Holster Preference

[Golden13Buckeye]

Hey guys,

New to this forum, as well as the CC community. I'm looking to get a holster for my S&W Shield, but wanted to get some feedback from some of you who have been carrying and what kind of advice you have. Ive been looking at aliengear and im thinking i would like to do IWB.

Thanks!

[Tru-Heathen]

Well you've opened up a can of worms here. Holster preference is a very individual thing so expect recommendations to range across the whole spectrum from hybrids,all kydex and top quality leather .

I've several of all those types,finally chose either CompTac Infidel or any of Clinger holsters for my IWB carry needs.Remember it helps with IWB carry to go up one size on pants.

Others will have their own ideas.

[JustaShooter]

In my experience, the Alien Gear holsters are toward the bottom of the scale in quality. I've heard good things about CompTac as Tru-Heathen mentioned, but I've never tried one myself. I liked the Crossbreed I had, but moved to a local company, Hidden Hybrid Holsters, when I added a weapon mounted light and could not be happier. It is a nice upgrade from the Crossbreed and I like that it is a local NE Ohio company that uses locally sourced materials. If you are in the Canton area, you might consider stopping by their retail store at Stark Arms and checking them out.

[rainmaker]

As mentioned, if you can find a local holster maker, they'll have a great selection to check out/try out. For example, Stoner Holster in Middletown has their own, but also carries Galco, Safariland, and others - as well as a lot of accessories like belts, mag carriers, etc etc. Be sure you get a good gun belt to go with your holster, too.

[Paul]

Check out this site. I have one of their holsters and it's very nice and functional.

http://www.pantherconcealment.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[boyscout]

I've heard very good things about Stoner holsters. I've settled on a Kramer Leather IWB for my Glock M43. Expensive, but comfortable with excellent retention.

[mreising]

Here is another vote for Stoner. They have some nice designs, some of which can be customized to fit your particular needs. I have several Stoner IWB holsters for a few different guns and usually use them for my PF9 and my S&W 360. I have a Crossbreed but have never really used it so I can't speak to the long term comfort. I typically use a Milt Sparks Versa Max II (IWB) for my full size gun (S&W M&P).

[Bianchi?]

If you're in NE Ohio, check out Winthrop Holsters in Lorain (I think its Lorain). I have several of their iwb holsters and they are fantastic

[MyWifeSaidYes]

Well you've opened up a can of worms here...

Or a roll of duct tape?

[Tru-Heathen]

Well you've opened up a can of worms here...

Or a roll of duct tape?

Tarbaby !

[TJW815]

I carry a shield 9 in an IWB alien gear. I don't know where Justashooter is getting his info but my holster has held up wonderfully to 12-16 hour carry on the weekends and 4-6 hour carry through the week.

I haven't broken a clip or lost a screw yet. The only thing that doesn't look original on it is that the alien emblem has worn off.

The new model has spring steel in the backing to help it hold open.

[Brian D.]

Side question: Store here started stocking Crossbreed. All the clips I saw were for 1.5" width max belts. Are they offered with 1.75" clips? How about the other brands mentioned by y'all in this thread?

I should look it up for myself, so thanks in advance to whoever posts up the answer.

[niXD45c]

I carry a shield 9 in an IWB alien gear. I don't know where Justashooter is getting his info but my holster has held up wonderfully to 12-16 hour carry on the weekends and 4-6 hour carry through the week.

I haven't broken a clip or lost a screw yet. The only thing that doesn't look original on it is that the alien emblem has worn off.

The new model has spring steel in the backing to help it hold open.

I too have a Shield and I also have AlienGear 3 holster http://aliengearholsters.com/alien-gear ... tband.html
Very comfortable. I also have had Crossbreed and Old Faithful. So far, I would buy Alien Gear again.

[JustaShooter]

I carry a shield 9 in an IWB alien gear. I don't know where Justashooter is getting his info but my holster has held up wonderfully to 12-16 hour carry on the weekends and 4-6 hour carry through the week.

I haven't broken a clip or lost a screw yet. The only thing that doesn't look original on it is that the alien emblem has worn off.

The new model has spring steel in the backing to help it hold open.

I too have a Shield and I also have AlienGear 3 holster http://aliengearholsters.com/alien-gear ... tband.html
Very comfortable. I also have had Crossbreed and Old Faithful. So far, I would buy Alien Gear again.

You realize Old Faithful and Alien Gear are one and the same, right?

[JustaShooter]

I carry a shield 9 in an IWB alien gear. I don't know where Justashooter is getting his info but my holster has held up wonderfully to 12-16 hour carry on the weekends and 4-6 hour carry through the week.

I haven't broken a clip or lost a screw yet. The only thing that doesn't look original on it is that the alien emblem has worn off.

The new model has spring steel in the backing to help it hold open.

I have had experience with the original and the 2.0 version, neither of which I would give you a plugged nickle for. I don't know about the 3.0, but based on my experience with the previous two versions I am not inclined to waste any money finding out.