Tag Archives: ccw

Nightstick TCM-10-GL Laser Weapon Light

November 14, 2025Ancillary gear, Product reviewccw, nightstick, pistol light, tcm-10-gl, weapon light, weaponlightcoldboremiracle

Preface

Sometimes you can’t get enough of some things, good weapon lights are definitely one of those. And today I am bringing you another weapon light option, this one also incorporates a green aiming laser. The Nightstick TCM-10-GL is a pistol mounted 650 lumen weapon light that runs on a single CR123 battery. This compact unit is optimal for mounting to your CCW pistol due to its small size and narrow footprint. Let’s get into the beam of this product and see if its worth the price.

the TCM-10-GL has been at home on my **Ruger RXM** for several months now

Nightstick Lighting

I’ve gotten other Nightstick Lighting products before, and you can read about them here. The Texas based company bring a wide variety of lighting products, often at a great price when compared to other brands.

Part of the reason Nightstick products are more affordable I expect, is because of the old made in China sticker on the box. But despite some folks disliking that, there are definitely some advantages to the brand worth looking at. Nightstick seems to incorporate more modern controls on their products, with digital control buttons and advanced features. They also seem to fit into the places of more popular brands, with compatibility into holsters and such.

A limited lifetime warranty is included with this product, which covers defects on things like the housing, lenses and LED’s. Other parts like batteries, control buttons and other electrical components are covered for a period of two years by the warranty.

Unboxing the Nightstick TCM-10-GL

nightstick, weapon light, TCM-10, TCM-10-GL, laser, light,

Specifications

High Lumens: 650
High Beam Distance (m): 136
High Candela: 4,612
Drop Rating: 2 m
Water Rating: IP-X7 Waterproof
High Runtime (h): 2.0
Strobe: Yes
Laser Color: Green
Switch Function: Momentary or constant-on
Light Source: LED
Serialized: Y
Case Material: 6061-T6 Aluminum
Body Color: Black
Quantity of Batteries: 1
Power Source: CR123
Package Contents: Light, five modular rail inserts, 2 spare Allen screws, 1.5mm Allen wrench, (1) CR123 battery
US Patent(s) : 9713217
Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty

Dimensions

Length: 2.5 in (63.5 mm)
Width: 1.1 in (30 mm)
Depth: 1.6 in (42 mm)
Weight: 2.5 oz (70 g)

Mounting and Shooting with the TCM-10-GL

Like other Nightstick weapon lights, the TCM-10 comes with a selection of indexable recoil lugs to engage a variety of host weapons. These recoil lugs engage the picatinny rail under the muzzle of your handgun, and the ability to interchange them for proper alignment is great. Not only is it nice to be able to change them, but the manner in which they are affixed by screws is also very nice. The process allows you to align the weapon light to best fit your taste and holster selection.

Shooting is much more comfortable with my **Safariland Liberator** ear protection

The thumbwheel allows you to use fingers to attach the light, but you will likely need a small coin or screwdriver to tighten the clamp that holds the light to the pistol. Once attached, you can adjust the laser aim to co-witness with other sights or in my case with the Vortex Defender red dot. The laser aim point is adjusted using windage and elevation screws on the housing.

nightstick, weapon light, TCM-10, TCM-10-GL, laser, light, Ruger, Ruger RXM, RXM, 9mm, — adjusting the laser aimpoint after installing the TCM-10-GL on the **Ruger RXM pistol**

With the light mounted and laser zeroed, it was time to head to the range. The added weight of a weapon light up front does help with keeping muzzle’s down, but the added light and laser aiming aid would be be even more valuable.

here you can see the red dot of the **Defender** and the green dot of the laser stacked on the aimpoint, nicely illuminated by the 650 Lumen TCM-10

Controls

Using just the two control button on the TCM-10, you can change up the operation. You can select one of three options, light only, laser only, and light and laser together. Users can also lockout the light, by holding both buttons down for three seconds. This will put the unit in battery lockout mode until you undo it.

the textured buttons sit on either side of the trigger guard

I really like the controls on these Nightstick weapon lights. The momentary buttons give better control than even some of the more popular units from more well known manufacturers. If momentary operation is desired, you simply push and hold one of the buttons, and when you release it the unit shuts off. But if you are anticipating a longer need for light, you can tap the button and it will stay on until shut off by the user.

Quality

Like other Nightstick weapon lights I’ve used, the TCM-10-GL is well made. Almost all construction is of metal, save for the rubberized buttons. Quality fasteners with Allen screws are far superior to older designs. And the clamp is far better than many of the camming style clamps typically used by lower cost weapon light units.

Bright white light from the LED makes for a very nice view, and the high intensity laser is very sharp. The two beams together make a fantastic combination for engaging shots in low light.

Value

Nightstick’s TCM-10-GL is more affordable than some of the more popular branded items like the TLR-8. I have both and like them both, but if money was dictating my purchase, the Nightstick would win at roughly 50$ less. There are even cheaper units available from other brands, but their reputation is far from stellar.

Final Thoughts

Once again, I feel that the Nightstick TCM-10-GL is a fantastic option for a more affordable light laser combo for your CCW. Its compact size will fit into most CCW holster options, and is less likely to snag with its soft edges. It gives great lighting and targeting with its beams, and the quality controls give you customization. All this with common battery usage, and deliverable next day with your Amazon account. All this sounds like a win to me, and I look forward to piercing the dark with this light into the future. I will update this in the future as more experience with the product develops.

-CBM

nightstick, weapon light, TCM-10, TCM-10-GL, laser, light, CZ, CZ P10, p10s, CZ P10S, — the TCM-10-GL was also a perfect fit for the CZ P10S

Safariland Incog X Holster

August 6, 2025Ancillary gear, Product reviewccw, ccw holster, glock 19, incog x, iwb, owb, safariland, safariland holstercoldboremiracle

Preface

There are few bigger names in the holster business than Safariland. I was told by a friend years ago that its hard to go wrong with one of their holsters, after years and several holsters later I echo his opinion. Today I am bringing you something a little different, as most of my holsters are OWB style. Today we are looking at the Safariland Incog X IWB holster for concealed carry.

