Single clip IWB holsters

HistoryJunky · February 26, 2016, 09:08 AM

I'm looking for a decent, quick on and off holster. The carry gun in question is the Smith and Wesson M&P Shield .40.

I don't know anything about these type of holsters. Are they sufficient for stable carry? How does it compare to a dual clip holster like aliengear?

**Spats McGee** · February 26, 2016, 09:13 AM

I have a Galco Triton for my G19. It's stable for carry, but unless I really cinch it down, it wants to come off the belt when I draw. Honestly, it seems to do best when I put it outside the pants, but inside the belt.

Wishoot · February 26, 2016, 09:36 AM

For full size pistols, I really prefer double clip or double loops. Single loop/clip holsters are okay for smaller pistols.

I have a single loop holster for a G19 and find that it just isn't stable enough for my tastes. With any movement, the cant changes and the holster moves around too much.

HistoryJunky · February 26, 2016, 10:27 AM

Sorry I guess I mis-posted. Just woke up... I'm out there somewhere. The gun is a Smith and Wesson M&P Shield .40.

Would the smaller profile of the gun make it more suitable for a single clip style holster?

Wishoot · February 26, 2016, 10:56 AM

In that case, yes.

While I still prefer a double clip/loop for my shield, I have a couple of single clip holsters that work just fine too (Clinger Stingray and a High Noon Hidden Ally). Their clips seem to work really well and I've never had the holster come off my belt while drawing. I did have this problem with a couple other holsters however.

Sharkbite · February 26, 2016, 11:01 AM

Look at the Blade-tech Klipt.

Single clip kydex. Great design and well made. The Cabbalas by me has started stocking Blade-tech products which is nice

Ive used Blade-tech stuff since starting at Front Sight (1997) and have always been happy with the gear.

HistoryJunky · February 26, 2016, 11:32 AM

Are the Kydex single clips fairly slim profiled? Looking to get something for summertime, jeans and a t shirt carry.

**Spats McGee** · February 26, 2016, 11:58 AM

One of the things I've noticed is that the dual-clip holsters (like the CBST & the clones) can be thinner than the single-clips, because you're not "stacking" the clip and the body of the holster. My CBST takes up a lot of ground in the up-down and left-right directions, but it's a pretty slim profile in terms of how far out it sticks from my waist.

JERRYS. · February 26, 2016, 11:59 AM

look at the sideguard IWB minimal clip. http://sideguardholsters.com/holsters/IWB_Holsters.htm

Pond, James Pond · February 26, 2016, 12:47 PM

I had one for my G19 (still have the holster, sold the gun) and one for my snub. Both were Galco Soft-Tuk

I found them comfortable, but more so with the snub. To be fair, I've used the snub one waaay more than I ever used the holster for the G19...

Because of the single anchor point, I find they don't pull the gun against the body all that well, hence why snub at "appendix" position. In that place, the snub was both comfortable and well concealed.

The G19, which on went at about 4-5 o'clock was fine when standing, but leaning over the butt would stick out significantly. Had it been a G26, perhaps it would have been OK...

lee n. field · February 26, 2016, 06:41 PM

Quote:

I have a Galco Triton for my G19.

SEcond on the Triton. I have one for a j-frame that works well.

Alas, I don't see the Shield listed.

P71pilot · February 26, 2016, 07:16 PM

For anything over about 16oz gun weight empty, you really don't want a single clip IWB holster. Trust me, it will not stay completely put, especially if you will be walking alot or getting in/ out of your car/sitting down. You will have to do a LOT of re adjusting. Double attachment point IWB holsters basically eliminate moving of gun position. And if you are skinny and carry a big gun in warmer weather, even the slightest shift in cant or position may be the difference from printing or not printinf

Cheapshooter · February 26, 2016, 07:51 PM

Personally I prefer the two clip, hybrid IWB holsters even for small guns. Like my Kahr CM 9 which some even consider a pocket gun.
It just makes the gun so much more stable, and to me comfortable.
I tried a single clip custom built holster from an individual I'm not even sure is still in business. This was for a XD40 Sub Compact. The gun seemed to tilt downward, and move around with only one clip. His design had the clip on sort of a tab to fhe rear of the hooster, behind the gun. So I sent it back, and had him add a flap with another clip Iin front. That solved the tilting problem, but even with a double reenforced mouth on the holster it still tended to crush when the gun was removed making it hard if not impossible to reholster. The Kydex shell makes for a so much better IWB holster

HistoryJunky · February 26, 2016, 11:59 PM

Thanks for all the insight guys. I think I'll just stick with what I know and just get another Alien gear for my Shield.

