Have you ever had a handgun that you immediately loved the way it shoots, feels and carries? That is, beyond question, how I feel about the Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro 9mm.
In my many years with it, the Hellcat Pro has proven to be reliable and accurate — truly a premier carry pistol. With a 15-round, flush-fit magazine capacity and weight of just over 20 oz., this is a powerful and capable pistol ideal for every day carry (EDC).
Add to that its Optical Sight Pistol (OSP) slide cut that accepts Shield RMSc/SMSc-footprint optics that co-witness with the excellent U-Dot (u-notch rear, tritium/luminescent dot front) sights and dustcover accessory rail on the polymer frame, and you clearly have a winning design.
When a handgun reaches those standards, you want to support it with the best gear. You want the type of gear that not only functions flawlessly, but will also enhance the high expectations for performance and “carryability” you have for it. Basically, you want your gear to match high standards that you’ve come to expect from your EDC gun.
When it comes to this gear, the holster you choose is imperative. If it’s uncomfortable to carry, doesn’t retain the pistol well or is produced with cheap materials, you’re wasting time and money. I live by the saying, “cheap prices create expensive problems.”
Lighting a Path
Remember that accessory rail I mentioned? It gives you the opportunity to mount a high-quality light for your EDC. I recently decided to try out the Streamlight TLR-7X gun light. This rechargeable “multi-fuel” light, designed to fit on the rails of a wide range of firearms, runs off either Streamlight’s SL-B9 USB rechargeable protected lithium-ion battery pack, or the included CR123A lithium battery.
Despite a light weight of just around 2.5 oz. and an overall length of 2.58”, the aluminum-bodied light features 725 lumens and a 9,500 candela beam with a beam distance of 195 meters. It will run for 1.5 hours on the CR123A battery, or one hour on the SL-B9. Ambidextrous rear paddle switches (with included swappable “high” and “low” options) round out the package.
However, adding a light also adds a new layer of complication for your holster choice. If you want to carry it inside-the-waistband (IWB) concealed, it gets even trickier. So, I knew that finding the right holster would be challenging.
A Proficient Choice
After performing some study and research, I found that Mission First Tactical (MFT) not only produces a premier holster for the Hellcat Pro, but one that had the potential to also exceed my expectations. That holster is the Pro Series IWB (inside the waistband) Light Holster, and it is available on the Springfield Armory Store for $89.99.
To call this holster adaptable would be a gross understatement. The holster, made from rugged black Kydex, is ambidextrous, has 15 degrees of adjustable cant, is designed for IWB (but can be converted for outside-the-waistband/OWB with the purchase of an optional “Comfort Carry Paddle), and has multiple clip options. Specifically, the holster include two tuckable 1½” belt clips and one 1½” belt clip.
It is designed to be compatible with the following weaponlight systems: Streamlight TLR-7/TLR-7A/TLR-7X/TLR-7 HL-X USB, SureFire XC1/XC2/XC3, Nightstick TCM-550XL, and Inforce Wild1. So, I picked up an example of this holster and decided to try it out with my Hellcat Pro and the Streamlight TLR-7X.
Stable Foundation
Upon close inspection, I discovered a very unique feature set of the Pro Series IWB holster — the “In-line Magnetic Retention System” (ILMRS) and the “Integrated Barrel Stabilizer Insert” (IBSI).
Rather than relying on holster body tension and retention screws to retain the pistol, this system employs a magnet and the plastic barrel insert that maintains the fully loaded pistol in holster without any locking devices. Retention does not key off of the light, so you can employ the holster for the Hellcat Pro either fitted out with a weaponlight or with just the pistol alone. Nice.
When the pistol is inserted, the fit is precise. The barrel stabilizer is a short post, approximately an inch and a half, that inserts into the barrel. I have never seen or experienced anything like this. The Kydex shell guides the Hellcat Pro directly into the barrel stabilizer for a smooth insertion and draw.
When I first inserted the Hellcat Pro into the MFT Pro Series Holster, I was impressed with the clean and precise fit. I initially had no idea the barrel was resting in the stabilizer post. The more I experienced this innovative feature, the more I appreciated the design.
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As noted, the holster will properly fit with the Streamlight TLR-7X mounted or not. The carrier may choose to remove the light without the need to change the holster. It is completely modular with or without a light attached. The barrel stabilizer will keep the Hellcat Pro extremely secure either way.