Options

The Incog X holster is available in a variety of options. With four different color options with it’s Cordura wrap, and you can order it with or without the magazine caddy. Another option is right or left handed draw, for those who carry on the wrong side. You can of course choose between various popular weapon light compatibility, as well as pistol optic cuts. These varying options can change the price from $100 to $132.

Setup and Assembly

Opening the package, I found the typical Safariland presentation. The holster and side-car came with a plastic baggy with additional fasteners and other small parts. The holster can be used with ot without the side-car (magazine caddy), the extra screws are for different configurations.

Safariland, safariland incog x, holster, iwb, owb, ccw, glock 19,

As well there are different sized spacers to install on the concealment strut, the polymer extension on one end to enhance concealment. You can change the thickness of the strut spacer to engage with your belt, causing the ride of the holster to hug your body.

The belt loop clips allow for various belt sizes. And the mounting holes are slotted so you can adjust the ride-height. There are two screws accented by a red washers, one on the holster itself and one on the side-car. The red washer identifies it as the tension screw, which you can tighten or loosen to set holster retention to your taste.

The back side of the Incog X holster has a comfortable microfiber suede soft lining. This makes it less abrasive where it contacts your body and waistline. As maximizing comfort is important when carrying.

Safariland, safariland incog x, holster, iwb, owb, ccw, glock 19, ruger RXM,

Concealed Carry with the Incog X Holster

IWB holsters definitely favor the slimmer folks out there. If you’ve got a bit of extra tummy, it can make these style of holster a little less comfortable. With that said, I was happy with how well the Incog X holster fit me, despite my dad-bod. I definitely wasn’t going to be able to sit down with it in the appendix position though.

It was impressive how well my gun hid under a simple t-shirt when I did carry it appendix. I thought for sure my abdominal profile would have pushed the pistol print out more than it did.

The security of my pistol was outstanding in the Incog X holster. I typically carry on the back of my hip, it was pleasing to have this comfort and control using this holster. And having the side-car with an extra mag was icing on the cake, as I don’t always carry an extra mag when I carry.

Safariland, safariland incog x, holster, iwb, owb, ccw, glock 19, Palmetto state armory, psa, dagger, 9mm — I also used the **PSA Dagger pistol** during testing, it fit perfectly as well

Adjusting the tension on the holster pocket was easy, I was actually surprised at how much tension could be added. To the point of making it irritatingly secure. After a few tries I found a good level of retention, as well as the correct ride height and fit.

I tried various Glock style pistols in the Incog X, mainly my Ruger RXM, and a PSA Dagger compact. Both are G19 size pistols, and compatibility with all of them seemed great.

Pros and Cons

The negative aspects of the Incog X holster are much like other IWB holsters. Meaning that its application greatly depends on the build of the person wearing it. In my opinion, if you are a chubby fellow it might be a little more challenging to use.

On the plus side, the holster offers great comfort and portability of your CCW pistol. It keeps it secure and close, for those times when you might need it. High quality fasteners and materials come pretty standard with safariland products. The Incog X comes with all the things that has made Safariland product so desirable.

Safariland, safariland incog x, holster, iwb, owb, ccw, glock 19, ruger RXM, vortex defender,

Last Words

With so many great options out there, you definitely have choices. The Safariland Incog X holster is certainly a good option in my opinion. It brings high quality and compatibility and to be honest a handsome look to your CCW holster. You owe it to yourself to give these holsters a look if you are shopping for one.

-CBM

Check out more holsters here

Safariland Gravity Holster

July 29, 2025Ancillary gear, Product reviewccw, gravity holster, holster, owb, safarilandcoldboremiracle

Preface

As my love affair with pistols has matured, it has been commensurate that holsters have become a bigger and bigger part of my inventory. There are so many different options out there it can often be hard to choose. I’ve become a bit of a fan of Safariland holsters, the style and quality fit my taste and needs. Perhaps knowing I am a fan, Safariland sent me one of their new Gravity holsters. Today I aim to share with you my experience with it.

Safariland, gravity holster, holster, kydex, owb, iwb, ccw, ccw holster, Ruger RXM, — the **Ruger RXM** with the **Vortex Defender red dot** fit perfectly in the Gravity

The Gravity Holster

The Gravity holster is a paddle style holster, using a polymer paddle as an anchor point underneath your belt. Like other paddle holsters, the Gravity can be put into place or removed without the need to remove or even loosen your belt.

There is a flexible hook feature to keep the holster affixed to your waistline during the draw. Removing the holster requires flexing the holster away from the paddle to allow the retension hook to pass the belt.

Safariland, gravity holster, holster, kydex, owb, iwb, ccw, ccw holster, shadow systems, DR920, us optics, rise, red dot,

Like most Safariland holster, the Gravity is made from a polymer blend molded to fit your pistol. In this case a Glock 19 pattern that will fit a variety of my handguns. The holster pocket can be adjusted for tension by a clamping screw backed by a rubber stopper. Inside the pocket, you will find a suede liner to protect your pistol from rubbing on the steel fasteners. And on the exterior you will find the traditional Safariland Cordura wrapping, in whatever pattern you choose.

Safariland, gravity holster, holster, kydex, owb, iwb, ccw, ccw holster,

Wearing the Safariland Gravity Holster

The Gravity holster rides outside your belt, meaning you are either open carrying or covering it with a shirt or jacket. Due to my daily program I often carry openly, or at least with no concern for concealment. This allowed me to put the Gravity through vigorous daily use; driving in the truck, sitting in my office, walking around a busy shop, etc.

