Kydex is a quality, durable material that is also very lightweight – the holster weighs in at a mere 2.6 oz.

Overall, it holds the gun firmly and even clicks audibly into position when re-holstering. It has adjustable retention screws that are easily adjusted with a Philips screwdriver. This US-made IWB holster clips onto a belt quickly and easily, and can be worn comfortably at the front, side, or the back. Concealment Express Kydex IWB Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Holster Unless you wear jeans with huge pockets or cargo pants, you might have a hard time using a pocket holster.Ī closer look at Smith & Wesson M&P Shield holster optionsĪlien Gear Holsters Cloak Tuck 3.5 Holsterġ. However, most people will tell you (and I tend to agree) that the Shield is a little too large for pocket carry. They often feature a large flap on the underside to keep the holster from coming out with the pistol, and are fairly easy to draw from once you get the hang of them. Not only are they great for concealment, they’re also very good for convenience – you can simply drop your gun in your pocket and head out the door.

Pocket holsters come in handy when you can’t wear a traditional holster. They are also easy to detach when getting into a vehicle or sitting down at the office.Ī disadvantage to the paddle design is that they often stick out further, meaning concealing by wearing a shirt over your firearm is made that little bit trickier with this holster type. Paddle holsters are convenient in that they can be placed basically anywhere around your midriff. Paddle holsters attach inside the waistband by a flat piece of plastic or leather, and are typically made from either leather, kydex, nylon, or plastic. Paddle HolstersĪ popular form of OWB carry is the paddle holster. Of course, if you’re out in the boondocks or in a state with open carry laws, concealment may not be such a big issue. OWBs are typically worn off the hip and protrude more noticeably from this angle. The biggest drawback with this kind of holster is that you’ll need to wear a jacket or a long shirt if you want to keep your gun concealed. Also, they are considered by many to be a more comfortable carry method than other popular options. Holsters offer quick access, and are easy to re-holster. There are obvious advantages to OWB carry. Put simply, they sit outside the waistband of your pants and typically attach with a clip or belt loops. These are probably the most popular holster you’ll find on the market. IWB holsters are one of the most popular types of holster for the Shield, and you’ll find a wide range of pricing and designs if you choose this method of carry. If you like to wear tight-fitting pants, carrying with an IWB may mean having to buy one or two sizes larger to compensate for the size of the holstered gun. They can then be concealed by draping a shirt over the gun. Many of the best IWB holsters feature clips that attach to your belt and hold your gun in position. IWB HolstersĪs you probably figured from the name, inside-the-waistband holsters are designed to sit inside the waistband of your pants.

Below are some of the main holster choices that you might find suitable for an SW Shield. There are different advantages and disadvantages to every holster type. If you live in warmer climes, and you’re in the habit of wearing shorts and a t-shirt, then you might want to give an ankle holster the miss. Therefore, you’ll find many of the holsters in this review are good, practical choices for concealed carry – although, in most cases, if you want to open carry then they will also fit that purpose.Īnother important factor is the kind of clothing you prefer to wear. The SW Shield is well-suited to concealed carry.

Before we get started, it’s a good idea to think about how you will be carrying your Shield and what you’ll be using it for.

Smith and wesson 9mm gun holster