Desantis Holster Review

Vermonter · September 20, 2011, 10:42 AM

I recently purchased a Ruger LC9. Being left handed and wanting a belt holster I did not have many options. One of the only production model belt holsters that Ruger specifically calls out as a fit to the LC9 was a Desantis.

The holster model is the Mini scabbard Left handed belt holster model # 019BBV5Z0. I ordered it on Thursday around lunch time when i typically surf the inter-webs. Total price to me including shipping was $55 including shipping.

My thinking was that I was sacrificing quality with this "leather" holster. I needed something and figured this would work until I could get a custom rig.

I received the holster Friday via GROUND SHIPPING. I must be about five miles from the factory and not know it because this is the fastest turnaround time I have ever seen.

What I have is a quality holster that does a better job of concealing the LC9 than my fobus does in concealing my LCP. Retention is impeccable and I tested this at length "with an unloaded gun of course".

Bottom line is this. I am researching their mini scabbard line of holsters for every handgun I own and am a real fan. You cannot go wrong for the price and with so few left handed options out there I am pleased.

Regards, Vermonter

Vermonter · September 20, 2011, 10:43 AM

MLeake · September 20, 2011, 10:44 AM

I was also impressed with DeSantis turnaround time. I like a steeper forward cant than they use, unfortunately. I tend to carry slightly larger guns (have a BHP on my hip today), so I need 15deg or better to mask the grip.

Vermonter · September 20, 2011, 08:27 PM

So what does the High Power ride in?

MLeake · September 20, 2011, 08:55 PM

The BHP rides in one of my 1911 holsters (nice thing about those, they tend to interchange pretty well). Specifically, a paddle hybrid (because it has a hook to secure under the belt, as well, and it rides tucked tight) by Sam Andrews, in crocodile.

Sam is a friend of mine. He regularly gets exotic leathers, including some pre-ban stuff, and will make items that aren't always in his catalog. This holster was one of those. At the time I bought my CBOB, I had called Sam and asked what he had in stock for a 1911. He said, "Well, I have this crocodile paddle..."

Thing is, it cost $400, and I wasn't sure I'd like it.

So, Sam offered to send it to me. If I liked it, I'd pay him; if I didn't, I'd just give it back to him when he came up for an Eastman's gun show.

As it turned out, I liked it. If I ever travel in an Open Carry state where OC is actually normal (like NM, AZ, or sw CO), this is what I'll probably use. But it also tucks in well enough to conceal under a structured outer shirt.

I'll probably have my friend Mike, at Talon Tactical, make me a Kydex OWB as well. I met Mike through IDPA; he's our local RO.

Edit: Most of Sam's normal holsters are more in the $100 range.

Edit2: http://andrewsleather.com

Edit3: http://talontactical.com/

Edit4: Forgot to mention, the belt is also from Talon Tactical. Not only does it get extra urethane soaking, so that it's very rigid and works great as a gunbelt; not only is the velcro cut so that it doesn't reach the edges, as it does on most rigger belts, so that it doesn't abrade pants, shirts, and jackets; but it's buckle rings are urethane, so it can be worn through airport security checkpoints.

Edit5: Also forgot to mention, the key keeper is from Rob Leahy at Simply Rugged. http://www.simplyrugged.com/

And the knife (which is barely visible at bottom) is a SOG Spec-Elite II.

Vermonter · September 21, 2011, 11:02 AM

title says it all

ScotchMan · September 28, 2011, 10:31 AM

I got a DeSantis for my SR9c this weekend, was the only one in the store that fit and was IWB. Got it using the same logic, this will work until I find something better.

So far I'm not finding any reasons to keep looking, its comfortable, solid, and conceals my gun extremely well. Was $24.99 at the LGS which I assume is double what it would be online.

msb45 · October 2, 2011, 06:46 PM

I've got a three year old Desantis Cozy partner for a 1911. It works well and is still in great shape. It compares very well to my Milt Sparks at half the price. I recommend Desantis highly and have 4 other holster from them.

federali · October 13, 2011, 05:16 PM

DeSantis does indeed make excellent holsters at a very competitive price. You might try their millennium line of synthetic leather. The stuff will last forever and your gun will wear out before the holster.

