February 16th, 2022
5minute read
Holsters are way more complicated than most people think.
Theres nothing that shapes your interaction with your gun more than its holster.
And for everyday carry, this becomes even more evident.
First, you have to settle the inside-the-waistband (IWB)/outside-the-waistband (OWB) debate.
During the colder months, I prefer to carry OWB and strongside.
Lately, Im carrying the Hellcat.
Im simply not one of them.
Im much faster on the draw with an OWB, and time-to-target is essential for my considerations of holsters.
Retention Considerations?
Enter the Urban Carry LockLeather, a retention holster for the Hellcat.
The clip takes a bit of force to overcome when holstering the Hellcat.
You push hard and it feels like the gun might not fit, then it pops into place.
It is an odd sensation, as the amount of pressure needed to overcome the clip is robust.
Drawing isnt nearly as complicated.
The holster design itself is not 100% fitted.
Urban Carry makes different sizes to fit different frames.
The clip is the magic, so the holsters dont have to be wet-molded into shape for exact models.
The finish is matte and uniform, and the leather has been dyed rather than painted.
The edges arent painted with a contrasting edge coating just rounded over and finished with a sealer.
Theres also a second layer of leather sewn over the opening to reinforce the open top of the holster.
This isnt a fancy-pants holster, so why pretend?
Why add the extra?
The stitching isnt designed to stand out.
It hasnt been doubled.
It has the feel of a broken-in pair of jeans, but without being artificially beaten up or aged.
The first is that you cant add lasers or lights.
Im a big fan of the Viridian E-Series line.
The Hellcat is big enough for lights, too.
The second is this, and it bears mentioning.
If the clip fails in any way, the holster may not be secure enough to hold the gun.
It was subtle and I hadnt noticed it happening.
When it got too loose to hold the gun, I thought Id broken the clip.
Theres a fix for this, but it is one that will require confidence and Loctite.
Id begin with Blue Loctite.
Get the gun you want to carry in the holster ready.
Dial the screw down to the point that you know the gun will go in and come out.
confirm, when you do, that the parts inside are lining up.
you’ve got the option to overcome the Loctite bond after it sets, but it isnt easy.
With that little bit of legwork, the Urban Carry LockLeather should make for a solid platform.
The Urban Carry LockLeather holsters are available in black or tan.
This model for the Hellcat #215 sells for $69.95.
Go to forum thread