For the most part I used my Ruger RXM for the daily carry in the Safariland Gravity holster. The fit was perfect, and allowed excellent draw access which I often practice during my day. While you can carry the Gravity holster in various locations, the most obvious and comfortable for me was at the back of my right hip.

Adjusting the cant of the holster to best fit my draw angle was easy, using the provided Allen wrench. I had ordered the Gravity cut for pistol optics because that how I roll now. My RXM and several other G19 pattern clones fit and functioned great. There is no mechanical retention other than the squeeze of the polymer and tension screw, so keep that in mind.

Safariland Gravity Holster Features

Adjustable Cant
Fully covered trigger guard
Adjustable tension allows for customized draw resistance
Front sight clearance 13/32” (0.406”)
Accommodates any Safariland 3-hole pattern holster mount
Fits belt widths up to 1.75” (45mm)
IDPA and USPSA approved

Pros and Cons

I carried my pistols for the better part of two months using the Gravity, and have come up with what i think are some fair assessments. Having the ability to quickly put on and take off the holster was one of my favorite features. I did find that I frequently did have a bit of a challenge getting the hook over my belt and pants. While this might make for comedic gold when watched from a safe hearing distance, it was a touch irritating. However I would much rather it be secure and solid when attached with a little effort to remove, than to have it come off too easy. I also noticed that when wearing a shirt, there is the classic problem of getting shirt jammed into the holster when re-holstering. This is simply a part of concealed carry, and something you need to be aware of.

OWB holsters are far more prone to printing, which this one certainly could be depending on my fashion sense any particular day. But again, these are things you just deal with as a CCW enthusiast. It appears at printing that the Gravity is only available for right-hand draw, and I didn’t see a weaponlight option either.

Carrying a concealed weapon can involve a lot of compromises, and I think the Gravity Holster does a fine job of giving folks options. I’m a member of the clean plate guild, which means IWB holsters are often uncomfortable. The Gravity gives a very secure alternative that doesn’t require wearing a Mu’umu’u. It keeps my pistol right where I expect it to be, and has the adjustability to customize. It can even be mounted using the Safariland QLS system which I am also a big fan. All this in a holster that looks sharp and comes from a company with great service history.

Conclusion

I have enjoyed using the Gravity Holster the past few months, and I expect I will continue to enjoy it for years to come. Handguns and their holsters have become to me like my wife’s shoes. I often select a holster and firearm based on the days activities and wardrobe, having the Gravity holster is another excellent tool to have on my belt when carrying.

-CBM

GTM CCW Purse

May 2, 2025Ancillary gear, Product reviewccw, clutch, concealed carry, gtm, gun tote'n mamas, pursecoldboremiracle

By: Kendra Stephens

Introduction

For a beginner, carrying a firearm in a purse can feel a little daunting at first. Sure, on body carry is often considered more secure and accessible, but a purse can offer all that if utilized in a safe way. The trade-off? You might wonder how easy it is to get to your firearm quickly or whether your purse is secure enough to keep everything you need in place. The GTM CCW Purse offers a solution to these points in a high quality made, easy to use purse with a variety of stylish options. Giving users a secure way to carry without feeling like you’re compromising on safety or fashion. After testing it, I can say it does a pretty solid job of checking the right boxes for both security and style.

gun tote'n mamas, GTM, GTM Originals, CCW, Purse, conceal + carry, concealed carry, clutch, purse,

The bag selection I chose, The Clutch Purse, is perfect for everyday sub-compact carry, while being roomy enough for a wallet, keys, and even some lip gloss. The adjustable strap offered versatility, and I loved how the brass finished hardware added a touch of class to the overall look of the bag.

For some time now, I carried the bag while running errands from toting kids to sporting events to a date with my husband. I am happy to report that it strikes a nice balance between function and style, though there are few considerations to keep in mind.

gun tote'n mamas, gtm original, ccw, purse, bag, concealed carry — We also tested the GTM Sling Backpack, also made from distress buffalo

Features and Benefits

Brand: GTM (Gun Tote’n Mamas)

Product Type: Leather clutch purse designed for concealed carry

Target Audience: Women who want a stylish but secure way to carry a firearm

Price: $149.95 Clutch Purse 175.95 Sling Backpack

Key Features: Premium leather finish with a soft finish

Ambidextrous design of the conceal carry compartment

Multiple internal pockets for organization

Includes velcro holster for key positioning

Initial Impressions

The GTM CCW Clutch Purse immediately impressed me with its high quality leather that was incredibly soft. The sleek design made it hard to believe it was a concealed carry bag over just a luxury purse. The first thing I noticed was how the concealed carry compartment blended into the bag well. It doesn’t scream “gun carrier”. This definitely gives it a discreet, everyday look to the bag.

The clutch is perfectly sized for casual outings, as it just fits the essentials like a phone, wallet, keys and maybe some compact makeup. Still, there is ample space for your compact or subcompact firearm in its very own designated zippered pocket.

Carrying With the GTM Purse

I carried this purse everywhere I went (yes, even to the bathroom.) I did not leave it behind, not once. Here is how it performed:

Concealed carry compartment

The concealment pocket is located on the back side of the clutch, offering a secure space for your firearm. It is roomy enough for a compact handgun, and the velcro lined holster allows for adjustment to your comfort.

gun tote'n mamas, GTM, GTM Originals, CCW, Purse, conceal + carry, concealed carry, clutch, purse, ruger ec9 — both bags had room for compact and similar pistols, but not much more.

Ease of use

With a little practice, I found it easy to access my firearm. I also liked that the holster was ambidextrous, making it comfortable for everybody.

