Holster Question, exposed muzzle or not? (pics)

[LoneStarWings]

Hi,

I’m about to order a Comp-Tac Minotaur MTAC IWB holster, but I’m having trouble with a decision. I have a S&W M&P .40 which I am going to use it with. This is my only handgun (for now). I am a fairly big guy (6’0” 220 lbs) so I don’t think I will have too much trouble concealing a full size.

My dilemma is rather or not to get the full coverage kydex holster which covers the entire muzzle, or the “slide” version which exposes the muzzle and the end of the slide.

Does the full coverage version truly protect the barrel and end of the slide from abrasion/debris from clothing, or is it still open in some way that’s not clear from the pictures? If I don’t have another gun to use with the holster (even if there’s a chance I get a compact someday), do I give up a lot of important protection by going with the “slide” version with the exposed muzzle?

Also, for anyone familiar with the MTAC, are the black standard clips good to go with if I usually wear a black leather belt?

Thanks for the help.

Slide version on the left, full coverage on the right.

 

[Pistol Toter]

You're going to get a million opinions; many will be most valid. I prefer an open holster but one that completely covers the muzzle with a little to spare. Any dust or dirt lint etc. can fall through the holster but the crown of the muzzle and the front sight are protected. Understand that's just my preference and opinion. Others will disagree with that position stating reasons of weight reduction, eaze of draw.... AS with the pictured choices, make sure that the trigger is covered to prevent accidental discharge.

 

[LoneStarWings]

Thanks. So you are saying that you'd like one that is sort of a hybrid between the two I pictured? I'm leaning toward the full coverage model at this point.

 

[PPGMD]

IMO, unless you want to use one holster for multiple sized guns, I say closed muzzle to prevent dust from getting it your muzzle.

 

[MisterMike]

Does the full coverage version truly protect the barrel and end of the slide from abrasion/debris from clothing, or is it still open in some way that’s not clear from the pictures? If I don’t have another gun to use with the holster (even if there’s a chance I get a compact someday), do I give up a lot of important protection by going with the “slide” version with the exposed muzzle?

The full coverage version is actually open at the bottom, curving inward so that if you were looking at things from the bottom you'd see the inner half of the slide and barrel.

If you're not concerned about accommodating different guns, I'd say that the full coverage version is preferable--it might print a bit less, it provides a bit more protection from abrasion for your pistol, and it probably saves a bit of wear and tear on your pants. It also seems to me that you'd be less likely to snag any portion of your pistol on the holster when you're drawing.

I got the optional C-clips, since they're less visible than the standard clips. They work well.

 

[Zerodefect]

Get the covered one. And +1 on the optional c-clips.

I don't like my clothes rubbing dust into the barrel. And for owb carry I don't like that I could accidentally sit down next to some goo or something and obstruct the barrel completely. The more of the gun I can cover the better.

 

[BlindJustice]

Milt Sparks
1911 5" Bbl. #Axiom FBI Cant OWB
S&W 686P #AW200 FBI Cant OWB

Both have an open bottom
the #Axiom has double snaps on the loops
easy to remove in a car, etc.

I also have the MS #Mirage - It's Ambi, FBI Cant
it is OWB but inside the belt, and it only covers the
trigger guard/frame & slide so if you 'uncover' it's the
muzzle/slide below that's showing - gets little use.

 

[9mmepiphany]

the disadvantage of a holster with a completely closed bottom is that it traps dirt or whatever in there an becomes harder to clea out. with an open bottom, i just blow it out with compressed air

 

[LoneStarWings]

Thanks again for the help. I ordered the full coverage comp-tac minitour mtac holster today. If i ever get another gun I will just buy a seperate holster for it, it'll probably be a revolver anyway.

 

[ACBMWM3]

Good choice