Selecting a Best Springfield Hellcat IWB Holster

In 2019, the Springfield Armory Hellcat pistol entered the market as a direct competitor to the SIG Sauer P365 Micro-Compact and other concealed-carry handguns. These weapons provide 10 or more full-power 9mm ammunition rounds in a lightweight, concealable package. By comparison, the popular Glock 43 is similar in dimensions and weight but is limited to a capacity of 6+1.

To gain the most from the Hellcat pistol as a self-defense weapon, you need to carry it discreetly, safely, and securely. This requires a high-quality Springfield Hellcat holster. Since there are many holsters to choose from, learn how to select the best holster for the perfect carry solution.

Springfield Hellcat Specifications

concealed-carry holsters

The Springfield Hellcat pistol  weighs 17.9 oz. with its flush-fit magazine and 18.3 oz. with the extended option. This is almost the same weight as the SIG P365 and Glock 43. The Springfield Hellcat has a 3” hammer-forged steel barrel and an overall length of 6”. The height is only 4” with the flush-fit mag, increasing to 4.5” with the extended magazine in place.

Despite its high capacity, the grip is only 1” wide, the same as many single stack carry pistols of the same caliber.

Hellcat Magazines

The Springfield Hellcat is fed from a flush-fitting, 11-round magazine as standard. For a firmer grip, you can also select an 11-round magazine with an angled extension for your little finger, which has the effect of increasing the length of the front strap.

If capacity is your priority, you can choose a 13-round extended magazine. Your choice of magazine affects the degree of concealment and control you can exert over the weapon.

Springfield Hellcat Holster IWB

When searching for a Springfield Hellcat IWB holster, there are several criteria you need to consider. Hellcat holsters must offer adjustability, concealability, durability, safety, and comfort.

Adjustable Retention

Retention describes the ability of a gun holster to hold your firearm securely in place. You’ll usually use an adjustable retention screw to increase or decrease the tightness of the fit between the holster and the gun. When the fit is tighter, you must apply more force to free the gun. This is more secure for daily carry and when performing vigorous activity.

When the fit is looser, less force is required to draw, but the gun is more likely to fall out. Adjustable retention lets you find the best balance for your Hellcat holster.

Adjustable retention is one of the most important features you should look for in a Hellcat holster for daily carry. Holsters are available with two types of retention: active and passive.

Active retention

In an active retention holster, popular with  some OWB holster designs, you manually rotate a hood or lever, press a button, or open a snap to unlock the firearm.

This can provide an additional layer of security, especially when using leather or nylon holsters that hold the firearm less securely. Active retention is ideal for open carry and duty holsters because the weapon is more vulnerable to attempted disarmament. If you need a tactical holster,  consider two levels of retention at a minimum to keep your holster secure.

Passive retention

Passive retention Kydex holsters employ custom-molded construction to retain the firearm using friction, usually at one or two points on the gun. This allows for a faster draw stroke and is more appropriate for concealment holsters held close to the body.

The ideal Springfield Armory Hellcat holster should allow you to draw the weapon quickly and efficiently without unlocking the weapon first while still keeping the holster secure.

Adjustable Ride Height and Cant

An adjustable holster should allow you to set the ride height and cant according to your individual preferences. These factors play an important role in access, comfort, and concealment, so it’s essential to find the right balance for your Hellcat holster (IWB).

Ride height

The ride height denotes how deeply the firearm and holster are positioned in relation to the center of the waistband. Ride height is typically described as high, medium, and low.

A high ride height, in which the center of the waistband is below the trigger when the gun is vertical, reduces concealability but increases the space between the waistband and the grip.

Medium ride height is common and offers a comfortable draw for many shooters.

A low ride height, in which the center of the waistband is above the trigger, maximizes concealability but reduces the available space for a full firing grip.

Cant (carry angle)

Cant describes the angle of rotation when the handgun is holstered and can be positive or negative. In a positive or forward cant, the butt of the pistol rises as the muzzle lowers.

A positive cant of 15-30° is popular for those who carry on their strong side, increasing the space between the front strap and the belt. A neutral cant is necessary to acquire a full firing grip on the weapon in a Hellcat appendix holster.

