The main consideration I wrestle with is picking the right holster.
Recently, Black Arch sent me the companys Dual ClipProtos-Mholster to try with my Hellcat Pro.
And that difference makes this a rig you should really consider for inside-the-waistband (IWB) carry.
In theory, a standard hybrid holster offers great comfort and reasonable retention while keeping the cost very affordable.
Whats not to love?
Unfortunately, some hybrid designs dont live up to my expectations.
Another company makes a rig that fails to completely cover the trigger guard.
What Makes the Protos-M Different
Black Arch holsters designed the Dual ClipProtos-Mdifferently.
The designers appeared to have taken the known limitations of some existing hybrid holsters and developed solutions that work.
To begin with, Black Arch uses a rigid shell that fully covers and wraps around the trigger guard.
The company calls this its 34 Hybrid system for providing consistent retention.
I find that the system providesreliableretention that is consistent in its feel.
I want to verify I am clear on the subject of retention.
TheProtos-Mis an excellent holster, but it does not offer protection from an attempt to disarm you.
With normal activities, running and even falling down, the holster should keep your pistol secure.
Be sure to readmy article about holster retention.
Black Arch did an excellent job with protecting the trigger in this holster.
If you draw your pistol and have to return it to the holster, this can be important.
Then, lightly draw the side of the pistol up the edge of the holster mouth.
Once the muzzle clears the holster mouth, straighten the pistol and insert it straight down.
Black Arch also did an excellent job with the leather backer.
It is cut in a manner to avoid interfering with obtaining a full grip to draw the gun.
While the gun side is slick, the body side of the leather is sueded for softness.
With many IWB holsters, I pull the rig completely off when I sit down to work.
Thats not the case with the Black ArchProtos-Mholster.
When Im wearing it, it stays on my belt.
For this review, I have the Griphook clips.
These are a modest upgrade cost (less than $4) and worth every penny.
They do an excellent job of locking onto my 1.5 gunbelt.
Ive not been able to get them to fail yet.
Living in Florida puts me in more heat and humidity than many people realize can exist.
Its great for tropical plants, alligators and deodorant salesmen.
For folks carrying a pistol, it can be an obstacle.
Thats where the mesh, breathable back of this holster really comes into its own.
While it is not a miracle product, the Dri-Matrix mesh definitely improves comfort in the heat.
Like a great many people carrying a Hellcat Pro, Im running a red dot optic on my pistol.
That extra bulk can sometimes interfere with a holster.
The 4-5 oclock position was determined to be the most comfortable in his testing.
A hybrid holster is a specialized holster designed for inside-the-waistband carry.
It uses at least two materials typically Kydex and leather though other materials can be used.
Generally, a hybrid holster can be a safe method of carrying a concealed firearm.
Conclusion
Heres the bottom line: All holsters are a compromise.
To improve security, you may have to give up comfort or vice-versa.
However, I find the Black Arch Dual Clip IWB Protos-M to be a fantastic holster with little downside.
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