P71pilot · February 27, 2016, 08:38 AM

I am a proud new owner of an alien gear leather IWB holster. The leather is rrrrrreally thick and the whole holster feels extremely durable. I am small, and the holster is just a bit thick and the kydex part is a wee bit stiff/wide for me. I think an all leather IWB would be more comfortable for me, but I am going to keep the AG holster as it is tolerable when my pants are pulled up so high and I wear pants that are 2+ inches bigger with a nice belt

Corrections Cop · February 29, 2016, 04:56 PM

I love my Alien Gear Cloak Tuck 3.0. I had a cheaper galco single clip for a while, then I switched the Alien Gear, don't think I would ever go back to a single clip now.

silverstang23 · February 29, 2016, 09:46 PM

Haley Strategic Incog by G-Code. You won't regret it. Can even get it with a mag carries. Super comfortable and easy to attach/detach

Kennydale · March 1, 2016, 11:09 PM

Love my Appalachian Concealment Gladius (AIWB) for my G17

BillG174 · March 8, 2016, 10:19 PM

I have two Nate Squared Tactical Professional IWB holsters (n82tactical.com), one for my Glock 17 and one for my Glock 30. The holster has a single clip and is extremely comfortable. I wear a Better Belt USA gun belt which provides very good support. The single clip holds the holster and gun very well and the holster settles into the side of my body.

NateKirk · March 8, 2016, 11:39 PM

I use a kydex IWB holster from Cook's Holsters. It's pretty simple and does the job. It's a single clip.

Sarge · March 9, 2016, 12:54 AM

I've got a beat up old Safariland 27 that has been my main IWB for 5 years. I'll order another when this one gives out.

Captains1911 · March 9, 2016, 09:44 PM

I've never found single clip holsters to be anywhere near as stable as a 2-clip, regardless of the size of the gun. I also find single clip holsters to be less comfortable, because the maximum thickness increases by locating the clip in the same spot as the gun, rather than offset like on a 2-clip design.

dschifan · March 12, 2016, 09:26 AM

I recently bought the techna clip for my shield. Was hesitant as its not a holster but it works very well and is nice for comfort/room wise inside your waist area. I however would never keep a round chambered as shooting yourself in the leg does not sound fun.

05kas05 · March 15, 2016, 10:05 PM

i carry a glock 26 gen4 as of now and i use a fist k6 holster it is a simple no frills no thrills kydex holster.
the holster is made from a thin kydex so it does not add a lot of bulk to your weapon.
the holster rides low inside/on the waistband which is what i like. it might not win any fashion shows but so far i have had no problems with the one i have purchased. i had purchased some other clips for different mounting and i find i like the belt loop mounting clip the best.

Captains1911 · March 17, 2016, 07:16 PM

Quote:

I recently bought the techna clip for my shield. Was hesitant as its not a holster but it works very well and is nice for comfort/room wise inside your waist area. I however would never keep a round chambered as shooting yourself in the leg does not sound fun.

Sounds like you probably aren't ready for appendix carry.

February 26, 2016, 09:08 AM	#1
HistoryJunky Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2010 Location: Freeport, IL Posts: 833	Single clip IWB holsters I'm looking for a decent, quick on and off holster. The carry gun in question is the Smith and Wesson M&P Shield .40. I don't know anything about these type of holsters. Are they sufficient for stable carry? How does it compare to a dual clip holster like aliengear? Last edited by HistoryJunky; February 26, 2016 at 10:28 AM.

February 26, 2016, 09:13 AM	#2
Spats McGee Staff Join Date: July 28, 2010 Location: Arkansas Posts: 8,821	I have a Galco Triton for my G19. It's stable for carry, but unless I really cinch it down, it wants to come off the belt when I draw. Honestly, it seems to do best when I put it outside the pants, but inside the belt. __________________ I'm a lawyer, but I'm not your lawyer. If you need some honest-to-goodness legal advice, go buy some.