The best Kydex holster for everyday carry, whether you’re carrying a compact or full-size firearm, should have adjustable cant and ride height.

Concealability

To effectively conceal your firearm, you need a holster that contours to your body. It should lie as flat as possible against your hip or abdomen, minimizing bulk. In addition to your choice of gun holster, carry position, ride height, and cant, you should also consider two other factors: gun belt and concealment devices.

Find a suitable gun belt

A proper gun belt stabilizes the holster, preventing it from tilting outward or sagging. It keeps your Hellcat holster in the same position throughout the day and reduces printing.

Concealment devices

A Hellcat holster should be compatible with concealment devices, such as wings (also called claws), which can help to reduce printing. If you select a tuckable Hellcat holster, you can tuck a shirt between the holster and the belt clips for a more discreet carry option.

Leaning forward at the waist can expose the butt of your pistol, especially when you’re carrying strong side. Crouching, however, minimizes printing and exposure.

Durability: Kydex vs. Leather Holsters

At Incognito Concealment, we only use Kydex in our IWB and OWB holsters. For daily carry, this high-tech, strong, durable polymer material is one of the best choices on the market.

The classic leather holster is softer and can protect the finish of your carry gun more effectively than Kydex. However, a Kydex holster has the benefit of increased resistance to impact, abrasion, and moisture.

Safety

Your concealed- or open-carry gun holster should be safe to carry, which requires a fully enclosed trigger guard. However, you should still ensure you practice your draw stroke and follow the basic gun safety rules to avoid mishaps on or off the range.

The Springfield Armory Hellcat pistol has a passive trigger safety similar to the Glock, but you can also choose a variant with a manual safety catch for added peace of mind. 

Comfort

Gun owners often dismiss comfort as a non-essential requirement for a concealed carry handgun. But you are more likely to leave an uncomfortable holster at home or in your glove compartment than you are one you can.

To be an effective defensive weapon, your Hellcat holster needs to be on you at all times in a readily accessible position. 

Protective Sweat Guard

Although less critical when carrying openly or in an OWB holster, every gun holster you wear close to your body should have a sweat guard. A full-length sweat guard or shield exists when the rear of the slide extends upward, covering the slide. This protects the gun against moisture. It also acts as a barrier between you and a potentially hot slide, ensuring maximum comfort. 

Multiple Carry Positions

When searching for the best Hellcat holster, you also have to consider the most concealable, accessible, and comfortable position.

In waistband carry, which is by far the most popular type, placement is expressed as the position of an hour hand on a circular clock face. For example, your navel or belt buckle is at 12 o’clock, your left and right hips are at 9 and 3 o’clock, respectively, and the small of your back is at 6 o’clock.

The ideal carry position for a right-handed shooter is typically between 11 and 1 o’clock (appendix) or 3 and 5 o’clock (strong side). You’ll need to experiment to find the most comfortable carrying position for you.

Mounting Options

Before buying a Hellcat holster, consider the mounting options. You can find belt loop holsters or hosters with thermoformed or metal clips, depending on your preferred carry position.

The mounting option you choose also plays a role in the retention level of your holster. Belt loop holsters offer a high level of security and retention, while paddle mounting options are preferable for quickly removing your holstered weapon.

Springfield Armory Hellcat Holsters

Inside the waistband (IWB) is a method of concealed carry that places the gun between your waistband and your body. This is the standard for deep concealment, attaching to your belt using one or more clips.

IWB limits the practical size of your firearm and can be uncomfortable for some shooters, depending on body type and other factors. For a weapon the size of the Springfield Armory Hellcat, however, this method is optimal. 

Incognito T3 (IWB Holster for Hellcat)

Our Incognito T3 is an IWB Kydex carry holster that attaches to your gun belt using a single 1.5 or 1.75” clip and is the best holster for Hellcat pistols on the market. The low profile holster design is durable, adjustable, and allows for a quick draw.

We also offer variants compatible with a laser or light attachment and an RMR cut. If you decide you’d like to carry the OSP (Optical Sight Pistol), you can select a Hellcat IWB holster specifically cut for the optic.

