DeSantis Gunhide 019BAO2Z0 Mini Scabbard Black Leather Belt Taurus 85 2″/850CIA 2″/85CH 2″ Right Hand Review

First Thoughts on the DeSantis Gunhide 019BAO2Z0 Mini Scabbard Black Leather Belt Taurus 85 2″/850CIA 2″/85CH 2″ Right Hand

For over a decade, I’ve spent countless hours searching for the perfect balance between comfort, security, and accessibility when it comes to holsters. The DeSantis Gunhide 019BAO2Z0 Mini Scabbard Black Leather Belt Taurus 85 2″/850CIA 2″/85CH 2″ Right Hand caught my eye due to its minimalist design and reputation for quality leather. I was hoping this would be the solution for comfortably carrying my Taurus 85 while maintaining a low profile.

My search stemmed from needing a reliable and concealable holster for my Taurus 85 for everyday carry. I had been using a bulkier IWB (Inside the Waistband) holster, but it proved uncomfortable during extended periods of sitting or driving. I was looking for a simple, OWB (Outside the Waistband) option that wouldn’t dig into my side, and that would still retain the handgun securely.

Upon unboxing, the DeSantis Gunhide Mini Scabbard impressed me with its evident craftsmanship. The black leather was visibly high quality, smooth to the touch, and possessed that distinctive, appealing leather aroma. The stitching appeared robust, promising long-term durability, and the molded fit suggested excellent retention. It felt solid in hand, a far cry from some of the flimsier leather holsters I’ve encountered.

I considered a Kydex holster from a different manufacturer, as well as a hybrid leather/Kydex option. Ultimately, I chose the DeSantis because I preferred the feel and aesthetic of traditional leather, and I trusted the DeSantis Gunhide reputation. I also felt the simpler design would offer better comfort for all-day carry.

My first impression was definitely positive. I was excited to see how it performed in real-world scenarios and hoped it would live up to the reputation of the DeSantis brand. I anticipated a break-in period, as is typical with quality leather goods, but was overall eager to test its comfort, retention, and concealability.

Real-World Testing: Putting DeSantis Gunhide 019BAO2Z0 Mini Scabbard Black Leather Belt Taurus 85 2″/850CIA 2″/85CH 2″ Right Hand to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the DeSantis Mini Scabbard at my local shooting range and during a weekend hiking trip. The range allowed me to assess the draw speed and re-holstering ease, while the hike provided a realistic test of comfort and retention under varied physical activity. I practiced drawing and re-holstering while seated, standing, and moving to simulate different real-world scenarios.

The weather during the hike was mixed, with periods of sunshine and light rain. I noticed that the leather, while seemingly water-resistant, did absorb some moisture. This didn’t affect the holster’s performance, but it highlighted the need for proper leather care.

Initially, the draw was quite stiff due to the tight fit. This was expected, and I knew it was a sign of good retention. After a few dozen draws, the leather began to loosen slightly, making the draw smoother and faster.

The only initial issue was the slight discomfort caused by the holster’s edge rubbing against my skin while hiking without an undershirt. This was easily remedied by wearing a t-shirt tucked in. Otherwise, the holster performed flawlessly.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the DeSantis Mini Scabbard has proven to be a reliable and comfortable carry option. It molds to my body over time. The fit has become almost custom.

The leather has shown minimal signs of wear and tear, with only slight creasing in high-stress areas. I have made sure to condition the leather regularly. This helps maintain its suppleness and prevent cracking.

Cleaning is simple: I use a damp cloth to wipe away any dirt or sweat, followed by a leather conditioner. This keeps the leather looking new and prevents it from drying out. The holster continues to provide excellent retention and draw speed.

Compared to my previous IWB holster, the DeSantis Mini Scabbard offers a significant improvement in comfort and accessibility. While the IWB holster was more concealable, the DeSantis provides a faster draw and is much more comfortable for all-day wear. It has exceeded my expectations for a minimalist OWB holster.

Breaking Down the Features of DeSantis Gunhide 019BAO2Z0 Mini Scabbard Black Leather Belt Taurus 85 2″/850CIA 2″/85CH 2″ Right Hand

Specifications

The DeSantis Gunhide 019BAO2Z0 Mini Scabbard is specifically designed for the Taurus 85 2″, 850CIA 2″, and 85CH 2″ revolvers. It is a right-hand draw holster made from black leather. It is a belt slide holster.

• Type: Belt Slide. This design allows the holster to be worn outside the waistband (OWB) on a belt.
• Color: Black. The classic black color offers a professional and discreet appearance.
• Material: Leather. The use of quality leather provides both durability and a comfortable feel.
• Model: Right Hand. Specifically molded for a right-handed draw.
• Finish: Smooth. The smooth finish helps reduce friction and provides a clean look.
• Gun Mod: Taurus 85. This holster is specifically designed to fit the Taurus 85 model.
• Add Mod: S&W. Although designed primarily for the Taurus 85, some users have found it fits similar S&W J-Frame revolvers.

These specifications are crucial for a holster’s performance because they directly impact the fit, retention, and draw speed. A proper fit ensures the firearm is secure and accessible, while the quality of the materials dictates the holster’s longevity and comfort. The right-hand design ensures that the holster is ergonomically suited for a right-handed shooter, facilitating a natural and efficient draw stroke.

Performance & Functionality

The DeSantis Gunhide Mini Scabbard performs its job admirably. The key performance aspects are retention, draw speed, and comfort. The holster’s molded design provides excellent retention, ensuring the firearm stays securely in place during movement.

The draw speed is surprisingly quick for a leather holster. This is primarily due to the minimalist design. It allows for a full firing grip on the handgun before drawing.

• Strengths: The holster offers excellent retention, a smooth and relatively fast draw, and is comfortable for all-day wear. It also maintains a low profile, making it reasonably concealable under a light jacket or untucked shirt.
• Weaknesses: The initial stiffness requires a break-in period. It also provides minimal protection for the firearm.

Overall, the holster meets and exceeds expectations for a minimalist OWB leather holster. It strikes a good balance between security, accessibility, and comfort.

Design & Ergonomics

The design is simple and functional. DeSantis has focused on creating a holster that does its job without unnecessary bulk. The high-quality leather feels comfortable against the body. The molded fit ensures that the handgun sits securely and doesn’t shift during movement.

The holster is user-friendly with virtually no learning curve. Simply thread it onto a belt, and it is ready to use. The open-top design allows for a natural and intuitive draw.

Durability & Maintenance

The DeSantis Mini Scabbard, crafted from high-quality leather, is built to last. With proper care, it can easily withstand years of regular use. The robust stitching and sturdy leather construction contribute to its overall durability.

Maintaining the holster is straightforward. Regular cleaning with a damp cloth and periodic conditioning with leather conditioner will keep the leather supple and prevent cracking. Repairs, if needed, can typically be handled by a competent leather worker.

Accessories and Customization Options

The DeSantis Gunhide Mini Scabbard is a minimalist design, so it does not come with any accessories, nor are there many options for customization. Its core function is to provide a secure and accessible way to carry a Taurus 85 revolver.

The holster’s compatibility is primarily limited to belts that fit through its belt loops, typically up to 1.5 inches wide. While there are no specific customization options for this particular holster, some users may choose to add aftermarket belt clips or loops for different carry styles. However, these modifications would require specialized tools and expertise.

Pros and Cons of DeSantis Gunhide 019BAO2Z0 Mini Scabbard Black Leather Belt Taurus 85 2″/850CIA 2″/85CH 2″ Right Hand