As the center of summer came along, heat and humidity rising (until this week) and travel approaching, I began carrying "light." A bad idea in most cases, but we adapt to changing circumstance and adjust mindset to a slightly decreased capability. I'd determined not to write more about the S&W M&P Shield until the Apex trigger parts and new sights were installed. I'm still waiting on sights and haven't mucked around with the interior of the gun as it's working fine as is. My sample is the one with that dangerous safety lever. I don't stay awake nights as it's never migrated on or off without prompting from my thumb. I did add the Crimson Trace Laserguard - in this edition, they announced a new one forthcoming with a green diode - and have it zeroed with the sights. Finally, magazines have become available. I availed myself of the 8-round versions. Only slightly less compact than the standard, flat-floorplate seven-round versions, these add so little to the form that concealment is in no way compromised in a belt holster. My pockets are otherwise occupied. Getting holsters to fit the LG-mounted pistol was a bit of a different story. Some time back, the CrossBreed Snapslide came along. A belt-slide holster, there is nearly no pistol protruding from the rig when the gun is seated. The fear of sitting in an armchair, catching the muzzle on the chair and popping the gun out onto the deck is nonexistent. The gun rides close and virtually disappears. It is a small gun and the Snapslide has a forward cant along the lines of the old FBI-style holster.

Photo Courtesy of Comp-Tac.

Timed draws out of the little holster were quite fast and the gun snaps into the holster firmly. For more discreet carry - but only a little more - an IWB was desired. Enter Comp-Tac with their Minotaur MERC holster. Another hybrid, the acronym is said to stand for Most Economical Reliable Comfort. The cost is low, in the vicinity of $50 from Comp-Tac. Like hybrid holsters tend to be, it is comfortable. It has a range of adjustment, which is more trouble than I need. The standard clips fit the 1.5" belt, as to my preference. The way the holster was sent from the factory, I needed to adjust nothing - it was perfect as it came out. It may not be that way for everyone, hence the adjustability. The spare magazine - yes, I carry a spare magazine - fits into a Comp-Tac single magazine pouch. No problems. My experience with the S&W Shield on the home range, on the road and when "competing" at the S&W IDPA Backup Gun Nationals last November, led me to believe I could rely on this pint-sized gun when things get tough. I'd like to have more ammo - actually, I'd prefer a carbine or shotgun - but the Shield works just fine for a small, yet service-style, handgun. Comp-Tac Victory Gear Crimson Trace CrossBreed Holsters Smith & Wesson -- Rich Grassi