February 26, 2016, 11:58 AM	#8
Spats McGee Staff Join Date: July 28, 2010 Location: Arkansas Posts: 8,821	One of the things I've noticed is that the dual-clip holsters (like the CBST & the clones) can be thinner than the single-clips, because you're not "stacking" the clip and the body of the holster. My CBST takes up a lot of ground in the up-down and left-right directions, but it's a pretty slim profile in terms of how far out it sticks from my waist. __________________ I'm a lawyer, but I'm not your lawyer. If you need some honest-to-goodness legal advice, go buy some.

February 26, 2016, 12:47 PM	#10
Pond, James Pond Senior Member Join Date: July 12, 2011 Location: Top of the Baltic stack Posts: 6,079	I had one for my G19 (still have the holster, sold the gun) and one for my snub. Both were Galco Soft-Tuk I found them comfortable, but more so with the snub. To be fair, I've used the snub one waaay more than I ever used the holster for the G19... Because of the single anchor point, I find they don't pull the gun against the body all that well, hence why snub at "appendix" position. In that place, the snub was both comfortable and well concealed. The G19, which on went at about 4-5 o'clock was fine when standing, but leaning over the butt would stick out significantly. Had it been a G26, perhaps it would have been OK... __________________ When the right to effective self-defence is denied, that right to self-defence which remains is essentially symbolic. Freedom: Please enjoy responsibly.

February 26, 2016, 07:16 PM	#12
P71pilot Senior Member Join Date: November 23, 2014 Location: Cincinnati Posts: 728	For anything over about 16oz gun weight empty, you really don't want a single clip IWB holster. Trust me, it will not stay completely put, especially if you will be walking alot or getting in/ out of your car/sitting down. You will have to do a LOT of re adjusting. Double attachment point IWB holsters basically eliminate moving of gun position. And if you are skinny and carry a big gun in warmer weather, even the slightest shift in cant or position may be the difference from printing or not printinf __________________ Without the 2nd amendment, all other rights would not exist

February 26, 2016, 09:36 AM	#3
Wishoot Senior Member Join Date: June 5, 2009 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 1,093	For full size pistols, I really prefer double clip or double loops. Single loop/clip holsters are okay for smaller pistols. I have a single loop holster for a G19 and find that it just isn't stable enough for my tastes. With any movement, the cant changes and the holster moves around too much.

February 26, 2016, 10:27 AM	#4
HistoryJunky Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2010 Location: Freeport, IL Posts: 833	Sorry I guess I mis-posted. Just woke up... I'm out there somewhere. The gun is a Smith and Wesson M&P Shield .40. Would the smaller profile of the gun make it more suitable for a single clip style holster?

February 26, 2016, 10:56 AM	#5
Wishoot Senior Member Join Date: June 5, 2009 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 1,093	In that case, yes. While I still prefer a double clip/loop for my shield, I have a couple of single clip holsters that work just fine too (Clinger Stingray and a High Noon Hidden Ally). Their clips seem to work really well and I've never had the holster come off my belt while drawing. I did have this problem with a couple other holsters however.

February 26, 2016, 11:01 AM	#6
Sharkbite Senior Member Join Date: November 4, 2013 Location: Western slope of Colorado Posts: 3,679	Look at the Blade-tech Klipt. Single clip kydex. Great design and well made. The Cabbalas by me has started stocking Blade-tech products which is nice Ive used Blade-tech stuff since starting at Front Sight (1997) and have always been happy with the gear.

February 26, 2016, 11:32 AM	#7
HistoryJunky Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2010 Location: Freeport, IL Posts: 833	Are the Kydex single clips fairly slim profiled? Looking to get something for summertime, jeans and a t shirt carry.

