Choosing a Springfield Hellcat Holster: Top Features to Consider

The Springfield Armory Hellcat is a popular micro-compact pistol, known for being a comfortable, accurate choice for concealed carry. When choosing a holster for this versatile firearm, it’s important to look for one that complements the Hellcat’s well-thought-out features and performance.

To match the Hellcat’s compact, user-friendly design, your holster should be equally as efficient and concealable. Given the Hellcat’s small size, look for a lightweight, ergonomic holster with adjustable features that provide the perfect balance of comfort and concealment.

Before you can successfully explore different holster styles and components, you’ll need to understand the core design elements of the Springfield Armory Hellcat. This understanding will help you make an informed decision when selecting the best holster to fit your carry preferences.

About the Springfield Armory Hellcat

The Springfield Armory Hellcat is a semi-automatic pistol that is widely popular among concealed carriers thanks to its impressive capacity and reliable performance wrapped into a micro-compact size.

Chambered in 9mm, the Hellcat comes standard with an 11-round magazine and an extended 13-round magazine included right from the factory. For those seeking even more firepower, Springfield offers a 15-round extended magazine, making the Hellcat one of the highest-capacity micro-compacts on the market.

Weighing in at just 17.9 ounces unloaded, the Hellcat is remarkably lightweight thanks to its polymer frame, making it an ideal choice for all-day carry. Despite its compact dimensions, the Hellcat packs in some great features, including a textured grip with an adaptive pattern for a secure hold and an intuitive U-Dot sight system that promotes quick target acquisition.

At just 6 inches in overall length and 1 inch in width, the Hellcat offers a slim profile without sacrificing ergonomics. Its grip texture, paired with the option for extended magazines, provides a comfortable hold even for larger hands. The Hellcat's Gen 2 trigger and options either with or without a manual thumb safety make it a solid choice for both seasoned shooters and those new to carrying.

Springfield's innovative design, combined with the Hellcat’s balance of size, capacity, and features, makes it a top contender for concealed carry, personal defense, and even range use. Visit Springfield Armory's website to learn more about the Hellcat and its various configurations.

Springfield Armory Hellcat Specs

What to Look for in a Holster for Springfield Hellcat

Now that you’re familiar with the design and primary uses of the Hellcat, it’s time to choose a holster that complements this reliable carry pistol.

Holster Type

The first thing to consider when selecting a Springfield Hellcat holster is the carry position you plan to use. The Hellcat’s micro-compact frame makes it a popular choice for inside the waistband and even pocket carry, though some people carry it outside the waistband as well.

Your chosen carry position will directly influence which type of holster will be most effective. One of the most popular Hellcat holsters is the Vedder LightTuck®, which is our most adjustable option and can be worn in any carry position inside the waistband. The SideTuck™, which is specifically designed for appendix carry, is another great choice for this model. For pocket carry, the Pocket Locker® is a great choice!

Determining your preferred carry location upfront will help you quickly narrow down holster options that are best suited to your needs. From there, you can focus on other factors like materials and customization options. If you’re unsure which carry position is right for you, check out our guide on concealed carry positions for some helpful insights.

Material

When selecting a holster material, you’ll typically come across three main options: leather, Kydex, and nylon. While nylon holsters are widely available, they are generally not recommended for concealed carry due to their lack of durability. Nylon holsters also tend to lose their shape once the firearm is drawn, which can make reholstering more difficult and potentially unsafe.

Leather holsters, on the other hand, are a popular choice for concealed carry because they offer both comfort and durability. However, leather can become sticky in humid conditions or when exposed to moisture and sweat. While durable, leather may not have the same long-lasting resilience as Kydex.

Kydex is currently the top material for holsters, renowned for its exceptional durability, concealability, and adjustability. Kydex holsters are heat-molded to fit the exact dimensions of the Springfield Armory Hellcat, ensuring a secure and snug fit. Despite being made from thermoplastic, Kydex holsters are also surprisingly comfortable.

