jsg-07 Posted January 14, 2016 at 07:42 PM Posted January 14, 2016 at 07:42 PM So forgive me if there is already a thread on this but I could not find one. I'm happy to say I finished my training over the weekend and just applied yesterday! That being said, I started looking for holsters and I though there would be no better place to get advice than the good folks here at IC. I ended up ordering one on amazon, kydex, clip, very minimalistic and when I got it last night, I tried it and I did not feel comfortable with it. Needless to say, I have gone through what I'll call a "growth spurt" around the ol' midsection over the last few years (ok I have a gut ) and I felt like the plastic was digging into my love handles. I returned it today and started looking at the paddle holsters and I came across Alien Gear. They actually have a deal for $60 to get both and IWB and OWB. Anyone have any experience with them? Likes? Dislikes? Something else in that price range? Thanks!
TRJ Posted January 14, 2016 at 07:44 PM Posted January 14, 2016 at 07:44 PM Which gun are you trying to conceal? And what position do you carry? Appendix? 3/4/5 o'clock?
jsg-07 Posted January 14, 2016 at 07:49 PM Author Posted January 14, 2016 at 07:49 PM details, details...... 9mm Shield. I am most comfortable at 4:00 (right handed)
TRJ Posted January 14, 2016 at 07:52 PM Posted January 14, 2016 at 07:52 PM Ok, you're in luck. Easy to conceal gun, and among the most common. Stand by, posting by mobile device is slow.
Draal Posted January 14, 2016 at 08:02 PM Posted January 14, 2016 at 08:02 PM I have a Galco KingTuk IWB holster for my Shield and it's pretty darn comfy at 4/5 o'clock position. Right around 60 bucks: http://www.amazon.com/Galco-KT652B-Kingtuk-Waistband-Holster/dp/B00B0BEM0C
Bubbacs Posted January 14, 2016 at 08:04 PM Posted January 14, 2016 at 08:04 PM Go to Crossbreed holsters .......... http://www.crossbreedholsters.comLook thru their IWB style holsters.They have several new models just released.Good news is they are available locally at most Gun Shops.Not sure where you are located, but I went into Mega Sports and they worked with me in trying on a few holsters and placing one of their new handguns into it for feel. Save yourself the time and headache of returns and fitting, I'd at least shop locally and then if you want to save a few bucks, grab it online.
TRJ Posted January 14, 2016 at 08:04 PM Posted January 14, 2016 at 08:04 PM I have one of these. It's awesome for comfort, low profile, and cheap. You CANNOT reholster in it! The leather is floppy soft and you could shoot yourself. They also have more expensive models with better leather and more features, but I lack experience to speak on them.http://www.theholsterstore.net/Pro-Carry-LT-p/procarrylt.htm I also have one of these. http://www.rawdogtactical.comI ended up remolding it to better fit my body curves because the holster shell was printing. I don't recommend it, but lots of others love it. I'm currently using a incog eclipse http://www.tacticalholsters.com/product/INC/ECLIPSE.htmlWith a G43. I modded the holster with http://www.tacticalholsters.com/product/Hardware/Kit_07.htmlBecause I find it more comfortable and it lowers the profile of of holster.
gLockedandLoaded Posted January 14, 2016 at 08:06 PM Posted January 14, 2016 at 08:06 PM I just bought a Comptac MTAC for my Shield and I love it. I've heard good things about Aliengear but have yet to try them. An AG 3.0 holster for my XDS.45 should be here tomorrow. Stay away from Crossbreed. As someone who has 2 CBs, I can tell you Comptac makes much better holsters for the $.
Trevis Posted January 14, 2016 at 08:25 PM Posted January 14, 2016 at 08:25 PM I have many Alien Gear holsters, and I like them five. I prefer the original leather versions, and the 3.0 version with the steel core plate. They reholster just fine.
BIGDEESUL Posted January 14, 2016 at 08:30 PM Posted January 14, 2016 at 08:30 PM Crossbreed is my favorite. I have a couple of them. They've the most comfortable holsters I've ever used. Aliengear are pretty good for the price. Lots of people, especially those of us with a gut, had problems with one of the versions, I think the 2.0 that's reinforced nylon. The nylon doesn't last and it basically falls apart. Not sure about the new ones though. Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk
BIGDEESUL Posted January 14, 2016 at 08:31 PM Posted January 14, 2016 at 08:31 PM Maybe it's the steel core 3.0 that I'm thinking of that has the issues. How long have you been using your 3.0 Trevis? Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk
WARFACE Posted January 14, 2016 at 08:34 PM Posted January 14, 2016 at 08:34 PM Buy a work of art. I just bought an OWB from this place and its awesome. If you want a Crossbreed Snap Slide for a Shield, I'll sell you one cheap. Now that I bought leatherhttp://dmbullardleather.com// I am hating kydex. JMO
Redlin Posted January 14, 2016 at 08:43 PM Posted January 14, 2016 at 08:43 PM I have both the Aliengear and Crossbreed IWB holsters for the Shield and find the Crossbreed more comfortable.You also mentioned looking at paddle holsters.I have Safariland model 6378 ALS holster that works well with the Shield.That's one thing that's nice about cold weather, you can wear a paddle OWB holster under your coat concealed fairly easy.
