December 1st, 2022
6:01 runtime
On September 1, 2022, Springfield Armory launched the1911 DS Prodigy 9mm.
I was fortunate enough to get one early and spend ample range time with this double-stack 1911 pistol.
The gun looks sharp, and its lightning fast, especially compared to my other pistols.
Is the Springfield Armory Prodigy a pistol that can be concealed for everyday carry? How about with a weaponlight and an optic? The author thinks so.
Then I began to wonder: What if I could carry this gun daily?
Is a full-size pistol like this actually practically concealable?
Shortly after that, I began to look for solutions.
The Prodigy is a more than capable pistol for everyday carry. It is accurate, a fast shooter and it doesn’t hurt that it’s easy on the eyes.
These two things are obviously crucial parts of the concealed carry lifestyle and a great place to start.
Maybe this project was feasible?
On a 5-barreled pistol, this is one big package; certainly bigger than anything I have carried before.
Red dots on carrying guns have become a “must” for the author. He finds the ability to track the sight during recoil is of immense value!
On the LAS Concealment website, there are a few options that fit what I needed.
But ultimately, because I didnt want a sidecar holster, I went with the SAYA 2.0 Holster.
The holster is, of course, an inside-the-waistband (IWB) holster.
To help support the weight of the Prodigy, the author used a Next Belt. With the Ratcheting system, he was able to get the perfect fit to hold the Prodigy securely.
It includes a concealment wing, and is optics and suppressor height sight compatible.
The holster comes in just about every color and camo pattern imaginable.
The SAYA 2.0 seemed like the perfect tool to conceal the 5 Prodigy and X300 Surefire U-A.
While the gun might, at first blush, appear to be too much for EDC, the author’s experience showed the gun was great for daily carry.
Fitting Choices
Once the holster came in, it was time to put it to the test.
The extra length below the belt line is a huge obstacle to overcome for comfort while carrying.
This was the one thing I thought would ruin the Prodigy being an everyday carry gun for me.
The author purchased the SAYA 2.0 holster from LAS Concealment to hold his 5” Prodigy fitted with the SurefireX300 U-A.
However, I was wrong.
In some ways, its more comfortable than carrying the Hellcat.
The Hellcat is small, while the Prodigy is in no way compact.
Always test your gear on the range. A well-concealed pistol is of little use if you cannot draw it when it is needed most.
Believe it or not, the 5 barrel length is comfortable, keeping the gun upright against my torso.
But yes, it does stab into you while you sit.
The next big issue I knew Id fight was printing.
Patterned shirts like this Springfield Armory limited print can help you mitigate any printing that may occur with your CCW.
Now obviously, in the cool months of the year, this isnt an issue.
But is it possible to have no printing in something as simple as a T-shirt?
The answer is yes!
Would you need a gun with all the capability of the Prodigy inside your belt?
Chances are, probably not.
If you ask me, yes, I think you would.
Then shooting at distances of 40 yards or more from concealment was easy, also.
If you decide to conceal it, heres my advice.
Get a good holster.
For me, the LAS Concealment Saya 2.0 was perfect.
Maybe we need to ask LAS to make one specifically for the Prodigy!
The next piece of advice is to properly maintain your Prodigy.
I say this because the Prodigy is a gun with precise tolerances.
The fitment is perfect with no slop.
