TL
R Looking for recommendations for a conceal carry holster for my new S&W M&P Shield 2.0 9mm.
Years ago, I had a S&W M&P 9c. I was looking for a handgun that would do it all. I was planning to use it both in competitive shooting, as well as conceal carry. I didn't feel it did either very well. The short barrel made it inaccurate for competitive shooting, and it was a wide double stack that I felt I couldn't conceal very well. I subsequently sold that gun.
Then I bought a S&W M&P 9mm Pro L. That is/was from their performance line with the 5 inch barrel. This did much better with the competitive shooting. I have carried it a few times, but it's so big and uncomfortable (sharp edges an all), it's not something I carry with any frequency.
My guns being at home in my safe don't do diddly for self-protection outside the home, so I finally saved up the money and bought a S&W M&P Shield 2.0 9mm.
I almost immediately bought a couple IWB conceal carry holsters, and I don't like either that I bought. Frankly, these were cheap ones I bought on Amazon to try and get an idea of what I might like without a huge investment, and are easily returnable. One is made with a neoprene. I somewhat like the neoprene as far as the feeling against my skin, but it grips the gun tightly making a smooth draw impossible. It also has a thumb break retention strap I hate. The other is leather on the inside of the holster (where the gun rests), and suede on the outside (against your pants and skin). I somewhat like the suede against my skin as well, but the leather is soft creating the same smooth draw problem as the neoprene. Both have clips with extremely rough, almost sharp edges that are quick to scratch/mar my leather gun belt.
I'm wondering if what I want is more like a DeSantis Invader or Infiltrator Air, with a "body pad" made of something softer like neoprene, or suede, with a kydex holster. I'm willing to consider something OWB as well, so long as it isn't a paddle style. I strongly prefer to carry my gun around the 4 o'clock position, and paddle holsters make getting in my pants pockets for my phone or wallet difficult.
With that said, what holster do you use for your gun? What do you look for or look to avoid when buying a holster? Links appreciated.
R Looking for recommendations for a conceal carry holster for my new S&W M&P Shield 2.0 9mm.Years ago, I had a S&W M&P 9c. I was looking for a handgun that would do it all. I was planning to use it both in competitive shooting, as well as conceal carry. I didn't feel it did either very well. The short barrel made it inaccurate for competitive shooting, and it was a wide double stack that I felt I couldn't conceal very well. I subsequently sold that gun.
Then I bought a S&W M&P 9mm Pro L. That is/was from their performance line with the 5 inch barrel. This did much better with the competitive shooting. I have carried it a few times, but it's so big and uncomfortable (sharp edges an all), it's not something I carry with any frequency.
My guns being at home in my safe don't do diddly for self-protection outside the home, so I finally saved up the money and bought a S&W M&P Shield 2.0 9mm.
I almost immediately bought a couple IWB conceal carry holsters, and I don't like either that I bought. Frankly, these were cheap ones I bought on Amazon to try and get an idea of what I might like without a huge investment, and are easily returnable. One is made with a neoprene. I somewhat like the neoprene as far as the feeling against my skin, but it grips the gun tightly making a smooth draw impossible. It also has a thumb break retention strap I hate. The other is leather on the inside of the holster (where the gun rests), and suede on the outside (against your pants and skin). I somewhat like the suede against my skin as well, but the leather is soft creating the same smooth draw problem as the neoprene. Both have clips with extremely rough, almost sharp edges that are quick to scratch/mar my leather gun belt.
I'm wondering if what I want is more like a DeSantis Invader or Infiltrator Air, with a "body pad" made of something softer like neoprene, or suede, with a kydex holster. I'm willing to consider something OWB as well, so long as it isn't a paddle style. I strongly prefer to carry my gun around the 4 o'clock position, and paddle holsters make getting in my pants pockets for my phone or wallet difficult.
With that said, what holster do you use for your gun? What do you look for or look to avoid when buying a holster? Links appreciated.