A Magnetic Draw
Rather than adjustable retention screws, the MFT uses an 11-lb. magnet that sits at the base of the barrel stabilizer. I personally like the MFT magnet retaining system because it offers the perfect balance of proper retention while not being overly tight, allowing for a very smooth draw.
I suspect I’m not the only EDC carrier who loosens retention screws with holsters that ship with very tight handgun/holster tolerances. When I loosen the retention screws to fit my preferred draw retention, I worry that eventually the retention screws may back out on me. That would be a serious problem.
MFT’s magnet system in the Pro Series IWB Light Holster eliminates that concern. That gives me peace of mind by having proper retention and just the right amount of pressure when drawing the Hellcat Pro.
Other Benefits
Both sides of the MFT Pro Series IWB Light Holster features an integrated “Vertical Wedge” designed to keep the top of the pistol closer to the body for enhanced concealment, as well as to provide a wedge against the body to prevent holster “slump/sagging.”
The holster uses two tuckable 1½” clips that are adjustable for both height and the carrier’s preferred cant angle with multiple clip mounting options. Personally, I like the holster mid height that it comes with out of the packaging. However, if the carrier prefers the holster to ride lower or higher inside the waistband, that option is available. It also comes with one 1½” belt clip.
Also, the angled cant feature has a 15-degree adjustment option. Once again, this is an option that offers the carrier to custom fit their preferred style of carry. Additionally, the MFT holster has suppressor sight channel clearance, a mid-height sweat guard, full trigger guard coverage and a slide mount optic relief cut.
Either Way
As noted, the MFT Pro Series IWB Light Holster is ambidextrous, with easy to use inlet holes to switch the holster clips from right- to left-handed. The ambidextrous design works with appendix, crossdraw and behind the hip carry.
I think MFT did a masterful way to create a cant angle to personalize the carrier’s preference. The elongated clip hole allows for a 15-degree angled cant. Outside the waistband clip insertion is also ambidextrous. The same elongated holes are on each side to suit right- and left-handed carriers.
To OWB, you can order a larger paddle conversion from MFT for $9.99. Usually, you would need to purchase two holsters to carry either IWB or OWB. MFT solved that issue with one “do it all” holster.
I mentioned earlier that, if a holster is uncomfortable on the body, it is not for you. The MFT Pro Series IWB Light Holster is wider than many holsters on the market. Some users may see that as extra bulk, but I don’t.
First it has to be wider to make space for the Streamlight TLR-7.
Additionally, the extra width not only suits a tactical light, but it has more space to distribute the weight of the gun and light on the body. The wider weight distribution spreads out over more body surface, which increases comfort when carrying.
Clawing Forward
The MFT holster ships with an ambidextrous optimized “Mechanical Advantage“(MA) — Ambi Belt Claw, designed to reduce printing and position the Hellcat Pro close to the body. Featuring included stackable thickness shims and height adjustability, this allows you to customize the rig to your specific carry needs.
I typically remove holster claws, myself. However, I appreciate the extra steps and expense that MFT takes to suit all carriers to custom fit their preferred carry system. If you enjoy carrying with a claw, you have several adjustable options with this holster.
Final Thoughts
The Mission First Tactical Pro Series IWB Light Holster has easily become my favorite holster for the Hellcat Pro. The fit and finish are great, and the barrel stabilizer and magnet in-line retention system is truly innovative. When drawing the Hellcat Pro, the 11-lb. magnet has the perfect balance of secure retention and a smooth draw.
I have always said, options are good — whether it’s a firearm or your gear. MFT holsters offer many adjustments to custom fit the holster in a simple, straightforward manner. From the way it rides on the body to the angled cant, the MFT IWB Holster will get you there. It is completely ambidextrous and offers an OWB option that eliminates the need to purchase two holsters.
In most cases, light-bearing holsters are special-order units that can take months to receive. That’s another advantage of this holster. It is reasonably priced, adaptable, and available right now.
If you are like me, you want the best gear for your EDC Hellcat Pro. In addition to the excellent Streamlight TLR-7X, I also strongly suggest the MFT Pro Series IWB Light Holster. It takes innovation and comfortable carry to a whole new level.
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