Hokie_PhD
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So I've been dreaming of getting the M&P 9mm compact since it came out. Now if one were to get one, what is a nice IWB holster for it that isn't super expensive?
What IWB Holster for the 4" M&P M2.0 Compact 9mm
- Thread starter Hokie_PhD
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JTQ
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When I think of holsters and "super expensive", I usually think of $180 +. However, it often seems on forums when people say "super expensive", they usually are thinking $50 +.
What is "super expensive" to you.
1911 guy
Member
I've got a couple go-to brands when it comes to IWB.
Alien Gear has become my favorite. The Cloak Tuck is better (IMO) than the other offerings.
Blade-Tech has always been consistent. And made fifteen minutes from my house.
Milt Sparks. More expensive, but you do get what you paid for.
None of these have open trigger guards or sloppy retention. All will work well. All offer something different from each other. All of them will require the use of a decent gun belt. $15 department store belts will make even a great holster feel lousy. Buy a gunbelt.
Alien Gear has become my favorite. The Cloak Tuck is better (IMO) than the other offerings.
Blade-Tech has always been consistent. And made fifteen minutes from my house.
Milt Sparks. More expensive, but you do get what you paid for.
None of these have open trigger guards or sloppy retention. All will work well. All offer something different from each other. All of them will require the use of a decent gun belt. $15 department store belts will make even a great holster feel lousy. Buy a gunbelt.
GE-Mini-Gun
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Hidden Hybrid
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Hokie_PhD
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I agree a good belt is a must. And as I’ve lost a lot of weight a new one is needed. So thanks for the reminder.
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Hokie_PhD
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I’m frugal so I want to spend as little as possible. But I also understand that cheap is a waste of money in the long run. So the goal is to find that sweet spot of value.
$50 isn’t a bad price point. $75 is ok for something I’ll love. $25 is too much for a cheap nylon no retention one. Free would be amazing but not something that’s likely.
So I guess I didn’t mention a budget as I really wanted to hear what folks thought. The reality is I’m not spending $150 or $200. But I’m not opposed to spending a little more than I want to get something I’ll love. But the goal is to spend as little as possible for something really good.
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Hokie_PhD
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JTQ
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The Wilderness Tactical. Get a 5-stitch version.
Instructor Belt https://www.thewilderness.com/belts/original-instructor-belt/
Frequent Flyer https://www.thewilderness.com/belts/frequent-flyer-belt/
Their new LowPro EDC belt https://www.thewilderness.com/belts/lowpro-edc-belt/
I went through my "usual suspects" list, but I can't find you anything. At least for now. I'll look later.
Merry Christmas
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Hokie_PhD
Member
Hokie,
I have a brand new M&P 2.0c thanks to the great Academy sale. I just ordered both a simple single clip IWB and a pocket holster from Robert Mika, and should have them in a few weeks. He called me right after I ordered, and we had a good chat. I have used his pocket holsters for my 642 for years, as recommended in the 642 Club here on THR; they are great. Also, ordered a magazine holder. The entire order was under $100.
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1911 guy
Member
I'll second the thoughts on Wilderness' 5-stitch belt. In my opinion, the best gunbelt for the money and they last forever.
Now my thoughts on each of the holsters, since you mentioned they were on your shortlist.
Blade-Tech has only one drawback: Most models have only one belt clip. A full-size pistol can tip the holster on your belt. Total Eclipse and Nano have two attachment points to solve this. Non-issue with smaller guns.
Milt Sparks is only slightly heavier and bulkier than the other two, but is quite comfortable when you find the "sweet spot". My experience is with the Summer Special. It's remained popular for a reason. No frills stability and concealment.
Alien Gear is my favorite. Most comfortable, most concealable, decent retention, low price. The downside is how much real estate it consumes on the belt. But that's also why it's comfortable.
Now my thoughts on each of the holsters, since you mentioned they were on your shortlist.
Blade-Tech has only one drawback: Most models have only one belt clip. A full-size pistol can tip the holster on your belt. Total Eclipse and Nano have two attachment points to solve this. Non-issue with smaller guns.
Milt Sparks is only slightly heavier and bulkier than the other two, but is quite comfortable when you find the "sweet spot". My experience is with the Summer Special. It's remained popular for a reason. No frills stability and concealment.
Alien Gear is my favorite. Most comfortable, most concealable, decent retention, low price. The downside is how much real estate it consumes on the belt. But that's also why it's comfortable.
JTQ
Member
Generally speaking, $75 - $120 puts you in the mainstream of holster options, but there is no guarantee you're going to love a $75 holster or even a $120 holster.
$50 holsters make me think of this... https://www.itstactical.com/warcom/...her-holsters-can-cause-accidental-discharges/
I believe going cheap on a holster isn't a good idea, especially with striker fired gun.
I went through the old box of holsters before finally settling on hybrid tuckables. Mine were made by Tommy Theis, but crossbreed and others make them. I have been able to conceal a 1911, m&p 9 fs and compact, and believe it or not, a 4" gp-100. I am 6' 190 if that helps. So a 2.0 compact is a piece of cake. As long as you dress around it. Tight shirts and skinny jeans won't allow it. I like looser fitting clothing as I can bend and squat easier. Hope this helps.
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1MoreFord
Member
Hokie, take a look at Vedder holsters. I have and like their LightTuck. https://www.vedderholsters.com/
I also have and like a 14oz steel lined BigFoot gun belt. https://gunbelts.com/
Neither the holster nor the belt will break the bank and both ship quickly. You can get either in a week or two.
Caveat, if you get these go for the 1-3/4" belt clip on the LightTuck. The belt is thick and the 1-1/2" Vedder clip is too tight.
I also have and like a 14oz steel lined BigFoot gun belt. https://gunbelts.com/
Neither the holster nor the belt will break the bank and both ship quickly. You can get either in a week or two.
Caveat, if you get these go for the 1-3/4" belt clip on the LightTuck. The belt is thick and the 1-1/2" Vedder clip is too tight.
GunnyUSMC
Member
My favorite IWB holster is made by RM Holsters.
Here’s the one for my Glock 43.
Here’s the one for my Glock 43.
StealthGearUSA: I have been carrying OWB a lot lately, but I like the looks of the VentCore, but I actually use the Revolution (for my G19) and the Revolution Mini for my Shield. The ventilated backing makes a lot more difference that I thought it would.
There are a number of good suggestions over in the thread
IWB holster suggestions
One of the posts there led me to Tucker Gun Leather.
The recommended holster in that post, the Answer, is not available for the M&P 9mm. However, after speaking with Rob at Tucker ( good guy and good salesman), I ordered for my M&P 2.0c their upgraded design, the Deep Carry DC-1. I should have it in a few weeks.
IWB holster suggestions
One of the posts there led me to Tucker Gun Leather.
The recommended holster in that post, the Answer, is not available for the M&P 9mm. However, after speaking with Rob at Tucker ( good guy and good salesman), I ordered for my M&P 2.0c their upgraded design, the Deep Carry DC-1. I should have it in a few weeks.
At least two of the holster sites I have looked at say we "fuller bodied" users must move to trousers an inch or two larger than our normal size to make room for the IWB holster.
stonebuster
Member
For my Shield 9 a IWB Vedder Light Tuck works well for me and I'm not a fan of Kydex. It's pretty comfortable(for kydex) and helps to minimize the chance for a AD.
98s1lightning
Member
KUSIAK LEATHER. I had one of the best experiences with them in the industry and they offer a product like no other. 200% thumbs up. AND very reasonable price!
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