What CCW (IWB) holster do you love or recommend?

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Feb 2021 14:26:11 -0500

It's been 40 years since I owned a gun and back then it was a small caliber rifle, not a pistol. I have no experience with IWB holsters and was wondering what all y'all like/recommend.

I am looking at the ShapeShift 4.0 IWB Holster from AlienGear. As an example: https://aliengearholsters.com/s-w-m-p9-4-25-inch-barrel-shapeshift-4-0-iwb-holster.html

Thoughts? Suggestions?

S&W M&P9 IWB Holster - ShapeShift | Alien Gear Holsters

S&W M&P9 ShapeShift 4.0 IWB Holster | Thermo-elastomer base for smooth draw | Tool-less Adjustability | Fully Adjustable Holster Retention

Response by TSgt David L. made Feb 11 at 2021 2:28 PM

TSgt David L. — Thu, 11 Feb 2021 14:28:00 -0500

I have a couple of the Alien Gear holsters. Comfortable and adjustable. I think you'll like it.

Response by Cpl Steven Horsley made Feb 11 at 2021 2:34 PM

Cpl Steven Horsley — Thu, 11 Feb 2021 14:34:24 -0500

That thing looks good! When it comes down to it, the gear has to work for you in the end.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Feb 11 at 2021 2:37 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Thu, 11 Feb 2021 14:37:40 -0500

I prefer open carry myself, I have a nice nylon holster that is lined, nice and smooth for removing revolver brother SSgt Private RallyPoint Member

Response by SGT Steve McFarland made Feb 11 at 2021 2:57 PM

SGT Steve McFarland — Thu, 11 Feb 2021 14:57:36 -0500

I have a couple of Alien Gear Cloak-tuck holsters for my P320, P226, P228 and P229 which I have modified to be full-shell. The P320 and P226 share the same holster, and the P228 and P229 share a holster. My P365 and P938 share a Tulster IWB holster. I like Alien Gear holsters, but I have no use for the extra gadgets on the Shape-Shift. If I want to carry OWB, the larger pistols all share one Blackhawk CQC holster.

Response by MSG Glen Miller made Feb 11 at 2021 3:10 PM

MSG Glen Miller — Thu, 11 Feb 2021 15:10:04 -0500

I have the same holer and like it, I tried several different other, but this is by far the best.

Response by TSgt George Rodriguez made Feb 11 at 2021 3:12 PM

TSgt George Rodriguez — Thu, 11 Feb 2021 15:12:09 -0500

I make my own holsters. Mine is an outside the waist holster with a mag attachment and built to hold my laser light attachment. Its a full size Sprinfield XDM-9. I also have a boot gun holster for my snubby 38 revolver. And when I'm in a sports coat I have a shoulder holster rig that I built. When hunting and I'm carrying my 44 mag revolver I have a western style holster with a retention strap. Al;l of my holsters have a retention strap except my boot holster.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2021 3:47 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Feb 2021 15:47:47 -0500

I have a crossbreed for two of my pistols and an aliengear shapeshifter for another. I prefer the crossbreeds, but they don't have the lock that the aliengear has.

Response by 1SG Cj Grisham made Feb 11 at 2021 3:59 PM

1SG Cj Grisham — Thu, 11 Feb 2021 15:59:23 -0500

I don't carry concealed most of the time, so all of my holsters are OWB. I've never found IWB comfortable. However, I prefer custom leather holsters to the plastic or Kydex ones.

Response by SPC Terry Page made Feb 11 at 2021 4:18 PM

SPC Terry Page — Thu, 11 Feb 2021 16:18:43 -0500

A few things to consider:
Do you plan to carry all the time? If so COMFORT goes way up to the top because if it’s not that comfortable, you’ll start leaving it at home.
Your best option may be going to a good shop or maybe a gun club. Talk to folks and get their input. They may even let you try their holster.
Of course the other option is Buy; Try; and possibly Return.
Good Luck!

Response by Maj Robert Thornton made Feb 11 at 2021 6:57 PM

Maj Robert Thornton — Thu, 11 Feb 2021 18:57:41 -0500

I use an Alien Gear for IWB carry, not the shape shift, it is quite a bit older than the shape shifts.

Response by CPL Douglas Chrysler made Feb 11 at 2021 7:01 PM

CPL Douglas Chrysler — Thu, 11 Feb 2021 19:01:28 -0500

Smart choice. In Washington there is legislation up for a vote to make it a felony if you have a concealed carry permit and if any part of your pistol shows.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2021 7:54 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Feb 2021 19:54:37 -0500

I've worn all types over a career in public safety and as an NRA firearms instructor. About 3 years ago I acquired an Alien Gear IWB holster. Without a doubt THE MOST COMFORTABLE IWB holster I have EVER owned! Spreads the weight out, adjustable cant/height, outer shell can be easily replaced (4 screws) to cheaply switch for another firearm, and other attachment means.

https://aliengearholsters.com/

Concealed Carry Holsters | Concealment Holsters | Alien Gear Holsters

Alien Gear Holsters manufactures the finest American-made concealed carry holsters. With over 500+ options, we have a large variety of gun-specific concealed carry holsters. We pride ourselves on holster innovation. By constantly improving our products, we provide the best concealed carry holsters on the market.