For a light gun like the Hellcat, you also need a light holster. Kydex is not only tough, but it’s also lightweight, offering maximum comfort for concealed carry. 

Single Magazine Pouch

Although the Springfield Armory Hellcat has a relatively high magazine capacity, some gun owners may prefer to carry additional ammunition in a pouch. An extra magazine, tucked securely in a Kydex magazine carrier, ensures you’ll be prepared for any eventuality.

Double Magazine Pouch

When one additional magazine isn’t enough, you can also carry two. Like your Hellcat holster, your magazine pouch should have adjustable retention for a custom fit.

Incognito MaxFP

Our MaxFP is an  OWB double magazine carrier that evenly distributes the weight of two loaded Hellcat magazines, allowing you to carry 22–26 rounds of 9mm ammunition on your belt. The MaxFP is the perfect companion to your concealed holster.

What About Open Carry?

For open carry, subcompact handguns are suboptimal. When concealability is no longer a concern, there are fewer constraints regarding the size and weight of your carry weapon. This allows you to carry a full-size duty pistol more comfortably, benefiting from the increased capacity and gripping surface that these weapons afford.

If you decide to carry your Hellcat openly, you can use a pancake or paddle holster. While you can carry an IWB holster for the Springfield Hellcat openly, an OWB belt holster is more comfortable and practical for this purpose.

Paddle holster

A paddle holster is an OWB holster that uses a flexible paddle-like panel or clip to attach to your gun belt. You can wear a paddle holster concealed or openly, making them an excellent option for range use, allowing you to attach and detach them quickly and easily.

When you’re finished shooting, you can simply dismount the holstered handgun and stow it for transport; there’s no need to remove your gun belt.

A paddle holster is ideal for use as a Hellcat holster. The Incognito Concealment Ergo OWB holster is a light holster available in various colors and patterns. It also comes in right or left-handed orientations. The ergonomically contoured paddle keeps this Hellcat holster close against your body while offering maximum comfort for everyday carry.

Non-Waistband Carry

The Springfield Armory Hellcat is primarily a concealed-carry handgun, suitable for hiding under clothing. In a non-waistband tactical holster, the Hellcat can serve as a backup weapon, fitting snugly in an ankle holster or pocket holster. You can also carry it in a shoulder holster as a primary arm.

However, a shoulder holster, pocket holster, or ankle holster are not suitable alternatives to inside-the-waistband carry. Waistband holsters are more accessible, more secure, and generally safer. If you can, you should also avoid carrying firearms in an off-body location, such as a purse or backpack, as this can increase your vulnerability to disarmament. 

Find the Best Holster Option for Your Springfield Hellcat Pistol

At Incognito Concealment, we manufacture holsters for a wide range of firearms. Our high-quality concealed-carry holsters are thermoformed for a custom fit and uncompromising comfort, making them the ideal Hellcat holster.

We also manufacture other high-quality products, such as magazine carriers, to help you stay prepared. Feel secure placing your order knowing all our holsters come with a lifetime warranty, backing our confidence in their quality.

Call us at (586) 333-4240, and we’ll help you find an affordable all-day carry solution for your Springfield Armory Hellcat. 

FAQs

What is the best IWB holster for a Springfield Armory Hellcat?

Our Incognito T3 meets all the requirements for an IWB Hellcat holster with adjustable retention for a quick draw, a sweat shield, and a fully covered trigger guard. It also offers a low profile for the most comfortable position to everyday carry.

What holster fits a Springfield Hellcat?

The best IWB holster for Hellcat pistols is one that’s specifically molded or thermoformed to its exterior dimensions. A purpose-built Kydex Hellcat holster is always a great option.

What is the best IWB holster for a Springfield Hellcat?

Our Incognito T3 IWB holster, custom-molded to the Hellcat’s shape, is a low profile Kydex holster that provides a fully covered trigger guard for increased safety, adjustable retention, and a sweat shield for comfort and rust prevention. It’s among the best holsters for Springfield Hellcat handguns.

Compatible with 1.5 and 1.75” belt clips, you can also use the T3 tactical holster in conjunction with a modwing for improved concealment.

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