If you’ve purchased – or you’re planning to purchase – a Springfield XDM handgun, then you may be in the market for a quality holster to go with your new pistol. The XDM is a wonderful 9mm compact pistol, packing many of the features of a full-sized handgun into a much smaller weapon. This makes the XDM an ideal choice if you’re going to conceal carry.
If you are shopping for a holster to go with your Springfield XDM Elite, 9MM or 10MM you probably already know that there are dozens of makes and models on the market. Choosing the right holster for your carrying and drawing style can be a challenge even for experienced gun owners.
After looking at a number of Springfield XDM holsters, and reading reviews and comments from dozens of owners, my choice as the best model for this gun is the Tulster Springfield Armory XDM Holster. This minimalistic, inside-the-waistband holster combines good concealability, adjustable retention, low drag, and is comfortable to wear even for extended periods.
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Some Things to Look for in a Springfield XDM Holster
There are several qualities the most shooters look for in any holster. First on the list is usually a holster that fits their pistol like a glove, and is a good match for their style of carry.
Accessibility and durability are also important factors. But beyond that, there are two concerns that always seem to be top of mind with gun owners: security and concealment.
Concealment
With so many shooters today choosing to conceal carry, having a holster that hides their weapon is a major concern. One advantage you have with the Springfield XDM is its compact size, which makes it inherently easier to conceal beneath a shooter’s clothing.
The primary issue with concealing a handgun is whether or not the holstered weapon is “printing,” or leaving a tell-tale bulge through a shooter’s clothing.
This can be especially troublesome during the summer months, or in hot climates, where people tend to wear tee shirts and other light clothing. The IWB holsters generally offer better concealment than OWB models, so bear that in mind if printing is a concern.
Weapon Security
Security is another critical factor for many of today’s gun owners. Nobody wants their gun falling out of their holster at the wrong time, or an assailant grabbing the weapon when they least expect it. Accidentally discharging the gun is also something everyone wants to avoid.
Balancing these factors is the need to have quick access to the gun when needed. While all holsters offer varying degrees of retention, some also have locking systems that hold the gun securely in place, but can be released quickly on the draw.
Another important feature is adjustable retention, so that you can adjust the holster’s grip on your gun to fit your preferences.
Trigger guards are another important safety feature. A trigger guard helps to prevent accidental discharges by covering the trigger mechanism while the gun is holstered.
Holster Types
For the purposes of this review, I’ve going to focus on the two most popular types of holsters on the market today: the outside-the-waistband, or OWB holsters, and the inside-the-waistband, or IWB.
While there are other types of holsters available for a compact pistol like the XDM – everything from ankle to belly band to pocket – the IWB and OWB models are by far the preferred choice for most gun owners.
Inside the Waistband
As you may know, IWB holsters are the most popular choice for shooters who conceal carry. Tucking your handgun into waistband keeps it out of sight, but also provides easy access in an emergency. Typically these holsters slide or clip onto the belt, are lightweight and thin, and can be worn in a variety of positions.
Most of the newer IWB models are made from Kydex or another type of polymer, although there are leather and nylon holsters available as well. One thing to be aware of with a hard plastic holster is it may rub and chafe exposed skin, so you may have to wear a tee shirt beneath if this becomes a problem.
Outside the Waistband
The other popular holster type is the outside-the-waistband, or OWB. As the name implies, these holsters ride outside of the pants, either by clipping on to the belt, or a via paddle that slides inside the waistband.
OWB holsters can be more comfortable than their IWB counterparts, especially if you don’t have a lot of room around the waist for a weapon. They also offer ready access to your weapon.
The tradeoff is that an OWB holster isn’t as easy to conceal, although many of the newer models are thin and hug close to the body, making them easier to hide beneath a loose shirt or jacket. These holsters can also be worn in multiple positions, with at or behind the hip being the most popular.