Comfort and usability

The strap was high quality and comfortable, it adhered to solid rings that had reinforced webbing. This was something I find to be important when considering any bag and can make or break it for me, as someone who worked in luxury retail. The interior compartments helped keep everything pretty organized, from my phone and cards to lip balm and other essentials you may have. The purse is not weighted down enough to be bothersome, even when fully packed.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Stylish and discreet– it looks like a high end clutch. Soft, premium leather. Easy access to concealed firearm with adjustable holster. Strong shoulder strap and robust solid hardware. Interior pockets to keep everything organized

Cons:

Best suited for smaller firearms like compact or subcompact. Larger firearms may not fit properly, making for a bulkier bag.

Necessary trigger guard depending on firearm. For those carrying a firearm with a trigger blade-safety, a proper trigger guard may be required for extra safety. The Velcro holster provides some structure but I can see it not always offering the level of protection needed for more sensitive models.

We used various pistols to test the fit of the GTM purses, but mainly we used the Ruger EC9 and the Taurus TX22 Compact.

Final Thoughts

The GTM CCW Clutch is a practical yet stylish option for women who need a discreet way to carry a firearm. It is obvious that it was designed with ease of access in mind, so you can quickly retrieve your firearm when necessary, while also being manageable for daily use. However, the leather holster may feel less secure for some and could require additional accessories for safety, and it’s best suited for smaller firearms. Obviously, you can customize different holster options depending on the firearm you choose to carry.

Priced at 149.95, this CCW clutch is a solid choice for those who value practicality. If you’re looking for something sleek and easy to carry for the basics, the clutch is a great option–but it may not be the best fit if you carry a larger firearm or need more space for everyday items. Nevertheless, Gun Tote’n Mamas offers a wide array of options for your specific needs and firearm sizes.

-KS

The Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro Handgun

December 17, 2024pistols, Product review9mm, ccw, hellcat, hellcat pro, OSP, springfield armory, Viridian RFXIIcoldboremiracle

Introduction

Anyone who regularly carries a handgun is familiar with the downsides of concealed carry. But every now and then somebody innovates an idea that’s like a ray of sunshine in the dark. Polymer framed pistols have become a mainstay in our handgun market, and some of them bring incredible features to concealed carry enthusiasts. Today we are reviewing one such pistol that promises a perfect balance of concealment and capacity, the Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro.

Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro, 9mm, handgun, pistol, Viridian RFX11, red dot

Big claims by Springfield Armory (SA) about the smallest footprint in its class are matched with impressive magazine capacities of 15+1 and 17+1. From a small pistol that’s only an inch wide and weighs in at 21 ounces. As both a CCW and general firearm enthusiast, I was encouraged by the opportunity to see how the Hellcat Pro stands up to these claims.

The Hellcat Pro OSP

The Hellcat Pro OSP (optical sight pistol) also incorporates the very popular trend of allowing installation of red dot sights. It’s Melonited® slide comes ready to mount RMSC sized red dots that co-witness with the sights. The sights themselves include a Tritium luminescent front sights and U-shaped rear sight. The sights line up beautifully, and when the included Viridian RFXII red dot (actually green) its zeroed its very conducive to aiming well.

Hellcat Pro OSP, Viridian RFXII — note sight lineup, front and rear sight lined up perfectly with green dot from the RFXII

Additional features like the loaded chamber indicator are nice for safe operation. And the slide is texture-cut both front and rear allowing you options for grip. The polymer frame also features a nice texture for better purchase, and a reversible mag-release in case you grip with the wrong hand. The crisp trigger features a pretty standard blade safety, but no other safeties which I prefer for CCW. There is other models of the HC Pro that do include a manual safety if that’s your style.

I don’t consider my hands to be big or small (but don’t let that fool you), and my average hands fill the grip area perfectly. The extended 17-round magazines add additional grip area if you are one of those bigger handed fellows. And up front you’ll find the typical picatinny rail for weapon lights.

Specifications

Caliber	9mm
Color	Black
Barrel Length	3.7 inches
Slide	Billet Machined, Optics Ready
Frame	Black Polymer w/ Adaptive Grip
Sights	Tritium Front, Tactical Rack U-Notch Rear
Recoil System	Dual Recoil Spring, Full Length Guide Rod
Grip Width	1 inch
Weight	21 Ounces
Length	6.6 Inches
Height	4.8 Inches
Magazines	1x15rnd & 4x17rnd included
MSRP	$1050.00

The Hellcat Pro I received came from Sportsman’s Warehouse as a package. It included the Mounted Viridian RFXII red dot, extra magazines, both a compact pistol soft case and a range bag.

Springfield Armory, Hellcat Pro, 9mm, OSP

Hellcat Pro OSP Initial Impressions

My first impressions when I pulled the Hellcat Pro from its soft case was how compact it is. The narrow frame is very apparent, making me immediately think of how less-invasive it would be on my belt. The whole design of the Hellcat is very conducive to concealment, it has very clean edges and few snag-points.

The gripping areas on the frame and slide were adequate. When I pulled the slide back the first few times I noticed the dual recoil springs are stiffer than I had anticipated. I suppose I wouldn’t have minded a slightly more course slide cut design for better purchase. But at the same time I understand this is a CCW gun, not a competition pistol. So there will be less drawing of slides, and more sliding in and out of your waistband, so the texture is probably just right. The overall feel of the gun was fantastic, and made me very optimistic about its potential.

Shooting the Hellcat Pro

With a can full of 115 grain ammunition from MWLP, I headed out to shoot the little Hellcat. It wasn’t long before I was stuffing mags full of cartridges. Unfortunately that was where I met my first hiccup. Stiff magazines springs are common when dealing with larger capacity, but I found that on the 17 round Hellcat mags loading the last round was unbearably hard. It literally felt like I was going to break something, on at least one of the mags I was unable to get the 17th cartridge in.

Loading

Loading full magazines into the pistol took a really firm slap to seat unless the slide was open. With the gun loaded it was time to start snapping the trigger, which felt great. Small 9mm pistols like this are often a little harder to keep on target through recoil, and the Hellcat was no different. It was certainly pretty peppy as rounds flashed downrange. I tend to prefer larger pistols for this reason, but I’m sure that with proper practice and training I would be more comfortable.

