Cipher IWB Holster for the Hellcat RDP

By Dan Abraham

In today’s article, Dan Abraham looks at the Cipher — an inside-the-waistband concealed carry rig for the Springfield Hellcat RDP pistol. The holster was provided to the author by Henry Holsters for this article.

When Springfield Armory released the Hellcat RDP (Rapid Defense Package), the digital gun world responded with excitement. Not only was Hellcat RDP the first expansion that Springfield offered to the then-new Hellcat line, but they extended the barrel from 3” to 3.8.” The Hellcat RDP was equipped with a self-indexing compensator which disperses the gases creating reduced recoil for accurate follow-up shots.

Where We Are Today

Fast forward to 2024, we are witnessing Springfield Armory launch a flurry of handguns to suit just about every shooter’s need out there. I am talking about the introduction and expansion of several pistols such as ones with compensators to the Hellcat Pro line, all the way to a launch of the compact-size Echelon 4.0C (and much more). I’m not even going to get into optic-ready 1911 pistols to make this point.

The point I want to make is that we need to be sure to not let the onrush of all these excellent Springfield Armory handguns cause us to overlook the Hellcat RDP.

Henry Answers the Call

Henry Holsters did not leave Hellcat RDP owners behind. In fact, not long after the company created an inside-the-waistband (IWB) holster for the Springfield 1911 DS Prodigy, they began producing IWB holsters for the Hellcat RDP called the Cipher.

[Be sure to read our Henry Holsters Cipher review for additional information about this rig and the Prodigy.]

The Henry Holster’s “Cipher” is a slim, ambidextrous holster designed around compatibility and discreet carry. It features an open muzzle, mid-height sweatguard, and generous clearance for optic- and suppressor-height sights. The Cipher offers what concealed carriers prefer with a slim and lightweight holster. It uses two metal carry clips that fasten the holster securely to the body. To top it off, Henry Holsters are American-made products produced right here in the good ol’ USA.

Not the Run of the Mill

At first glance, the Henry Cipher holster may appear to be “just another” Kydex holster — but that would be a mistake. Henry Holsters uses a stronger and more wear-resistant material called Boltaron. The company prefers what they feel is the toughness and longevity of Boltaron over Kydex as well as other thermoplastics.

Henry Holsters are formed using custom-made precision molds that are trimmed and shaped on CNC milling machines to ensure consistency. Each holster is hand-fitted and tested with reliable components to best suit the user.

Holsters need to be tough and rugged in all conditions. The screws must not walk out, which would loosen the fit and create a risk for the carrier. The holster body should never crack or lose its form.

Clearly, Henry Holsters understands that the value of a quality holster can’t be overestimated.

Important Points

There are three key elements I look for in a first-class holster. First, the holster has to properly retain the gun. Proper retention means a snug fit that will keep the gun secure during physical movements such as running or jumping. Even when moving in and out of a vehicle, I need the confidence of knowing that my pistol is securely attached to my body without the fear of it popping out of the holster.

Many years ago, I learned this point first-hand about the value of a quality-made holster with proper retention. I attended an outdoor move-and-shoot training class that was extremely intense. Exercises like diving on the ground, jumping to gain cover, sprinting to various points to engage threats, and more made up the eight hours of training. I learned that the functional reliability of the holster was equally as important as the firearm. If the holster or the pistol fails to operate properly, it could be the difference between life and death in a true self-defense scenario. 

Drawing Conclusions

Second, the holster must offer a clean and crisp pistol draw and as well as ease of re-insertion. To ensure the best fit possible, every groove, indentation and contour on the Henry Cipher holster form fits the Springfield Hellcat RDP perfectly. There is a distinct “click” when the RDP inserts, offering a clean pistol draw that is not too tight. There are retention screws to adjust the user’s preferred setting to ensure a perfect fit and level of retention.

We often hear pistol carriers explain about the importance of firing a minimum of 200 rounds of target loads and 50 rounds of self-defense loads through a pistol before it should be carried for self-defense. It is imperative to work out pistol or ammo issues prior to using it as a potential life-saving device.

Why don’t we treat holsters the same way? Don’t you think that drawing and inserting a pistol hundreds of times is important before using it as part of your self-defense system? I certainly do.

The Comfort Question

Thirdly, the holster and pistol combination has to ride comfortably on the body. If a holster digs or jabs the user, they likely will not carry a gun with it. If the holster is loose and flops around with daily movement, it’s not safe and should be avoided.

Remember the saying, “carrying a gun should be comforting, not comfortable”? As carriers, we realize there is a component of relative discomfort that goes with carrying a handgun. It is an unavoidable fact compared to not carrying at all. However, if we choose a holster that will minimize this fact, then we have a winner.

I think the Henry Cipher holster is a great choice for the Springfield Hellcat RDP based on the above points. If you watch the attached video, I demonstrated carrying the Hellcat RDP with both appendix and 4 o’clock position. You will see how closely and firmly the holster rides on the body.

Conclusion 

I want the reader of this article to walk away with understanding the importance of a holster that is rugged, built to last and can withstand extreme conditions. If your holster fails, your carry system fails. User confidence of proper fit and function is an absolute must with CCW. Therefore, choose a proven winner like Henry Holsters for your Hellcat RDP.

The Henry Cipher holster for the Hellcat RDP is produced with the finest materials and components, making it very durable. The price of the Henry Cipher holster for the Hellcat RDP is $108. While it is a bit more than a standard Kydex holster, considering the durability and longevity of it I think it’s a price well worth paying.

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Henry Holsters Cipher

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Hellcat® RDP Series