Time to buy a pistol

[CP]

This:

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/751846/desantis-mini-scabbard-belt-holster-s-and-w-m-and-p-shield-leather?cm_mmc=pf_ci_google-_-pf_ci_google-_-pf_ci_google-_-pf_ci_google&gclid=CIiTmdikzMYCFdKFfgodLWILag

Simple holster with glowing reviews.  Shoot, that might be the one right there.

Looks like it requires a gun belt.  I've never even looked at those before - what kinds of places would a person go to buy one?  Are there standard belts that are sturdy enough to be used as a gun belt?

It requires a belt, a regular belt, whatever you are currently using to keep your pants up should work. 

On-line is best for buying - Amazon, ebay, Midway, ect.

[CAMPMEAT]

Don't know if its been mentioned but the g29 would be a good fit. 10mm is a nasty round...

That's my go to the city choice. Load that bad boy up...

[wildmanoutdoors]

This:

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/751846/desantis-mini-scabbard-belt-holster-s-and-w-m-and-p-shield-leather?cm_mmc=pf_ci_google-_-pf_ci_google-_-pf_ci_google-_-pf_ci_google&gclid=CIiTmdikzMYCFdKFfgodLWILag

Simple holster with glowing reviews.  Shoot, that might be the one right there.

Looks like it requires a gun belt.  I've never even looked at those before - what kinds of places would a person go to buy one?  Are there standard belts that are sturdy enough to be used as a gun belt?

A Sheid in a holster dosent have enough weight to warrent a gun specific belt. and decent belt will do.

[grundy53]

Try an Alien Gear holster. Very comfortable and you don't need a belt.

[Windwalker]

Most comfortable we have by far are the RAVEN Phantom Modular Holsters
http://raven-concealment-systems1.mybigcommerce.com/smith-wesson-phantom-modular-holster/



Soteria Leather http://www.soterialeather.com/shopping/owb/owb.html makes nice stuff

And Savoy has some interesting holsters http://www.savoyleather.com/

Buy once - cry once. Don't go cheap on a holster or you will regret it.

The belt is part of a system.
You can use a walmart    ... belt ....but I would suggest looking for a stiff belt designed to carry a load.
To keep the holster from flopping around you will have to wrench it down to hold it.
Yes the Shield is a lighter gun but still will bounce around some.
A good stiff gun belt holds it without ratcheting up the tension, is much more comfortable and lasts longer.

Too many choices to list for a belt- Here are a few makers in no particular order. Just a sampling of what is out there.
Galco https://www.galcogunleather.com/belts_8_253.html

Crossbreed http://www.crossbreedholsters.com/HotcakesStore/CategoryViewer/tabid/112/slug/belts/Default.aspx

Comp-Tac http://www.comp-tac.com/gun-belts/

Or you can go with a riggers belts http://215gearstore.com/riggersbelts.aspx

Good luck shopping - good choices on the guns. 

[Machias]

I have a .40 S&W M&P Shield and LOVE the Crossbreed super tuck holster!!

[Evil_EdwardO]

Thanks guys, I knew there would be no shortage of responses.  You guys take your firearms seriously!   I don't really speak the language of handguns because I have almost no experience with them at all but I do have a couple of friends with arsenals that have offered to take me to the range to give their handguns a whirl.  I am definitely going to take them up on the offer because as some of you have noted I really want to see how various guns feel before making my decision.  I think I will also summarize your responses and do a little research to make sure I know what to look at and what questions to ask at the gun counter.

How do you plan on carrying it? If it’s open carry on the hip like a cowboy, weight is a lot less of an issue. If I was carrying it like that, I would get either a S&W 686 or a Ruger GP100, 4” barrel, .357 mag. If it’s some kind of shoulder rig, you can’t go wrong with any of the suggestions made so far, but I’d throw in the CZ 75 compact for consideration.

Good question.  Walking around in the woods I can envision carrying on my hip but while riding my ATV I would want it to be concealed simply to protect against mud/dust.  At the same time, one of the reasons I am wanting compact and lightweight is because I'm on the fence about whether I would at some point choose to carry concealed in places besides the woods.  I don't feel a particular need but I may at some point. I won't invest in more than 1 handgun and I want to make sure it will be adequate for my needs.

Famous last words  I said the same exact thing and now own 3 handguns.

[Band]

Thanks guys, I knew there would be no shortage of responses.  You guys take your firearms seriously!   I don't really speak the language of handguns because I have almost no experience with them at all but I do have a couple of friends with arsenals that have offered to take me to the range to give their handguns a whirl.  I am definitely going to take them up on the offer because as some of you have noted I really want to see how various guns feel before making my decision.  I think I will also summarize your responses and do a little research to make sure I know what to look at and what questions to ask at the gun counter.

How do you plan on carrying it? If it’s open carry on the hip like a cowboy, weight is a lot less of an issue. If I was carrying it like that, I would get either a S&W 686 or a Ruger GP100, 4” barrel, .357 mag. If it’s some kind of shoulder rig, you can’t go wrong with any of the suggestions made so far, but I’d throw in the CZ 75 compact for consideration.