Springfield Armory, Hellcat Pro OSP, 9mm, CCW

I shot through all the magazines, performing reloads in between. Again, I am used to larger pistols, and particularly those that use flared magwells. So it was no surprise that it took more focus to stab the fresh magazines into the narrow magwell of the Hellcat Pro. I also noticed another issue while performing reloads, the Hellcat would frequently fail to lock open when empty. At first I thought it was a specific magazine. Additional testing seemed to prove that it was just a random occurrence among all of them. I suppose it is possible that my finger might have been touching the slide release, but I don’t think so.

Sighting

The sights on the little Hellcat Pro stood out great for me. I felt they were easy enough to pick up even coming through the spicier recoil. The natural pointing angle of the little pistol felt right, and it was always quick to get on target.

The Viridian RFXII reflex sight seemed like a perfect match for the Hellcat, at only 4 ounces it doesn’t add much to the pistol. The RFX features an instant on/off feature, which I am afraid may have been a bit glitchy. During the course of our shooting, it turned off and back on more than once. The ambient light detection feature adjusts the brightness of the dot depending on conditions, but it changed far more than expected while shooting. Even in an indoor controlled shooting range. Obviously this is not what should be expected, and I suppose there may have been some reason for the malfunction, and its certainly nothing to hold against the Hellcat.

Shop all the Hellcat Models at Sportsmans Warehouse

Controls

The trigger and other controls on the Hellcat Pro were great. The clean break of the trigger felt very consistent and just right for a CCW pistol. At first I thought maybe the slide release was a bit stiff, but it seemed to lighten up a bit after some shooting and break-in.

The magazine release is pretty low profile, which is good for a CCW pistol to avoid inadvertent release. Even so, dropping the mag was perfectly natural and tactile under your thumb. The takedown lever took a second to figure out, but it too made breaking down the pistol quick and painless for cleaning. Speaking of breaking-down, with the pistol apart for cleaning, I was happy to see some quality internals. By that I mean not a bunch of cheap stamped parts, but more cast and MIM’d parts it seemed.

Pros & Cons of the Hellcat Pro

Lets get into some of the reasons why you would or wouldn’t pick this gun over others. We’ll start with the positive; This things is very compact and neat, it is easily concealed and comfortable to carry as well. I would say there are few pistols I found as comfy as this one, other guns like the S&W Shield and Glock 43 are also great but hold fewer rounds. If you are used to Glock 19 sized pistols then this will feel much better in your belt. I really appreciated the snag-free design, the great controls and especially the high capacity. From an aesthetic view, the gun looks good, and no demerits were added for the sin of molding “grip zone” into the grip of the pistol.

But I suppose the capacity comes at a price, I was a little bit let down by the mag performance. The occasional mag that won’t quite hold the full 17 rounds is a little irritating, but thats still quite a few more than the other pistols I mentioned. I was also turned off by the failures to lock open when empty, but again I’d rather get a click after shooting 16-17 rounds than have to reload after as few as 6-7 rounds.

All these little CCW pistols are a little harder to control than your full-size models. Depending on who is shooting the gun this could be a big deal. For example, I would not want my 100 pound wife to shoot this pistol as it would likely be a whole lotta flinching and vertical stringing. But with some practice these things can be overcome. If you are familiar with shooting, this is much less a problem. Lastly, the Hellcat is made overseas, which for some folks is a deal breaker.

Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro Value

Springfield Armory has an MSRP of $1050.00 which is no small token. However I have found this pistol for sale all over the internet for under six-hundred dollars, which is MUCH easier to swallow. I was genuinely surprised with the deal this one came in, with the RFXII red dot, one 15-round mag and three 17-round magazines, a padded soft-case and a range bag all for under six-hundred dollars as well. With other comparable guns asking the same price for half the capacity, I think the Hellcat Pro is easily a good value.

Conclusion

Despite the few hiccups, the Hellcat Pro still seems like a pretty good value. Every time I expected it to go bang, it most certainly did (unless it was empty 😅). And that is likely the most important feature in a CCW pistol. The other features also make it a good option for a carry pistol, and I expect it might not take much tinkering to work out the bugs I mentioned above. But if you are the kind of guy who demands perfection, then maybe you might have to adjust your sights a little higher. I hope I’ve made it easier for you to make your choice, good luck!

-CBM

Check out our other handgun reviews here

1791 Gunleather Ultra Custom Holster

December 10, 2024Ancillary gear, Product review1791 gunleather, ccw, concealed carry, holster, ultra customcoldboremiracle

Introduction

Leather has a long history with regard to firearms. And though there have been many advancements with materials, leather still seems to maintain its spot next to to firearms. Today’s subject is about a leather product that continues that intimate relationship, and we’ll go into why after hundreds of years, gun-leather continues to be a commonly used word. 1791 Gunleather manufactures high-quality leather products for both guns and other tools. And today we are taking a look at the 1791 Gunleather Ultra Custom Holster.

1791 Gunleather

According to their website, 1791 manufactures high quality leather products with an angle towards gun carrying and other waist mounted tools. Holsters, belts and other tool carrying leather products all made from American steerhide.

I’ve used one of their products previously which came in handy when I couldn’t use a holster. You can read about my experience with their EDC tool-carrier here, and after using that for some time I figured I would try one of their award winning Ultra Custom holsters.

1791 Gunleather Ultra Custom Holster

Since I’ve been carrying concealed pistols for several decades now, I thought it would be proper to better familiarize myself with good CCW holsters. The Ultra Custom holster from 1791 is an IWB holster that uses the natural qualities of leather for a secure and safe carry experience.

