New holster for my M&P

[Podmonkey]

Another IWB from T-Rex Arms which is becoming my go-to holster maker.
I originally got the Ironside Hybrid holster from the same company and there is nothing wrong with it, very comfortable setup. However it does take up a lot of belt space which causes problems with my other belt mounted EDC item a multitool which I keep just in front of the holster. I also have never been fond of the way the belt loops attach to the backer and not the holster itself.



As you can see the Raptor holster takes up much less belt space than the Ironside
And the little claw thingy of the Raptor does indeed pull the butt of the gun tighter into the body and it is a fair bit more concealed now with less printing
Especially when bending the waist. Despite this tge new holster is still quite comfortable, that Alcantara backer is a genius idea and it's a wonder no one has done it before. It is a far better solution to other hybrid holsters such as tge Crossbreed which have issues with loose retention. The Raptor here, like the Ironside is a full kydex holster just with a backer attached.
As for the Ironside Being a Hybrid I will be converting it back to an OWB configuration for cold weather carry.
At some point I will be getting the T-Rex Ragnarok holster on a single strap drop leg for cool guy tacticool range/training use. I do already have a Ragnarok for my Glock 19 and it is an excellent holster from range and competition.

 

[Podmonkey]

I should also note that tge backer has additional utility beyond just comfort. On either holster it grips firmly aginst the body, there is no way the holster would pull out during the draw. Even of the clips weren't there I think tge holster would stat put, under the draw anyway. Walking around, sitting, standing, sitting again, climbing up and down tge truck I'm sure it would quickly shift sans clips

 

[Podmonkey]

Not that anyone seems to care but after 2 days of carry the new holster has accomplished what I needed it too:
It does take up significantly less belt space, is more secure on the belt and does not shift around. I also find that ot conceals the gun extremely well, even bending over there is minimal printing. The Raptor is slightly less comfortable than the Ironside but not to the point of being objectionable.

 

[Depick]

I was interested in their products a while back but at the time they mainly had holsters intended for appendix carry which isn’t for me. Your thoughts on the raptor and the iron side holsters has rekindled my interest in upgrading my p365x holster.

 

[Podmonkey]

I was interested in their products a while back but at the time they mainly had holsters intended for appendix carry which isn’t for me. Your thoughts on the raptor and the iron side holsters has rekindled my interest in upgrading my p365x holster.

I originally got the Ironside because I thought the Raptor was intended for appendix carry however while it can be carried in that fashion T-Rex states that the Raptor is intended primarily for strong side carry. I have carried an M&P Compact in this holster now and found it to work very well, I am especially impressed with how well it conceals the gun, zero printing when standing and only a little when bent over.
I have since converted the Ironside back to an OWB style. I will carry the OWB when we get back into coat season.

 

[Depick]

I originally got the Ironside because I thought the Raptor was intended for appendix carry however while it can be carried in that fashion T-Rex states that the Raptor is intended primarily for strong side carry. I have carried an M&P Compact in this holster now and found it to work very well, I am especially impressed with how well it conceals the gun, zero printing when standing and only a little when bent over.
I have since converted the Ironside back to an OWB style. I will carry the OWB when we get back into coat season.

I checked out the raptor on their site. I like what I see and have read. I’m probably going to order one eventually but haven’t decided if I go with one for a duty size pistol or a sub compact.

 

[Podmonkey]

I checked out the raptor on their site. I like what I see and have read. I’m probably going to order one eventually but haven’t decided if I go with one for a duty size pistol or a sub compact.

For IWB carry I'd favor a compact, subconlact/microcompact over a duty sized gun. I find the compact models to be the ideal size anyway. I still say in NY the Glock 48 is an ideal carry gun.

 

[GOPerfect]

That is a fine, a fine looking holster@!

 

[Podmonkey]

That is a fine, a fine looking holster@!

It's functional. Highly recommend it.
I've noticed that T-Rex is fast in supporting new guns and gear. They are just one of a few that offer holsters cut specially for tile M&P Carry Comp and again one of just a few that accommodate the Streamlight TLR7 HL-X light which is the best compact pistol light on the market right now

 

[Depick]

For IWB carry I'd favor a compact, subconlact/microcompact over a duty sized gun. I find the compact models to be the ideal size anyway. I still say in NY the Glock 48 is an ideal carry gun.

