Springfield XDS 3.3 IWB Leather Holster Recommendations?

[gerrym526]

I'd like to get a comfortable IWB leather holster for my XDS 3.3.

Like the idea of straps with snaps to hold the holster to the belt, but would settle for the typical metal clip arrangement if the holster is well designed and comfortable.
I carry in the 4-5 o'clock position-strong side.

What do you guys like to use when carrying concealed? Manufacturers? Models?

I'm expecting leather holsters to be more expensive than hybrid or kydex, but not looking for anything that has a price that will "break the bank". (Think $125 or less).

Thanks in advance for the help.
Gerry

 

[CodeSection]

A few months ago I asked a similar question on another forum and received so many answers. I quickly came to the conclusion there is not one particular holster people buy. Matter-of-fact, many posters wrote that they had a drawer filled with various holsters for the same pistol or revolver.

With that in mind, I read about various manufacturer's holsters. Since selecting a holster is a personal choice based upon many factors, I focussed on holster manufacturers that gave a 2-4 week trial period. If I didn't like the particular holster, I could return it during the trial period for a full refund. Though, I would have to pay for returned shipping.

I have had a Milt Sparks IWB holster for about 30 years for my P229 .40. The main thing I have not really like about it is the leather rough side is on the outside of the holster and it rubbed against me. Certainly, wearing a t-shirt under my dress shirt helped. I now carry the P229 in my briefcase.

So, I needed a holster for both an XDSC .40 and my bug P365. The first holster I tried was the Alien Gear Shapeshift Core Carry Pack. I ordered an extra shell for the P365 along with their pocket expansion pack https://aliengearholsters.com/shapeshift-pocket-expansion-pack.html.html. Here is the link for your XDS 3.3 model https://aliengearholsters.com/holsters/springfield-xds-3-3.html.

I was planning on trying a couple of other holster manufacturers, but after wearing the AG for a week, I knew it met my criteria. Their IWB is so comfortable and I'm generally wearing it 14-15 hours every day. The same holds true with their pocket expansion pack. I wear the holsters regardless if I'm wearing dress clothes, a shirt with jeans, or a shirt and shorts. I like the fact that AG sells an extra belt clip pack that has "J" clips https://aliengearholsters.com/toolless-holster-j-clip.html. They are much harder to detect and see. FWIW, I always scan belts and easily spot the normal clips manufacturers use when the person is wearing a tuckable holster with the shirt tucked in. Or when a person bends over and their shirt slides up exposing their belt. For my situation, I didn't want it to be so obvious....

BTW, my SIL actually has exactly the same system with the same calibers. He really likes them as well. In the end, what really matters is if the new holster will meet your criteria. So, try to select a manufacturer that has a good trial and return policy.

Good luck with your search!

 

[lee n. field]

A few months ago I asked a similar question on another forum and received so many answers. I quickly came to the conclusion there is not one particular holster people buy.

I find it extremely hard and frustrating to shop for holsters online. Search hits are dominated by crap holsters. Forum answers are all over the place, and often from folks that don't have the experience (so it would seem) they appear to have. Even good makers put out crap holsters.

If you've got an oddball gun it's even worse. "Oh, this holster for this other gun will work", and then it doesn't fit well. Add a laser to even a popular gun, and your good options go way down. (I've basically given up on finding a good holster for my XDS + CT Laserguard. Not spending any more on that project. I should sell the laser and move on.)

Figure out what works for you, and go with that.

To the original question. for the XDS what works for me is a Blade-tech Nano or Blade-tech Eclipse. Both kydex IWB. The Nano is your basic wraparound taco with snap loops. The Eclipse has a wider footprint. it was an impulse purchase that turned out to work really well.

 

[Tom-R2]

Simply Rugged Holsters makes leather holsters, some designs can be OWB or IWB with belt loop straps. They are very well made and mine all fit very well. On their home webpage they usually list a discount code if they have one active, check for it before digging around.

 

[Armored farmer]

I have two worth recommending.
Crossbreed supertuck is very popular.
I have one and it's good. I consider it a winter holster because it has a large leather back . It can get hot in summer, but it's a quality holster.

My other suggestion is the Desantis Super Tuck. I have four of them. One for each of my carry guns. All day comfort for around $30.

I like having the option to tuck my shirt.


When looking for a holster for your gun, you can visit website that compares gun sizes. Desantis didn't list my sr9c on their website, but I knew it was nearly identical to the s&w shield. The shield was listed. I got a perfect fit.