The U. Mike’s INS PANT HLSTR W/RS 1 – Black Color, 3-4″ Barrel Medium Auto Gun Mod, Suede Material, Any Model Made a Bold First Impression
As someone who’s spent the better part of my adult life concealed carrying, finding the right holster is a never-ending quest. I’ve used everything from custom Kydex rigs to vintage leather, always searching for that perfect blend of comfort, security, and accessibility. When I came across the U. Mike’s INS PANT HLSTR W/RS 1 – Black Color, 3-4″ Barrel Medium Auto Gun Mod, Suede Material, Any Model, its incredibly low price of $13.49 piqued my curiosity.
My main issue was finding a truly concealable holster for my smaller frame. Many inside-the-waistband (IWB) holsters add too much bulk, printing through clothing and making comfortable carry a challenge. I was hoping this inexpensive offering from U. Mike’s would prove to be a diamond in the rough.
Upon arrival, the minimalist packaging hinted at the no-frills nature of this holster. The black suede material felt surprisingly soft to the touch, but the thinness of the four-layer laminate was immediately apparent. The plastic belt clip seemed… well, cheap. Compared to my DeSantis Sof-Tuck or even a generic nylon holster, the U. Mike’s INS PANT HLSTR W/RS 1 – Black Color, 3-4″ Barrel Medium Auto Gun Mod, Suede Material, Any Model felt noticeably less robust. Initial impressions were mixed, excitement tempered by a healthy dose of skepticism given the price point.
Real-World Testing: Putting U. Mike’s INS PANT HLSTR W/RS 1 – Black Color, 3-4″ Barrel Medium Auto Gun Mod, Suede Material, Any Model to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the U. Mike’s INS PANT HLSTR W/RS 1 – Black Color, 3-4″ Barrel Medium Auto Gun Mod, Suede Material, Any Model at my local indoor shooting range. I primarily used my Glock 19 (compact, 4-inch barrel), even though the user reviews suggested fitment issues with a Glock 26. Inserting the pistol required a bit of force, and the suede seemed to grip the slide tightly.
The range environment was relatively controlled, but even simple tasks like drawing and re-holstering felt awkward. The retention strap, secured with Velcro, was slow and noisy to operate. I also noticed the plastic clip digging into my skin after only a short time. I found the holster to be rather uncomfortable for any extended period.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a few weeks of occasional use, the U. Mike’s INS PANT HLSTR W/RS 1 – Black Color, 3-4″ Barrel Medium Auto Gun Mod, Suede Material, Any Model didn’t fare much better. The suede started showing wear marks almost immediately, and the stitching around the belt clip began to fray. The plastic clip loosened, causing the holster to shift during movement.
Cleaning the holster was straightforward – a simple wipe-down with a damp cloth – but the suede retained moisture for quite some time. Compared to my Kydex holsters, which wipe clean instantly, the U. Mike’s INS PANT HLSTR W/RS 1 – Black Color, 3-4″ Barrel Medium Auto Gun Mod, Suede Material, Any Model felt less hygienic and potentially prone to mildew. This experience further solidified my initial concerns regarding its long-term durability and reliability.
Breaking Down the Features of U. Mike’s INS PANT HLSTR W/RS 1 – Black Color, 3-4″ Barrel Medium Auto Gun Mod, Suede Material, Any Model
Specifications
Color: Black. A standard, neutral color for discreet carry.
It blends well with most clothing.Gun Mod: 3-4″ Barrel Medium Auto. Designed for compact and subcompact semiautomatic pistols with a 3-4 inch barrel.
This target range covers the popular Glock 19, Sig Sauer P320 Compact, and similar sized firearms.Material: Suede. Provides a soft, comfortable contact point against the body, aiming to reduce chafing.
Suede is not known for its durability or resistance to moisture.Model: Any. This vague designation suggests universal compatibility within the specified gun size and barrel length.
“Any” often means “fits loosely” and might not provide optimal retention for specific firearm models.Retention Strap: Features a fold-over Velcro retention strap. This aims to keep the gun in place and allows for quick release with the thumb.
