The XD series of handguns has been around for decades, but they’re still a popular choice among many people. The reason is that these guns are extremely reliable and easy to use. They have an internal mechanism that prevents the gun from firing unless it’s locked by the user. When you consider the factors of size, weight, and style, there are only so many places on your body that make sense to carry a firearm. For centuries, people have searched for the best way to carry a firearm without putting them in their mouths or pockets. The result is the modern-day holster.
For anyone looking for a quality holster at an affordable price, today is your lucky day. You can find high-quality holsters for as little as $65 with some careful shopping. There are also plenty of options out there with features that make your gun easier to use and less prone to accidental discharge.
What To Consider When Choosing The Best Springfield Xd9 Holster
There are several things to take into consideration while buying a new holster. The most crucial characteristics and capabilities to consider while choosing the best Xd9 pistol holster are covered in the following section.
Material
The majority of holsters on the market are made from Kydex or leather, but not all products use both materials. Some manufacturers use Kydex exclusively, while others may mix it with other fabrics like cotton or nylon.
- Kydex is a rigid plastic material that feels smooth without being too soft so that it won’t tear if you try to draw your gun quickly. It also provides a good grip even in wet conditions.
- Leather is a tough fabric that feels great against your skin and can absorb moisture, making it perfect for hot weather. Leather holsters tend to be more flexible than Kydex models, though they’re still durable.
Size
A standard size pistol fits in most holsters, so it’s worth checking how much space you have before buying anything else. However, if you plan to carry multiple guns, it might make sense to invest in a larger holster that holds them all comfortably. Smaller handguns fit into smaller holes in holsters, so it’s better to have something that isn’t too big.
Fit
Finding the right fitment between your waist and hip bones as well as the angle at which the holster sits on your body is essential when looking for a comfortable holster. This will vary depending on whether you wear jeans or a dress shirt and belt, and how much weight you want to load into the holster. Waistbands come in different sizes, so finding one that fits perfectly is usually easier said than done. Most holsters feature adjustable straps, so you can tighten the fit by pulling them upward toward your torso.
Quality Construction
Look for holsters with double stitching along the seams and metal loops attached to the back plate rather than just welds. These small details add durability and comfort to the holster.
Style
There are several types of holsters available today, including traditional drop-style, pancake, under-the-belt, and paddle holsters. Each has its own benefits, and some work better than others based on how you intend to use the gun.
- Traditional drop-style holsters have a thick flap that drops down over the handle of the gun to cover it when not in use. They were popularized by police officers and military personnel because they’re easy to accessorize with a flashlight or other tools.
- Pancake holsters consist of two pieces of thin plastic that form an open pocket where the gun is inserted. They are typically used for concealed carry since they dont require exposing the handle of the gun.
- Under-the-belt holsters consist of a piece of elastic that wraps around the waist and another piece that goes over the top of the gun to secure it. This style is often combined with a separate paddle holder (for additional storage) that hooks onto the front of the pants.
- Paddle holsters look similar to under-the-belt holsters except that the elastic wrap is replaced by a foam pad that presses firmly against the front of the gun. They are designed for impact protection and to keep the gun flush to your body when moving vigorously.
Weight
It’s important to remember that these holsters aren’t just about keeping your gun hidden; they’re also supposed to help reduce fatigue during exercise or transport. So, while they won’t impede movement, they do need to be lightweight to ensure that you’re not fatigued after wearing them for long periods of time. However, the weight of the holster itself isn’t enough to determine whether it’s comfortable or not. You also need to check the weight of the gun inside the holster. For instance, a full-size 9mm handgun can weigh anywhere from 10 pounds to 50 pounds, so even if a lightweight holster can’t physically hold the gun, it could still be comfortable due to the reduced weight.
Versatility
One benefit of choosing an Xd9 holster is that it works with any type of firearm. However, certain styles of holsters are better suited than others to certain weapons. For example, a traditional drop-style holster is fine for a revolver, but it would place the muzzle end of the weapon higher than intended, which increases the risk of accidental discharge. Conversely, a pancake holster keeps the muzzle lower than the trigger guard, reducing this very same risk.
