By Adam Scepaniak<\/a><\/p>\n W<\/span>hen it comes to concealed carrying a firearm, you need to have it on you for it to matter as a line of defense \u2014 you know, \u201ca bird in the hand is better than two in the bush\u201d? While some of us might have a defensive firearm within reach, in a desk drawer or the center console of our vehicle, it is advisable to have your carry pistol on you and accessible at a moment\u2019s notice.<\/p>\n Both Nate Beard and Nate Johnson, the founders of N8 Tactical, intimately understand this reality. They started N8 Tactical back in 2009 because they were thoroughly disheartened by the lack of quality holster options out on the market at the time \u2014 especially, the lack of comfortable ones. They always had said that \u201cif a holster isn\u2019t comfortable, gun owners won\u2019t wear it and therefore, not have their firearm if and when they needed it.\u201d Truer words may have never been stated.<\/p>\n Now, with pistols like the Springfield Armory Hellcat RDP (Rapid Defense Package)<\/a> on the CCW (concealed carry weapons) market as a very popular option for carry, yet with a unique footprint for a holster, I looked to N8 Tactical to answer the call for a comfortable carry option for it. This means a holster that will fit a pistol with a micro red dot, a compensator and (ideally) the optional extended 15-round magazines Springfield offers<\/a>. Let\u2019s dive in and see if N8 Tactical, once again, has everything we need in a concealed carry holster for the Springfield Armory Hellcat RDP!<\/p>\n The holster from N8 Tactical we are specifically looking at is their Xecutive Kydex AIWB (Appendix Inside-the-WaistBand) for the Hellcat RDP. This holster is compatible with practically all variants of the Hellcat including the original Hellcat, Hellcat OSP (Optical Sight Pistol), Hellcat RDP and Hellcat Pro.<\/p>\n Even before I began to use this holster with my personal Hellcat RDP, I knew it was a more intelligent design than others I have previously seen and handled. Traditionally, when you purchase a holster the story ends there, but with N8 Tactical and their Xecutive, there are a multitude of additional components to upgrade your holster if you desire, which vary from $4.95\u2013$12.99.<\/p>\n Live The Armory Life.<\/strong> The latest content straight to your inbox plus an automatic entry to each of our monthly gun\u00a0giveaways!<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n With this battery of additional pieces at your disposal, you can have a truly customized holster without the pain in your wallet of a \u201ccustom shop\u201d price. The N8 Tactical Xecutive is affordable and functional.<\/p>\n When it came to concealed carry for myself, I utilized the holster sans accessories and I found it to be very comfortable. My day job of managing a gun shop provided an ample test for the AIWB holster. I have a short commute to work, which is common for most all of us, and I found it both comfortable and feasible to carry driving. Unholstering my firearm while in a vehicle was not necessary and it did not feel burdensome to be carrying.<\/p>\n Once in a retail setting, I often am sitting on a barstool at a computer or in a computer desk chair completing lovely government paperwork (background checks, acquisition\/disposition of firearms, etc.). In these more hunched-over, seated positions, it still was comfortable to be carrying the N8 Tactical Xecutive holster with my Hellcat RDP on board. The rear of the slide on my pistol poked into my gut in this seated position, but it was not exaggerated or uncomfortable.<\/p>\n Other tasks I execute are unloading pallets of freight (heavy ammunition, firearms, soft goods, etc.) off of semi-trucks into my family\u2019s store. During more strenuous, manual labor tasks, the N8 Xecutive worked right alongside me, never hindering my movement. So, from simply walking, driving, sitting and even doing farmer\u2019s carries of ammunition, the N8 Xecutive was a great companion and supportive holster for my Hellcat RDP.<\/p>\n Finally, I spent some time at the range attempting to draw from the Xecutive. There are two Phillips screws on the lower portion of the holster that can be tightened or loosened depending on your draw preference. I prefer very tight retention on my holster, which demands a strong, deliberate draw-stroke. When doing live-fire from retention, I could cleanly remove my pistol from the holster. The holster stayed on my waistline, and my form throughout never suffered. I felt confident \u2014 should the need ever arise \u2014 that I could draw my Hellcat RDP and defend myself.<\/p>\n At an MSRP of $39.95 for the Xecutive Kydex AIWB holster for the Hellcat RDP, I believe the Xecutive is not only an affordable and comfortable option for carry, but a logical one. When you have the multitude of accessories available to you to make it your own, why wouldn\u2019t you give it a try when you own a Hellcat?<\/p>\n If you are in search of a holster to cover all your bases for any Hellcat you might own, the N8 Tactical Xecutive could be a valuable addition to your holster lineup. As always, join us again soon on\u00a0The Armory Life<\/em>, and happy shooting!<\/p>\n Editor\u2019s Note: Be sure to check out The Armory Life Forum, where you can comment about our daily articles, as well as just talk guns and gear. Click the \u201cGo To Forum Thread\u201d link below to jump in!<\/em><\/p>\n Go to forum thread<\/a><\/p>\n
![\"reviewing](\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/reviewing-the-N8-Tactical-Xecutive-holster.jpg.webp)
\n<\/picture>The Details<\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\nIn Practice<\/h2>\n
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\n<\/picture>Conclusion<\/h2>\n
Join the Discussion<\/span><\/h5>\n
Featured in this article<\/span><\/h5>\n
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<\/p>\nN8 Tactical Xecutive Holster<\/span><\/h3>\n
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<\/p>\nHellcat\u00ae RDP Series<\/span><\/h3>\n
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