For the most part, if you’re carrying a Hellcat, you’re probably carrying it concealed. If that’s the case, my pick for the best overall holster would be the Concealment Express IWB Kydex Holster sized for the Hellcat. In my opinion, it strikes the right balance between retention and accessibility while also being small and unobtrusive.
That said, the Concealment Express won’t work for everyone, and you may have priorities for your holster that are better met by a different option. We’re going to go over my picks for the 10 best holsters for the Springfield Hellcat and why each one might be the best choice in a specific situation.
If you want to learn a little bit about holsters before we dive into the recommendations, feel free to scroll down to the buying guide and read that first. Otherwise, let’s jump into it.
10 Best Holsters for Hellcat
IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
---|---|---|
Best Overall |
| Check Price at AmazonCheck Price at OpticsPlanet |
Best for Optics |
| Check Price at Amazon |
Best Adjustability |
| Check Price at Amazon |
Best Comfort |
| Check Price at Amazon |
Best for Appendix Carry |
| Check Price at Amazon |
Best Leather IWB |
| Check Price at Amazon |
Best Leather OWB |
| Check Price at Amazon |
Best for Minimalists |
| Check Price at Amazon |
Best For Ankle Carry with No Boots |
| Check Price at Amazon |
Best for Ankle Carry With Boots |
| Check Price at Amazon |
1. Concealment Express IWB Kydex Holster
As I said in the intro, if you’re wanting to carry a Hellcat, chances are you are wanting to do so concealed. If you want to carry a micro pistol like the Hellcat concealed, the most typical place to put it would be inside the waistband, or IWB. Not only does the Concealment Express go IWB, but it also offers posi-click retention.
This means that you’ll hear an audible ‘click’ sound when the gun is properly holstered. When set properly, even though the retention is just level I, you can hold the holster upside down and the gun will not fall out. On the flip-side, you do have to give it a pretty good yank to get it out of the holster, but the retention can also be adjusted to get it exactly the way you want it.
The Kydex + aluminum construction makes for a very tough little holster that is going to stand up to any punishment that might come its way. The holster itself is very thin and adds very little mass to the handgun, which is great for IWB carry.
It comes in both right-handed and left-handed flavors, and you can get other versions molded for other handgun models. It’s not universal, so if you buy the Hellcat version then the only gun that will fit in there will be the Hellcat.
Pros:
- Slim profile, adds little mass inside your waistband
- Posi-click, adjustable retention
- Comes in both right-handed and left-handed options
- Kydex construction
- Adjustable cant
Cons:
- Cant can only be adjusted by 15 degrees
- Only level I retention (though this is common for IWB)
Concealment Express IWB Kydex Holster
The price of “Concealment Express IWB Kydex Holster” varies, so check the latest price at
2. Tege Hellcat Holster (OWB)
The Hellcat is so small that it can theoretically be concealed even if you’re carrying OWB (outside the waistband). This obviously only works if you’re wearing a very baggy shirt or a jacket, but OWB has the advantage of being inherently more comfortable than IWB since you don’t have angles and corners protruding into you.
One of the difficulties with holstering the Hellcat is that, because it’s so small, a lot of holsters aren’t designed to accommodate optics. The Tege is designed to do just that (as is the Concealment Express, by the way), but it also comes with level II retention (you have to push a button to release the firearm), and 60 degrees of adjustable cant.
As you can see from the picture, it’s a paddle holster, which you may like or dislike, and it will work with belts up to 2” wide. While not fitting on a duty belt is a bit of a drawback, I don’t think there are a whole lot of scenarios where you’ll need to carry a Hellcat on a duty belt anyway.
Pros:
- Will work with optics
- 60 degrees of adjustable cant
- Level II retention
- Relatively small and unobtrusive
Cons:
- Made of polymer, not Kydex or leather
- No adjustable ride height
- No adjustable retention
3. We The People IWB Kydex Holster
Where Tege skimped on the adjustability in favor of other features, We The People made it their priority. You can adjust how high the holster rides on your waistline, the angle of the cant, and the tightness of the retention.
It’s worth mentioning that the cant is only adjustable to three positions – straight up, forward, or backward, so if you’re wanting to get accurate to-the-degree of your preferred angle, you might be out of luck with this holster.