jsg-07 Posted January 14, 2016 at 08:53 PM Author Posted January 14, 2016 at 08:53 PM I have many Alien Gear holsters, and I like them five. I prefer the original leather versions, and the 3.0 version with the steel core plate. They reholster just fine. So can you clarify? They have a package now for the original IWB and OWB combo $49 for both. Or for an extra $10 you can upgrade the IWB to a 3.0 version. I guess what is the difference between the original and the 3.0?
tony_the_barber Posted January 14, 2016 at 08:55 PM Posted January 14, 2016 at 08:55 PM details, details...... 9mm Shield. I am most comfortable at 4:00 (right handed)I am right handed and carry @4:00 as well. I carry an XDm 9MM compact in an AG 3.0 and find it very comfortable. I am by no means a "small guy". I'm 6'2", 250 LBS. Either the AG or Crossbreed would suit you well. Don't drive yourself crazy with so many options. Everyone will tell you their favorite and it's always something different than everyone else's. There are way too many choices. The Shield should tuck in nice too compared to my XDm due to it being a single stack as opposed to a double stack. Whatever you decide, good luck! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
tony_the_barber Posted January 14, 2016 at 08:58 PM Posted January 14, 2016 at 08:58 PM Also, does it have to be IWB? I will occasionally wear OWB using a BlackHawk Serpa CQC holster. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
WPxx Posted January 14, 2016 at 09:23 PM Posted January 14, 2016 at 09:23 PM I have an AG and won't buy another. One of their "features" is being able to use the holster with different pistols by just replacing the kydex. If you have a compact pistol, like a Shield, they still use the same width kydex as a full sized, which doesn't allow the leather to adjust to the contour of your hip. Also, the kydex is shallow and mounted on fillers. Over time this pushes the shape of the pistol through the leather and makes it less comfortable. When I carry my Shield, it's at 4 o'clock in an all kydex paddle holster. With a good belt, it keeps it close to your body, minimizing printing. I would recommend Talon grips for the Shield (has nothing to do with holstering).
Trevis Posted January 14, 2016 at 09:33 PM Posted January 14, 2016 at 09:33 PM So can you clarify? They have a package now for the original IWB and OWB combo $49 for both. Or for an extra $10 you can upgrade the IWB to a 3.0 version. I guess what is the difference between the original and the 3.0?The original version is a leather backing. The 2.0 is a neoprene, plastic core, and some sort of synthetic leather like outer. The 3.0 is a neoprene backing, spring steel core, a textured vinyl like outer. I tended to break the core of the 2.0 version, so I don't use them much.
jsg-07 Posted January 14, 2016 at 09:59 PM Author Posted January 14, 2016 at 09:59 PM So can you clarify? They have a package now for the original IWB and OWB combo $49 for both. Or for an extra $10 you can upgrade the IWB to a 3.0 version. I guess what is the difference between the original and the 3.0?The original version is a leather backing. The 2.0 is a neoprene, plastic core, and some sort of synthetic leather like outer. The 3.0 is a neoprene backing, spring steel core, a textured vinyl like outer. I tended to break the core of the 2.0 version, so I don't use them much. So last question then. in your opinion, is it worth the extra $10 to get the 3.0 over the original?
jsg-07 Posted January 14, 2016 at 10:03 PM Author Posted January 14, 2016 at 10:03 PM Also, does it have to be IWB? I will occasionally wear OWB using a BlackHawk Serpa CQC holster. Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkThat's kind of why I want to jump on this deal. Most IWB's with good reviews I've seen are $50+/-. I can get both IWB and OWB with this and kind of use that as my training point to determine what I prefer.
Trevis Posted January 14, 2016 at 10:16 PM Posted January 14, 2016 at 10:16 PM So last question then. in your opinion, is it worth the extra $10 to get the 3.0 over the original?I'd still get leather, personally, with steel clips. I don't like plastic clips.
jsg-07 Posted January 14, 2016 at 10:20 PM Author Posted January 14, 2016 at 10:20 PM Thanks for all the advice everyone!
howie Posted January 15, 2016 at 12:08 AM Posted January 15, 2016 at 12:08 AM I have 3 AG's, two originals and one 2.0. I don't think you can beat them for the money, but since I'm not a huge fan of IWB, I picked up a kydex OWB from MT Holsters for my XDs'. I carry my XDs 9 in that holster 99% of the time. It fits close to the body,and is easy to hide under a shirt tail. Will probably have to go back to IWB come warmer weather. Just ordered an OWB kydex from Bravo Concealment for my G19. We'll see how it does.
