Customer Reviews

Fobus Evolution Holster - S&W M&P 9mm, .40, .45 (compact & full size)

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I purchased this for my S&W M&P 40c. It's my first gun, and this is the first holster I've purchased. I was a little worried about the paddle style (compared to one that attaches directly to a belt), as it seemed like it wouldn't stay in place securely, but my fears were groundless. You can't see it in the product picture, but there is a huge angled ridge on the side of the paddle between the paddle and the holster itself which catches underneath your belt. Once you slip this on, as long as you make sure that ridge catches on, you can yank upwards on this holster and you'll just give yourself a wedgie, it won't come out. On the other hand, when you do need to remove it, if you twist the holster forward before pulling up, it slides out smoothly. It stays when you want it and comes out when you want it, brilliant design. Also, there is a rubber coating on the side of the paddle that faces your body, if you put that against bare skin it sticks like glue and won't shift around (the soft rubber isn't uncomfortable against your skin either).

The holster is low-profile. I bought this for concealed carry, and just with a standard flannel shirt my gun is practically undetectable. The part that holds the gun is held tight against the outside of your pants, and the plastic shell isn't very thick, so the holster adds maybe a half inch of thickness to the gun itself. The way the holster sits, your trigger guard is at the bottom of your belt line, so you don't need a particularly long shirt or coat to fully cover the pistol.

Retention is pretty good considering that it's all passive. The screw helps you get it how you want. Right out of the package, the fit was a bit loose, if I turned the holster upside-down and shook it hard the pistol fell out. I tightened the screw through a half-turn, and the pistol wouldn't come out unless I shook it violently, but it was also too tough to draw. I found a 2/3 turn was the right balance between ease of draw and retention. If you buy this holster take a little time to experiment, but it's pretty easy. I also found that even when I set the screw a bit tighter, if I push down with my thumb on the top of the holster as I pull the gun will pop right out, it doesn't take much practice.

Finally, I was a bit worried about how a compact pistol would fit. I tried the Blackhawk Serpa holster designed for the M&P, and my pistol only filled the holster halfway and stuck far out the top. It looked silly and felt awkward. I was worried that another holster that could hold the full-sized pistol would be too big. Actually, this holster is perfect, the barrel ends right at the end of the holster. A full-size pistol would also fit just fine (the front of the barrel/slide just sticks out the bottom a bit as this holster is open-ended) but it seems especially suited for the compact size.

Finally, I purchased the Trijicon night sights for my pistol. I was worried that a larger, chunkier sight than the stock sight might not fit in the sight channel, but they make the channel extra large to allow for a bigger front sight, so it was no problem. I think for the price especially this holster is a great buy.

The best holster i have bought for the money in a long time. Holds my M&P snug no movement at all,had it shipped standard and got it in three days. will be buying another one from this vendor for one of my other pistols!!!!!

Really solid OWB holster. The paddle/clip setup makes it really secure with a good belt. I'm very skinny and the holster still makes it very easy for me to present my weapon. It's also very comfortable in my opinion and it's a great hostler for the winter because it won't make you sweat very much. It's concealable in cooler weather with a jacket, hoodie, or a longer shirt. The full-size M&P is pretty hard to conceal but this hoslter does a pretty good job.

I was a little concerned because I have a full sized M&P .40 and I had read another review that the barrel would extend past the end of the holster. It does, but it's barely noticeable, and it actually makes me feel more secure without interfering with my draw at all. The paddle sits comfortably, and the forward cant on the pistol is comfortable and safe. The adjustable retaining screw was a little loose when I got the holster, but a half turn on the cross tip screw head gives me the perfect pull on my pistol. It still draws cleanly and smooth, but I don't ever worry about it falling out.

I don't know if it's the size of my pistol, or the style of clothing I'm wearing, but I would not be able to conceal this holster under just a tee shirt. A tee shirt and a slightly longer over shirt is perfect, but the pistol does carry outside the belt and when I bend or turn the frame of the pistol is silhouetted against my shirt.

The paddle is incredibly secure. As mentioned in previous reviews, there is a lip on the paddle that hooks to my belt, preventing the holster from coming off unless I rotate the entire holster either forward or backward. I can get it on and off fairly easily, but it has to be on purpose.

I tried to wear this holster without a belt, with the paddle inside my shorts against my skin, and I do not recommend it. It works great on the belt, though.

Got this holster for my S&W SD40. Right out of the box it fits perfectly.
Good snug fit but comes out nicely with a firm pull. Also handy if the gun doesn't
fit perfectly the set screw can be adjusted for tension.

I purchased this holster for my S&W .40 cal for concealed carry purposes. It is comfortable to wear for extended periods, even while driving. It holds better than you would expect it to & the gun removes easily. The Fobus paddle holster is a great design for anyone who wants a well-made, light-weight, safe & comfortable way to hold your gun. This is a great holster!!!!

I bought this for my M&P 45 and it works very well. It holds the gun comfortably and allows me to position the holster just where I want it. This isn't my first Fobus and probably won't be my last.

The products from Fobus --made in Israel-- are the best for the money. I own several Fobus holsters.

this holster is amazing lite weight and does secure my 40 very well. use it every day. very easy to take on and off my side.very happy with my purchase. very good quality.

So far I'm very impressed with this holster. I received it a couple days ago and have not yet had time to take it out to the range, but I've been wearing it around the house non-stop. My M&P compact 9mm fits into it perfectly. On several occasions, I have taken the holster off, turned it upside down, and shaken it to see if I could dislodge the weapon. This baby holds tight every time. When holstered, the pistol is very secure! When I motion for a quick draw, however, the pistol is extracted with relative ease. The sight track grove in the front also seems to give me plenty of room to add a larger front sight if I so choose. The holster seems to stay well attached to my belt, even on a quick draw. The hidden (in every picture I have seen of this holster) plastic "shelf" on the back side of the holster hangs on well to my belt during weapon extraction. For the money, I don't think you can beat this product. I would not hesitate to suggest this holster to a friend ... and actually already have! I will update this review later if I come upon any problems as I continue to use and abuse this holster.

My only complaint (which has nothing to do with the holster itself) was that DZI, the company that I purchased this from on Amazon, was very slow in delivery. I ordered this product just after Thanksgiving and it arrived yesterday (Dec. 15th). It was actually sent from Israel via (an apparently very slow) airmail. I think DZI should state that you will be waiting a LONG time to receive this holster if you order it from them. The price was right, though, and I did opt for "free shipping".... so maybe I shouldn't complain.