February 26, 2016, 11:59 AM	#9
JERRYS. Senior Member Join Date: September 23, 2013 Location: Alabama Posts: 2,969	look at the sideguard IWB minimal clip. http://sideguardholsters.com/holsters/IWB_Holsters.htm

February 26, 2016, 07:51 PM	#13
Cheapshooter Senior Member Join Date: December 2, 2007 Location: Missouri Posts: 8,306	Personally I prefer the two clip, hybrid IWB holsters even for small guns. Like my Kahr CM 9 which some even consider a pocket gun. It just makes the gun so much more stable, and to me comfortable. I tried a single clip custom built holster from an individual I'm not even sure is still in business. This was for a XD40 Sub Compact. The gun seemed to tilt downward, and move around with only one clip. His design had the clip on sort of a tab to fhe rear of the hooster, behind the gun. So I sent it back, and had him add a flap with another clip Iin front. That solved the tilting problem, but even with a double reenforced mouth on the holster it still tended to crush when the gun was removed making it hard if not impossible to reholster. The Kydex shell makes for a so much better IWB holster __________________ Cheapshooter's rules of gun ownership #1: NEVER SELL OR TRADE ANYTHING!

February 26, 2016, 11:59 PM	#14
HistoryJunky Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2010 Location: Freeport, IL Posts: 833	Thanks for all the insight guys. I think I'll just stick with what I know and just get another Alien gear for my Shield.

February 27, 2016, 08:38 AM	#15
P71pilot Senior Member Join Date: November 23, 2014 Location: Cincinnati Posts: 728	I am a proud new owner of an alien gear leather IWB holster. The leather is rrrrrreally thick and the whole holster feels extremely durable. I am small, and the holster is just a bit thick and the kydex part is a wee bit stiff/wide for me. I think an all leather IWB would be more comfortable for me, but I am going to keep the AG holster as it is tolerable when my pants are pulled up so high and I wear pants that are 2+ inches bigger with a nice belt __________________ Without the 2nd amendment, all other rights would not exist

February 29, 2016, 04:56 PM	#16
Corrections Cop Senior Member Join Date: September 21, 2012 Location: Lansing, MI Posts: 390	I love my Alien Gear Cloak Tuck 3.0. I had a cheaper galco single clip for a while, then I switched the Alien Gear, don't think I would ever go back to a single clip now.

February 29, 2016, 09:46 PM	#17
silverstang23 Senior Member Join Date: May 27, 2013 Posts: 180	Haley Strategic Incog by G-Code. You won't regret it. Can even get it with a mag carries. Super comfortable and easy to attach/detach

March 1, 2016, 11:09 PM	#18
Kennydale Member Join Date: April 16, 2013 Location: Richmond/Rosenberg, TX Posts: 50	Love my Appalachian Concealment Gladius (AIWB) for my G17

March 8, 2016, 10:19 PM	#19
BillG174 Member Join Date: October 8, 2014 Location: Lenexa, KS (Kansas City Metro) Posts: 46	I have two Nate Squared Tactical Professional IWB holsters (n82tactical.com), one for my Glock 17 and one for my Glock 30. The holster has a single clip and is extremely comfortable. I wear a Better Belt USA gun belt which provides very good support. The single clip holds the holster and gun very well and the holster settles into the side of my body. __________________ Being Armed Is A Mindset, Not A Physical Condition - Rob Pincus Freedom Is Not Free SAF, GOA, Kansas State Rifle Association

March 8, 2016, 11:39 PM	#20
NateKirk Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 2013 Location: Detroit Posts: 435	I use a kydex IWB holster from Cook's Holsters. It's pretty simple and does the job. It's a single clip. __________________ “Peace is that brief glorious moment in history when everybody stands around reloading".” ― --Thomas Jefferson

March 9, 2016, 12:54 AM	#21
Sarge Senior Member Join Date: May 12, 2002 Location: MO Posts: 5,457	I've got a beat up old Safariland 27 that has been my main IWB for 5 years. I'll order another when this one gives out. __________________ People were smarter before the Internet, or imbeciles were harder to notice.

March 9, 2016, 09:44 PM	#22
Captains1911 Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 2009 Location: West of the Blue Ridge, VA Posts: 684	I've never found single clip holsters to be anywhere near as stable as a 2-clip, regardless of the size of the gun. I also find single clip holsters to be less comfortable, because the maximum thickness increases by locating the clip in the same spot as the gun, rather than offset like on a 2-clip design.

March 12, 2016, 09:26 AM	#23
dschifan Member Join Date: February 28, 2016 Location: California Posts: 21	I recently bought the techna clip for my shield. Was hesitant as its not a holster but it works very well and is nice for comfort/room wise inside your waist area. I however would never keep a round chambered as shooting yourself in the leg does not sound fun.