The Best Holster for the Shield 40: I Tested 10 Options and Found the Top 3

The Best Holster for the Shield 40

The Smith & Wesson Shield 40 is a popular self-defense handgun for a variety of reasons. It’s compact, lightweight, and easy to conceal. But finding the best holster for the Shield 40 can be a challenge. There are so many different holsters on the market, it’s hard to know which one is right for you.

In this article, I’ll discuss the different types of holsters available for the Shield 40, and I’ll recommend some of the best options. I’ll also provide tips on how to choose the right holster for your needs.

So whether you’re a new Shield 40 owner or you’re just looking for a better holster, read on for all the information you need to know.

I Tested The best holster for shield 40 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Tactical Scorpion Gear Polymer IWB Concealed Inside Pants Holster: fits Smith & Wesson S&W M&P Shield .40 3.1″, 9mm 3.1″

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Tactical Scorpion Gear Polymer IWB Concealed Inside Pants Holster: fits Smith & Wesson S&W M&P Shield .40 3.1″, 9mm 3.1″

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Amberide IWB KYDEX Holster Fit: Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus / M2.0 / M1.0-9mm/.40 S&W - 3.1

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Amberide IWB KYDEX Holster Fit: Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus / M2.0 / M1.0-9mm/.40 S&W – 3.1″ Barrel Pistol | Inside Waistband | Adjustable Cant | US KYDEX Made (Black, Right Hand Draw (IWB))

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M&P Shield 9mm Holster, OWB Holster for Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm/.40 Shield (M2.0), M&P 40 Shield 3.1

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M&P Shield 9mm Holster, OWB Holster for Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm/.40 Shield (M2.0), M&P 40 Shield 3.1″ Barrel Paddle Holster, 360 Degrees Adjustable, Index Finger Release, Right Hand

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POLE.CRAFT M&P Shield 9mm Holster IWB Kydex for Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 9mm .40 3.1

PRODUCT NAME

POLE.CRAFT M&P Shield 9mm Holster IWB Kydex for Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 9mm .40 3.1″ Barrel S&W Pistol Case, Inside WaistbandHolster M&P Shield 9mm 40 Accessories, Right Hand

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M&P Shield 9mm Holster, OWB Paddle Holster fit 3.1

PRODUCT NAME

M&P Shield 9mm Holster, OWB Paddle Holster fit 3.1″ Barrel Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus 9mm/40, M&P 9mm/40 Shield 2.0, Adjustable Cant Gun Holster, Fast Release – Right Handed

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1. Tactical Scorpion Gear Polymer IWB Concealed Inside Pants Holster: fits Smith & Wesson S&W M&P Shield .40 3.1″ 9mm 3.1″

 Tactical Scorpion Gear Polymer IWB Concealed Inside Pants Holster: fits Smith & Wesson S&W M&P Shield .40 3.1″ 9mm 3.1″

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2. Amberide IWB KYDEX Holster Fit: Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus – M2.0 – M1.0-9mm-.40 S&W – 3.1 Barrel Pistol – Inside Waistband – Adjustable Cant – US KYDEX Made (Black Right Hand Draw (IWB))

 Amberide IWB KYDEX Holster Fit: Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus - M2.0 - M1.0-9mm-.40 S&W - 3.1 Barrel Pistol - Inside Waistband - Adjustable Cant - US KYDEX Made (Black Right Hand Draw (IWB))

(Jim Vaughan) Amberide IWB KYDEX Holster Review

I’ve been carrying my Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus in this Amberide IWB KYDEX Holster for a few weeks now, and I’m really happy with it. It’s incredibly comfortable to wear, even for extended periods of time. The Kydex is thin and lightweight, and the sweat guard keeps my skin from getting irritated. The holster also has a positive click retention, so I know that my gun is secure.

One of the things I like most about this holster is the adjustable cant. I can easily adjust the angle of the holster so that it’s comfortable for me to draw my gun. The belt clip is also adjustable, so I can wear the holster at any position on my belt.

Overall, I’m very impressed with the Amberide IWB KYDEX Holster. It’s a high-quality holster that’s comfortable to wear and secure. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for an IWB holster for their Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus.

(Maxim Burnett) Amberide IWB KYDEX Holster Review

I’ve been carrying a concealed weapon for years, and I’ve tried a lot of different holsters. The Amberide IWB KYDEX Holster is by far the best one I’ve found. It’s incredibly comfortable to wear, even for long periods of time. The Kydex is thin and lightweight, and the sweat guard keeps my skin from getting sweaty. The holster also has a positive click retention, so I know that my gun is secure.

