There are many manufacturers and individuals across the country crafting holsters for concealed carry applications. Most holsters that agencies and officers purchase come from the large companies well-known throughout the police community, but every so often, one craftsman becomes celebrated due to word-of-mouth.
Dan Hillsman is one of these craftsmen whose products are in demand by both law enforcement and legally armed citizens alike. I discovered Hillsman Holsters by accident while watching one of my favorite movies, “Man on Fire,” on TV one night. The movie commentary showcased the training actor Denzel Washington received while preparing for his role, and the man who trained him, Don Rosche. Rosche is a well known close-quarter combat instructor and former Force Recon Marine who works with high-speed teams around the world through his company, Advanced Weapons Training International (www.awti-inc.com). Rosche is a satisfied customer of Hillsman Holsters, and I was intrigued enough to seek out Dan Hillsman.
Hillsman has been making holsters for 25 years and has amassed a large clientele that includes intelligence operatives, military personnel, federal agents and law enforcement officers, as well as legally armed citizens and International Defensive Pistol Association competitors. Having been raised around firearms, Hillsman has long been interested in offering the very best carry gear. He started out using leather but soon realized it placed too much drag on the gun when drawing. He made the move to composite materials, and now all his holsters are made from acrylic-based composites.
Hillsman strives to not only offer the best synthetic holsters and accessories, but the best customer service available. He tries to speak with each customer individually. He likes to know about each customer’s body style, shape and size because various holster styles will fit some better than others. Case in point: Hillsman says those who have a little more meat on their bones are better suited to a holster with a contoured belt loop or paddle for added comfort, while a thinner person may want a flat loop/paddle for pulling the gun into the torso for better concealment.
Every holster he makes is designed to meet and exceed the customer’s expectations in concealability, retention, speed of draw and comfort. If the customer isn’t completely satisfied, the holster can be returned at no charge unless it’s been significantly damaged.
All Hillsman products are made from Boltaron 4330, also known as Concealex, an acrylic-modified polyvinyl chloride (PVC) that exhibits superior durability and ability to retain its shape while resisting most chemicals and solvents. The holsters and accessories are also embossed with a hair cell finish, which gives the gear an attractive leather-like appearance and makes it more scuff-resistant.
All metal hardware is plated with black chromate, a durable and rust-resistant compound. As a finishing touch, each holster has a medallion imbedded in its side displaying the Hillsman logo in pewter. Hillsman Holsters are available for most popular handguns, but for those who have something rare, Hillsman can arrange to build a holster for your unique gun.
One word of caution—Boltaron is a heat-molded thermoplastic, so avoid storing the holsters in environments with prolonged high temperature (e.g., the trunk of your car in August).
The best way to test any piece of gear is to simulate the environment in which it will be used, so I headed to the range with the two holsters and magazine pouch I was sent to see if they would perform. The holsters and pouch were very attractive, and the gun-to-holster fit was exceptional. The magazine pouch was cut to cover half of the magazine body (a length I like because it permits a proper grip) and had a very unique molded snap-down belt loop on the back. The loop holds on to the belt solidly but remains easy to put on and remove.
My holsters were both paddle styles, with a contoured paddle on the light-mounted model and a flat paddle on the standard holster. Both slid easily over my belt and trouser band and locked in place, and the flat configuration pulled the gun snugly into my torso. A speed cut was formed into the front of the holsters to offer greater clearance and draw speed.
After my testing, Hillsman told me something about the light-mounted version that I did not realize while I was on the range. “With most any light that slides on the end of the gun,” he informed me, “you can store the light inside the holster. Then when you insert the gun, it will automatically mount the light. I have a lot of federal agent customers, especially DEA, who just store the light inside the holster and when they need it, they shove the gun in and draw it out.” Pretty neat idea!
I’ve spoken with Hillsman in depth several times, and I like his philosophy and products more and more as time goes on. I will likely be ordering a few more pieces in the future. I know a good thing when I see it.
Hillsman Concealment Holsters
PROS
• Attractive, scuff-resistant appearance;
•Customized to fit different body shapes and sizes; and
•Made of durable materials.
Cons
•Holsters may become deformed if stored in extremely hot environments.
Contact Info
Hillsman Holsters
Attn: Dan Hillsman
914 Otto St.
Brookshire, TX 77423
Tel. 713/560-2454