For those looking to combine the best aspects of both materials, hybrid holsters are a fantastic choice. These holsters pair the durability and security of a Kydex shell with the comfort of a leather backing, providing a secure shell with a cushioned backing for an exceptional carry experience.

Adjustability

If you plan to carry your Hellcat on a daily basis, an adjustable holster is essential. One key feature to look for is adjustable retention, which allows you to modify how securely the firearm sits in the holster. This adjustment not only ensures a personalized fit but also enhances safety by keeping your gun in place.

Read More: Basics of Holster Retention

Another useful feature is adjustable cant, which lets you tilt the gun forward or backward until you achieve the ideal balance of concealment, comfort, and quick access. At Vedder Holsters, we offer holsters with up to 30 degrees of forward and reverse cant, which is double what most holsters on the market provide.

Read More: What Is Holster Cant and Why Is It Important?

Lastly, adjustable ride height gives you the ability to position the holster higher or lower on your waistline. This feature enables you to choose between deeper concealment or a higher ride for easier access to your firearm. By fine-tuning the ride height to match your exact preferences, you can optimize the concealed carry of your Hellcat.

Read More: Choosing the Ideal Holster Ride Height

Customization

Each firearm owner has their own set of preferences, needs, and accessories for their carry setup. With the vast array of aftermarket modifications available for the Springfield Hellcat, it’s important to find a holster that accommodates your unique configuration.

Vedder holsters are individually handcrafted to order, providing a wide range of customization options tailored to your specific firearm. We offer dozens of Kydex color choices, so you can match your holster to your style. Additionally, our holsters feature full sight channels and can be custom-cut to fit various accessories like lights, lasers, and optics.

Our holsters are available in both right- and left-hand orientations, and you can choose from a variety of optional components such as different belt clip sizes, claw attachments, sweat shields, and combat cut options to further personalize your carry setup.

If your Hellcat includes aftermarket modifications not listed on our website, simply contact us with the specifics, and we’ll do what we can to create a custom holster designed to perfectly suit your needs.

Design

Beyond the aesthetic elements like style, color, and adjustability, a holster’s design plays a key role in safety, which is crucial when carrying the Hellcat, or any firearm.

The most important aspect of a holster’s design is ensuring a precise fit. For Kydex holsters, the pistol should "click" securely into place with no movement once holstered. This snug fit keeps the firearm from shifting or falling out. A proper fit can also help minimize wear on the gun over time.

Equally important are sturdy belt clips and a fully covered trigger guard. Strong, reliable clips keep the holster firmly in place without shifting or coming loose during daily use. Meanwhile, the trigger guard should completely cover the Hellcat's trigger, leaving no gaps or visible space. An exposed trigger can present a serious safety hazard, as it increases the risk of a foreign object entering the holster and accidentally pulling the trigger.

All of the Springfield Armory Hellcat holster options at Vedder Holsters are carefully designed with fully enclosed trigger guards, a precision fit, and are molded specifically to the Hellcat’s dimensions for safe and secure carry.

Comfort

The Hellcat’s small size makes it easy to conceal, even for long periods. But even the smallest pistols can be uncomfortable to carry with the wrong holster.

For optimal comfort, hybrid holsters like the Vedder RapidTuck® are a great option. Their leather backing conforms to your body and helps distribute the weight of the pistol more evenly. If you prefer a fully or mostly Kydex holster, designs with two points of contact, like the Vedder ProTuck® and SideTuck™, can similarly help spread the weight for that extra comfort and weight distribution.

Concealment

When carrying the Hellcat daily, a holster with a low-profile, snag-free design is essential. You'll want a holster that’s as thin as possible while still offering durability and protection.

Beyond the shell, a holster's clip significantly impacts its ability to remain concealed. Many standard plastic clips can cause printing and snag on clothing. For a more discreet option, choose thin, minimalist steel clips that stay secure while remaining virtually invisible, even under lightweight garments.