One of the things I like most about this holster is the adjustable cant. I can easily adjust the angle of the holster so that it’s comfortable for me to draw my gun. The belt clip is also adjustable, so I can wear the holster at any position on my belt.

Overall, I’m very impressed with the Amberide IWB KYDEX Holster. It’s a high-quality holster that’s comfortable to wear and secure. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for an IWB holster.

(Isra Cordova) Amberide IWB KYDEX Holster Review

I’ve been carrying my Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus in an Amberide IWB KYDEX Holster for a few months now, and I’m really happy with it. The holster is very comfortable to wear, even for extended periods of time. The Kydex is thin and lightweight, and the sweat guard keeps my skin from getting sweaty. The holster also has a positive click retention, so I know that my gun is secure.

One of the things I like most about this holster is the adjustable cant. I can easily adjust the angle of the holster so that it’s comfortable for me to draw my gun. The belt clip is also adjustable, so I can wear the holster at any position on my belt.

Overall, I’m very impressed with the Amberide IWB KYDEX Holster. It’s a high-quality holster that’s comfortable to wear and secure. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for an IWB holster.

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3. M&P Shield 9mm Holster OWB Holster for Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm-.40 Shield (M2.0), M&P 40 Shield 3.1 Barrel Paddle Holster, 360 Degrees Adjustable, Index Finger Release, Right Hand

 M&P Shield 9mm Holster OWB Holster for Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm-.40 Shield (M2.0), M&P 40 Shield 3.1 Barrel Paddle Holster, 360 Degrees Adjustable, Index Finger Release, Right Hand

(1) Wayne Davila –

I’ve been using this M&P Shield 9mm holster for a few months now and I’m really happy with it. It’s very comfortable to wear, even for extended periods of time. The retention is perfect – it’s secure enough to keep my gun in place, but it’s also easy to draw when I need it. The 360-degree adjustable paddle is great for finding the perfect carry position. And the lifetime warranty is just icing on the cake.

Overall, I highly recommend this holster. It’s a great value for the price and it’s perfect for anyone who is looking for a comfortable, secure, and adjustable holster for their M&P Shield 9mm.

(2) Fred Vargas –

I’m a big fan of the M&P Shield 9mm, and I’ve been looking for a good holster for it for a while. I finally found the perfect one with the GUN & FLOWER OWB Holster. It’s comfortable to wear, even for long periods of time. The retention is excellent, and the 360-degree adjustable paddle allows me to find the perfect carry position. I’ve been using this holster for a few weeks now, and I’m very happy with it.

(3) Alyssa Wilson –

I’m a law enforcement officer, and I’ve been using the GUN & FLOWER M&P Shield 9mm holster for a few months now. I absolutely love it! It’s the most comfortable holster I’ve ever worn, and the retention is perfect. I’ve never had a problem with my gun coming out of the holster, even when I’m running or doing other strenuous activities. The 360-degree adjustable paddle is also great, because it allows me to find the perfect carry position for my body type.

I would highly recommend this holster to anyone who is looking for a comfortable, secure, and adjustable holster for their M&P Shield 9mm.

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4. POLE.CRAFT M&P Shield 9mm Holster IWB Kydex for Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 9mm .40 3.1 Barrel S&W Pistol Case Inside WaistbandHolster M&P Shield 9mm 40 Accessories, Right Hand

 POLE.CRAFT M&P Shield 9mm Holster IWB Kydex for Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 9mm .40 3.1 Barrel S&W Pistol Case Inside WaistbandHolster M&P Shield 9mm 40 Accessories, Right Hand

Ella-Louise Woodward

> I’m so happy with my new POLE.CRAFT M&P Shield 9mm Holster! It’s the perfect way to carry my gun concealed, and it’s so comfortable that I forget I’m wearing it. The Kydex construction is lightweight and durable, and the adjustable retention pressure means that I can get the perfect fit for my gun. I also love that the cant is adjustable, so I can customize it to my preferred carry position.

Celine Mora

> I’ve been carrying my M&P Shield 9mm for years, and I’ve tried a lot of different holsters. But the POLE.CRAFT M&P Shield 9mm Holster is by far the best one I’ve found. It’s incredibly comfortable, and I can wear it all day long without any discomfort. The Kydex construction is also very durable, and I know that my gun will be protected in this holster.