A similar caveat comes with the adjustable ride height. Those two screw holes you see in the photo at the top of the belt clip? You adjust the ride by moving the screws to those holes, which makes the holster ride at a fairly normal height. When used as pictured above, the holster will ride a little lower than normal, though not by much.
That may seem like a lot of caveats for a holster being awarded for “Best Adjustability”, but remember we’re talking mainly about conceal-carry holsters designed for the Hellcat – most holsters in this category aren’t adjustable at all, and the ones that are may only be adjustable in one or two ways.
Pros:
- Adjustable cant
- Adjustable retention
- Adjustable ride
- Kydex construction
Cons:
- Clip is plastic, not metal (though it is quite thick)
- May not be as adjustable as some would wish
- May not be comfortable for larger-than-average folk
We The People IWB Kydex Holster
The price of “We The People IWB Kydex Holster” varies, so check the latest price at
4. Cytac OWB Holster
While I’m sure there are some who would disagree, the general consensus is that carrying OWB is more comfortable than carrying IWB. You know what makes OWB carry even more comfortable? A silicone pad on the inside of the paddle. For those who don’t know, silicone is the soft, rubbery stuff that a lot of earbud pads are made out of.
In addition to the silicone pad, the paddle is also large enough to accommodate 2.25” duty belts.
The holster comes with level II retention which works as it should, but even though the gun won’t come out of the holster unless you push the forefinger button, it does rattle around every so slightly inside. This may or may not be a big deal for you depending on your priorities and the situations in which you’ll be carrying, but it’s something to be aware of.
The value for price is hard to argue with, even though it’s built of polymer instead of Kydex. The polymer is tough and durable (Cytac describes it as ‘upgraded military’), and the holster functions just like you’d expect it to.
The cant can be adjusted a full 360 degrees for all those situations where you want the holster mounted upright but the gun itself to be upside-down. I don’t know about you but I often find myself in those situations. Jokes aside, you should be able to find the angle you want, and that is definitely a good thing.
Pros:
- 360-degree adjustable cant
- Silicone pad for comfort against bare skin
- Level II retention
Cons:
- Plastic (polymer) construction
- Gun will rattle around even when retention is engaged
- No adjustable ride height or retention
5. Warriorland IWB Hellcat Holster
At first glance it might seem odd that I would recommend something other than neoprene or suede as “best for appendix carry”. While those softer, more flexible materials certainly have their place, with a gun as small as the Hellcat, having a holster made out of slim Kydex shouldn’t be less comfortable than a softer one.
With that understood, it makes more sense to prioritize other features, like the posi-click retention and the adjustable cant. The cant isn’t infinitely adjustable like the Cytac, but it gives you enough room to find a comfortable position. The retention is adjustable as well to make sure that the gun clicks into place like it’s supposed to.
Level II retention would only be realistic with an IWB carry holster like this one if it were a thumb release, which I would find awkward on an appendix carry, so I think leaving it out makes a lot of sense in this situation. You may disagree, and that’s fine.
Pros:
- Kydex
- Adjustable retention, cant
- Posi-click level I retention
- Small
Cons:
- Not compatible with optics
- Clip is plastic
- Designed specifically for 1.5” belt
Warriorland IWB Hellcat Holster
The price of “Warriorland IWB Hellcat Holster” varies, so check the latest price at
6. Relentless Tactical “The Defender”
I’m personally a big fan of leather holsters, though I wouldn’t consider myself a die-hard. Leather looks and behaves differently from other materials, and if you find yourself gravitating towards leather, there’s a reason why. There isn’t a huge selection of leather holsters for any given model of handgun, but there are some really good options to take a look at.
If you want to carry your Hellcat IWB, the Defender from Relentless Tactical is a good option. You don’t have any retention beyond the generally tight fit that the leather provides. The Defender is made to accommodate micro pistols of various makes and models, so the amount of retention you get with each model may vary.
The clip is metal and the top of the holster is double-layered for extra strength and durability. It’s a good holster that will last for a very long time if you take proper care of it. If you’re looking for adjustability then look elsewhere; it rides where it rides, it cants where it cants, and the retention is what it is.
