Paddle Holster Possibilities for My M&P Shield 9mm

[Resist Evil]

I posted this on another firearms related forum and there having been few responses, I am posting it here as well in the hope of a wider array of responses. I hope no one is offended by this.

I bought a new Shield last week and have been getting a set of holsters for it. So far, I bought a Mika pocket holster and a Galco Tuck and Go IWB. I've used versions of these two holsters for other pistols/revolvers with success.

I've been carrying for forty years and I am familiar with the problem about paddle holsters not doing a good job of keeping a handgun close enough to the body or the holster coming out of the pants on the draw. I experimented with one paddle rig from Uncle Mike's about fifteen years ago for a 1911, but it leaned over my belt like a green-gilled cruise ship passenger at the rail saying goodbye to their dinner.

I still like the idea of a paddle rig despite that experience. I've been looking at paddle offerings from

Panther Concealment OWB holster,
Comp-Tac Paddle Holster,
Wild Bill's Concealment Fusion Paddle,
Garrett Industries Silent Thunder Champion with a paddle attachment,
High Noon Speedy Spanky,
Fist Inc. #18,
Kramer Leather MSP, and
Mernickle's PS-8.

Prices range from $60 to $160.

I'd like to know if anyone has specific experience with any of these holsters, or close approximations, with a similarly-sized pistol like the Shield? Let's assume I have the pick of a number of high quality pistol belts; which I do.

Information regarding rollout and the comparative ease of removing the holster would be good to know. That Uncle Mike's was difficult to remove. That's good for having the holster staying in the pants upon the draw, but there has to be a better compromise between hanging on to your britches and ease of removal. Wishful thinking maybe.

You could also comment regarding the higher or lower ride of a given model and if you prefer a cant or no cant with this style of holster with a similarly sized pistol.

Anyway, I'd love to hear of your experiences or opinions and I thank you for your time.

 

[DT Guy]

The only paddle I've found that REALLY sticks close is the 'cheapo' Safariland (the no-retention model, that comes with both belt attachment and paddle.) For $30, the thing really, REALLY tucks the gun in better than any other paddle I've tried.

The downside is that the paddle is a %$#@%# to get into your pants, but with practice is doable.

Larry

 

[340PD]

I can tell you the higher end Galco paddle holstrs will nearly require you t drop your pants to get off. As for close to the body that is a much more difficult thing to get with a paddle. Keep in conversation with Garretts Holsters. They are creative people and will respond to an individuals special requirements.

 

[JTQ]

I don't know much about paddle holsters, but I found this article in Modern Service Weapons the other day. http://modernserviceweapons.com/?p=5956#more-5956

I also posted it in the "Best Paddle holster" thread in this sub forum. There may be some other idea's there.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=747359

 

[Resist Evil]

I appreciate the responses so far. Thank you.

 

[bikerdoc]

I use Fobus or Masters paddle holsters for all my carry guns for the past 7 years. Very happy with the feel, fit and function, Easy to put on and take off. YMMV.

 

[thefish]

I carry a shield iwb with a foxx hybrid and the kydex clips. Not a paddle, but a fantastic holster at a great price. Money back guarantee too.

http://foxxholsters.onlybusiness.com/OnlineCatalog/Hybrids_for_Smith___Wesson-details.aspx

 

[Havok7416]

I use Fobus or Masters paddle holsters for all my carry guns for the past 7 years. Very happy with the feel, fit and function, Easy to put on and take off. YMMV.

Fobus works well for me also. I carry an M&P9c, so it's almost the same size-wise. The Fobus is easy on, easy off, but it doesn't come off on the draw-stroke.

 

[dbp]

http://www.comp-tac.com/product_info.php?products_id=53

Have used this to carry my Shield for 6 months now and like it a lot. Rides close enough for me and easy on and off. I have the FBI cant.

 

[Fred_G]

Any reason you can't use a leather OWB holster that is not a clip on?

I carry a Shield almost every day with this one. Very comfortable.

 

[Resist Evil]

Any reason you can't use a leather OWB holster that is not a clip on?

I carry a Shield almost every day with this one. Very comfortable.

I have decided to forgo threading a belt through a holster. I am completely happy putting on my Fist Inc. Driving Holster or my Milt Sparks Axiom for my regular carry piece. It is not that holsters that thread through do not work for me, it's merely my preference to not use them.

As I said before, I have always liked the idea of a paddle holster, but in my experience with large or relatively heavy pistols like my Beretta 92fs or my 1911-types, paddles have not worked very well for me in limited try-outs. So, the point of this thread was looking for paddle holster input for a much smaller and lighter pistol such as my new Shield.

 

[carheir]

I carry a CZ Rami in a wild bill fusion paddle as my EDC rig. I am pleased with the comfort level and have never felt like the gun wasn't secure at all times.

There probably are better rigs out there but I didn't want to spend hundreds and end up hating the holster. I also have paddle holsters for my CZ P-01, CZ 83. All from Wild Bills.

 

[Twiki357]

I use a Fobus retention paddle for my S&W Model 37. Never thought that I would like one, but this one came with the gun and it works great. Holds the gun in tight to my side. Only problem is that it’s a bear to get on and off.

 

[RussellC]

@ thefish: Just received mine (Foxx) in the mail yesterday. Fits my Shield perfectly. I got the kydex J hooks. They do have a money back deal. Dont think I'm going to need it. Seems to have everything the Crossbreed does, except the extra cost?

Russellc

 

[dbp]

ResistEvil -- Just curious, but what did you end up going with?

 

[Resist Evil]

I ordered a Wild Bill's Concealment Fusion Paddle. I've worn it twice and it's working out OK so far. It is easy to put on and take off while still keeping the holster in the pants during the draw.

 

[dbp]

The Wild Bill's should work well for you. I had one for my Glock 26 but bought the Comp Tac paddle when I sold the 26 and got the Shield. I liked the Wild Bill's, but the Comp Tac with the Shield seems to ride tighter to my side and is a little lighter.

 

[Liberty Suppressors]

The only paddle I've found that REALLY sticks close is the 'cheapo' Safariland (the no-retention model, that comes with both belt attachment and paddle.) For $30, the thing really, REALLY tucks the gun in better than any other paddle I've tried.

The downside is that the paddle is a %$#@%# to get into your pants, but with practice is doable.

Larry

I concur, not easy to get on but rides really well.

Tim @ Liberty

 

[SC Shooter]

I just purchased a Fobus Paddle holster of my Bersa Thunder and really enjoy the feel of it. It also rides high enough so that you don't have to wear a shirt that looks like a nite shirt.