Good question.  Walking around in the woods I can envision carrying on my hip but while riding my ATV I would want it to be concealed simply to protect against mud/dust.  At the same time, one of the reasons I am wanting compact and lightweight is because I'm on the fence about whether I would at some point choose to carry concealed in places besides the woods.  I don't feel a particular need but I may at some point. I won't invest in more than 1 handgun and I want to make sure it will be adequate for my needs.

Famous last words  I said the same exact thing and now own 3 handguns.

OK, so I own 2 now, but that's all.  And I mean it, dangit!

[nastybynature]

I use this belt for my IWB EDC which is a G19 currently. http://bit.ly/1rLfUPx May not be needed for your application, but I have found the correct belt helps quite a bit for comfort and support.

When I am out in the woods deep, I usually take my S&W model 29 4" with 300gr bear loads. Although the few times I have forgotten it when scouting, I felt pretty safe with 15+1 of 9mm in the G19.

[Jarhead Chase]

Save the bucks get a S & W Sigma 9ve
16 + 1 mag.
Reliable for any use. Not too heavy
And a $300.00 new price tag.
I have hundreds of rounds through mine with no problems.
You can get it in any caliber you want.

Having said that In the woods I carry a Judge.

I've got the S&W SD40 version. I put an Apex Tactical Spring kit in, which really helped with the hard pull problem, and put a few upgrades in from Galloway Precision. They were not very expensive for what they did for the function of the pistol, and I get to keep the slightly smaller frame (which I really like for everyday CC as well), and the 14+1 mag capacity with 180 JHPs. It is pretty much my go to pistol.

[actionshooter]

Next step is to buy the right holster for the M&P and I'm hoping for a few suggestions from you folks to help me navigate the myriad options available for one that will suit my needs.  Here is the criteria I'm looking for:
- comfort while walking through the woods in all types of weather and ambient temperatures
- easy accessibility
- prefer the ability to carry while wearing shorts
- prefer not to have to buy a gun belt but realize it may be necessary (not really sure?)
- reasonable cost
- concealability is not important

Suggestions, please.

 Here is a link to Blade-Tech, Please consider these guys, I have used some of the holsters recommended and feel Blade-tech is superior, at least for me.

 They are local (Puyallup) and are a site sponsor here on Huntwa.

http://shop.blade-tech.com/index.php

[ridgefire]

I figured my xds.40 would be a everything gun but then had to have a lcp .380 then a Ruger single six and now looking for a Ruger .357. I would put money on it you will have another in your collection before long.

[Band]

I figured my xds.40 would be a everything gun but then had to have a lcp .380 then a Ruger single six and now looking for a Ruger .357. I would put money on it you will have another in your collection before long.

I'll take that bet.

[magnumb]

OR........buy a 'Clip Draw' and forget the holster dilema.....I have, for almost 100% of my handguns.

Whether potential and suggested holsters are lightweight, well made, weather proof, inexpensive, nice looking, well designed,yada, yada...... not one of them will be smaller, lighter, less expensive, good for several lifetimes of usefulness than the very well designed, basic, efficent and bulletproof......'Clip Draw'.

It can be worn on any belt, in any position you choose and is designed to stay in place no matter what you are doing until you need to use it.  I know that you say that you aren't even considering carrying concealed and you will likely see this as a 'concealed carry' product.  It certainly is and can be used that way, but the bottomline is that you want your handgun available to you immediately when afield.  This product can be worn anywhere on your belt, it can be placed on either side of your handgun for your comfort and conveinence and does not hinder either your grip nor the function of your weapon in any way.

Leather and man made material holsters are wonderful, but no matter how light or small/compact they are, they can't help but add at least some weight and bulk to this weapon while worn.  Most companies have dealt with the issue of 'printing' quite well.  Some of my older holsters would allow you to read the serial #'s of my guns while concealed..... .  If you employ the 'Clip Draw', it is nearly as if the gun is attached to your belt with nothing at all.......seriously, that small, lightweight and unobtrusive.

And no........no affiliation whatsoever, but I certainly own a bunch and I really wish that I had thought of it..... .  They are great people to deal with, fast and efficient transactions and simple, simple installation that takes me minutes to perform.

As this is just one man's opinion, Google up 'Clip Draw' and read the reviews.  Many are working and retired LEO's like myself that have each individually carried for decades.  And for around 25-30 bucks, even your penchant for keeping your wallet as dusty as possible can't possibly cause you too much agony, if you were not to like it.

Just a thought on a different option that many don't even know exists.  They've been in business for many, many years and it still thrives.........this might be that 'better mousetrap' that we all continually seek out. 

I know it is for me...............good luck Band...... .

[KFhunter]

If it was me....S&W M&P in .40, standard size. My brothr in law just picked one up and we shot it for the first time this weekend. It had a nice feel to it, comfortable, shot great, high capacity, easy on the pocket book. Great shooting gun.

I got my paws on one of those the other day and it shot great for me too, the owner was shocked at just how well it shot.  No hiccups at all,  I'd own one in a heartbeat.

Also recommend .40 S&W