Delaware Concealed Carry Forum

CCW Methods & Issues => CCW Equipment => Topic started by: 8thFA on December 28, 2015, 01:02:40 AM

Title: Holster recommendations for a xdm 3.8 compact
Post by: 8thFA on December 28, 2015, 01:02:40 AM
Sorry if this post is rehashing old posts, but I have a XDM 3.8 compact that I just bought as I am applying for my concealed permit.  Any recommendations anyone?

Thanks
Title: Re: Holster recommendations for a xdm 3.8 compact
Post by: 29thInfantry on December 28, 2015, 01:09:42 AM
These guys have taken very good care of me.  Their holsters are very comfortable http://stealthgearusa.com/ They are more expensive than most but the quality is awesome.
Title: Re: Holster recommendations for a xdm 3.8 compact
Post by: Landmgr on December 28, 2015, 01:33:59 AM
These guys have taken very good care of me.  Their holsters are very comfortable http://stealthgearusa.com/ They are more expensive than most but the quality is awesome.
I agree.  I have been carrying everyday now for the past 3 months and love my StealthGear Onyx holster. I know a lot of people are buying Alien Gear (mainly because of price), but if you can, I would spend the extra money and go with StealthGear. That's my opinion.
Y
Title: Re: Holster recommendations for a xdm 3.8 compact
Post by: Cbmarine on December 28, 2015, 02:41:18 AM
Probably worthwhile to find your preferred position and cant of the holster before buying top of the line. Carrying whenever possible is the objective. An uncomfortable position on the clock could reduce your carry percentage.
Title: Re: Holster recommendations for a xdm 3.8 compact
Post by: 29thInfantry on December 28, 2015, 03:13:08 AM
Probably worthwhile to find your preferred position and cant of the holster before buying top of the line. Carrying whenever possible is the objective. An uncomfortable position on the clock could reduce your carry percentage.

Had this very conversation Christmas eve with my uncle and his family.  Just about all of them have PA permits but only carry when they feel they need to be carrying.  All because of the rigs they bought are uncomfortable. I think I reached them a bit and helped them with positioning so hopefully they will start carrying more. Now understand there will always be some discomfort when carrying but for the most part I carry my Onyx 3:15 with the handle just sticking up enough to get a good grip.  Everyone is different you will need to see what works best for you. I am always willing to share what I have learned I have had a few over the house and we all shared our carry style and what works for us. 
Title: Re: Holster recommendations for a xdm 3.8 compact
Post by: SturmRugerSR9 on December 28, 2015, 02:36:45 PM

take your pick:

http://www.theholsterstore.net/category-s/1953.htm
Title: Re: Holster recommendations for a xdm 3.8 compact
Post by: Etrier on December 28, 2015, 05:07:45 PM
There are several questions that you should seek answers to before you purchase your holster.  Do you plan on the holster being Inside the Waist Band (IWB) or Outside the Waist Band (OWB)?  What position is comfortable for you to wear the holster, on the hip at 3 o'clock, behind the hip at 4 o'clock or even appendix carry?  What belt will you wear with the holster which will impact the belt loop size on the holster.  The cant of the firearm in the holster should be determined by your ability to comfortably achieve a firing grip on the weapon before your draw stroke so that when your firearm must be drawn from the holster nothing should need to be done other than align your sights and move your trigger finger from the frame to the trigger when your sights are on target.   How much retention will you need to keep your firearm in the holster?  There are different levels of retention in some holsters and molded in retention in others.  Height of the sweat guard or rear holster panel should be considered depending on how much of rear end of the slide you are comfortable with against your body.  Due to the infinite number of body sizes, shapes, arm lengths and hand sizes that I would suggest that you try on as many holsters as you can get your hands on, even if they are not the make and model of your firearm.  My priority for a holster is  that it fits comfortably and provides an immediate firing grip on the draw stroke.  Ultimately you will most likely decide that you will need to purchase more than one holster to meet your concealed carry needs due to seasonal clothing changes and other variables.
Title: Re: Holster recommendations for a xdm 3.8 compact
Post by: 8thFA on December 28, 2015, 06:14:23 PM
Thanks for the info everyone.  I'm looking to carry IWB, I think I'd prefer appendix or 4 o'clock position generally.  Do holster options get that specific, or can I just buy a good IWB holster that would work in either spot?
Title: Re: Holster recommendations for a xdm 3.8 compact
Post by: 8thFA on December 28, 2015, 06:19:43 PM
These guys have taken very good care of me.  Their holsters are very comfortable http://stealthgearusa.com/ They are more expensive than most but the quality is awesome.

These holsters look really good, though on their website they don't specifically have a link for the xdm 3.8 9mm compact.  I will have to contact them and see if the 3.8 holster they have works for the compact too.
Title: Re: Holster recommendations for a xdm 3.8 compact
Post by: 29thInfantry on December 28, 2015, 07:37:39 PM
These guys have taken very good care of me.  Their holsters are very comfortable http://stealthgearusa.com/ They are more expensive than most but the quality is awesome.

