S&W Shield Plus Holster Guide: Shield, Shield Plus, Shield 45, Shield EZ, CSX and Bodyguard (QUICKSHIP & CUSTOM)

By Christopher Burns, Owner, C&G Holsters. We design and build Kydex holsters in the USA, at our shop outside Pittsburgh, with a team of veterans and law enforcement. Last updated: October 25, 2026.

Smith & Wesson's small carry guns are everywhere, and the names overlap: Shield, Shield M2.0, Shield Plus, Shield EZ, Equalizer, CSX, Bodyguard. The most common email we get on these is "will this holster fit my Shield Plus?" Here is our honest answer and a fit chart for every small S&W we build for.

Short answer: Yes for the 3.1" Shield Plus. Our S&W M&P Shield 9/40 M1.0/M2.0/PLUS 3.1" holsters are molded for the Shield M1.0 and M2.0 3.1" and will fit the M&P 9 Shield Plus. They will not fit the new Comp models. The Shield 45, Shield 9 EZ/Equalizer, Shield 380 EZ, CSX and Bodyguard each have their own molds.

Browse everything in our Smith & Wesson holster collection, or find your gun below.

Key Takeaways

• One mold covers the Shield 9/40 M1.0, M2.0 and Shield Plus 3.1". It does not fit the Shield Comp models.
• The 4" Shield 9/40 M1.0/M2.0 has its own holsters, and they fit the 4" Shield Plus.
• The Shield 9 EZ and the Equalizer share a mold. The Shield 380 EZ is separate.
• The CSX, Bodyguard 2.0, Bodyguard 2.0 Carry Comp and original Bodyguard 380 each have their own holsters. Bodyguard 380 holsters do not fit the Bodyguard 2.0.
• Quickship ships within 5 business days; Custom ships within 15.

Does a Shield Holster Fit the Shield Plus?

Yes. The Shield Plus uses a higher-capacity frame, and our Shield molds fit it in both barrel lengths: the 3.1" Shield 9/40 M1.0/M2.0/PLUS holster fits the 3.1" Shield Plus, and our 4" Shield holster fits the 4" Shield Plus. The one exception is the Shield Plus Comp models, which these holsters do not fit.

• Shield 9/40 M1.0/M2.0/PLUS 3.1" IWB COVERT/ALPHA (Quickship)
• Shield 9/40 M1.0/M2.0/PLUS 3.1" IWB COVERT/ALPHA (Custom)
• Shield 9/40 M1.0/M2.0/PLUS 3.1" OWB COVERT (Quickship)

Small S&W Holster Fit Chart

Which Holster Fits the Shield 9 EZ or Equalizer?

The Shield 9 EZ and the Equalizer share a holster in our lineup, so you can order one for either pistol. These guns are popular with shooters who want an easier slide to rack, and they carry well inside the waistband.

• Shield 9 EZ/EQUALIZER IWB COVERT/ALPHA (Quickship)
• Shield 9 EZ/EQUALIZER OWB COVERT (Quickship)
• Shield 380 EZ IWB COVERT (Quickship), a separate mold for the .380

What About the Shield 45 and the 4" Shield?

Both are slightly longer than a 3.1" Shield, so they get their own molds. The Shield 45 IWB COVERT and the Shield 9/40 M1.0/M2.0 4" IWB COVERT/ALPHA are both Quickship options, with matching 4" OWB COVERT and Shield 45 OWB COVERT holsters.

Which Holster Fits the S&W CSX?

The CSX is a metal-frame, hammer-fired micro-compact, and it does not share a mold with the Shield. We build the CSX IWB COVERT/ALPHA and the CSX OWB COVERT specifically for the CSX 3.1".

Which Holster Fits the Bodyguard 2.0?

Use the Bodyguard 2.0 IWB COVERT/ALPHA for the standard model and the Bodyguard 2.0 Carry Comp IWB COVERT/ALPHA for the Carry Comp. If you still carry the original Bodyguard 380, order the Bodyguard 380 IWB COVERT; it will not fit the 2.0. We covered both launches in our Bodyguard 2.0 holster announcement.

Is a Light-Bearing Holster Available for the Shield?