The Ultra Custom holster comes in various sizes to accommodate for your choice in handguns. Since I have a variety of similar handguns, I selected one for a Glock 19 sized pistol. One of the features of the Ultra Custom is its memory lock technology, which I assume is some kind of process they use on the leather to make it moldable by the end user. It also comes with two belt clips (1″ and 1.5″) that secure the holster to your belt while allowing you to tuck your shirt if your that kind of guy. Securing the clip is done with some very solid screws that attach to a threaded nut-plate under the leather.

1791 Gunleather, Ultra custom holster, PSA dagger — The 1791 Ultra Custom holster with its included manipulation tools for custom fitting

Custom fitting the holster to your firearm is done using heat. The holster comes with a thick zip-seal plastic bag that you use to submerge the holster in 165* water for five minutes. After which you insert your pistol and allow it to cool, as the holster cools it seems to shrink to fit your pistol. Several tools are included to help you custom mold the holster to fit your needs.

The process was pretty straight forward, and if reading isn’t your strong-suit there’s a QR code on the box to take you to a video to walk you through it.

Carrying the Ultra Custom holster

Once I had the holster fit and assembled, it was time to put it to use. I’ve always been more of a OWB holster kind of guy, but this was a good place to start. A good belt is always recommended when carrying a pistol, whether you use one from 1791 or somewhere else, get you a good one.

Comfort

One of the first things I noticed while carrying this holster is that its smaller than others. A smaller footprint is definitely a plus when carrying, both for comfort and printing. I also noticed it was a touch thicker than I expected.

Tucking the holster in my normal carry position at the back of my right hip was a little less than ideal. It wasn’t as comfortable, and it also printed more than I would like. I ended up carrying the holster either in the small of my back, or appendix. It was far more comfortable there and was easily concealed.

Sitting in cars and other places I was pleased with how comfortable the soft leather felt. The back-strap of the holster covers the slide nicely, preventing it from rubbing against your skin.

Draw

Drawing from the holster was clean, even when drawing from positions I typically don’t carry. The fit of the 1791 holster to my pistol kept it snug and in place, despite not having any specific retention feature. It was also easy to re-holster the pistol after drawing.

Security

The single belt-clip on this holster seemed to be sufficient in keeping it in place. The friction of the soft leather also seems to add to the foundation of the holster in your belt. The custom fit feature definitely matches up well to my pistol, and at no time did I feel like the gun would have come out. I think it would take some aggressive motorcycle riding or roller coaster rides to risk a pistol coming out of this holster. And even then it’s very doubtful.

the holster was easy to clip in and out of your waistband

Getting the holster in and out of your waistband was relatively easy. Making the holster good if your the kind of guy who is always switching it up.

Pros and Cons

As if the smell of American steer hide wasn’t enough, the handsome finish of the leather gives a very high quality feel and look. And the thick leather will surely protect your pistol from whatever it might contact. I also mentioned how comfortable the holster was, and how I appreciate its smaller footprint. It does have a good balance between covering the pistol, and not being oversized.

If I had to come up with some downsides the the 1791 Ultra Custom holster it would be this; There is not quite enough coverage to protect the magazine release, which could cause the magazine to be dropped inadvertently. It would take some very specific stabbing actions to happen, so I think it is a very low priority but something you should know. I also wish there was a way to make the holster just a little bit thinner, to make it even more comfortable and concealable. But we could say that about any other holster as well.

the Ultra Custom holster also fit my **Taurus TX22 Compact** well, even with the **Holosun SCS Carry red dot**

Final Thoughts

Whether you are a big fan of gun leather, or you just like to keep the comfort of what has worked for hundreds of years, the 1791 Gunleather Ultra Custom holster is a good option. It’s ability to mold to better fit your pistol is a nice feature, and it fits nicely into most waistbands. It’s a great way to ensure your pistol is always where you need it, and ready for use.

-CBM

Check out more holster options here

Hidden Hybrid IWB Holster

December 3, 2024Ancillary gear, Product reviewccw, hidden hybrid holster, holster, iwbcoldboremiracle

Preface

For a guy who has carried concealed firearms for decades, I seem to have gotten a late start on holsters. I would have never guessed how big of a holster nerd I would become, and how holsters have greatly effected my pistol use entirely. In today’s review, I bring you something I am admittedly a little green on; a field test of the Hidden Hybrid IWB holster.

For the most part I have used OWB holsters, but I’ve needed an IWB holster for some time. So this is a combination of a familiarity piece and a review of the holster itself. If you’re greener than I am, lets clarify something up front; IWB means inside the waist-band, and OWB means outside the waist-band. We’ll reference this and other holster jargon throughout, so keep up.

Why Hidden Hybrid?

Lets start out with Hidden Hybrid. The hidden part should be obvious since we’re talking about concealing a gun, the Hybrid part is where it gets a little more curious. These holsters are a medley of old world and new, using plush Amish leather and modern polymers to secure your pistol. Hidden Hybrid holsters use a tough leather backing, paired with a custom molded Kydex holster to both protect and secure your handgun.

Since I was a bit new to IWB holsters, I was surprised how quickly this made sense to me. It took only a few moments of exploration to figure out why the holster was made this way. Leather has always been a friend to pistols, its durable yet soft surface is ideal for protecting your gun. And at the same time it can protect your skin from your abrasive gun, as in our case today. Not only that, the suede back of the Hidden Hybrid holster has a grippy texture against your under clothes. This helps keep the holster in place while you move, and especially when you draw the pistol from it. While the slippery Kydex exterior allows both pistol and clothing to slide free.

The Kydex holster portion is attached by screws and threaded nut-plates embossed in the leather. Rubber grommets between them help keep the whole assembly somewhat pliable and help grip your handgun. The holster is secured to you using belt clips that go outside your pants and around your belt.

Configuration

Hidden Hybrids IWB holsters can be configured with a variety of accessories. You can choose between different belt loop sizes and use one or two loops. There is also a concealment-claw option that bolts to one side, the claw pushes against the inside of your belt to keep the grip of your pistol close and tight. This helps prevent your pistol hanging up on things in your day to day activities, as well as keeping it tucked and avoiding the dreaded pistol printing while you carry.

