Which Holster would be best for me?

[rp23g7]

Probably getting my CC permit this next week, and picking up my gun soon after. I have decided on a S&W SD40. Wondering what holster and carry option would be best for me in everyones opinion.

I work at Boeing, so no carrying at work.

I am a pretty athletic guy, been working out 27 yrs, medium build, usually wear t shirts tucked in, with jeans. Winter time usually wear a coat outside till april or so. Any opinions?

we will work on the wifes carry options later.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[iguanadon]

Do yourself a favor, set aside $300 mentally for holsters... cuz you'll need it as you try different ones. ;-)

Now, asking a group of strangers what type of holster to get is like going into a restaurant and asking everyone dining what you should order for dinner... You'll get 40 different answers and they'll simply be telling you what they like.

I will say that since you prefer to tuck your shirt, you're looking at IWB of course and there are many choices.

This video shows several of them so you get an idea of what's out there and some of the differences. He doesn't go into great detail about each one, but he does tell you who's out there so you can pull up their websites and do some research.

Good luck!

Hybrid IWB Holsters - YouTube

[ccw9mm]

Some questions:

1. Do you have a preference for the mode of carry? (IWB, OWB, shoulder, ankle, pocket ... though some options won't be practical for a larger weapon.)
   
2. Are you absolutely required to conceal at all times, or do you care about absolute concealment?
   
3. Is comfort level your top requirement, or are you willing to allow less comfort to get other features?
   
4. Leather, Kydex, hybrid, other?
   
5. With your clothing, are you going to be wearing a covering garment at all times, or will it vary?
   
6. Any other requirements of a holster, for you?

In my case, I've typically carried a puny gun in the pocket, or a mid- to full-sized gun on the hip either via IWB or OWB in a decent leather holster. I like the pancake style, but I also appreciate some of the holsters that emulate the Milt Sparks VM-II type format, with a wider, load-spreading design and two solid attachment points for the belt. My preference is for the durability and value that Fist Holsters offers, but there are several decent makers out there. Paired with a decent quality, thick leather belt of at least 1.5" width, a good OWB pancake holster ought to serve you well. If beyond that you require deeper concealment, then any of the wider, load-spreading IWB options would be a good place to start looking.

Ditto on the $300-ish level. Assume you'll not find your perfect holster until you've tried a few. Unless you find a few shops that'll allow you to try before you buy, it's likely then that you'll have to acquire at least a couple before you start realizing what's not quite for you.

[Luckey1115]

That's a hard one to help with. I think you have to buy a box full of ones that don't work, before you find one that you think does work, but you'll still be shopping for the perfect one. A lot of us have "a box".

[iguanadon]

That's a hard one to help with. I think you have to buy a box full of ones that don't work, before you find one that you think does work, but you'll still be shopping for the perfect one. A lot of us have "a box".

Speaking of which... ummmm, if you're going to be carrying a Glock27 I have some I can sell you at a discount.

[ccw9mm]

I think you have to buy a box full of ones that don't work, before you find one that you think does work, but you'll still be shopping for the perfect one. A lot of us have "a box".

Hey, that's a good idea: if you've got a popular gun, then "shouting out" to those who have a decent holster in "the box" that they wouldn't mind selling that would fit that gun. Avoid the build/wait, unburden someone's "box" of a superfluous holster, and get something at a discount that might or might not be "the one," instead of paying full price for something that might or might not be "the one." Hm. Box swapping. What a concept.

[dben002]

Gonna need more than 1.....not seen any holster yet that covers all carry situations...OWB (in winter maybe) IWB (in summer maybe) pocket carry (anytime maybe)..Leather, pouch type, Kydex, etc...etc...etc.....just count on more holster's than socks so clear out a drawer cause your gonna fill it up.......

[iguanadon]

Hey, that's a good idea: if you've got a popular gun, then "shouting out" to those who have a decent holster in "the box" that they wouldn't mind selling that would fit that gun. Avoid the build/wait, unburden someone's "box" of a superfluous holster, and get something at a discount that might or might not be "the one," instead of paying full price for something that might or might not be "the one." Hm. Box swapping. What a concept.

You're on to something ccw9mm... Instead of CraigsList, let's start a site... HolsterList... Folks list what they have in their box with full description and pictures... Those shopping can easily find all sorts of options.

[longhornfan6]

Take a look at the FusionPac from Tactipac, I have been wearing mine for a little over a week now and it truly I the most comfortable holster I have worn so far. It is truly the most tuckable holster made since it attaches to your body and not your belt. It took about 2 months to get mine but it was worth the wait!


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[Luckey1115]

See with "a box", you can assemble with altered parts and a hunk of leather, a holster that will get by until that perfect one from "JM Custom Kydex" gets here. And notice my "box" is full of Left Handed Holsters.
holster.jpg

[rp23g7]

Take a look at the FusionPac from Tactipac, I have been wearing mine for a little over a week now and it truly I the most comfortable holster I have worn so far. It is truly the most tuckable holster made since it attaches to your body and not your belt. It took about 2 months to get mine but it was worth the wait!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks everyone, good info, i like that Fusionpac holster

[1MoreGoodGuy]

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MaxTuck Black Cowhide-172.jpg

[SHTFGearLLC]

Take a look at SHTF Gear LLC. Here's a pic that explains the best features feature-small.jpg

Thanks!
Clay