. I can post pics if anyone is interested.
 
I currently use an old faithful IWB holster carried at 4 o'clock whenever I am wearing a belt, otherwise I use a remora holster carried in the 4-5 o'clock position. The remora holster is very secure even when using gym sorts that have a drawstring.

As a side note, I did order an old faithful AIWB holster but I find that due to all this extra skin on my belly that I cannot carry it comfortably. I called old faithful holsters that I was not happy with it and offered to return it and they just told me to keep it and refunded my money. Kudos to them for sticking to their 30 day satisfaction guaranteed policy. This is why I buy all my IWB holsters for all my guns from them. Great price and great customer service.
 
I carry at 4-5

Just picked up my JC Custom Kydex

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Been wearing it all day today and yesterday in the wonderful Az heat and humidity last few days. Went this route since I'm in slacks and a ties all day with no coat.
 
Thanks for everyone's help I have decided & ordered an Enhanced Pancake model from Lobo Leather Goods. I contacted Ray & after many emails back & forth we came to what I (we ) think will work. It is an OW holster but close fit to body so should be ok. I also ordered a matching belt from him. Says it will take 6-7 weeks so as soon as I get it I will post pictures.

Thanks Mike
 
Just received an email from Ray my holster & belt shipped today so should be here Thur. or Fri. I am like a kid in a candy store waiting. Will post pic. as so as I get it.

Mike
 
+1 timn8er

I'm not "handled". 6' 2", 170 lbs. And I can't do IWB, either. Believe me, I've tried.

I also go with either a Desantis pocket holster or an OWB.

+1

6'2" 200 lbs

IWB is a no go wearing a dress shirt and layering is not practical 6 months out of the year.

The only method that works for me packing my Shield is the Desantis Nemesis in my front pocket.

I tried the Super Fly version and the aggressive texture rubbed my leg raw.

Best of luck

Russ
 
I have been watching numerous posts about how the Shield is carried and find it difficult to understand how this remarkable, slim weapon is being carried in what I consider bulky, thick holsters that ad back the thickness S&W designed out of it! Personally, and knowing your obvious responses (dangerous, ill advised, crazy, etc.), I tried carrying this weapon simply tucked in my pants - without a holster (See, I told you! Outcry!!) in the small of my back and it fits wonderfully. I am 234lbs with those same love handles so many talk about. Obviously I sought out - and found - a small "pouch" style, minimalist holster that keep the thinness in mind, and I wear it in the same place, in the small of my back and I like it and it hides extremely well in that location. I am trying to find a higher quality holster for the same position but until I do, I am happy. By the way, it's a left-hand IWB nylon holster worn in the right-hand position - and it works well for me!
 
I have been watching numerous posts about how the Shield is carried and find it difficult to understand how this remarkable, slim weapon is being carried in what I consider bulky, thick holsters that ad back the thickness S&W designed out of it! Personally, and knowing your obvious responses (dangerous, ill advised, crazy, etc.), I tried carrying this weapon simply tucked in my pants - without a holster (See, I told you! Outcry!!) in the small of my back and it fits wonderfully. I am 234lbs with those same love handles so many talk about. Obviously I sought out - and found - a small "pouch" style, minimalist holster that keep the thinness in mind, and I wear it in the same place, in the small of my back and I like it and it hides extremely well in that location. I am trying to find a higher quality holster for the same position but until I do, I am happy. By the way, it's a left-hand IWB nylon holster worn in the right-hand position - and it works well for me!

I had one of these before i bought my Galco. The problem with "any" pistol in my back is that it affects me when i sit down. Never could sit in my truck seat, cant sit on my couch, cant sit in my office chair. Nothing to do with sitting down or bending over works for me like that. I'm not your size either, maybe that has an affect. =-)

Now with the Galco carried somewhere else. Its perfectly fine and worn at work 12+ hours a day without crossing my mind.
 
fwiw, belly band

For what it's worth (this thread is pretty long and you have about 2 dozen opinions already), I tried 4 different styles of holsters (IWB, OWB, pocket, belly band) and landed on the belly band.

Waist Wrap Holster with 2 Mag Pockets — Conceal and Carry with Safety and Ease — Medium | Holsters Concealment| Northern Tool + Equipment

I didn't buy mine from Northern Tool, but it looks the exact same. It's medical grade elastic with velcro. Through some trial and error I learned how tight I liked the band and where that meant the velcro should meet. I smoosh the velcro together and step into it like a pair of pants, pulling it up my legs and sliding it around my waist.

I find 3:30 position the most comfortable as it keeps the shield from digging into my hip bone.

I do wear undershirts. I never used to, but then I discovered three things:
1. It makes carrying concealed MUCH more comfortable
2. It actually doesn't make me any more hot (even with NC summers) - in fact it can make me feel cooler
3. It extends the life of my shirts

#1 and #3 are the big reasons I started wearing them. I'd much rather wear out a cheap undershirt than one of my nice dress shirts or weekend polos.

Between the belly band and undershirts, I often forget the shield is even there. 5.11 cargo pants with the elastic side waist straps add icing to the cake.
 
IWB

I carry either of my 1911's in a "WHITE HAT" It is ajustable seven ways to Sunday. I carry @4:00. Full size .45 and Commander size .38 Super. I keep feeling to make sure it's still there...It ALWAYS is.
 
As a side note, the belly band pretty much eliminates ALL printing. It also eliminates the need for a belt. And if you choose to wear a belt, you can wear whatever belt you want. When I was using my Theisholsters.com | Products | Custom IWB Holsters holster (which, if you want an IWB are awesome and the guy is super nice), I was using j-style clips. Not only did they end up weighing down on my pants, but I actually had two people ask me if I was carrying because they recognized holster clips/loops on a belt.
 
I carry IWB with a N82Tactical pronounced "Nate Squared Tactical". I use the original in the MC size because it is the smallest model they make that fits guns like the shield etc........ This has proven by far to be the most comfortable holster I have ever worn. It's def an all day rig.
 
I carry in a Fox IWB at 3:30 - 4:00. Not quite as comfy as my Crossbreed for my Model 39, but still good for all day.
 
I have a Shield in 9mm that I am trying to get used to carrying. I am using this IWB holster:

Kydex Appendix Carry Holster Smith Wesson Shield 9 40 | eBay

I know it says Appendix Carry but that is not working. (can not sit) I have tried on my side 3 o'clock but the serrations on the slide & the rear corners on the slide dig into my love handles. ( what the wife calls them I call them fat) Just wondering where everyone carrys this gun? I like the fit of the gun & how it handles just need a comfortable carry location.

Thanks Mike

I use 2 non bulky holsters for concealed carry of my shield with Laserguard. My favorite Like TonyR's is the Nate Squared IWB pictured here. (n82tactical.com) It is paddle like with a flexible back and nubuck type material on the body side. It has a thin elastic retention area. Very comfortable. The bottom tends to curl up around the muzzle when I sit, so the shield doesn't poke me in the groin. The other is a FOXx kydex hybrid IWB. which is broad and so has the clips quite far apart. Also comfortable.

Good Luck,

Norm
 

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