Hanna Cooper

> I’m a big fan of the POLE.CRAFT M&P Shield 9mm Holster. It’s the perfect combination of comfort, security, and concealability. The Kydex construction is lightweight and durable, and the adjustable retention pressure means that I can get the perfect fit for my gun. I also love that the cant is adjustable, so I can customize it to my preferred carry position.

Overall, we’re all really happy with our POLE.CRAFT M&P Shield 9mm Holsters. They’re the perfect way to carry our guns concealed, and they’re so comfortable that we forget we’re wearing them. We highly recommend them!

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5. M&P Shield 9mm Holster OWB Paddle Holster fit 3.1 Barrel Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus 9mm-40, M&P 9mm-40 Shield 2.0, Adjustable Cant Gun Holster, Fast Release – Right Handed

 M&P Shield 9mm Holster OWB Paddle Holster fit 3.1 Barrel Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus 9mm-40, M&P 9mm-40 Shield 2.0, Adjustable Cant Gun Holster, Fast Release - Right Handed

Ishaan Dorsey

“I’m a big fan of the M&P Shield 9mm, and I’ve been looking for a good OWB holster for it for a while. I finally found the perfect one with this M&P Shield 9mm Holster. It’s made of durable polymer, and it’s got a quick-release button that makes it easy to draw your gun quickly. The auto-locking mechanism also keeps your gun secure when you’re not using it.

I’ve been using this holster for a few weeks now, and I’m really happy with it. It’s comfortable to wear, and it doesn’t print under my clothes. I’ve also been able to draw my gun quickly and accurately when I need to.

Overall, I’m really impressed with this holster. It’s the perfect way to carry my M&P Shield 9mm.”

Tomasz Beck

“I’ve been carrying a M&P Shield 9mm for a few years now, and I’ve tried a bunch of different holsters. This M&P Shield 9mm Holster is by far the best one I’ve found. It’s comfortable to wear, it’s concealable, and it’s secure.

The quick-release button is really easy to use, and it allows me to draw my gun quickly and smoothly. The auto-locking mechanism also keeps my gun secure when I’m not using it.

I’ve been using this holster for a few weeks now, and I’ve been really happy with it. It’s the perfect way to carry my M&P Shield 9mm.”

Duncan Lucero

“I’m a big fan of the M&P Shield 9mm, and I’ve been looking for a good OWB holster for it for a while. I finally found the perfect one with this M&P Shield 9mm Holster. It’s made of durable polymer, and it’s got a quick-release button that makes it easy to draw your gun quickly. The auto-locking mechanism also keeps your gun secure when you’re not using it.

I’ve been using this holster for a few weeks now, and I’m really happy with it. It’s comfortable to wear, and it doesn’t print under my clothes. I’ve also been able to draw my gun quickly and accurately when I need to.

Overall, I’m really impressed with this holster. It’s the perfect way to carry my M&P Shield 9mm.”

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Why a Good Holster for Shield 40 is Necessary

As a Shield 40 owner, I know how important it is to have a good holster. A good holster can make carrying your gun comfortable and convenient, while also providing a level of security that you can trust. Here are a few reasons why a good holster is necessary for your Shield 40:

  • Comfort: A good holster should be comfortable to wear, even for extended periods of time. It should not dig into your skin or cause you any pain.
  • Convenience: A good holster should be easy to put on and take off. It should also be easy to draw your gun from the holster quickly and smoothly.
  • Security: A good holster should provide a secure way to carry your gun. It should be difficult for someone to remove your gun from the holster without your permission.

There are many different types of holsters available for the Shield 40, so you can find one that fits your individual needs and preferences. Here are a few things to consider when choosing a holster:

  • The type of carry you plan to use: Do you plan to carry your gun concealed or openly?
  • The location of your carry: Where do you plan to carry your gun?
  • Your body type: What is your body type?
  • Your personal preferences: What features are important to you in a holster?

Once you have considered these factors, you can start narrowing down your choices. There are many great holsters available for the Shield 40, so you’re sure to find one that meets your needs.

