DeSantis Gunhide 031BA8OZ0 Insider Black Leather IWB fits Glock 17/22 Right Hand – Black Color, Leather Material, Any Model Review

The DeSantis Gunhide 031BA8OZ0 Insider Black Leather IWB fits Glock 17/22 Right Hand – Black Color, Leather Material, Any Model Made a Bold First Impression

For those seeking a simple, affordable, and functional inside-the-waistband (IWB) holster for their Glock 17 or 22, the DeSantis Gunhide 031BA8OZ0 Insider Black Leather IWB fits Glock 17/22 Right Hand – Black Color, Leather Material, Any Model presents itself as a no-frills option. The DeSantis name carries a certain weight in the holster world, and I was eager to see if this budget-friendly offering lived up to the reputation. This holster promises deep concealment with comfort, a tempting combination for anyone who carries regularly.

I needed a reliable IWB holster for my Glock 17 that wouldn’t break the bank. I’d been using a more rigid Kydex holster, but it was becoming uncomfortable for all-day wear, especially during warmer months. The DeSantis Insider seemed like a good alternative with its soft leather construction.

Upon unboxing, the holster had that distinct leather smell, which I always appreciate. The DeSantis Gunhide 031BA8OZ0 Insider Black Leather IWB fits Glock 17/22 Right Hand – Black Color, Leather Material, Any Model felt surprisingly lightweight and the leather was indeed soft, though undeniably thin. The single spring steel clip looked sturdy enough for the job of securing it to my belt.

I considered a few other options like the Galco Summer Comfort and the Bianchi 100 Professional. The Galco, while renowned, was significantly more expensive. The Bianchi was a similar price point, but the DeSantis‘s minimalist design appealed to me more.

My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. The low price point made me wary of the long-term durability, but the simplicity and potential for comfortable carry were definitely attractive. I was eager to put the DeSantis Gunhide 031BA8OZ0 Insider Black Leather IWB fits Glock 17/22 Right Hand – Black Color, Leather Material, Any Model through its paces and see how it performed in real-world scenarios.

Real-World Testing: Putting DeSantis Gunhide 031BA8OZ0 Insider Black Leather IWB fits Glock 17/22 Right Hand – Black Color, Leather Material, Any Model to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test run with the DeSantis Gunhide 031BA8OZ0 Insider Black Leather IWB fits Glock 17/22 Right Hand – Black Color, Leather Material, Any Model was during a day at the shooting range. I wanted to assess its comfort during movement and its effect on drawing speed. The weather was moderately warm, around 75 degrees Fahrenheit, with low humidity.

The DeSantis Insider proved to be more comfortable than my Kydex holster, conforming to my body shape better. However, re-holstering required a bit of care as the un-molded leather collapses after the firearm is drawn. This made it a little slower than a molded holster.

I didn’t experience any major issues initially. The gun stayed securely in place during moderate activity, and the draw was smooth enough once I got used to the leather’s lack of rigidity. A minor annoyance was the clip occasionally snagging on my shirt during re-holstering.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of daily carry, the DeSantis Gunhide 031BA8OZ0 Insider Black Leather IWB fits Glock 17/22 Right Hand – Black Color, Leather Material, Any Model showed some signs of wear. The leather began to soften and stretch, requiring me to tighten my belt slightly for optimal retention. The stitching, however, remained intact.

The holster held up reasonably well, given its price point. I noticed some creasing and discoloration in the leather from regular use and sweat. Cleaning was relatively simple, requiring only a damp cloth and occasional leather conditioner.

Compared to my previous Kydex holster, the DeSantis definitely prioritized comfort over speed and rigidity. While the Kydex provided a faster draw and easier re-holstering, the DeSantis Gunhide 031BA8OZ0 Insider Black Leather IWB fits Glock 17/22 Right Hand – Black Color, Leather Material, Any Model was significantly more comfortable for extended periods, particularly while sitting. However, the leather’s flexibility means it’s not ideal for one-handed re-holstering.

Breaking Down the Features of DeSantis Gunhide 031BA8OZ0 Insider Black Leather IWB fits Glock 17/22 Right Hand – Black Color, Leather Material, Any Model

Specifications

The DeSantis Gunhide 031BA8OZ0 Insider Black Leather IWB fits Glock 17/22 Right Hand – Black Color, Leather Material, Any Model is specifically designed for Glock 17 and 22 handguns. Its right-hand configuration caters exclusively to right-handed users. The holster is constructed from black leather and uses a heavy-duty spring steel clip for attachment to the belt.

The holster’s minimalist design aims to minimize bulk, which is important for concealed carry. The soft, un-molded leather is intended to provide a comfortable fit against the body. The high-positioned clip allows for deep concealment.

Performance & Functionality

The DeSantis Gunhide 031BA8OZ0 Insider Black Leather IWB fits Glock 17/22 Right Hand – Black Color, Leather Material, Any Model performs adequately for its intended purpose. It securely holds the firearm in place and allows for reasonably smooth draw strokes. The comfort level is a strong point.

Its main weakness is the lack of rigidity in the un-molded leather, which makes re-holstering more challenging. The holster meets expectations for a budget-friendly option but doesn’t exceed them in terms of speed or advanced features. The value for the price is good.

Design & Ergonomics

The holster features a simple and functional design. The all-black leather provides a discreet appearance. The lightweight construction enhances comfort during extended wear.

The design is fairly user-friendly, with no complex adjustments or mechanisms. There’s minimal learning curve involved in using the DeSantis Gunhide 031BA8OZ0 Insider Black Leather IWB fits Glock 17/22 Right Hand – Black Color, Leather Material, Any Model. It works.

Durability & Maintenance

The long-term durability is questionable due to the relatively thin leather. Regular maintenance with leather conditioner will help prolong its lifespan. Repairs would likely require professional leatherworking.

With proper care, the DeSantis Gunhide 031BA8OZ0 Insider Black Leather IWB fits Glock 17/22 Right Hand – Black Color, Leather Material, Any Model should last a reasonable amount of time for the price. However, heavy use will undoubtedly accelerate wear and tear.

Accessories and Customization Options

The DeSantis Gunhide 031BA8OZ0 Insider Black Leather IWB fits Glock 17/22 Right Hand – Black Color, Leather Material, Any Model doesn’t come with any additional accessories. Customization options are limited due to its simple design. However, the clip can be bent slightly to adjust the cant (angle) of the firearm.

It’s compatible with standard 1.5-inch belts, which are commonly available. Aftermarket accessories like wedges or pads could potentially be added to improve comfort or concealment, but they would require some DIY modification.

Pros and Cons of DeSantis Gunhide 031BA8OZ0 Insider Black Leather IWB fits Glock 17/22 Right Hand – Black Color, Leather Material, Any Model