Pros:
- Leather, double-layered where needed
- Clip is solid metal
- Comfortable, minimalist
Cons:
- No adjustable ride
- No adjustable cant
- No adjustable retention
7. Masc Holster Ultimate Leather
Despite being an OWB holster, this is designed for concealed-carry, and sticks out as little as possible for that reason. It’s also formed specifically for the Hellcat. Because it’s leather, the fit of the gun inside the holster may be tighter than you want at first. The leather relaxes over time, so starting out really tight extends the useful life of the holster.
As you can see from the picture, it rides with a forward cant, and there’s not really any adjustability on this holster either, which is typical with leather holsters. You pay a price for the sexiness of leather.
There’s not room for an optic in the holster, but all in all it’s a good option if you’re wanting to carry a Hellcat concealed on the outside of your waistband. The leather will, of course, require some maintenance, but it’s fairly minimal.
Pros:
- Traditional leather color
- Molded specifically for the Hellcat
- Double-stitched
Cons:
- No adjustable retention
- No adjustable cant
- No adjustable ride height
Masc Holster Ultimate Leather
The price of “Masc Holster Ultimate Leather” varies, so check the latest price at
8. Muddy River Tactical Water Buffalo Leather
There is an argument to be made for going the minimalist route when you’re carrying concealed, especially if you want to have the pistol on the inside of your waistband. If that’s the case for you, then I would highly recommend you take a look at the Muddy River Tactical holster. It’s made out of water buffalo leather, which sounds fancy but it doesn’t mean much.
It means that the holster will be a bit thicker (and therefore stronger) than a typical leather holster, but that’s about it. Muddy River has designed their holster to be nice and soft, though, and the clip is strong steel.
Again, the lack of adjustability is something to be aware of, but if you’re going the minimalist route then you probably aren’t worrying about that kind of thing. This is a fantastic holster if all you want is something that is as small, soft, and simple as it can possibly be and still securely hold a Hellcat for you.
Pros:
- Thick leather
- Forward cant
- Minimalist
Cons:
- Lack of adjustability
- Rides a little high
- Leather covers the mag release button, which can cause unintended ejections
Muddy River Tactical Water Buffalo Leather
The price of “Muddy River Tactical Water Buffalo Leather” varies, so check the latest price at
9. ComfortTac Ankle Holster
I’ve added two ankle holsters to this list, each with different philosophies about how an ankle holster should be made, so you can pick whichever one makes more sense to you.
The ComfortTac is designed to prevent the ankle holster from sliding down throughout the day, which is why it has the extra calf strap that should go right where your calf starts to shrink as it gets closer to your knee.
As the name would imply, it’s also designed with comfort mainly in mind, so it’s made almost entirely of neoprene. The holster itself is not specific to the Hellcat, and retention is achieved by a simple strap that goes over the back of the handgun when it’s holstered.
Though it offends my fine, gun-totin’ sensibilities, in reality the snap & strap retention is perfectly functional and will keep your gun secure throughout the day. The holster also comes with an additional magazine pouch for even more capacity.
I have it labeled for best when you’re not wearing boots because boots will also solve the problem of the holster sliding down your leg without the need for the calf strap.
Pros:
- Calf strap
- Neoprene material is very soft
- Extra magazine pouch
Cons:
- Hellcat won’t fit tightly in holster
- Retention is just a strap
- Can get hot
ComfortTac Ankle Holster
The price of “ComfortTac Ankle Holster” varies, so check the latest price at
10. Alien Gear ShapeShift Ankle Holster
Alien Gear went a very different direction with their ankle holster design. They also use neoprene for where the holster wraps around your skin, but that’s where the similarities end. They make their ShapeShift ankle holster in model-specific variations, so you have to purchase the one that is specifically for the Hellcat.
Why? Because this allows them to make the holster much more adjustable. The retention is fully adjustable without requiring any tools, and the ride height is adjustable throughout a wide range as well.
What’s interesting about the ShapeShift is that it comes with a loop that goes around the bottom of your foot if you’re wearing boots that are no more than 6 inches tall. This is an interesting feature that makes a lot of sense considering the tightness of the retention – when you draw, you don’t want the holster to come up with the firearm, you want it to hold still.
If your retention is just a strap like the ComfortTac, then that’s a non-issue; the gun will slide right out as soon you pop the snap. But here where Alien Gear is using actual retention on the gun to keep it in place, it makes a lot of sense to have a way of preventing the holster from sliding up when you draw.
