I Carry: Springfield Armory XD-S 4.0 in a Bravo Concealment Holster

Welcome to another episode of "I Carry," Shooting Illustrated's weekly video series covering the guns and gear needed to put together a potential everyday-carry kit. Today we have a Springfield Armory XD-S 4.0 9 mm in a Bravo Concealment holster. We also have a Bravo Concealment spare magazine carrier, a 5.11 Tactical belt, a Gerber folding knife and a Streamlight flashlight.

Springfield Armory XD-S 4.0 (MSRP: $549)

Springfield Armory released the XD-S in 2012, bringing a new single-stack subcompact pistol to the concealed-carry market. Two years later, the 4-inch barrel variant joined the XD-S family, offering a “CCO-like” option for those who wanted a slightly longer barrel for greater velocity and longer sight radius. Adding nearly three-quarters of an inch to the barrel does not significantly impact how the pistol is carried inside the waistband, but does mitigate recoil and offer a more-pleasant shooting experience.

For the safety-conscious, the XD-S offers twin safeties. There’s a lever in the trigger, common to this variety of pistol, that must be depressed in order to fire that is in place to ensure the pistol will not fire if dropped. There’s also a grip safety, analogous to the 1911, which also must be depressed in order to fire. Those that prefer appendix carry can take comfort in the multiple levels of safeties available; while those who exhibit concern about possible failure points can rest easy. In extensive testing, neither safety failed under a wide variety of circumstances.

In addition to the extended sight radius on the four-inch barrel, there’s a red, fiber-optic front sight that makes rapid target acquisition easy. The rear sight is of the standard two-dot configuration, allowing a sharp contrast that makes proper alignment of front and rear sights almost automatic. The grip is textured to stay firmly in the hand, and a small rail on the dustcover allows for a light, laser or combination unit if desired. Lastly, an all-black finish is also available, at a reduced price from the two-tone.

Bravo Concealment Torsion Holster (MSRP: $49.99)

If you’re looking for versatility in your inside-the-waistband holster, Bravo Concealment’s Torsion holster might be the right choice. Available with two belt clips, the Torsion can be used with both clips for maximum stability, or with one clip that allows the holster to be carried with a cover garment tucked in over the pistol—this is referred to as a tuckable holster. The Torsion holster will accommodate a threaded barrel and tall sights, should your carry gun be so equipped.

Bravo Concealment Single Magazine Pouch (MSRP: $28.99)

Designed with the same specifications as the holster, Bravo Concealment’s magazine carrier offers adjustable tension, outside-the-waistband-only carry and is available in single- or double-magazine versions. Tough, weatherproof kydex construction and an eminently affordable price makes this pouch a smart addition to your daily carry gear.

5.11 Tactical Apex T-Rail Belt (MSRP: $59.99)

Holding this gear together is 5.11 Tactical’s Apex T-Rail synthetic leather belt, a rugged design available in black, Sandstone (tan) or Tundra (dark green). B10 webbing coated with thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) for enhanced durability, this 1.5-inch wide belt features dual retention prongs to hold it firmly in place. Enhanced load-bearing capacity means it can hold more gear, and the buckle is cast-aluminum with a distinct, rail-type pattern.

Gerber Edict Folding Knife (MSRP: $69)

Designed specifically to be an everyday-carry knife, Gerber’s Edict features glass-filled nylon scales with a rubber overmold, glass-bead-finished blade and ambidextrous thumb stud for one-handed opening. Blade steel is 154CM with a ceramic coating, with a blade length of 3.6 inches. Overall length is 8 and a half inches, and weight is 3.6 ounces.

Streamlight Stylus Pro 360 Penlight USB (MSRP: $45)

If you’re looking for a slim, affordable light that performs multiple functions, Streamlight’s Stylus Pro 360 can serve as a flashlight or micro lantern thanks to its sliding bezel. With the bezel retracted, the light serves as a traditional flashlight; with the bezel extended, it offers 360 degrees of light. With a momentary-on, press-to-activate switch that can be depressed to click for constant-on, the Stylus Pro 360 offers 65 lumens for a 6 and a half hour run time. Water and impact resistant, this eminently portable flashlight is 5.9 inches long and weighs 1.9 ounces.