Imagine needing to protect yourself, but your firearm feels awkward or insecure. That’s a real worry for many! The Smith & Wesson Equalizer is a fantastic pistol, but finding the perfect holster for it can be a real headache. You want something that keeps your Equalizer safe and ready, but also comfortable to carry. It’s tough to know which holster will fit just right, feel good all day, and let you draw your pistol quickly when you need to.
This is where we come in. We understand the frustration of sifting through endless choices. That’s why we’ve put together this guide. By the time you finish reading, you’ll have a clear picture of what makes a great holster for your Smith & Wesson Equalizer. You’ll learn about different types, important features to look for, and how to pick the one that’s best for *you*. Get ready to find the perfect match for your Equalizer and feel more confident and secure.
Top Holster For Smith & Wesson Equalizer Recommendations
- CUSTOM FIT- HawkFire Defense holsters are made in the USA with precision to be a perfect fit for your Smith and Wesson Equalizer 9mm Pistol. Custom fit for Equalizer TS and NTS model. Optics cut and ready. Not compatible with rail mounted lights or lasers. (optics not included)
- ULTRA DURABLE AMERICAN KYDEX - Lightweight, Water / Sweat proof, flexible but extremely durable. Our high quality USA made kydex is more flexible than other brands and will feel more comfortable than the more rigid materials used in competing products.
- ADJUSTABLE CANT PRESSURE - Although each holster will work right out of the box you have the option to tighten or loosen the pressure of the hold on your S & W Equalizer pistol to your preference.
- LIFETIME WARRANTY - At Hawktac we take great pride in producing the best fit for your S&W Equalizer Holster and stand behind the quality and reliability. If for any reason you are not satisfied please contact our customer service and we will make it right.
- 【Custom Fit for Shield EZ & Equalizer】Precision molded for Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 9mm EZ, Shield 380 EZ, and Equalizer. Ensures secure fit with optic sights.
- 【RDS-Ready with Index Release】Compatible with red dot/optic sights. Level II retention system features index finger release for quick, secure draw.
- 【360° Adjustable Paddle Platform】Includes a full-rotation paddle for customizable carry position—appendix, hip, or cross-draw. Fits 1.5"-2.25" wide belts.
- 【Compatible Models】Fits: M&P Shield 9mm EZ, Shield 380 EZ, Equalizer. 【Incompatible Models】Does not fit: M&P Performance Center EZ, models with laser/light attachments.
- 【Durable & Lightweight Build】Injection-molded from impact-resistant polymer for daily carry reliability, comfort, and longevity.
- Optics Ready: Integrated optics cut accepts most sights, providing full freedom in your setup
- Next Gen Materials: Boltaron polymer construction is superior to traditional, cheaper Kydex holsters in impact and temperature resistance, keeping your protection safe and ready to perform
- All Day Comfort: Slim profile chassis weighs just a few ounces and minimizes printing. Full length sweat guard shields your weapon from incidental moisture
- Perfect Fit: Custom molded for your firearm, ensuring a smooth draw and reholster, every time. Recessed design removes friction points, minimizing holster wear common to most holsters.
- Superior Performance: Posi Click system delivers a satisfying "click", indicating your firearm is properly holstered. Adjustable retention pressure and cant (0-15 degrees) allows you to custom tailor the feel to your needs
- Compatible with the Smith & Wesson Equalizer barrel. The Outside the Waistband Belt Loop Holster is a great option for everyday carry. These holsters feature the same competition speed cut that allows you to use red dots, raised suppressor sights, and threaded barrels.
- Holster is designed to be compatible with red dot, suppressor height sights and threaded barrel models. The undercut trigger guard prevents the holster from interfering when drawing your handgun.
- 360-degree 'cant' adjustability for a customizable draw angle to suit individual preferences.
- Comfortable and secure Belt Loop attachment accommodating belts up to 2 1/4'' wide, ensuring a snug fit.
- Optimized competition cut for lightning-fast draws, compatible with slide-mounted optics and aftermarket raised sights.
- 【Tailored Fit for Equalizer & Shield EZ】Custom molded for S&W Equalizer and M&P 380 Shield EZ. Not compatible with models equipped with light or laser attachments.
- 【RDS Compatible with Optic Cut】Red dot sight cut allows seamless use of most compact optics, supporting quick sight picture alignment without removal.
- 【Concealment Claw Included】The integrated claw tucks the grip inward for better concealment under clothing—ideal for EDC and appendix carry.