Pros:
- Adjustable retention
- Adjustable ride height
- Works with boots
Cons:
- Will only work with Hellcat
- A little on the pricier side
- Strap isn’t long enough to loop under foot with boots taller than 6 inches
Alien Gear ShapeShift Ankle Holster
The price of “Alien Gear ShapeShift Ankle Holster” varies, so check the latest price at
How to Choose the Best Holster for the Hellcat [Buying Guide]
First and foremost, the Hellcat is designed for concealed-carry. This means that all the considerations that come along with open carry (like level III and IV retention) are not really an issue we need to discuss. It is my personal opinion that if you’re open-carrying the Hellcat, you’re doing it wrong.
This is relevant to choosing the best holster for the Hellcat because the factors that make a holster great for open carry are not the same as the ones that make it great for concealed carry.
Retention
Depending on where on your body you’re carrying the Hellcat, you may have to settle for level I retention, which can honestly be done very well. Kydex holsters with the “posi-click” retention are actually really solid and do a good job keeping your firearm in place.
I have also found that when I’m carrying IWB, simply being squeezed between my body and my pants makes it harder for my gun to go anywhere; I once had to run a ways for a work emergency while wearing jeans and carrying IWB with just a suede holster and the gun didn’t budge.
Would I consider it responsible to recommend that to someone else? No, but it was good insight for me to realize that while more retention is good to have, sometimes a little goes a long way. Your mileage may vary, of course.
If you’re carrying OWB, even if it’s concealed, I would recommend at least level II retention. It gives you extra security from someone trying to access your gun and has virtually no downside. If you’re carrying on your ankle then you definitely need some form of retention, but whether that’s a snap, posi-click, or something else is up to you.
Adjustability
A lot of IWB holsters skimp on the adjustability, and a big part of that is because it almost always adds bulk. The bulkier the holster is, the harder it is to wear inside your waistband, so manufacturers (and most shooters, honestly) favor the slimmer holsters and are willing to sacrifice adjustability to do so.
If you’re new to buying holsters, I wouldn’t worry too much about adjustability yet, especially if you’re carrying IWB. Over time I’m sure you’ll develop your own preferences on exactly what angle and height your gun sits at, but at the beginning the differences really aren’t that significant.
If you’re not new to buying holsters, you’re probably not reading this section anyway, and if you are you probably already have a good feel for how your holster can be adjusted.
If your are looking for the best ar15 soft case, then you can visit our article.
Carry Location
The best way to determine where you should carry is by thinking about the clothes you’ll be wearing while you do so. If you’ll be wearing long pants that are fairly loose below the knee, consider ankle carry. If you’ll be wearing a jacket, consider OWB. In most situations, you can consider IWB.
Carry Purpose
Understanding why you’re carrying can also affect which holster you choose and which priorities you focus on. Obviously, you’re carrying to defend yourself, but from what specific threat? If a mugger comes up to you on the street and points a gun at you, are you really going to risk getting to your gun? If so, definitely go IWB and carry on your back near where your wallet is.
Each situation comes with its own variables (how long you have to draw, how many rounds you might need, etc.). Think through your reasons and purchase accordingly.
Material
There is an inherent trade-off between soft, comfortable materials and strong, durable, tight materials. The harder the material, the more likely the retention will be adjustable and the more securely it will keep everything in place. The softer the material, the more comfortable it will be against your skin. And make sure to check out our list of the best red dot for hellcat.
FAQ
Yes, a Hellcat is small enough to fit in some pockets. I’m leery of pocket carry and don’t generally recommend it, but it is theoretically possible.
There is no objective answer to this question. Kydex typically allows for a lot more adjustability, but leather is definitely sexier. Different strokes for different folks.
Any of the holsters on this list will fit a Hellcat. If you’re not satisfied with these holsters, then a google or amazon search should bring up even more variety to choose from.
Final Words
Overall, I consider the Concealment Express IWB Kydex holster to be the best holster for the Springfield Hellcat. It’s obviously not perfect for every situation and there may be a different holster that is better for your specific situation, but as a general rule I would recommend starting by looking at the Concealment Express and continuing on from there as needed.