Best CCW Holster for Sub-Compacts?

[Capybara]

I've been carrying for 8 years, my primary is still my Shield 1.0, although I recently added a Shield Plus PC to the lineup as well as a Ruger Max 9. For the Shield, back in the day, I bought a Crossbreed Supertuck in Horsehide.

Overall, I like it. It's pretty comfortable and doesn't make me sweat underneath it. The only thing I dislike about it is the top of the holster, where the rear of the pistol is, has curled over from my waist pushing against it. I can press it back into position to ride straight up, but the years of wearing it have kind of trained the Horsehide to curl over the back of the pistol a bit. Not a huge deal but a bit annoying as I practice and draw.

For the Ruger, I decided to try something different, an Alien Gear Cloak Tuck. I've had one for my G17 for years and although I rarely carry my G17, when I do, the Alien Gear seems reasonably comfortable. I was a scuba diver for a long time and I am used to having Neoprene next to my skin so I wanted to find out what that felt like in an EDC holster. What I like about the Alien Gear is the easy retention adjustability and overall comfort. Not quite as comfortable as the Horsehide on the Shield holster but pretty good.

So I have a well worn Crossbreed SuperTuck in Horsehide and two Alien Gears, one for the G17 and one for the Ruger Max 9. When I replace the Crossbreed for my Shields, should I buy another Crossbreed, another Alien Gear or something else?

[9Cal_OC]

[Capybara]

I'm not afraid to admit I don't even know what a hybrid holster is? Both the Crossbreed and the Alien Gear are standard IWB holsters. What makes a holster hybrid? Can be used IWB or OWB?

I own both of these and like them both, just want to make sure that since I bought these, that some new, fancy, whoop-de-doo holster came out that I MUST have? The person I bought my Shield Plus from included some kind of Kydex, plastic doo-hickey with the pistol that he was using. It somehow merges to be utilized with some kind of holster housing? I threw it in the trash. I like simple and both the Crossbreed and the Alien Gear are simple holsters. Both have two clips, I don't like single clip holsters although they are smaller.

[anonymous308]

[Capybara]

Thank you for educating me, I didn't know that's what a hybrid holster was, although that totally makes sense. I can't imagine having a piece of plastic or Kydex riding into my side as I drive or sit in a chair so yes, definitely only considering hybrids. I like the feel of the horsehide but the neoprene on the Alien Gear isn't bad either, although it seems hotter as it holds body heat more than the Horsehide.

I've seen those all Kydex and or plastic holsters and they look really uncomfortable for IWB. For OWB, fine but I don't carry OWB as it's SoCal, it's almost always hot and I rarely wear jackets, sweaters or coats to cover an OWB.

I do carry at 2:00-3:00 o'clock, depending on the size of the gun. I find the G17 F/S, the handle sticks out the back less when I carry it at 2:00, but the other three subcompacts work better at 3:00.

[Mute]

Try one of these:

https://qseriesllc.com/products/sw-mp-shield

I use it for my Glock 43 and the thing just disappears regardless of which position I place it on my waist.

[Capybara]

Try one of these:

https://qseriesllc.com/products/sw-mp-shield

I use it for my Glock 43 and the thing just disappears regardless of which position I place it on my waist.

Interesting concept but I don't usually wear t-shirts under my outer shirt. Having the sandpaper handle texture of the Shield Plus rubbing against bare skin doesn't sound appealing. Thanks for the suggestion. Does look minimal!

[Mute]

Interesting concept but I don't usually wear t-shirts under my outer shirt. Having the sandpaper handle texture of the Shield Plus rubbing against bare skin doesn't sound appealing. Thanks for the suggestion. Does look minimal!

Yes, I do find the MP 2.0 type grip texture to be really rough against bare skin. I can't carry my MP9 2.0 IWB without an undershirt or tank on. Too abrasive.

[techbill]

Vedder

[Notpc]

I went leather (Criterion) for my G26, never going back to plastic.

https://www.miltsparks.com/inside-the-waistband/criterion/

Or

https://www.miltsparks.com/inside-the-waistband/versa-max-2/

[Capybara]

I went leather (Criterion) for my G26, never going back to plastic.

https://www.miltsparks.com/inside-the-waistband/criterion/

Or
https://www.miltsparks.com/inside-th...d/versa-max-2/

Those are some nice holsters, but pretty pricey! You think worth the money? 3.5x the money of an Alien Gear. Obviously nicer, better made but in wearing it, do you feel the difference between this and other holsters you've worn?

[Notpc]

Those are some nice holsters, but pretty pricey! You think worth the money? 3.5x the money of an Alien Gear. Obviously nicer, better made but in wearing it, do you feel the difference between this and other holsters you've worn?

For me, it was worth the price and wait time. I gave my Alien Gear Cloak Tuck to my son-in-law. I hated the thing, it was sometimes easier to pull my pants down to get the clips off my belt. Those clips are terrible. My Criterion has the magnetic button style loops, for me, these make all the difference in the world. The holster is slick and just slides between me and my pants/belt with just a loosening of my belt and off the same way. Being leather, it has formed to me and I forget I have it on (3:30-4:00). The metal reinforced opening makes re-holstering safe and easy. Yep, Milt Sparks fanboy here.

[Mute]

Those are some nice holsters, but pretty pricey! You think worth the money? 3.5x the money of an Alien Gear. Obviously nicer, better made but in wearing it, do you feel the difference between this and other holsters you've worn?

I've tried Alien Gear and have several Milt Sparks holsters. I'd gladly pay even more than the current price difference for the MS gear. I don't recommend Alien Gear at all.

[Capybara]

Okay, you guys are convincing me. Maybe I need to step up to a Milt Sparks? I supposed you get what you pay for.

[Notpc]

Okay, you guys are convincing me. Maybe I need to step up to a Milt Sparks? I supposed you get what you pay for.

The wait time lets you put a little money away every month so your significant other won't notice.