- 【Adjustable Retention & Cant Angle】Retention pressure and cant (0°–15°) are easily adjustable with a screwdriver, giving you full control over draw speed and angle.
- 【Durable Kydex with Smooth Finish】Crafted from lightweight yet tough Kydex with hand-polished edges and a smooth interior to protect your slide from scratches.
- FITS GUN MODELS - The GRITR OWB holster is created for the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield EZ 9/380/S&W Equalizer models and doesn't fit light/laser-mounted models; GRITR OWB open carry holsters are rugged and durable gun accessories for men and women, enabling you to feel confident anytime, anywhere, and in any situation
- OPTICS-READY PISTOL HOLSTER - All GRITR outside the waistband holsters come with an optic cut and open bottom to accommodate different red dot sights and various compensators, allowing you to customize your pistol the way you want and still have a great holster to carry it in
- COMPATIBLE WITH SAFARILAND QLS & G-CODE RTI - Fits the Safariland Quick Locking System as well as the G-Code Rapid Transition Interface, enabling you to easily move or change your pistol without removing it from the holster; The new GRITR 2023 holster is constructed by professionals, meeting the needs of experienced and amateur shooters
- ADJUSTABLE RETENTION & CANT - GRITR EDC holsters come with an adjustable retention screw, letting you customize the holster for the perfect fit while ensuring your gun is secure; An adjustable cant allows you to choose any carry angle up to 360 degrees, making it a great pistol accessory for shooters with different carry styles
- TOP-QUALITY MATERIALS - This GRITR right-handed gun holster is made of thick .08" (2mm) Kydex; Crafted from waterproof, washable, and lightweight material, the OWB holster preserves your handgun in perfect condition
- 【Compatibility】 Tailor-made for S&W Equalizer, M&P 380 Shield EZ, please note this holster will not fit for attachment like laser/light accessories
- 【Full Cover Trigger, Avoid Accidental Discharge】This S&W equalizer holster is designed to cover the trigger completely, preventing accidental discharge when carrying concealed.
- 【Audible Locking Click Feedback】The equalizer holster offers a CLICK audible feedback, letting you know your pistol is secured in the pistol.
- Adjustable Cant From -5 to 20 Degrees This slight adjustment from -5 to 20 degrees will help angle your holster perfectly for Apprndix(AIWB), Strong Side, Behind The Hip or Cross Draw. Fits 1.5" Width Belt
- 【Hand Polished Edge & Smooth Inner Structure】The edges of the S&W equalizer 9mm holster are polished by hand, and the smooth Kydex interior ensures zero scratch to the slide.
- Precision-molded for S&W M&P 9mm Shield EZ / Equalizer, this IWB holster delivers a snug, secure fit with full trigger guard coverage for safer everyday carry. The rigid Kydex shell helps protect your firearm while maintaining dependable structure.
- Designed for quick access and a smooth, consistent draw when needed, Amberide Posi-Click retention gives you a clear audible click when the pistol is fully seated so you can carry with confidence.
- The slim inside-the-waistband profile rides close to the body to help reduce printing under a T-shirt, hoodie, or light jacket. A full sweat guard adds comfort during extended wear and helps shield the slide from sweat.
- Adjust cant from 0 to 30 degrees and fine-tune retention with the included hex key for a more personalized fit. The belt clip stays firmly anchored for appendix, hip, or strong-side carry throughout the day.
- Made in the USA from durable Kydex for lightweight, long-lasting everyday performance. Every Amberide holster is backed by lifetime free repair support for added peace of mind.
Choosing the Best Holster for Your Smith & Wesson Equalizer
Your Smith & Wesson Equalizer is a great handgun. You need a good holster to carry it safely and comfortably. This guide will help you find the perfect holster. We will look at important features, materials, what makes a holster good or bad, and how people use them.
Key Features to Look For
When picking a holster, several things matter. You want to make sure it fits your Equalizer perfectly. It should protect your gun. It also needs to let you draw your gun quickly and easily when you need it.
- Retention: This is how well the holster holds your gun. Some holsters have a strap or a button to keep the gun secure. Others rely on a snug fit. You want a holster that holds your gun tight but lets you pull it out smoothly.
- Adjustability: Can you change how the holster sits on your body? Some holsters let you adjust the angle (cant) or the height. This helps you find the most comfortable position for carrying.
- Concealability: If you plan to carry your Equalizer hidden, the holster should be slim. It should not print too much under your clothes. Printing means the shape of your gun shows through your clothing.
- Comfort: You will wear this holster for a long time. It needs to feel good against your body. Look for padded interiors or smooth edges.
