xdm9 4.5 holster

[A. Wayne]

6

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[HollowPoint]

Can't stand the holster that came with my XDM 9mm. Just way to uncomfortable, angled all wrong all way up to high for me. Just doesn't feel like it's secure and like it will fall out if running or jumping. If I tighten it it takes a crane do draw.

I use a shoulder holster instead.

Not sure about the one in your link. Looks nice.

I'm just not a fan of OWB paddle holsters and such.

 

[lx1x]

Ive used the holster that came with. It can be tighten for some retension. it does leave a scratch like any kydex holster. Simple cleaning and oil does the trick. Only used it at a competition.

Leather should not scratch if its made correctly. Ie,, no metals touching the gun.

 

[mrozowjj]

A few questions, I apologize in advance if these are stupid :

Do paddle holsters work at all without a belt?
Will Kydex holsters damage the gun finish?
Anyone like or use the holster that comes with the gun?
Are other retention systems as secure as thumb break?
Will leather holsters damage the gun finish, and if so do lined holsters minimize this?
Right now this looks ideal, however I am not sure about the retention system.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001V2V8ZM...e=asn&creative=395105&creativeASIN=B001V2V8ZM

What are you going to use your holster for?

Paddle holsters don't work without a belt. As far as I know you need a belt for any waist holsters though so I don't know if I understand the question.

All guns are going to get a bit of wear from using a holster. That's the cost of doing business. A lined holster will minimize the effect but it's a simple fact of physics, friction is going to cause a gun to wear eventually. And in my opinion a gun with now wear is like a truck with no dirt on it.

A properly fitting holster is all you need. A Thumb break is unnecessary for most applications (This is why I asked what you are using it for, this answer changes if you are a cop looking for a duty holster.)

I like the holster that came with the XDm but I don't use it. I don't like the cant of it for what I'm going to use it for.

Safariland makes good holsters but point of note it says it fits an XD it does not say XDM. Verify that it will fit your XDM before you buy it.

 

[BradMacc82]

Paddle's will work w/out a belt - they're just not as secure/stable as with a belt, I know this for fact - I'm very skinny, so a belt isn't always an option for me. W/out a belt, it can shift somewhat.

Safariland's main site will tell you if they have one specifically for the XDm series, I used the main site to verify they had a fitment for my sidearm when I was looking.

 

[BradMacc82]

You got 5 pages of options from Bianchi/Safariland for the XDm 9, 4.5"


http://holsterfinder.safariland.com/


This one is a belt/paddle combo -

http://holsterfinder.safariland.com/HolsterSeries/Details/10172

 

[lx1x]

Thanks for the input so far. As far as the no belt issue, I was thinking that perhaps the paddle would slide over the waistband of jeans and could stay secure using the combination of the waistband of jeans, along with the shape of hip, and love handles.

My primary use would be for range carry, possible steel shoots, and down the road the unlikely use (for me) for CCW.

I was thinking of paddle just for ease of slipping it on at the range.

for range use.. yeah.. the xd holster does the job.. but i personally will not use it for ccw.

 

[mrozowjj]

Some paddle holsters might have enough friction on the jeans themselves to stay sort of in place without having a belt but if you intend to carry a good belt will go a long way to making it more comfortable to carry.

 

[tball]

I tried using the holster that came with my XD once at a firearms training class and got rid of it. It is difficult to draw your your XD quickly with the XD holster without it binding. It's just too short. I borrowed a Bladetech, which worked out very well. I ended up buying a very similar Uncle Mikes holster, because at the time, no body seemed to have a Bladetech in stock anywhere at the time. I like the Uncle Mikes and Bladetech equally.

I just got a Bladetech from JoeBob's for my XDM 5.25. He was one of the few vendors who carried holsters for the new XDM 5.25 and had the best price. I don't like the short holsters that came with my XD or XDM. They don't cover the full length of the barrel and slide. The Bladetech holster protects the fiberoptic site.

I haven't noticed any damage or wear from the holsters on either my XD or XDM.

 

[Bikebreath]

I use the holster that came with my 4.5 XDm. I like it. Use at comps and steel shoots 1 to 3 times a month and it's been fine for 2.5 years now. I have gotten an extra mag pouch from Comptac for USPSA matches and realize now that the XDm mag pouches aren't so hot. If I get a new holster for the gun it will Comptac, also.

 

[mrozowjj]

I use the holster that came with my 4.5 XDm. I like it. Use at comps and steel shoots 1 to 3 times a month and it's been fine for 2.5 years now. I have gotten an extra mag pouch from Comptac for USPSA matches and realize now that the XDm mag pouches aren't so hot. If I get a new holster for the gun it will Comptac, also.

I love Comp Tac stuff. They don't make a holster for the 5.25 models yet though so I went with a Blade Tech holster with the Tech Lock which is even easier to get on and off than a paddle.

 

[Bikebreath]

I love Comp Tac stuff. They don't make a holster for the 5.25 models yet though so I went with a Blade Tech holster with the Tech Lock which is even easier to get on and off than a paddle.

I've seen that Tech Lock dealie and it could persuade me to go with Blade-Tech.

 

[mrozowjj]

I've seen that Tech Lock dealie and it could persuade me to go with Blade-Tech.

If you ever make it down to St Marys County I'll show you my holster and how it works.

 

[Blaster229]

Thanks for the input so far. As far as the no belt issue, I was thinking that perhaps the paddle would slide over the waistband of jeans and could stay secure using the combination of the waistband of jeans, along with the shape of hip, and love handles.

My primary use would be for range carry, possible steel shoots, and down the road the unlikely use (for me) for CCW.

I was thinking of paddle just for ease of slipping it on at the range.

You NEED to use a belt with a paddle holster. Retention/draw and belt are synonymous. Most paddle holsters have a lip that grab some portion of a belt as part of basic fit and stability when drawing the pistol.
You asked about retention, you use a belt as part of the system. If you don't care about retention or proper draw, do what you want. Just my measely .02

 

[Bikebreath]

Thanks much guys- I am checking out this stuff. I think thumb break wouldn't be necessary since I'm not into doing the CCW thing.
I'm seeing that the Kydex models that are short and allow the barrel to stick out wouldn't be good for daily activities, but would be fine for my intended use.
I've noticed some say they are legal for IDPA, what makes this so?
For range use only I've seen some leather holster that do not have any retention system, do you folks have thoughts about this?

As far as I know it has to do with how far the holster is from the hip and I've never been challenged on using mine in IDPA.

 

[BradMacc82]

I wasn't saying a belt is not needed, it is. Even for the really skinny guys.