M&P Metal Frame Holsters
Posted by Dana Dara on Jun 11, 2026

If you've been searching for a holster for your Smith & Wesson M&P Metal pistol, you've probably discovered that many holsters labeled simply "M&P 2.0" don't fit. That's because although the M&P Metal shares much of the same naming convention as the polymer-frame M&P lineup, the frame dimensions are different enough to require a dedicated holster.
Good news! You've asked- we've delivered. Introducing our new line up of M&P Metal Series Holsters.
We now offer holsters for the M&P Metal Frame pistols in the following sizes:
- M&P 9 M2.0 Metal Carry Comp 4.22"
- Performance Center M&P 9 M2.0 Competitor 5"
- Performance Center M&P 9 M2.0 Competitor HD 5"
- Performance Center M&P 9 M2.0 Metal Gold PVD with Compensator 4.87"
- M&P 9 M2.0 Metal with Threaded Barrel 4.62"
Each listed firearm model on the drop down menu will be cut to the exact length listed. If you have a model not listed, such as the "M&P 9 M2.0 Metal with Threaded Barrel 4.62" we advise you to select the 5" model (M&P 9 M2.0 Metal Full size 5") as it will fully cover your 4.62" barrel.
Smith & Wesson M&P Metal Holsters Are Finally Here – Here's What You Need to Know
If you've recently purchased a Smith & Wesson M&P Metal pistol, you may have already discovered one of the biggest frustrations owners have run into when shopping for a holster.
Although the M&P Metal shares the same model names as many polymer-frame M&P pistols, they are not the same firearm when it comes to holster fit.
For years, nearly every Smith & Wesson M&P pistol featured a polymer frame. Holster manufacturers, including Dara Holsters, designed molds around those dimensions because they represented virtually the entire M&P lineup.
When Smith & Wesson introduced the metal-frame M&P series, many shooters naturally assumed their new pistol would fit any holster labeled for an "M&P 2.0." Unfortunately, that's not the case.
Why Doesn't My M&P Metal Fit My Existing Holster?
Although the slide profile remains very similar, the metal frame changes several critical dimensions that affect holster retention and fit.
Because thermoform plastic holsters are precisely molded, even small differences in frame shape, trigger guard geometry, rail dimensions or dust cover contours can prevent the firearm from seating properly.
A holster designed for a polymer-frame M&P may:
- Prevent the metal framed firearm from fully seating
- Feel excessively tight
- Fail to retain the firearm properly
- Not allow a safe, consistent draw
These aren't manufacturing defects, they're simply the result of using a holster designed for a different firearm.
Why Not Offer Them Immediately?
Before a holster ever reaches production, manufacturers must:
- Ensure the firearm is popular enough to spend the money and go through the time and effort to make a mold for it.
- Research the Firearmt to see which is most popular and then if it's available to purchase if the firearm manufacturer doesn't send it to them.
- Laser scan the gun to make a 3d model.
- Digitally model it in CAD.
- Build production molds- in our case a right and left hand version for every holster model we offer.
- Perform quality control before release, testing retention points and then draw weight testing each holster.
Although the M&P Metal looks similar to earlier M&P pistols, creating a properly fitting holster still requires dedicated engineering and testing.
To see how we make a holster mold, check out this video on how we make the Atlas Gunworks Erebus Holster mold. You can also checkout our Holster Manufacutring Process HERE.
Dara Holsters Now Supports the M&P Metal Series
We're excited to announce that Dara Holsters now offers custom-fit holsters for supported Smith & Wesson M&P Metal pistols.
Rather than modifying an existing polymer-frame mold, we've developed dedicated holster molds specifically for the M&P Metal platform to provide the secure retention and consistent draw our customers expect.
Every holster is made to order and test-fit for the exact firearm model you select.
How to Make Sure You Order the Correct Holster
Before ordering, verify whether your pistol is a polymer-frame M&P or an M&P Metal model.
Some common M&P Metal variants include:
- M&P9 M2.0 Metal
- M&P Metal Carry Comp
- M&P Metal Competitor
- M&P Metal HD
- Performance Center Metal models
Because Smith & Wesson uses very similar naming conventions across the M&P lineup, it's important when building your holster to select the exact firearm you have. If you're not sure about the model name, send a picture to our support team HERE.
Why Precision Fit Matters
Unlike universal holsters, every Dara Holster is molded specifically for the firearm selected during checkout.
That means:
- Consistent fit & retention
- Smooth, repeatable draws
- Proper trigger guard coverage
- Reliable everyday performance
Choosing the correct firearm model ensures your holster performs exactly as intended.
Shop M&P Metal Holsters
Whether you carry the M&P Metal for concealed carry, duty, competition, or range use, you can now order a holster built specifically for your firearm... not one that merely "almost fits."
If you have any questions about compatibility, contact our team before placing your order. We'd much rather help you choose the correct holster than have you discover after delivery that you've ordered for the wrong M&P model.
To request the new metal holsters with light attachments, please submit a request: HERE
1. Will an M&P 2.0 Metal fit a regular M&P 2.0 holster?
No, the fit is not up to our standards. Although the Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 Metal and polymer-frame M&P 2.0 share many design features, differences in the frame and external geometry can affect holster fit. Dara uses dedicated molds for the M&P Metal series rather than assuming a polymer M&P 2.0 holster will provide proper fit and retention. This compatibility issue is also commonly reported by M&P Metal owners searching for holsters.
2. What holster fits the Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 Metal Carry Comp?
For Dara Holsters, the M&P 9 M2.0 Metal Carry Comp 4.22" fits the holster made for the M&P 9 M2.0 Metal Full Size 4.25". When ordering a Dara Holster for the 4.22" Metal Carry Comp, select the 4.25" M&P Metal option.
3. Does the M&P 2.0 Metal Competitor fit a regular M&P 2.0 5" holster?
Do not assume that a holster made for the polymer-frame 5" M&P 2.0 will properly fit the Metal Competitor. Dara's 5" M&P Metal holster is specifically designed to support the Performance Center M&P 9 M2.0 Competitor 5" and Competitor HD 5". Reports from Metal Competitor owners also show that compatibility with polymer M&P holsters varies by holster design.
4. Which holster fits the M&P 9 M2.0 Metal with a 4.62" threaded barrel?
For a M&P 9 M2.0 Metal with the 4.62" threaded barrel, Dara recommends selecting the M&P 9 M2.0 Metal Full Size 5" option. The longer holster provides enough length to fully cover the 4.62" barrel.
5. Which Smith & Wesson M&P Metal models does Dara make holsters for?
Dara currently offers M&P Metal holster fitments for the M&P 9 M2.0 Metal Compact 3.6", Metal Compact 4", Metal Full Size 4.25", Metal Carry Comp 4.22", Metal Full Size 5", Performance Center Competitor 5", Competitor HD 5", Performance Center Metal Gold PVD with Compensator 4.87", and M&P 9 M2.0 Metal with Threaded Barrel 4.62". Some models share the same Dara holster body based on their dimensions and required holster length.