- Durability: A good holster lasts a long time. It should be made from strong materials that can handle daily use.
Important Materials
The material of a holster affects its strength, comfort, and how well it protects your gun.
- Kydex: This is a type of hard plastic. Kydex holsters are very popular. They are strong, waterproof, and hold their shape well. They offer excellent retention and are easy to clean.
- Leather: Leather holsters are classic. They can be very comfortable. They mold to your gun over time. However, leather can get wet and may need more care than Kydex. It might also stretch out after a lot of use.
- Nylon: Nylon holsters are often lightweight and affordable. They are usually soft and flexible. Some nylon holsters may not offer as much retention as Kydex or leather.
- Hybrid: These holsters combine materials. They often have a Kydex shell for the gun and a softer material, like leather or neoprene, against your body. This can give you the best of both worlds: firm retention and comfort.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Certain design choices and manufacturing methods make a holster better or worse.
- Good Quality:
- Precision Fit: The holster is made specifically for the Smith & Wesson Equalizer. It holds the gun snugly without being too tight.
- Smooth Edges: All edges are smooth. This prevents them from snagging on clothing or scratching your skin.
- Secure Mounting: The clips or loops that attach the holster to your belt are strong and reliable. They keep the holster in place.
- Good Retention Adjustment: If the holster has adjustable retention, it works smoothly and stays set.
- Poor Quality:
- Loose Fit: The gun rattles around in the holster. This is unsafe.
- Rough Edges: Sharp or unfinished edges can damage your gun or hurt you.
- Weak Attachments: The belt loops or clips break easily or don’t hold the holster firmly.
- Poor Craftsmanship: Stitching is uneven, or parts are not put together well.
User Experience and Use Cases
How people use their holsters can be very different. Your needs will guide your choice.
- Everyday Carry (EDC): Many people carry their Equalizer daily. They need a holster that is comfortable for long periods. Concealability is also important for EDC. Inside-the-waistband (IWB) holsters are popular for this.
- Open Carry: Some users prefer to carry their gun openly. Outside-the-waistband (OWB) holsters are common here. They often have better retention and are easier to draw from.
- Range Practice: At the shooting range, you need a holster that allows for quick draws and re-holstering. Durability is key for frequent use.
- Home Defense: For home defense, a holster might be kept by the bedside. Ease of access is the main concern.
Think about where and how you will use your holster most. This will help you choose the best fit for your Smith & Wesson Equalizer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the most important feature of a holster for the Smith & Wesson Equalizer?
A: The most important feature is a secure and reliable retention system. This ensures your gun stays in place but can be drawn quickly when needed.
Q: Are Kydex holsters good for the Smith & Wesson Equalizer?
A: Yes, Kydex holsters are excellent. They offer great retention, durability, and are easy to maintain. They are a top choice for many gun owners.
Q: Can I use a holster made for another gun with my Smith & Wesson Equalizer?
A: It is not recommended. Holsters are designed for specific firearm models. Using the wrong holster can lead to a poor fit, unsafe retention, or damage to your gun.
Q: How do I know if a holster has a good fit?
A: A good fit means your Equalizer slides in smoothly and clicks into place. It should not be too loose (rattling) or too tight (difficult to draw).
Q: What is the difference between IWB and OWB holsters?
A: IWB stands for Inside-the-Waistband. These holsters are worn inside your pants for better concealment. OWB stands for Outside-the-Waistband. These holsters are worn on the outside of your pants, often for easier access or open carry.
Q: How important is comfort when choosing a holster?
A: Comfort is very important, especially if you plan to carry your Equalizer for long periods. An uncomfortable holster can make you not want to carry your gun at all.
Q: Should I choose a holster with a thumb break or a retention strap?
A: This depends on your preference and need for security. Thumb breaks and straps add an extra layer of retention, which can be good for active situations. However, they can slow down your draw.
Q: How do I clean and maintain a Kydex holster?
A: You can clean Kydex holsters with mild soap and water. Use a soft cloth to wipe it down. Make sure it is completely dry before re-holstering your gun.
Q: What is “printing” and how can a holster help prevent it?
A: Printing is when the outline of your gun shows through your clothing. Slim, low-profile holsters, especially IWB types, help to keep the gun close to your body, reducing printing.
Q: Where is the best place to buy a holster for my Smith & Wesson Equalizer?
A: You can find holsters online from reputable gun accessory retailers, directly from holster manufacturers, or at your local gun shop. Always check reviews and product descriptions carefully.