Looking for some holster suggestions

[lomp64]

So I want some holster suggestions for my M&P 9mm (fullsize). I'm looking for an OWB holster I can wear for concealment with a jacket or heavier clothes during the winter. This holster would also double as an open carry holster for the times when I would go that route.


I really prefer paddle style holsters, but they ones I have used so far are next to possible to conceal due to the paddle forcing the holster to protrude. Right now I have a Safari-land 6378, which works great for open carry but its next to impossible to really conceal.

Does anyone have any experience with one of these?

http://www.highnoonholsters.com/Product_Line/_Speedy_Spanky/_speedy_spanky.html

[bkb0000]

i've never had an M&P, so i can't make a specific recommendation, but having experience carrying large framed pistols OWB for years, pancake holsters always conceal best, for an OWB hip holster. they're the only ones that pull the pistol into the body, rather than just hang off the belt. i'd try bianchi... here's a start: http://www.bianchi-intl.com/product/Prod.php?TxtModelID=77

[SuperiorDG]

That is a tough gun to conceal for me. That being said I have a few holsters for my M&P and the best one I found for CCW is the Galco TRITON KYDEX IWB HOLSTER

http://www.usgalco.com/HolsterPG3.asp?ProductID=3885&GunID=329

When I open carry I go with the Raven Phantom.

Only Kydex seems to work for me because I have textured my gun and leather just holds it too tight.

[jck397]

I've been happy with the Raven Phantom for my M&P--it hides well as long as you dress right, and I'm only 5'9" and 155. I don't have one for the M&P, but I had success with the Kramer OWB in horsehide for my SIG 229 and Glock 19.

[Packman73]

I had a Highnoon but not that model. Very good quality.

I was going to suggest the Concealable from Galco.

[CyberM4]

So I want some holster suggestions for my M&P 9mm (fullsize). I'm looking for an OWB holster I can wear for concealment with a jacket or heavier clothes during the winter. This holster would also double as an open carry holster for the times when I would go that route.


I really prefer paddle style holsters, but they ones I have used so far are next to possible to conceal due to the paddle forcing the holster to protrude. Right now I have a Safari-land 6378, which works great for open carry but its next to impossible to really conceal.

Does anyone have any experience with one of these?

http://www.highnoonholsters.com/Product_Line/_Speedy_Spanky/_speedy_spanky.html

For paddle I use my Comp Tac Paddle for my HK 45. I use the FBI cant. Leather Biker jacket no problems conceal or a light leather vest.

[lomp64]

I had a Highnoon but not that model. Very good quality.

I was going to suggest the Concealable from Galco.

I looked at Galco and it seems they don't have the Paddle Concealable holster for an M&P 9mm.

Has anyone ever tried on of these? It looks pretty nice, no paddle but about 1/3 the price of the high noon.

http://www.lobogunleather.com/4_1-sl_pancake_style_snap-loop

[Sam]

So I want some holster suggestions for my M&P 9mm (fullsize). I'm looking for an OWB holster I can wear for concealment with a jacket or heavier clothes during the winter. This holster would also double as an open carry holster for the times when I would go that route.


I really prefer paddle style holsters, but they ones I have used so far are next to possible to conceal due to the paddle forcing the holster to protrude. Right now I have a Safari-land 6378, which works great for open carry but its next to impossible to really conceal.

Does anyone have any experience with one of these?

http://www.highnoonholsters.com/Product_Line/_Speedy_Spanky/_speedy_spanky.html

Wow, that site listed that holster for $125?

You can do much better than that. There is a guy on the 10-8forum selling his new Bulman FDS for the M&P for only $100. The Bulman FDS is a copy of the Nelson #1 style holster and it is rare that a Bulman rig is available. Bulman has several years wait for his holsters.

[gtmtnbiker98]

Check out the Stonghold line from Occidental Leather, Tim Turner's design, built by his father's company. Awesome craftsmanship and zero wait, but is on the expensive side.

[5cary]

This is going to be based on personal preference and what you consider "well concealed", particularly when talking about a FS. A paddle is convenient, but prints far more than a pancake.

Personally, I find the Comp-Tac Minotaur Gladiator (http://www.comp-tac.com/product_info.php?products_id=101) works well for me. It sits close and the cant is perfect to hide the grip under my ribcage.

YMMV

[markm]

I CC my M&P 45 in an RCS Phantom daily.

[C4IGrant]

RCS is pretty much the best Kydex holster made (especially with their new belt loops).


C4

[5cary]

RCS is pretty much the best Kydex holster made (especially with their new belt loops).


C4

Not to hyjack (staying on topic), but I have an RCS on order now. I added the pancake wings to play with (for an M&P .40 w/SFx300). Has anyone tried these over the standard belt loops?

[sixgun-symphony]

Check the local saddlery shops and enquire about having a custom leather holster made for you.

[d90king]

RCS is pretty much the best Kydex holster made (especially with their new belt loops).