These holsters look really good, though on their website they don't specifically have a link for the xdm 3.8 9mm compact.  I will have to contact them and see if the 3.8 holster they have works for the compact too.

http://stealthgearusa.com/products/sgusa-holsters-for-the-springfield-xdm-3-8-9mm-40-45?variant=2522377540

Thats not the right one?  But they are really good at getting back to people pretty quickly.
Title: Re: Holster recommendations for a xdm 3.8 compact
Post by: 8thFA on December 28, 2015, 07:54:03 PM
The XDM has a 3.8 and a 3.8 compact.  I did email them to see if it even matters.
Title: Re: Holster recommendations for a xdm 3.8 compact
Post by: lynch on December 29, 2015, 11:12:46 AM
...Ultimately you will most likely decide that you will need to purchase more than one holster ...
Amen to that. Wether you need to or not. lol
Title: Re: Holster recommendations for a xdm 3.8 compact
Post by: 8thFA on December 30, 2015, 03:02:39 AM
These guys have taken very good care of me.  Their holsters are very comfortable http://stealthgearusa.com/ They are more expensive than most but the quality is awesome.

I'm liking the stealth gear, I think I'll go with that. :)
Title: Re: Holster recommendations for a xdm 3.8 compact
Post by: Adrenolin on December 30, 2015, 09:32:59 AM
Comp-tac makes some very nice gear. I carry a Walther PPQ almost every day and with their MTAC holster at 3:00 I completely forget it's there. The smaller Walther PPS completely disappears. Wife usually carries the PPS or a 1911 cmd and has no issues. Very comfortable, configurable and durable holsters. I've been wearing their belt for a few years also and it's still looks new! I can't say enough good about them really.
Title: Re: Holster recommendations for a xdm 3.8 compact
Post by: seniorgeek on December 30, 2015, 12:00:53 PM
Before you make your purchase check out Crossbreed holsters. They are custom made to fit your firearm and are very comfortable. I use the mini-tuck and am extremely pleased.
Title: Re: Holster recommendations for a xdm 3.8 compact
Post by: 8thFA on February 19, 2016, 11:15:30 PM
These guys have taken very good care of me.  Their holsters are very comfortable http://stealthgearusa.com/ They are more expensive than most but the quality is awesome.

29th ID.

First day out carrying, using the stealthgear Onyx your recommended, (ordered it the week after I applied) and you were spot on.  Driving, walking, eating at a restaraunt, all very comfortable.

Thanks again.
Title: Re: Holster recommendations for a xdm 3.8 compact
Post by: Landmgr on February 20, 2016, 01:31:25 AM
These guys have taken very good care of me.  Their holsters are very comfortable http://stealthgearusa.com/ They are more expensive than most but the quality is awesome.

29th ID.

First day out carrying, using the stealthgear Onyx your recommended, (ordered it the week after I applied) and you were spot on.  Driving, walking, eating at a restaraunt, all very comfortable.

Thanks again.

You made the right choice!  Love mine.
Title: Re: Holster recommendations for a xdm 3.8 compact
Post by: 29thInfantry on February 20, 2016, 01:41:42 AM
These guys have taken very good care of me.  Their holsters are very comfortable http://stealthgearusa.com/ They are more expensive than most but the quality is awesome.

29th ID.

First day out carrying, using the stealthgear Onyx your recommended, (ordered it the week after I applied) and you were spot on.  Driving, walking, eating at a restaraunt, all very comfortable.

Thanks again.

Glad I could help I have tried a lot of other holsters out there and this was the best option for me.  They are super comfortable in the heat or cold.  I did not like how the leather ones felt and not to mention there is no break in time with the Stealthgear holsters either. There should never be a cheap holster purchased ever it should be built specifically for your fire arm. I just put up a post where some poor guy decided to try a cheap one size fits all and he found himself with a hole in his butt cheek because the holster let something into the trigger and it fired while he was getting into his car.  That is a very painful lesson learned
Title: Re: Holster recommendations for a xdm 3.8 compact
Post by: 8thFA on February 20, 2016, 02:00:17 AM
Just curious, I have a XDM so I have 13 + 1, do you guys carry an extra mag?  I was looking at IWB mag pouches on the stealthgear website, but thats more weight and girth on the waist, no sure if I want to go that route.
Title: Re: Holster recommendations for a xdm 3.8 compact
Post by: Cbmarine on February 20, 2016, 02:38:27 AM
Just curious, I have a XDM so I have 13 + 1, do you guys carry an extra mag?  I was looking at IWB mag pouches on the stealthgear website, but thats more weight and girth on the waist, no sure if I want to go that route.
Consider an OWB mag pouch that looks like an old phone pouch, e.g., Uncle Mike's.   Should weigh less than 10 ounces. Not much weight for the peace of mind.
Title: Re: Holster recommendations for a xdm 3.8 compact
Post by: Lumspond on February 20, 2016, 01:49:07 PM
Agree with the Comp-Tac. I have the Comp-Tac Minotaur for my XDs 3.3 (apples to oranges, I know), and like it a lot. I can swap out one piece and have it set up for my Sig P226 in minutes.  Another option is to stop over and see Chris at Federal Firearms. Sit on the couch (if there's room) and have a chat about holsters.
Cheers!
Title: Re: Holster recommendations for a xdm 3.8 compact
Post by: SturmRugerSR9 on February 20, 2016, 10:49:56 PM
I always deal with theholsterstore.com for my holsters. Most places have a few styles, but the usually have anywhere from 5 to 15 holsters for a gun. Just look up your gun and click on and they will display all of their holsters for your gun. They have holsters for the gals too. They are made of US materials right there in Florida and ship fast. My last holster was here in 4 days. Prices are reasonable. They even have a holster that looks like a Crossbreed, but is a little cheaper. You might want to check out their site.