Tompo Posted January 15, 2016 at 02:23 AM Posted January 15, 2016 at 02:23 AM Hidden hybrid holster. Can be worn IWB or OWB. about $55.
DG53 Posted January 15, 2016 at 02:25 AM Posted January 15, 2016 at 02:25 AM I absolutely love this holster from Stelthgear: http://stealthgearusa.com/products/sgusa-holsters-for-the-smith-and-wesson-m-p-shield-9mm-41?variant=2523453764 It says it is for appendix carry, but I use it at 4:00. I have a spare tire to contend with as well, and this holster is just super comfy. I have one for my Glock 26 and Shield. A bit pricey, but in my mind worth it. Super well made and great warranty. I have three of their other holsters for different guns, like those too. http://stealthgearusa.com/products/sgusa-holsters-for-the-smith-and-wesson-m-p-shield-9mm-41?variant=2523454084
brianj - now in Kansas Posted January 15, 2016 at 02:24 PM Posted January 15, 2016 at 02:24 PM I have many Alien Gear holsters, and I like them five. I prefer the original leather versions, and the 3.0 version with the steel core plate. They reholster just fine. So can you clarify? They have a package now for the original IWB and OWB combo $49 for both. Or for an extra $10 you can upgrade the IWB to a 3.0 version. I guess what is the difference between the original and the 3.0? FWIW, I have a Cloak Tuck and a Cloak Tuck 3.0. In my personal opinion, the original version is marginally more comfortable than the 3.0 once you get the leather broken in. I ended out getting the 3.0 primarily due to the moisture barrier (during the height of summer, if I exerted myself outside, I found that I could sweat through the leather). The 3.0 is a much more effective moisture barrier, but the rubber doesn't break in and hold its shape the way that leather does, and I've noticed that the 3.0 tends to dig into the top of my thigh if I'm not careful. I also have an inexpensive (but VERY functional for the price) OWB holster. While those holsters that WARFACE pointed out are absolutely beautiful, I'd rather have leather that I can bang around in and not feel guilty if I scratch or cut it accidentally. I have one of these http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00O5BKZAU?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00 and it's served me very well. One other thing: you're going to notice that holsters tend to breed like bunnies. I have a whole shelf in my closet penned off as a holster corral, and can now understand why women feel the need to switch purses with different outfits.
BrntWS6 Posted January 16, 2016 at 04:28 PM Posted January 16, 2016 at 04:28 PM I have a SHTF iwb holster for my xd. I carry it about 9:30 (lefty). I just got it but so far seems to work well. A nice gunbelt helps as well. Check youtube, there is a video for every holster out there.
lee n. field Posted January 16, 2016 at 11:10 PM Posted January 16, 2016 at 11:10 PM So forgive me if there is already a thread on this but I could not find one. I'm happy to say I finished my training over the weekend and just applied yesterday! That being said, I started looking for holsters and I though there would be no better place to get advice than the good folks here at IC. I ended up ordering one on amazon, kydex, clip, very minimalistic and when I got it last night, I tried it and I did not feel comfortable with it. Needless to say, I have gone through what I'll call a "growth spurt" around the ol' midsection over the last few years (ok I have a gut ) and I felt like the plastic was digging into my love handles. I returned it today and started looking at the paddle holsters and I came across Alien Gear. They actually have a deal for $60 to get both and IWB and OWB. Anyone have any experience with them? Likes? Dislikes? Something else in that price range? Thanks! I have 3 Aliengear holsters. I think of them as "OK, for the money". Dislikes : my Cloak Tuck 2 (their original neoprene backed holster), for the Taurus 85 doesn't work as well for me as the two I have for autoloaders. The plastic belt clips don't hold as securely, and the metal ones can cut your hands, if you're not careful. I don't like the idea of using that type of holster as an OWB. Doesn't make much sense to me. "Alternatives?" for the Shield. I think I would look at Crossbreed's seconds site for a deal there.
GWBH Posted January 17, 2016 at 12:37 AM Posted January 17, 2016 at 12:37 AM I like Crossbreed as well - just be informed they take some "breaking in".
MagSlap Posted January 17, 2016 at 01:01 AM Posted January 17, 2016 at 01:01 AM Accept the reality that you will soon have a holster drawer like mine..(These are just the ones that are put away..others are 'on station'..LOL!!) http://www.doodnet.com/images/holsterdrawer.jpg I'm sure others have the same thing..if not more... Its a journey you WILL make.....Accept it...Embrace it....
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