Vedder’s patented Rock Solid Spring Steel Belt Clips offer a thin, streamlined design made from smooth spring steel to reduce printing and prevent snags. Our Pancake Wing clips, J-clips, and V-clips are designed for even deeper, closer concealment. If you’re looking for a way to draw the grip even closer to your body, utilizing a Holster Claw, Wedge, or combination of both will ensure you stay print-free all day long.

What is the Best Holster for Springfield Hellcat?

Now that you’re familiar with the key features to look for in a quality holster, let’s dive into the real reason you’re here. Below are our top recommendations for the best Springfield Hellcat holsters on the market.

Best Springfield Hellcat IWB Holster

For a versatile and highly adjustable IWB Hellcat holster, the Vedder Holsters LightTuck® is a top choice. This Kydex model works for any carry position and boasts fully adjustable retention, three levels of ride height, and 30 degrees of forward and reverse cant. Its lightweight, tuckable design paired with the patented Rock Solid Spring Steel Belt Clip makes it an outstanding all-around IWB option.

If comfort is your priority, consider a hybrid holster like the Vedder Holsters RapidTuck® or ComfortTuck®, designed for 3-5 o’clock carry. With premium cowhide or horsehide leather backings that conform to your body, these models offer superior all-day comfort. The RapidTuck™ also features adjustable ride height and cant.

Read More: Horsehide vs Cowhide: Choosing the Best Backing For Your Hybrid Holster

Another excellent hybrid option is the Vedder ProTuck™, which contours to your body with two points of contact in the 3-5 o’clock position. It combines comfort with fully adjustable retention.

For an all-in-one carry system, the Vedder SideTuck™ is a great choice. It offers the concealability of the LightTuck™ while integrating an adjustable Kydex mag carrier. This model includes two claw attachments and adjustable retention with two points of contact.

You can check out our entire selection of IWB concealed carry holsters here.

Best Hellcat Holster: OWB

For a highly maneuverable OWB holster, the Vedder Holsters LightDraw® is an excellent pick for the Springfield Hellcat. It’s designed for both functionality and comfort, featuring adjustable retention and a double-sided, fully reinforced shell that allows for easy one-handed reholstering.

If you prefer a hybrid OWB holster, the Vedder Quick Draw is a great option. This holster combines a premium leather backing with two integrated belt loops for a secure, comfortable carry. It also provides easy accessibility in most OWB positions.

For those who prefer a paddle holster style, the Vedder ProDraw® is a fantastic choice. In addition to adjustable retention, it offers 15 degrees of forward and reverse cant, allowing for a customized carry angle. Its lightweight design includes an OWB Paddle Clip, making it easy to put on and remove without needing to take off your belt.

You can browse our collection of OWB carry holsters here.

Summary

Of all the concealed carry pistols available today, the micro-compact Springfield Armory Hellcat continues to stand out – and for good reason. Its proven durability, reliability, and ease of use make it a popular option for both open and concealed carry.

Because it’s such a versatile firearm, it’s important to choose a Springfield Hellcat holster that can match its concealability and ease of use. When selecting a holster, opt for one that's lightweight to complement the gun's small frame. Additionally, look for a durable and adjustable holster designed for comfort, ensuring it can meet the demands of everyday carry.

If you’re looking for a new IWB, OWB, or pocket carry holster, visit our Holsters by Gun Model page for Kydex holsters that are custom-made for your weapon of choice.

Interested in items beyond holsters? Check out our Resources Page for links to recommended products like lights, lasers, first aid, maintenance, and more, and browse our selection of belts, apparel, and accessories at our website, vedderholsters.com.

To stay up-to-date on all the latest Vedder Holsters content and offerings, check out our blog and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. And be sure to visit our sister company, GeoGrit, for all of your American-made minimalist wallet needs.