September 20, 2011, 10:42 AM	#1
Vermonter Senior Member Join Date: October 17, 2010 Posts: 962	Desantis Holster Review I recently purchased a Ruger LC9. Being left handed and wanting a belt holster I did not have many options. One of the only production model belt holsters that Ruger specifically calls out as a fit to the LC9 was a Desantis. The holster model is the Mini scabbard Left handed belt holster model # 019BBV5Z0. I ordered it on Thursday around lunch time when i typically surf the inter-webs. Total price to me including shipping was $55 including shipping. My thinking was that I was sacrificing quality with this "leather" holster. I needed something and figured this would work until I could get a custom rig. I received the holster Friday via GROUND SHIPPING. I must be about five miles from the factory and not know it because this is the fastest turnaround time I have ever seen. What I have is a quality holster that does a better job of concealing the LC9 than my fobus does in concealing my LCP. Retention is impeccable and I tested this at length "with an unloaded gun of course". Bottom line is this. I am researching their mini scabbard line of holsters for every handgun I own and am a real fan. You cannot go wrong for the price and with so few left handed options out there I am pleased. Regards, Vermonter

September 20, 2011, 10:43 AM	#2
Vermonter Senior Member Join Date: October 17, 2010 Posts: 962	Holster Pic

September 20, 2011, 08:27 PM	#4
Vermonter Senior Member Join Date: October 17, 2010 Posts: 962	Mleak So what does the High Power ride in?

September 21, 2011, 11:02 AM	#6
Vermonter Senior Member Join Date: October 17, 2010 Posts: 962	Nice rig title says it all

September 28, 2011, 10:31 AM	#7
ScotchMan Senior Member Join Date: July 3, 2011 Posts: 1,368	I got a DeSantis for my SR9c this weekend, was the only one in the store that fit and was IWB. Got it using the same logic, this will work until I find something better. So far I'm not finding any reasons to keep looking, its comfortable, solid, and conceals my gun extremely well. Was $24.99 at the LGS which I assume is double what it would be online. __________________ Everyday Loadout NRA Instructor NRA Member

September 20, 2011, 10:44 AM	#3
MLeake Senior Member Join Date: November 15, 2007 Location: Outside KC, MO Posts: 10,128	I was also impressed with DeSantis turnaround time. I like a steeper forward cant than they use, unfortunately. I tend to carry slightly larger guns (have a BHP on my hip today), so I need 15deg or better to mask the grip.

September 20, 2011, 08:55 PM	#5
MLeake Senior Member Join Date: November 15, 2007 Location: Outside KC, MO Posts: 10,128	The BHP rides in one of my 1911 holsters (nice thing about those, they tend to interchange pretty well). Specifically, a paddle hybrid (because it has a hook to secure under the belt, as well, and it rides tucked tight) by Sam Andrews, in crocodile. Sam is a friend of mine. He regularly gets exotic leathers, including some pre-ban stuff, and will make items that aren't always in his catalog. This holster was one of those. At the time I bought my CBOB, I had called Sam and asked what he had in stock for a 1911. He said, "Well, I have this crocodile paddle..." Thing is, it cost $400, and I wasn't sure I'd like it. So, Sam offered to send it to me. If I liked it, I'd pay him; if I didn't, I'd just give it back to him when he came up for an Eastman's gun show. As it turned out, I liked it. If I ever travel in an Open Carry state where OC is actually normal (like NM, AZ, or sw CO), this is what I'll probably use. But it also tucks in well enough to conceal under a structured outer shirt. I'll probably have my friend Mike, at Talon Tactical, make me a Kydex OWB as well. I met Mike through IDPA; he's our local RO. Edit: Most of Sam's normal holsters are more in the $100 range. Edit2: http://andrewsleather.com Edit3: http://talontactical.com/ Edit4: Forgot to mention, the belt is also from Talon Tactical. Not only does it get extra urethane soaking, so that it's very rigid and works great as a gunbelt; not only is the velcro cut so that it doesn't reach the edges, as it does on most rigger belts, so that it doesn't abrade pants, shirts, and jackets; but it's buckle rings are urethane, so it can be worn through airport security checkpoints. Edit5: Also forgot to mention, the key keeper is from Rob Leahy at Simply Rugged. http://www.simplyrugged.com/ And the knife (which is barely visible at bottom) is a SOG Spec-Elite II.

October 2, 2011, 06:46 PM	#8
msb45 Member Join Date: February 27, 2005 Location: TN Posts: 21	I've got a three year old Desantis Cozy partner for a 1911. It works well and is still in great shape. It compares very well to my Milt Sparks at half the price. I recommend Desantis highly and have 4 other holster from them. __________________ "I would advise persisting in our struggle for liberty, though it were revealed that 999 men were to perish, and only one of a thousand to survive and retain his liberty. One such freeman must possess more virtue, and enjoy more happiness, than a thousand slaves." - Samuel Adams - 1774

October 13, 2011, 05:16 PM	#9
federali Senior Member Join Date: August 1, 2011 Location: Nassau County NY Posts: 378	DeSantis DeSantis does indeed make excellent holsters at a very competitive price. You might try their millennium line of synthetic leather. The stuff will last forever and your gun will wear out before the holster. __________________ Int'l Assoc. of Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors