Smith & Wesson M&P question

S

stu925

New member
I'm about to build a holster for a guy with an M&P 9 compact. I do not have the gun or a mold gun. I do have a Blue gun for an M&P .45. The frames appear very similar and according to S&W all spec out to the same thickness at 1.2" thick. If anyone has both of these M&Ps could you take some quick measurements and let me know if a holster molded to an M&P .45 will work for a 9C. If you have a leather holster for your .45 can you try your 9C in it and let me know how it fits? I'll order a blue gun if I have to but they don't make a blue gun specifically for the 9C although they do make one for the .40 Compact which I imagine is exactly the same frame. I don't want to build this holster and find out it doesn't fit so any help here is appreciated.

Stu
 
So you're building a leather holster? I'd ask if it's open at the front, otherwise the depth of the pistol in the holster will be noticeably different and that would likely affect positioning on the body. The slide also tapers further back on the 9c than it would on the 45. The 9c should fit, but it will likely be a bit looser as a result.
 
TunnelRat said:
So you're building a leather holster? I'd ask if it's open at the front, otherwise the depth of the pistol in the holster will be noticeably different and that would likely affect positioning on the body. The slide also tapers further back on the 9c than it would on the 45. The 9c should fit, but it will likely be a bit looser as a result.
Click to expand...
Yep it'll be leather pancake style holster sans retention strap. Since this will be an open top holster all the retention needs to be in the molding of the holster. Most of the retention will come from where it's molded around the trigger guard and ejection port. The taper at the muzzle end isn't a huge concern but if the other critical areas are different then it would make a huge difference in retention. The depth of where the gun sits in the holster is all determined by the stitch lines. I can use a longer barrel to mold for a shorter barrel length but if the frames are completely different I'd be screwed.as an example:
For a 4" 686:


Using same blue gun for a 2.5-3" 686


Basically my issue is if I buy the blue gun for it then I make almost nothing on this holster, materials will be paid for but that's about it. Generally I've been figuring that as long as I can make more than 1 of a holster then I'll buy the blue gun for it.

Stu
 
Yes, holster will fit perfectly, the gun will just be a little short.

I have M&P 45 midsize, M&P 9, and M&P 22 currently. I have also owned the compact 9, 40, and 45. The frame is identical on the M&P 45's except for grip depth.
 
Uncle Malice said:
Yes, holster will fit perfectly, the gun will just be a little short.

I have M&P 45 midsize, M&P 9, and M&P 22 currently. I have also owned the compact 9, 40, and 45. The frame is identical on the M&P 45's except for grip depth.
Click to expand...

Exactly the answer I was hoping for, Thank you very much.

Stu
 
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