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Smith & Wesson’s awesome M&P Compact. 45 is “compact” only because there’s a bigger one available. While the Compact sports slightly smaller dimensions than its older brother, it is, at the end of the day, a relatively large gun. I’ll tell you all about its reliability and feel on the range later; today, however, I want you to rest assured that you can actually carry this gun concealed. And comfortably so.
You might be thinking: Of course you can carry it concealed. With enough clothing and enough gun belt you can carry just about anything concealed.
And I would respond: Maybe, but not well. And not even comfortably.
Unless you have the right holster.
Alien Gear Cloak Tuck 2.0 with a S&W M&P Compact .45 on board
One of the right holsters for the mighty M&P Compact .45 is the Alien Gear Cloak Tuck 2.0. This inside-the-waistband holster sports a thick plastic outer shell that’s molded to whatever gun you carry and a soft neoprene backing that both protects the gun and feels great against your hip. The whole unit tucks inside your waistband and attaches easily with two belt clips. The clips are adjustable for ride height as well as cant. Mine came from Alien Gear with the clips in the lowest setting, thereby carrying the M&P Compact .45 in the highest position.
Which concerned me at first.
That’s a soft neoprene backing. No, you won’t feel the steel fasteners.
Initially I thought the gun would be riding too high. That it would feel weird and that the stocks would tend to fall away from my side. Not so. Moreover, the neoprene backing was surprisingly comfortable as it both conformed to my side and effectively cushioned the M&P as it rode in place.
But this Alien Gear holster is more than just comfortable.
With the Cloak Tuck 2.0 you can not only adjust ride height and cant, but also you can tuck it in for maximum concealability. Only the black plastic clips would be exposed. You can also adjust the retention of the shell on the gun. Good features, indeed. Handy if you need them. But they’re truly secondary to the effect of the thick plastic shell and soft holster backing that yields a sure and super comfortable carry.
Even more comforting: Alien Gear’s Cloak Tuck 2.0 retails for $35.88, comes with a 30-day test drive, free trades for life, and a lifetime warranty.
Despite the slightly higher ride, the Cloak Tuck 2.0 carried the M&P Compact .45 very well. Did I mention how comfortable it was?
— Mark Kakkuri
Learn more about Alien Gear at www.aliengearholsters.com.