Velcro is known to wear out and can be noisy during draw.Construction: Made of an ultra-thin, four-layer laminate. This aims to provide structural integrity while maintaining a low profile for concealed carry.
Thin laminates may lack rigidity and long-term durability.Belt Clip: Includes a belt clip for secure attachment inside the waistband. The clip seems to be made from plastic.
Plastic clips can be prone to breakage.
Performance & Functionality
The U. Mike’s INS PANT HLSTR W/RS 1 – Black Color, 3-4″ Barrel Medium Auto Gun Mod, Suede Material, Any Model’s performance is, frankly, underwhelming. Retention is questionable without the strap, and the strap itself is slow and cumbersome. The draw stroke is inconsistent, sometimes smooth, sometimes snagging on the suede.
Its main strength is its low profile, minimizing printing. However, the lack of a reinforced mouth makes re-holstering difficult and potentially unsafe. It neither meets nor exceeds expectations for even a basic IWB holster.
Design & Ergonomics
The U. Mike’s INS PANT HLSTR W/RS 1 – Black Color, 3-4″ Barrel Medium Auto Gun Mod, Suede Material, Any Model is cheaply made. The suede feels nice initially, but the plastic clip and thin laminate construction scream cost-cutting. There’s a slight learning curve associated with the retention strap, but the overall design is simple, if ineffective.
Durability & Maintenance
I don’t expect the U. Mike’s INS PANT HLSTR W/RS 1 – Black Color, 3-4″ Barrel Medium Auto Gun Mod, Suede Material, Any Model to last very long. The wear and tear after only a few weeks of use is concerning. Maintenance is easy, but the suede’s moisture retention is a drawback.
Accessories and Customization Options
There are no included accessories with the U. Mike’s INS PANT HLSTR W/RS 1 – Black Color, 3-4″ Barrel Medium Auto Gun Mod, Suede Material, Any Model, and customization options are virtually non-existent. Due to its generic design and construction, aftermarket accessories are unlikely to be compatible or beneficial. There are no options available.
Pros and Cons of U. Mike’s INS PANT HLSTR W/RS 1 – Black Color, 3-4″ Barrel Medium Auto Gun Mod, Suede Material, Any Model
Pros
- Low Price: The biggest draw is its incredibly affordable price point.
- Minimal Printing: Its thin profile makes it relatively discreet under clothing.
- Soft Suede: The suede material is comfortable against the skin, at least initially.
Cons
- Poor Retention: Relies heavily on a slow and noisy Velcro strap.
- Cheap Construction: The plastic clip and thin laminate raise serious durability concerns.
- Uncomfortable: The plastic clip digs into the skin, and the holster shifts during movement.
Who Should Buy U. Mike’s INS PANT HLSTR W/RS 1 – Black Color, 3-4″ Barrel Medium Auto Gun Mod, Suede Material, Any Model?
The U. Mike’s INS PANT HLSTR W/RS 1 – Black Color, 3-4″ Barrel Medium Auto Gun Mod, Suede Material, Any Model might be suitable for someone who absolutely needs a holster for occasional, very light use and is on an extremely tight budget. Perhaps for storing a firearm in a glove compartment or nightstand drawer. It would work best in these scenarios.
Anyone serious about concealed carry, self-defense, or consistent comfort should skip this product. A quality holster is a critical piece of equipment and shouldn’t be skimped on. A sturdy belt designed for concealed carry is a must-have if you purchase this holster.
Conclusion on U. Mike’s INS PANT HLSTR W/RS 1 – Black Color, 3-4″ Barrel Medium Auto Gun Mod, Suede Material, Any Model
The U. Mike’s INS PANT HLSTR W/RS 1 – Black Color, 3-4″ Barrel Medium Auto Gun Mod, Suede Material, Any Model is a prime example of “you get what you pay for.” While the low price is tempting, the poor retention, cheap construction, and overall discomfort make it a questionable investment. The cost does not justify the value of the product.
I cannot personally recommend this holster for anyone who takes concealed carry seriously. Spend a little more money on a reputable brand; your safety and comfort are worth it. Find something you can trust.