The G48 has been on my radar.

 

[MikeyCNY]

It's functional. Highly recommend it.
I've noticed that T-Rex is fast in supporting new guns and gear. They are just one of a few that offer holsters cut specially for tile M&P Carry Comp and again one of just a few that accommodate the Streamlight TLR7 HL-X light which is the best compact pistol light on the market right now

I picked up a Ragnarok OWB holster for my Carry Comp as well - same light too.

Still prefer my 365XL for appendix carry, I've lost some weight but still can't find a good holster option that works for me with M&P/G19-sized pistols. With 10 round limit they're more for home defense or range fun.

If we didn't have mag limits I'd probably go back to carrying M&P Compact in winter..

 

[Podmonkey]

I picked up a Ragnarok OWB holster for my Carry Comp as well - same light too.

Still prefer my 365XL for appendix carry, I've lost some weight but still can't find a good holster option that works for me with M&P/G19-sized pistols. With 10 round limit they're more for home defense or range fun.

If we didn't have mag limits I'd probably go back to carrying M&P Compact in winter..

I have a Ragnarok for my G19, great holster for range/comp/training. I will be getting one for my Carry Comp too with the full on offset drop down and leg strap.
And I find the Carry Comp conceals very well in the Rator under just an untucked camp shirt. I am carrying thus at work at the very moment I'm typing this. I'm getting some grub at Rutter's right now actually. Rutter's is tge better version of Sheetz.

 

[Depick]

I have a Ragnarok for my G19, great holster for range/comp/training. I will be getting one for my Carry Comp too with the full on offset drop down and leg strap.
And I find the Carry Comp conceals very well in the Rator under just an untucked camp shirt. I am carrying thus at work at the very moment I'm typing this. I'm getting some grub at Rutter's right now actually. Rutter's is tge better version of Sheetz.

I was working in Everette, PA and came across a Rutters. You’re 100% correct much better than sheetz.

 

[MikeyCNY]

I was working in Everette, PA and came across a Rutters. You’re 100% correct much better than sheetz.

Never been inside a Sheetz, but Rutters wasn't bad, got a few snacks. Donated some money to the slot machines inside (lol).. WaWa was nice, very busy.

Not to turn into a gas station thread but Buc-ee's is still Petroleum Perfection.. went to one in TN last week (not the first time) - they're building one in VA that'll be about 6 hours away, ha... ROAD TRIP.

 

[Bustedknees]

I'd have to buy all new pants to consider any IWB. New jeans are running about $50! Then if I'm not carrying the pants would be 3" too big? No, I won't consider stretchy pants or Velcro sneakers yet. I know it's not too legal, but I find the most comfortable being laying the pistols between the seat of my truck on console of my utv.

 

[Podmonkey]

Never been inside a Sheetz, but Rutters wasn't bad, got a few snacks. Donated some money to the slot machines inside (lol).. WaWa was nice, very busy.

Not to turn into a gas station thread but Buc-ee's is still Petroleum Perfection.. went to one in TN last week (not the first time) - they're building one in VA that'll be about 6 hours away, ha... ROAD TRIP.

Difference between Sheetz and Rutters is the latter uses deli quality meat in their wraps/sandwiches while the former is more like Oscar Meyer quality.
Rutters also has more toppings and fixing like mushroom which I appreciate since I love mushroom.
I can't go to WAWA, none of them have truck parking. Buc-ee's either.

I'd have to buy all new pants to consider any IWB. New jeans are running about $50! Then if I'm not carrying the pants would be 3" too big? No, I won't consider stretchy pants or Velcro sneakers yet. I know it's not too legal, but I find the most comfortable being laying the pistols between the seat of my truck on console of my utv.

I can get away with running my Compact in my normal sized pants. Some of my jeans are tge flex kind and with those its no problem but even my older jeans that have been washed a ton and shrunk bit can still accommodate my Carry Comp albeit in a very tight fit.