Best Springfield XDM Holster Options
Here we will take a look at several options, we’ll identify the best holster whether you have a XDM 9MM, 10MM, 3.8, 4.5
| Product Name | Where to Buy | |
|---|---|---|
 | BLACKHAWK! Serpa CQC Sportster Springfield XDM Holster |  |
 | Fobus Standard Springfield XDM Elite Holster OWB Paddle | |
 | Tulster Springfield Armory XDM Elite 3.8 IWB Holster | |
1. BLACKHAWK! Serpa CQC Sportster Springfield XDM Holster
This right hand OWB paddle holster is made from polymer plastic, and it comes with a paddle only – no belt clip option. Also note that it’s gun metal grey, so it won’t match up color wise with a black handgun.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Blackhawk uses a patented SERPA locking system that engages the trigger guard as you re-holster and keeps your weapon securely in place. The lock is released by your trigger finger as you draw, eliminating the need for a clumsy thumb break or middle finger release. This makes for a fast, smooth draw. | Since the holster is a metal grey color, it won’t match up with the black finish on most guns. |
| There is an audible click when your gun is re-holstered, so you know it’s locked into place. | Because the holster is paddle only, it might not be as comfortable for some shooters as one that slides onto the belt. |
| The Sportster SERPA holster is made with the same speed cut and concealment enhancing design of the CQC Model Carbon Fiber Holster. | |
| This sportster holster is equipped with a retention detent adjustment, so you can tailor the retention to your preferences. | |
| The paddle keeps the holster close to the body, and you don’t even have to wear a belt with the Sportster. |
2. Fobus Standard Springfield XDM Elite Holster OWB Paddle
This is another right hand OWB holster for the Springfield XDM. This holster is available in a rubberized paddle version if you prefer. Also a great holster for Springfield XDM Elite 10mm.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This holster is injection-molded from high-density plastic to fit your XDM. | The cant is slightly forward and not adjustable, and this may not be an ideal position for some shooters. |
| The holster rides high and only weighs 3 ounces, so it adds almost nothing to the weight of your handgun. | Although the holster will accommodate guns with 5” barrels, be aware that then end of your barrel and sight will be exposed. |
| The passive retention system keeps your gun in place, while at the same time allowing for rapid presentation. | |
| The low profile construction makes this holster a good choice for conceal carry, and printing is minimized even beneath light clothing. |
3. Tulster Springfield Armory XDM Elite 3.8 IWB Holster
This is a minimalistic, inside-the-waistband holster that’s thin and lightweight, making it a great choice for conceal carry.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Holster is injection molded to fit your Springfield pistol, providing a snug fit and low drag. This also helps to keep “holster wear” to a minimum. | About the only drawback with this holster is the fact that it’s made from hard plastic. While this provides for strong construction and long holster life, it can also rub and irritate exposed skin. While wearing a tee shirt beneath the holster usually alleviates this problem, this could be an issue during the summer, or in hot climates. |
| The positive retention system gives an audible click when the gun is re-holstered, so you know your weapon is locked securely in place. | |
| A 1.5” quick clip makes this holster fast and easy to put on and take off. | |
| The cant is fully adjustable from 0-15 degrees, so you’ll be able to tailor the holster to your carry preference. | |
| This holster comes with a full sweat shield. This helps to keep your gun dry and your clothes out of the way when you’re re-holstering. | |
| The slim design is perfect for the appendix carry position, and provides maximum concealment, especially with a small pistol like the XDM. |
Springfield XDM Holster – Conclusion
While all of these holsters have their pros and cons, and any one of them would be a good choice for your Springfield XDM, my choice as the winner is the Tulster Springfield Armory XDM Holster.
[our-pick]The IWB design provides for maximum concealability, and it has a lot of great features like adjustable cant and retention. The molded design also offers low drag, and minimal wear on your valuable handgun.
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One Response
Looking for a Right hand Level 2 OWB holster for a Springfield Compact 9 MM XD-M Elite 3.8 in barrel with a red dot attached. Not leather.
Gun type: Pistol
Barrel Length: 3.8″
Caliber: 9
Stack: Double stack
Width: 1.2″
Height: 5.75″
Length: 6.75″
End of barrel is 1.75 in. tall X 1.10 in. wide Height is not measuring sights.
Need a holster for a Springfield XDM 9 mm