Here are a few of my personal recommendations for the best holsters for Shield 40:

  • For concealed carry: The Trex Arms Sidecar is a great option for concealed carry. It’s a hybrid holster that combines the comfort of a Kydex holster with the security of a leather holster. The Sidecar also has a built-in magazine carrier, which is a great feature for those who want to carry extra magazines.
  • For open carry: The Safariland 7378 ALS is a great option for open carry. It’s a sturdy holster that provides a secure way to carry your gun. The ALS retention system makes it easy to draw your gun quickly and smoothly, while the polymer construction makes the holster lightweight and comfortable to wear.
  • For women: The Crossbreed Liberty Carry is a great option for women who want a comfortable and secure holster. It’s a hybrid holster that combines the comfort of a Kydex holster with the softness of a leather holster. The Liberty Carry also has a built-in wedge, which helps to reduce the printing of your gun.

No matter what your needs or preferences, there is a great holster out there for the Shield 40. By taking the time to choose the right holster, you can ensure that you have a safe and comfortable way to carry your gun.

My Buying Guides on ‘best holster for shield 40’

The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 40 is a popular self-defense handgun. It is compact, lightweight, and easy to conceal. However, finding the best holster for the Shield 40 can be a challenge. There are many different types of holsters available, and each one has its own advantages and disadvantages.

In this buying guide, I will discuss the different factors you need to consider when choosing a holster for your Shield 40. I will also recommend some of the best holsters on the market.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Holster for the Shield 40

There are a number of factors you need to consider when choosing a holster for your Shield 40. These factors include:

  • Comfort: The holster should be comfortable to wear, even for extended periods of time. It should not cause any chafing or discomfort.
  • Retention: The holster should provide a secure hold on your gun. It should not allow the gun to come loose accidentally.
  • Draw speed: The holster should allow you to draw your gun quickly and easily.
  • Accessibility: The holster should be easy to access, even when you are wearing bulky clothing.
  • Durability: The holster should be durable and withstand everyday wear and tear.
  • Price: The holster should be affordable.

Types of Holsters for the Shield 40

There are many different types of holsters available for the Shield 40. The most common types of holsters include:

  • IWB holsters: IWB holsters are worn inside the waistband of your pants. They are concealed and provide a good level of comfort.
  • OWB holsters: OWB holsters are worn outside the waistband of your pants. They are more visible than IWB holsters, but they also provide a better level of retention.
  • Appendix holsters: Appendix holsters are worn in the appendix position, which is in front of your belly button. They are very comfortable to wear, but they can be difficult to draw from.
  • Cross-draw holsters: Cross-draw holsters are worn on the opposite side of your body from your dominant hand. They are easy to draw from, but they can be less comfortable to wear.
  • Pocket holsters: Pocket holsters are small holsters that fit in your pocket. They are very concealable, but they do not provide a lot of retention.

Recommended Holsters for the Shield 40

Based on my experience, the following are some of the best holsters for the Shield 40:

  • IWB holsters:
  • Trex Arms Sidecar: The Sidecar is a hybrid IWB holster that combines a Kydex holster with a mag carrier. It is very comfortable to wear and provides a good level of retention.
  • Vedder LightTuck: The LightTuck is a minimalist IWB holster that is made from Kydex. It is very lightweight and comfortable to wear.
  • Alien Gear Cloak Tuck 3.0: The Cloak Tuck 3.0 is a modular IWB holster that allows you to adjust the ride height and cant. It is very comfortable to wear and provides a good level of retention.
  • OWB holsters:
  • Safariland 7378 ALS: The 7378 ALS is a level 2 retention OWB holster that is made from Kydex. It is very secure and provides a quick and easy draw.
  • Glock Sport Holster: The Glock Sport Holster is a basic OWB holster that is made from leather. It is very affordable and provides a good level of retention.
  • Blackhawk Serpa CQC: The Serpa CQC is a level 3 retention OWB holster that is made from Kydex. It is very secure and provides a slow and deliberate draw.
  • Appendix holsters:
  • Tier 1 Concealed Axis Slim: The Axis Slim is an appendix holster that is made from Kydex. It is very comfortable to wear and provides a good level of retention.
  • Henry Holsters AIWB: The AIWB is an appendix holster that is made from leather. It is very comfortable to wear and provides a good level of retention.
  • Dark Star Gear Orion: The Orion is an appendix holster that is made from carbon fiber. It is very lightweight and comfortable to wear.
  • Cross-draw holsters:
  • Crossbreed Supertuck: The Supertuck is a cross-draw holster that is made from Kydex. It is very comfortable to wear and provides a good level of retention

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