Another difference between the two is that a traditional drop-style holster allows the user to see the handle of the gun, which makes it easier to grab accidentally, whereas a pancake holster covers only the tip of the barrel. Finally, a paddle holster is completely ineffective unless the gun has a proper fitting paddle, which almost always requires customizing.
Types Of Springfield XD-9 Holsters
Handguns are designed for a range of applications, and the same goes for the various types of holsters on the market. Before you pull the trigger on your next purchase, make sure the holster you’re considering fits your intended use.
Outside-the-waistband (OWB)
When carried outside the waistband (OWB), a firearm’s muzzle should be directed toward the middle of the wearer’s back or the front of the hip while the weapon is held in an OWB holster. Since it maintains the barrel in a position that is parallel to the floor when the firearm is drawn from concealment, this kind of holster is the one that is most typically used for concealed carry. To reduce the chance of accidentally revealing a very broad target region in a short amount of time during the drawing process, the stroke used to draw should be rapid and fluid.
Inside-the-waistband
It encircles the waist and fastens the weapon behind the wearer’s body with the muzzle directed at the small of the back. Due to the fact that it points the muzzle in a secure direction while still hiding the firearm, this particular style of holster is ideal utilized for open carry.
Shoulder
Shoulder holsters have straps that are secured in a manner that allows them to cross the wearer’s shoulders and go over the tops of their arms. In order to achieve this look, one strap is typically routed below each armpit before crossing over in the midsection of the barrel to attach to the loops located on either side of the device. In other variants, buckles are utilized rather than hooks in order to secure the garment. You might need to practice some muzzle discipline even if the vast majority of models don’t restrict the muzzle’s freedom of movement up and down the muzzle. This will depend on how well the particular type meets your requirements.
Due to the additional weight and bulkiness, it is not recommended to use a holster of this particular style with larger firearms like the 1911 handgun since it cannot properly accommodate the weapon.
Kangaroo
Kangaroo holsters are distinguished by the fact that they wrap around your legs and have Velcro straps that bind them to one another. After that, the weapon is hidden by being placed high on the thigh, so it is out of reach of potential attackers. Additionally, you might use it to protect other valuables, such as knives or magazines, with its secure compartments. However,since the barrel will always protrude in front of you while wearing this sort of holster, it is not recommended for carrying a gun that is very huge.
How We Chose Our Top Picks
We started by searching for the most well-liked and well-reviewed products on Amazon, specialized websites, and other online stores. We concentrated on finding holsters made of robust fabrics that won’t easily tear or leak (leather is less common among people with concealed carry permits).
The biggest issue we had was finding a holster that would completely cover my trigger guard while concealing my hand well enough to be able to draw my weapon quickly in case of emergency. I tried out various types of “universal” holsters after narrowing down the field to a few dozen contenders. Most were too loose or too tight, didn’t conceal well, and some actually rode up over my trigger guard, exposing my pinky finger. This is why It took so long to find the right holsters (it’s difficult to design something that covers all bases), but here you have our top picks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Springfield XD-9 Holsters
What is the most comfortable holster for an XD-9?
The proper response to this query is totally dependent upon the intended use. It’s generally accepted that a decent quality leather or neoprene belt worn with a suitable cover clothing will lessen some of the pain associated with other forms of holsters when used for concealed carry in public.
How tight should my Springfield XD-9 holster be?
Your holster will have its own fit guide; however, you’ll generally want to make sure it sits flush against your body and doesn’t move when you sit down or stand up. If it does slide, either break out the fit guide or get a new holster.
Can I wear a Springfield XD-9 holster with my dress shirt?
Absolutely! Some manufacturers advertise their holsters as being able to hold them comfortably while seated, standing, or even while running. However, if you plan on doing any strenuous activity outside of normal office hours, it might not be the best option for you.