Active Retention Holsters

[1811DADx2]

I purchased a Smith & Wesson M&P .40 recently and looking for a good active retention holster. I found one made by black hawk and liked the retention system minus the release being depressed by the trigger finger. I have searched and have not found a holster that has the same retention function but with a button release depressed by the thumb, similar to the old cell phone belt clips. Any direction with this would be greatly appreciated.

[kennethm3]

Sadly, this is what happens when you buy a brand new, fresh to market gun. You end up with an orphan for a while. I have yet to hear of any departments adopting the M&P yet. It is usually a huge department order that jump starts a holster manufacturer, like Safariland, to ramp up production for a new gun. Unfortunately, it will probably be a while before you see a large selection of level III holsters available for this gun. On a positive note, the M&P is probably the finest S&W that I have seen in a long time, although I have yet to fire one. The have price, size variety, and calibre choice going for them and have a good opportunity to snap up some market share.

[Kelly8280]

I agree with everything Kenneth said. And sadly, I don't know of anything similar to what you're asking for. The new M&P in .40 is my issued duty weapon and I LOVE it. I've only put about 300 rounds through it so far but can say not a single problem to date.

The Safariland CQC is a fantastic level II (comes in Level I also) holster (IMHO) that rides medium and very close for easy concealment. I love that the trigger guard is completely covered when holstered and the draw is quick and smooth. Of course I'm trying to sell you on a holster with a release at the trigger finger though. At any rate, I got mine from my local, trusty bait and gun shop but I've seen it in Galls so you can view it there. Very affordable at around $55 I think I paid. I know of one NC state agency that uses this holster as their issued holster. It comes with an extra paddleback attachment and it's fine but wouldn't trust it (or any other paddleback really) for retention purposes. The regular trouser belt attachment works perfectly for me.

[Kelly8280]

Der! I need to correct myself. I was talking about a Blackhawk CQC holster. I had Safariland on the brain after reading the post before mine. :)

[kennethm3]

Oh! Making it my fault, now? Fine! Not like I've never been thrown under the bus before!

[Kelly8280]

Aww, Kenneth, your post was just so interesting, I was still thinking about it when I wrote my own reply. :D

[1811DADx2]

Thank you for the advice. Looks like I'll be going with the CQC holster afterall.

:cool:

[TANKMGA8]

Sadly, this is what happens when you buy a brand new, fresh to market gun. You end up with an orphan for a while. I have yet to hear of any departments adopting the M&P yet. It is usually a huge department order that jump starts a holster manufacturer, like Safariland, to ramp up production for a new gun...

New Mexico State Police have decided to change from the Glock 31 to the S&W M&P in .357 sig. We were supposed to start transition in August, but have not done so yet. The holster issue is probably why as by policy we have to carry Level II or higher. I have not shot the M&P, but have heard good things about it.

[1811DADx2]

I should be getting my M&P on the 9th or 10th. I'll let you know how it shoots.

[kennethm3]

"I should be getting my M&P on the 9th or 10th. I'll let you know how it shoots"

And please, tell us how you are carrying it!

[1811DADx2]

Safariland does sell the holster I'm looking for. The ALS holsters have the thumb release system at a level II and is available with the finger release in adition to the thumb release as a level III. Check out their website, it took me all day to figure out they had a holster with just the thumb release, they also have videos of how the system works.:2gun:

[LeeRoy]

I'm carrying the ALS holster. After carrying the 070 for about 15 years I was able to make the transition just fine. The thumb release is very well thought out and I have had to draw in many stress situations during the past year and have had no problems. The thumb release is more of a drag back than a push down and it is a very natural part of your draw.