C4

Agreed. You can also run it IWB or OWB if you just pick up the extra clips.... I carry a P30 and Glock 19 and they really are an exceptionally well made piece of kydex. Their finish work and lifetime warranty set them apart from the rest IMHO.

I have some of the new loops incoming and am excited to try them with the Ares Ranger belt.

For leather like Sam said Josh Bulman makes excellent holsters that IMHO give Sparks a run for their money. I have one of his pancake holsters for a full size 1911 and its a great option.

Why do you seem caught up with the "paddle attachment"? They might be the worse option if you actually want to keep the holster attached to your belt. Poke around a bit and I am sure you will see a lot of videos showing how weak they really are. YMMV

[TomF]

Not to hyjack (staying on topic), but I have an RCS on order now. I added the pancake wings to play with (for an M&P .40 w/SFx300). Has anyone tried these over the standard belt loops?

The pancake wings are my favorite OWB belt loops we offer. All of my OWB gear wears them.

[streck]

I'm a big fan of RCS as well but if you don't want kydex: http://www.andrewsleather.com/....check out the exotic options just for fun.

[wingspar]

I looked at Galco and it seems they don't have the Paddle Concealable holster for an M&P 9mm.

The Galco site is confusing. They seem to have a holster for the M&P 9mm. You just have to keep strolling past where it says “Rifles”. Everything is in alphabetical order, and Rifles comes before S&W. Confusing.

Galco is highly respected. I broke down and decided to spend the money for a nice leather Galco holster for my new Sig P220, and also a good belt. Spendy. I don’t know when I’m actually going to see it, as I ordered it thru the LGS and they can be slow, but I sure hope it’s everything I’ve heard.

[CaptainDooley]

I don't own an RCS, but I do own an OWB from Steve Stamper at psholsters.com and so far it's been a great holster. To qualify my statement, I've been carrying for 3 years in very different types of holsters and this is my first pancake style kydex holster. I've only been wearing it for a couple of weeks now. It is well built and rides and conceals well.

[lomp64]

This is going to be based on personal preference and what you consider "well concealed", particularly when talking about a FS. A paddle is convenient, but prints far more than a pancake.

Personally, I find the Comp-Tac Minotaur Gladiator (http://www.comp-tac.com/product_info.php?products_id=101) works well for me. It sits close and the cant is perfect to hide the grip under my ribcage.

YMMV

I actually already have a comp-tac (albeit a different holster, the Minotaur IWB) for this same pistol, and I love that holster. I was just looking for another option if I don't want/need to carry IWB.

As far as the paddle attachment goes the main reason I like them is ease of on and off. I like being able to just slip it on and off; much easier than threading and re-threading it through my belt and pants. I know that they aren't "ideal" but I was just looking for some other opinions/options. Plus I have been watching to many westerns/episodes of Justified lately so I am on a leather holster kick at the moment.

I'm a pretty big dude, about 6' 200lbs. so concealing the M&P isn't super challenging.

I'll keep checking out the links; I'm giving some serious thought to the Raven concealment holster though.

Thanks for all the input so far.

[lomp64]

Has anyone used attachments similar to these?:

http://www.bestbelt.com/product/gunleather/1328.html

Seems like that type of attachment might be a good comprise between the convenience of a paddle and concealment of a pancake.

[Steve S.]

Has anyone used attachments similar to these?:

http://www.bestbelt.com/product/gunleather/1328.html

Seems like that type of attachment might be a good comprise between the convenience of a paddle and concealment of a pancake.

We offer something similar to that, and it can be very convenient. Just make sure the snaps are strong enough so they won't come undone during any sort of jarring activity- such as running.

I run a pair on a single mag carrier - so I can easily take it off without unthreading my belt, but I know people who run them with holsters.

Ours are single snaps though. We only offer a double snap for 2" and 2 1/4" duty belts - since LEOs are more likely to be rolling around with a bad guy and duty belts don't thread standard loops very easily.

[TomF]

Has anyone used attachments similar to these?:

http://www.bestbelt.com/product/gunleather/1328.html

Seems like that type of attachment might be a good comprise between the convenience of a paddle and concealment of a pancake.

We've offered a similar product to the one in your link since late 2008:
http://www.ravenconcealmentsystems.com/product_info.php?products_id=1614

Our newest version is updated from the website picture. They are even stronger and sleeker. Here is a picture one of our customers took:

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=651867856281&set=o.305851175686&theater

[5cary]

Has anyone used attachments similar to these?:

http://www.bestbelt.com/product/gunleather/1328.html

Seems like that type of attachment might be a good comprise between the convenience of a paddle and concealment of a pancake.

The Comp-Tac Gladiator I linked in my first response has the same sort of attachment. It's very sturdy and the reason I find that holster conceals so well (sits tight to the belt).

Interesting that RCS has them as well. I missed that when perusing the website...thanks for pointing it out, Tom. I might have to add a sent of 'em to my order.