Need Holster, don't know anything about them

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streetstang67

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Hey guys, I finally got a decent pistol, a M&P 9. Now I need a holster for it, but there are so many different types and price ranges (I don't even know where to start). I don't want to spend a ton on a holster, but I want it to be quality. This will primarily be used to carry when hunting and hiking, so it needs to be comfortable and not too bulky...I'm not trying to show off the fact that I'm carrying.

So, what do you suggest?
 
Hello, it all depends how you plan to carry. I recommend High Noon Holster, they are A+ quality. These holster are custom made to your gun. Here is the web link http://www.highnoonholsters.com/ . The only downside is that you will have to wait for some time. Alternative you can get Galco holster, they are also good and quickly available. My first choice will be with High Noon Holster. If you need one fast and one to wait get a cheap uncle mike's in the meantime. For deep concealment I recommend SmartCarry, the info about them is at www.smartcarry.com hope this help.
 
I know they are tacticool however if the holster is strictly for hiking and hunting then I might seriously consider carrying in a thigh holster simply for comfort reasons. You can get them pretty cheap online. BTW, I do not own a thigh holster but if I hiked a lot I might consider it. If you want a holster on the belt then you can get a nice Don Hume fairly cheap but it's good quality.
 
Galco

I just bought a Galco "cop" series belt slide for under $50. I have worn it for 2 weeks and ordered another for my combat tupperware. It is all leather with security strap. For a big man like me to think something is this comfortable makes me wonder why I didn't find it sooner.
 
I was going to suggest
http://www.rigrate.com/

It is a review site of holsters. It's not working for me at the moment, but it could be they now require that you register with them and be logged-in to navigate the site.
 
Cuervo, the rigrate site is not working for me either. Even the Register link does not work. Their code is not functioning, so even the Contact Us page won't open.
 
Streetstang, if you are not determined to get leather, I have really enjoyed the KNJ ballistic nylon hosters I'm using. Less than $20 apiece. The small gun holster has a couple of velcro strips that mesh over the top of the butt. They hold the gun in OK, but the gun comes out fast with a yank. The holster for the XD has a snap strap over the butt, which is easily thumbed off, and a pocket for an extra mag.
 
You may want to try a Fobus or Uncle Mikes Kydex (or similar plastic holster). They are decent holsters and usualy run $20-25.

In leather you can't go wrong with Galco or Bianchi. Both can be a little pricey, but there are plenty of deals online.
 
What ever you choose definately try http://www.gunnersalley.com/ . Call to place your order and they will get it in their hands before they tell you they definately have it in stock. You get it in two to three days and their prices aren't bad. I bought a c-tac and a don hume double nine from them lately and both times they were top notch.
 
Unfortunately, you will probably end up with a box full of holsters before you find the one that is perfect your you and your use. Even the style of holster that works well for one handgun doesn't work for another so it ends up being a continual task of evaluating.
 
first things first, get a Fobus and see if you like a plastic holster, if you don;t you are only out 20 bucks, and they are actually OK holsters if you don't need retention. If you do require retention, get a Balckhawk. Or go with leather with a thumb snap.
 
I'm a big fan of the #12 Basic I got from FIST. They have a great selection with lots of custom options, their quality is excellent and their prices are reasonable. Like other custom shops, however, be prepared to wait a month.
 
Gunnersalley has great prices, but there might be a wait. I ordered a belt and holster from them and received notification that there would be a 4-5 week wait on the holster. I don't mind, and their emails were very polite, but just be warned that you might not get it straight away.

Overall, very happy with them so far.

Edit: Also, rigrate is not working for me either, using Firefox or IE. I think it's been abandoned.
 
I really just don't know what style to get, there are so many different choices, I don't know the differences.
 
If your primary use will be carrying when hiking and/or hunting then you probably don't need ultra concealement. So, maybe go with an outside waist (OWB) type. That'll eliminate all of the inside types for now (IWB).
Next, assuming you're going OWB, do you want to thread it on a belt or use a paddle? Someone previously mentioned Fobus. They make a decent paddle for not much $. I use one for a full size 1911 when I don't have time or desire to put on my carry belt and belt holster. The paddle is very comfortable and light, and holds the gun pretty tight to the body. There is some bad press on them for their security (they might break easily in a fight if someone grabs it), but overall a great bet for the $ that will get you started without having to shell out lots of additional $ for a gun belt and a holster that you don't know how or if you will like.

How's that for a start?
 
Unfortunately, you will probably end up with a box full of holsters before you find the one that is perfect your you and your use. Even the style of holster that works well for one handgun doesn't work for another so it ends up being a continual task of evaluating.
Yep, Sistema1927 is right-on about that. I've got a boot-box full of holsters,
belts, and mag-pouches under the bed, but I only have one or two of each
I actually use.
I started out buying the cheapest holster I could find that fit whatever gun
I needed it for. I soon realized that when it comes to "carry" leather, (and
that's all I carry in, leather) you get what you pay for. You can get a nice
holster from High Noon, Don Hume, Brigade Gunleather, Galco, or some others
for 70, 80 dollars. Some you'll have to order and wait for ten, maybe 15
weeks to get it. Some you can go to a good gunstore and buy.:)

But whatever you get, if you have more that one pistol, you WILL buy more.:what:

My last holster came from Tucker, cost over 200, and took about 18 weeks
to get. I call it my "Bar-B-Que Holster".:D

Walter
 
or Uncle Mikes Kydex (or similar plastic holster)

I would avoid Uncle Mikes kydex. I bought one recently and it lasted about a month before the belt loop broke. It failed during a pretty bad time not to have a holster. I haven't sent it back yet, and I guess they may send me another but I won't have confidence in their product again. Just ordered a Serpa from Blackhawk. It will be the new home for my P2000 soon.
 
I assume Galco makes a SkyOps model to fit your pistol. I recently purchased that model for my SIG P220 and was "pretty well pleased". When I discovered and purchased a Y-clip (the part that allows total concealment) that accommodates 1.5 inch belts I was 100% pleased. Great concealment holster.

Have a day.

Bang Gunley
 
Well, I do think OWB would be best, IWB sounds uncomfortable. So now I have to look at my OWB options, which include belt or paddle, right? Also I'm pretty sure I want something with a strap or snap that holds the gun in place; or is this necessary...do the holsters without straps hold the gun in pretty snugly? Lastly, I think I'd rather have leather or nylon, b/c the hard plastic ones seem like they'd scratch up the finish on my gun, is this so?

Thanks!
 
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