Henry Holsters Cipher Review — IWB for the 1911 DS Prodigy

By Dan Abraham

In this review of the Henry Holsters Cipher, Dan Abraham evaluates the new inside-the-waistband rig with his Springfield Armory 1911 DS Prodigy. How did the holster perform? Read on to get all of the details. The Cipher IWB holster was provided to the author for review.

When I first handled the Springfield Armory 1911 DS Prodigy, I fell in love. Not only is it loaded with features that modern shooters enjoy but it looks amazing. The first time I took the Prodigy to the range, it was pure joy. Sighting in the optic and ringing steel told me that the 1911 DS Prodigy was the perfect 9mm pistol for me. Being a longtime fan of the 1911, the 1911 DS Prodigy offered me my favorite handgun platform, but with 17- and 20-round magazines. What’s not to love?

Packing It In

The next step for me was to equip the 1911 DS Prodigy with the finest accessories. Once I installed the perfect reflex optic for me, I knew my journey was just beginning. Next up was to find the best holster to suit the look and performance of the 1911 DS Prodigy. I didn’t want the standard Kydex holster. I wanted a special “one of a kind” option.

After spending time researching and watching videos from people I know and trust, Henry Holsters was consistently mentioned as an excellent form-fit holster option. Customer reviews stated that Henry Holsters retain the pistol firmly, are comfortable against the body, and they are easily positioned for proper use.

Why Henry Holsters?

Henry Holsters is a U.S.-based holster manufacturer. They are located in Spencer, Indiana, and have been in business since 2009. They clearly are not rookies in the holster market.

Henry Holsters offers five separate types of inside-the-waistband holsters. Each type of holster is uniquely designed to suit the user’s preferred needs. The one I landed on was the Cipher holster for the 1911 DS Prodigy. The Cipher is a streamlined, ultra-slim ambidextrous holster designed for everyday concealment. It is available for both sizes of the 1911 DS Prodigy, either 5” or 4.25” models.

Once I had them in hand, I found that the Cipher holster for the 1911 DS Prodigy was a perfect fit. The pistol inserts in the holster with a firm fit for strong retention. Henry Holsters uses a foldover process of folding a formed sheet of molded plastic to create a complete holster shell. This process creates a durable, comfortable holster with just enough adjustability to fit perfectly.

With the 1911 DS Prodigy inserted, it was clear that each bevel, protrusion and indentation of the holster formed cleanly around each part of the pistol.

Built with Boltaron

Remember that I mentioned I wanted to try something different than Kydex?

The Cipher is a thermoformed plastic holster that employs Boltaron material. Why? Henry Holsters prefers the “workability” of Boltaron over Kydex. In addition, they explain that Boltaron is more consistent in its thickness and grain pattern than Kydex.

It offers more heat-resistance and it is less likely to scratch a handgun compared to Kydex. Boltaron will stand up to daily wear without degrading or cracking.

The Details

The Henry Holsters Cipher has two steel belt clips that are positioned an inch apart to help distribute the weight of the pistol. The belt clips can be adjusted to change the angle and positioning of the pistol to suit the user’s preference. A “claw” is installed that will also aid in ensuring the pistol stays tightly tucked against the body. The Cipher holster features an open muzzle, a mid-height sweatguard and generous clearance for optics and suppressor-height sights.

Henry Holsters also produces magazine carriers that can be worn inside or outside the waistband. The magazine carriers are created with the same “foldover” process and use the same strong cant adjustable belt clips. I inserted the 1911 DS Prodigy’s 20-round magazine in the carrier and it fit precisely. Both the Cipher holster and the Foldover magazine carrier were discreet and simple to carry and operate.

Conclusion

In conclusion, from my experience with this review I can say Henry Holsters live up to the positive reviews they receive. Their holsters are well-made and tailored to fit extremely well. The thermoformed Boltaron material is exceptional, and the dual belt clips keep the pistol solidly retained. The fit and finish with Henry Holsters is also first class.

The MSRP on the Henry Holsters Cipher for the 1911 DS Prodigy is $108. The MSRP for their magazine carriers is $30. Henry Holsters products are covered by a Limited Lifetime Warranty.

If you are looking to upgrade your gear with an excellent holster/mag carrier combination, check out Henry Holsters.

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