Right now our light-and-laser option for the Shield line is the IWB TACTICAL and OWB TACTICAL holster for Shield 9/40 pistols with an integrated factory Crimson Trace laser: Shield 9/40 Crimson Trace laser IWB TACTICAL. If you run an aftermarket light on a Shield or Shield Plus, contact us before ordering; we will not guess at a fit. For bigger S&W guns with lights, see our M&P M2.0 holsters in the Smith & Wesson collection.

Will a Red Dot Fit?

Our GEN6 holsters, including the Shield 3.1" line, are cut for optic clearance with larger optics in mind. Check your optic against the product notes, and see our optics-ready holster fit guide if you are running something tall.

IWB or OWB for a Small S&W?

These guns were built to hide, so most owners carry IWB at 3 to 5 o'clock or appendix. The IWB COVERT/ALPHA wedge and wing help a short grip stay tucked. OWB COVERT makes sense for range days or cold weather. Our micro-compact holster guide and OWB vs IWB guide go deeper.

How Do You Fit-Test a New Holster on Your Shield?

Every holster we ship gets seated and drawn on a dedicated test gun for that model before it leaves the shop. Still, run this check at home before you carry:

1. Unload the pistol, remove the magazine and lock the slide to confirm it is clear.
2. Seat the gun and listen for a clean retention click.
3. Make sure the trigger guard is fully covered and nothing presses on the trigger.
4. Draw slowly ten times, then at normal speed. Watch for drag or binding.
5. Adjust the retention screw in small steps if it feels too tight or too loose.
6. If it does not click, binds, or leaves the trigger exposed, do not carry it. Call us.

We walk through what a correct fit looks like in how we fit-test every holster.

QUICKSHIP or CUSTOM: Which Should You Order?

Quickship holsters are built in black and ship within 5 business days. Custom holsters let you pick colors and patterns and ship within 15 business days. Fit, retention and materials are the same either way. If you need it on your belt this month, order Quickship. If you want it to look like yours, go Custom. Our Quickship vs Custom breakdown has the details.

What Gun Belt Should You Run With It?

A good holster on a flimsy belt still sags and prints. Use a stiff, purpose-built gun belt. For sizing, add 4 inches to your pant size; that leaves room for an IWB holster and a shirt tuck. See our gun belts and our guide to the best gun belt for IWB carry.

Still Not Sure Which Shield Holster to Get?

Tell us your exact model, barrel length, light, optic and how you carry, and we will point you to the right mold. We would rather answer a question than have you guess. Every C&G holster is built in the USA by veterans and law enforcement and backed by our limited lifetime warranty. Refunds, if you ever need one, are processed within 10 business days.

FAQ

Does a Shield 2.0 holster fit the Shield Plus?

Our S&W M&P Shield 9/40 M1.0/M2.0/PLUS 3.1" holsters fit the M&P 9 Shield Plus. They do not fit the new Comp models.

Does C&G fit the 4" Shield Plus?

Yes. Our S&W M&P Shield 9/40 M1.0/M2.0 4" holsters fit the 4" Shield Plus.

Will a Shield Plus holster fit the Shield EZ?

No. The Shield 9 EZ uses its own mold, which it shares with the Equalizer. The Shield 380 EZ has a separate mold.

Do the Shield 9 EZ and Equalizer share a holster?

Yes. Our S&W M&P Shield 9 EZ/EQUALIZER holsters are molded for both.

Does a Shield holster fit the S&W CSX?

No. We make separate CSX 3.1" IWB COVERT/ALPHA and OWB COVERT holsters.

Will a Bodyguard 380 holster fit the Bodyguard 2.0?

No. Our Bodyguard 380 holster will not fit the Bodyguard 2.0. Order the Bodyguard 2.0 or Bodyguard 2.0 Carry Comp holster.

Is there a light-bearing Shield holster?

We make IWB TACTICAL and OWB TACTICAL holsters for Shield 9/40 pistols with an integrated factory Crimson Trace laser. For other lights or lasers, contact us before ordering.

How fast do Shield holsters ship?

Quickship ships within 5 business days. Custom ships within 15 business days.

Sources: C&G Holsters product pages for Smith & Wesson Shield, CSX and Bodyguard holsters, checked October 25, 2026. "Smith & Wesson", "M&P" and "Shield" are trademarks of Smith & Wesson Inc. C&G Holsters is not affiliated with or endorsed by Smith & Wesson.