S&W M&P9c ‘Belt Optional’ IWB
When my wife, Jenni bought her Smith & Wesson M&P Compact, she wanted a holster for it that she could wear without a belt. So, I was able to do a little experimentation! This is my first attempt at an in-the-waistband holster. There are some points of improvement that I would do to the next one, but I would call this an overall success!
This is a single-layer leather holster with the grain toward the inside and the split toward the outside. The grain provides friction against her clothing and body to keep the holster in place and allow for a smooth, easy draw. The inside panel is veg-tanned shoulder that I dyed her favorite color – purple, of course. The outside panel is black, chrome-tanned hide. The top folds over the top of the waistband of her pants or skirt and looks like a belt if it flashes – even when she’s not wearing a belt. I canted this one at about 5-degrees to tuck the grip frame slightly closer to her body. The cant is so subtle that she is able to wear it strong-side or cross-draw, and she often does alternate, depending on what she is wearing that day.
Jen modeling strong-side:
Jen modeling cross-draw:
I’m looking forward to doing more IWB’s because I have several improvements in mind, as I previously said.
01/19/10 – UPDATE DUE TO A GREAT QUESTION:
Wuulf asked:
I like the look of it… …how does it work with no belt loops?
NO BELT LOOPS – This is a very good question, and the answer is a two-pronged attack:
1. The front panel of the holster is a stiff piece, and the flap is molded over during the molding process, so the holster fits on your pants (or skirt) like a paperclip, belt or no.
2. I uniquely build this holster with the smooth grain exclusively on the inside and the rougher split on the outside, so the fibrous nature of the split grips onto your pants/skirt/shirt/hips/underwear/whatever.
Note: This one is also boned very lightly. The tension of your waistband is the primary retention of the holster. It works nicely in the right application, and is light and thin, it offers comfortable carry, and a smooth draw. That being said, I will NOT recommend it with baggy or loose-fitting clothing, or elastic waistbands. In the latter application, it will not work correctly.
I love it! How much for one?
I like the look of it, would be interested in seeing what you could do for a pistol with a light. Also, how does it work with no belt loops?
Rock, p.m. sent.
Wuulf, I’d need you to send me your light for a perfect fit. Other than that, no problemo! I’ll build a holster for a gun with any conceivable add-ons as long as you can provide the accessories for fitment.
NO BELT LOOPS – This is a very good question, and the answer is a two-pronged attack:
1. The front panel of the holster is a stiff piece, and the flap is molded over during the molding process, so the holster fits on your pants (or skirt) like a paperclip, belt or no.
2. I uniquely build this holster with the smooth grain exclusively on the inside and the rougher split on the outside, so the fibrous nature of the split grips onto your pants/skirt/shirt/hips/underwear/whatever.
Note: This one is also boned very lightly. The tension of your waistband is the primary retention of the holster. It works nicely in the right application, and is light and thin, it offers comfortable carry, and a smooth draw. That being said, I will NOT recommend it with baggy or loose-fitting clothing, or elastic waistbands. In the latter application, it will not work correctly.
Great question, Wuulf. I’ll post that as an update on the entry.
Michael, I’d said the other day that I didn’t know what I want. Now I do. I want this one! No hurry, save it for when things are slow (I can afford a long wait, and hopefully it’ll be a while before–God forbid!–things slow down). We’ll have plenty of chances to chat about it. >^..^<