There are various different colors and patterns you can select to customize your holster. And there is a great variety of compatible holsters for most popular pistol models. You can also specify weapon lights and optics when ordering your Hidden Hybrid, and they’ll mold it to fit. I would be using Glock 19 clones so thats what you’ll see here today.

Shooting from Concealment

Drawing my pistols from the Hidden Hybrid holster took a minute to get used to. Which is normal regardless of what kind of holster you use. I found I could put the holster in a couple different places, and still draw from it well. IWB holsters are always going to be a little more labor intensive because you need to lift clothing to allow the draw. The combination of learning another draw pattern while mitigating clothes is just part of CCW training.

With some practice, it wasn’t long until I felt much more comfortable. Which allowed me to better understand the positive aspects of the Hidden Hybrid holster. Placing the holster in the small of my back, or appendix carry was both comfortable and also allowed very clean draw from the holster. It did seem both the holster and pistol were slightly less secure though, mainly because of the reduced tension on the belt in that location. Carrying the combination just behind my right hip, where I’ve always carried was much more secure. Having the holster ride on a high spot where your belt can apply more and even pressure is much more secure. And again, the suede backing of the holster with some pressure is incredibly grabby against your underclothing.

This makes the holster stay put when you jerk your pistol, and the smooth side of the leather inside the holster allows the pistol to slip out smoothly. The top edge of the leather also protects your skin from the back end of your slide, with just enough extra to help protect you while you draw it out.

Fit and Compatibility

The gun I had planned this holster for was my ZRO Delta FKS9. Its probably one of my most commonly carried CCW pistols, fitted with a Streamlight TLR8 light/laser combo. I’d actually order it for a larger light which would allow me to use other weapon lights too. My Surefire X300 Turbo would also fit snugly in the holster. The ZRO FKS was definitely the best fit for the holster, but I also used my PSA Dagger. The Dagger is another popular clone that fits into the Glock pattered holster, though not quite as snug as the former pistol. Again, the flexibility of the Hidden Hybrid holster allowed for more than one design to fit. Also just for fun, I holstered my Taurus TX22 Compact. It also fit well, though it wouldn’t be my first choice for carry.

The leather backing of the holster has a fascinating feature; it bows with the gun design. So if the pistol is a little narrow, and would fit loosely in an all Kydex holster, the bow of the leather takes up the space and holds the pistol tight with friction. Additionally, in the event you should become active while carrying, the bow of the leather grips tighter. So should you bend over or some other action that might extricate your pistol from the holster, the very action adds additional tension to the holster, gripping your pistol.

Carrying my pistol with the Hidden Hybrid holster all day for days on end has given me a pretty good feel for how it will fit into daily life. Getting in and out of cars, sitting at a desk, going up and down stairs and such all give a good experience on how this holster will do. Aside from the typical CCW discomforts, I’ve found few things to pick at with this holster.

Pros and Cons

This holster does a really good job of holding onto your pistol. The hybrid design of Kydex and leather is a nice combination using the benefits of both materials. I suppose if I had to come up with a few negative things about the holster it would be these;

The stickiness of the suede does make it a little more challenging to get the holster tucked. That is both a good and bad thing I guess, because you want it to stay put. So just keep in mind its not a holster your going to want to put on and take off quickly. For example, some full Kydex holsters are quick to tuck in and out of your pants. You can do as you get in and out of your truck. While you could do that with the Hidden Hybrid, its not going to be as fast or easy. It also has a little bigger footprint than other holster options, so keep that in mind.

hidden hybrid holster, shadow systems dr920 — other pistols like this full size **Shadow Systems DR920** with **US Optics RISE red dot** also fit well

I also felt suddenly stupid every time I tried to re-holster the pistol. I’m sure it just going to take more practice, but it’s taking me longer than expected to get the angle right. This wasn’t a problem when I used the holster in the appendix position, which I rarely use unless its a 10-inch plus barrel (we don’t take no chances round here).

Having mentioned those things, I really like the way the holster works. IWB holsters are always gonna be somewhat invasive, especially for a tubby old guy like me. So its just something to get used to. My pistol is carried very well, and is surprisingly easy to draw.

The strong components of the Hidden Hybrid are holding up nicely, the fasteners and other components are well-built and robust enough to sit on and lean against for a long time.

Conclusion

I’ve needed a good IWB holster for some time, the days of cholo-carry are gone. The Hidden Hybrid has been a nice introduction to IWB holsters after carrying otherwise for more than twenty years.

I will say that holsters are almost as subjective as handguns themselves, which makes it almost necessary to try a variety of options before deciding on one. I’ve played with a few over the years, so I think my pick of the Hidden Hybrid model was right on target for my needs. If you find yourself looking for a good holster, give their website a look and I’ll bet you find something you’ll like as I have.

-CBM

Check out more ancillary shooting gear HERE

Glock 29 10mm Compact Pistol

December 30, 2023pistols, Product review10mm, ccw, glock, glock 29coldboremiracle

Introduction

Few pistols have seen the proliferation of Glock’s venerable design. The polymer framed striker pistols are everywhere. Today we will take a first look at a new-to-me Glock design, we are reviewing the Glock 29 10mm Compact pistol.

Background

I must admit; to be completely honest I have never been a big fan of the Glock design. But in my defense it has been based mostly on aesthetics and looks. As the design’s service record and popularity are undeniable.

But as my tastes have matured, I have become more and more open to Glocks and the band of clones that copy them. So I suppose it should come as no surprise that my curiosity built when I opened up the case of the brand new model 29 Compact.

9mm pistols are for sure my favorite pistol round, but there is something a little magical about the 10mm. For only one more millimeter you gain impressive power and performance. Obviously there is more to the design than just a bigger bullet, there is additional powder capacity which increases velocity.

All the 10mm bros can’t be wrong, so I decided it was my turn to descend into the 10mm rabbit hole. And the Glock 29 was the vehicle of choice. The model 29 is an abbreviated version of the model 20 10mm pistol. Trimmed up and reduced to fit in a CCW holster of your choice, but still bring the 10 millimeter heat.

Specifications

Type Striker Fired

Size Sub-Compact

Caliber 10MM

Barrel Length 3.78″

Color Black

Capacity 10 Rounds

Accessories 2 Mags

Sights Fixed Sights

Frame Material Polymer

Finish Matte

Glock 29 Features

Safe action trigger system- prevents accidental discharge of the pistol

10 round magazines- holds ten round of 10mm Auto

Low Profile Sights- the compact sights pop in your sight picture

Picatinny accessory rail- to add your preferred weapon-light

Grip texturing- to help you hold onto the pistol under recoil

Other models and Generations

The Glock 29 is available in both a 4th gen and 5th generation. The Gen 5 version incorporates some of Glock’s latest changes. Such as interchangeable grip backstraps, removed finger grooves, and ambidextrous slide release. These are some nice features for those who are looking for them.

As mentioned above, the model 29 is a compact version of the larger Glock model 20. The larger model 20 allows additional grip area as well as additional weight to better allow the shooter to control the pistol.

If you find yourself trying to decide which model would better fit your needs, I would for sure get your hands on them. For my hand size, I find the 29 to be almost too small. I think adding a +2 magazine base plate would easily solve that concern for me.

Glock 29 Review

To review the Glock 29, a friend and I took the pistol and a few boxes of ammunition into the hills. The model 29 was literally new in the box unfired by me, so it was with great anticipation that we prepped for shooting.

Loading the chubby 10mm cartridges into the magazine wasn’t a challenge. Using the provided magazine loader that comes with the gun seemed to only add time to the process. It didn’t take long before we were stacking shots on targets.

It is not uncommon for shooters to create an idea in their mind of how a new gun experience will go. Having no experience with the Glock 29, I had imagined it would be a fairly spicy kick. With perhaps a little bit of a challenge to control.

Shooting the Glock 29

Shooting the pistol actually turned out to be much more pleasant than I had expected. The recoil wasn’t bad at all when shooting 180 grain ball ammo, and controlling the gun only took a little bit of time to get used to. The short grip was a slight hindrance, though one I could deal with considering this pistol is optimized for concealing.

The controls worked great and allowed quick manipulation of the pistol. The sights, though simple, were very useful and effective.

I was surprised at how easy it seemed to shoot the model 29 accurately. Keeping shots on milk jug sized targets at around 15 yards at a swift cadence was impressive. As someone who does a lot of fishing in bear country, my shooting companion mentioned how the 29 might serve as an ideal fishing companion.

After shooting the 29 for afternoon I’d say I have to agree. Ten or more rounds of 10mm Auto would make a great deterrent to any menacing assailant two-legged or more.

One of the more common praises of Glock pistols is their reliability. The simplistic design has simply worked for decades.

During our shooting we experienced only a single malfunction, where a round failed to fully seat into battery. A slight tap was all it took to correct the situation. While I am not positive what caused the malfunction, I find myself quick to dismiss it as potentially an unbroken in pistol. The ammunition and pistol functioned flawlessly together outside of this single issue. Time will tell if it was a singular event.

With a comfortable and pleasant experience shooting the Glock 29, its sub six-hundred dollar street price seems to be pretty fair. There are a few other comparable pistols in the same price range. Though many of them lack some of the 29’s advantages. For example; the Springfield Armory XD compact shares its size. But lacks the Glock reputation and service history. The Smith & Wesson M&P shares the service experience but lacks a compact model. These features tend to make the Glock 29 stand out.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Nice consistent trigger pull
Simple yet useful sights
Compact size can go anywhere
Did I mention it’s 10mm?
Glock

Cons

10-round capacity
Can be a bit of recoil for some

Report Card

Shootability (B+) shooting the Glock 29 was easier and more fun than I expected.

Ergonomics (B) Everything was very comparable to other Glocks, but for the slightly short grip.

Reliability (B+) Aside from the single malfunction, it seemed to run fantastic.

Accuracy (A) The accuracy of the pistol was better than expected

Value (B+) There are few other options out there for a compact 10mm, especially with this reputation.

Preferred Ammunition

I shot both Blazer 180 grain ball ammunition and American Eagle 180 grain ball ammunition through the Glock 29. Both of them seemed to work and shoot great. For more serious work I like shooting Speer Gold Dot 200 grain hollow points.

Shop all Glock pistols at Palmetto State Armory

Upgrades and Accessories

Holster

The Glock 29 for sure needs a good holster. Whether you want to use it as a concealed carry pistol, or as bear-mace, you will need a way to keep it close. A whole harness system like those offered by Crossbreed Holsters is a good way to keep it close. And if maximum concealment is your goal, the concealing options from Galco will help keep your Glock high and tight.

Weapon Light

A good light source is important for a CCW pistol. A compact pistol like the Glock 29 would benefit from one of the many compact weapon lights like the Streamlight TLR8.

Magazine Baseplates

Additional length can be added to the grip with extended floor plates. And the addition of more capacity is also welcome. These ones from Pearce will give an additional rounds, as well as helping you control the pistol better.

Sportsmans Warehouse has the full Glock pistol lineup, shop here.

Final Thoughts on the Glock 29

I said in the beginning that I was never a big Glock fan, but that view is changing. The Glock 29 is surely on my list of Glocks I don’t mind having. It fills a pretty small niche of 10mm compact pistols, and it does so with Glocks service reputation and style. For a reasonable price it has good features paired with a great shooting experience. If you are looking for a really powerful compact pistol, make sure you don’t look past the Glock 29 before spending your hard earned money.

-CBM