DeSantis Gunhide 031BA79Z0 Insider Black Leather IWB Colt Officer Right Hand Review

First Thoughts on the DeSantis Gunhide 031BA79Z0 Insider Black Leather IWB Colt Officer Right Hand

Concealed carry is a deeply personal choice, and the holster is a critical piece of that puzzle. Today, I’m diving deep into the DeSantis Gunhide 031BA79Z0 Insider Black Leather IWB Colt Officer Right Hand, a minimalist inside-the-waistband (IWB) holster designed for Colt Officer’s and Defender 1911 variants. DeSantis Gunhide has a long-standing reputation for quality leather products, and at a price point of around $26, this holster piqued my interest as a potentially affordable and comfortable option for concealed carry.

I’ve been carrying a Colt Defender for years, and finding the perfect holster has been a never-ending quest. My main issue? Comfort. I’ve tried Kydex holsters that felt like wearing a brick, and hybrid holsters that were too bulky. I needed something simple, comfortable, and reliable. The DeSantis Insider promised just that.

Upon receiving the holster, my first impression was positive. The black leather looked well-finished, and the holster felt surprisingly lightweight. It appeared well-molded to the shape of a 3″ 1911. Compared to a Galco Summer Comfort or a Bianchi 100 Professional, both well-regarded leather IWB holsters, the DeSantis Insider looked less bulky and more streamlined. I chose it over those mainly due to its lower price and the promising user feedback about its comfort.

Initial excitement was definitely there. It looked like a no-frills, functional holster that might finally solve my comfort woes. The real test, of course, would be how it performed under real-world conditions.

Real-World Testing: Putting DeSantis Gunhide 031BA79Z0 Insider Black Leather IWB Colt Officer Right Hand to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing ground for the DeSantis Gunhide 031BA79Z0 Insider Black Leather IWB Colt Officer Right Hand was a day at the shooting range, followed by everyday carry for a week. I wanted to see how it performed during active movement and prolonged wear. The range offered a controlled environment to practice drawing and re-holstering, while daily carry revealed its comfort level during various activities.

The first draw from the holster was smooth and clean. Retention was snug enough to keep the pistol secure but not so tight as to impede a rapid draw. Re-holstering required a bit of practice. The leather collapsed slightly after the pistol was drawn. This made one-handed re-holstering a tad tricky initially. I also spent some time in my backyard simulating everyday movements. These included bending, sitting, and walking. The holster remained comfortable and secure in all positions.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, the DeSantis Gunhide Insider has held up remarkably well. The leather has conformed slightly to the shape of my Colt Defender, resulting in an even more secure and comfortable fit. I’ve carried it during hot, humid days and even during light rain. The leather showed no signs of cracking or discoloration.

Durability seems to be a strong point of this holster. The stitching remains intact, and the leather still looks relatively new. Maintenance is simple. I wipe it down with a clean cloth after each use and occasionally apply a leather conditioner to keep it supple. Compared to my previous experiences with Kydex holsters, the DeSantis Insider is significantly more comfortable for extended carry. However, it does require more care to maintain the leather.

Breaking Down the Features of DeSantis Gunhide 031BA79Z0 Insider Black Leather IWB Colt Officer Right Hand

Specifications

The DeSantis Gunhide 031BA79Z0 Insider Black Leather IWB Colt Officer Right Hand is designed specifically for 3-inch 1911 Officer’s and Defender models. It is a right-hand draw holster. The material is black leather with a smooth finish. It is an inside-the-waistband (IWB) style holster.

These specifications matter because they dictate the holster’s compatibility, comfort, and concealment. The leather construction provides a comfortable feel against the skin. This is especially important for IWB carry. The right-hand configuration ensures a natural and efficient draw for right-handed shooters.

Performance & Functionality

The DeSantis Gunhide 031BA79Z0 Insider Black Leather IWB Colt Officer Right Hand performs its primary function – securely and comfortably carrying a Colt Officer’s model – admirably. The retention is good, providing a secure hold without hindering the draw. Its usability is straightforward. There’s no complicated adjustment or release mechanism. The comfort level is high, especially for extended carry.

Its strength lies in its simplicity and comfort. The main weakness is the potential for the leather to collapse when re-holstering. This necessitates a deliberate two-handed approach. Overall, it meets expectations as a basic, functional, and comfortable IWB holster.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the DeSantis Gunhide Insider is adequate for its price point. The leather is reasonably thick and well-stitched. The holster is lightweight, which adds to its comfort. The leather is smooth against the skin, minimizing irritation.

The holster’s design is user-friendly. There’s no significant learning curve. Simply clip it onto your belt and insert your pistol. It’s designed to be worn inside the waistband, offering good concealment.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, the DeSantis Gunhide Insider should last for several years of regular use. The leather is relatively durable and resistant to wear and tear.

Maintenance is straightforward. Regular cleaning with a soft cloth and occasional application of leather conditioner will help keep the holster in good condition. Avoid exposing it to excessive moisture or heat.

Accessories and Customization Options

The DeSantis Gunhide 031BA79Z0 Insider Black Leather IWB Colt Officer Right Hand is a minimalist holster and doesn’t come with any additional accessories. There are no specific customization options directly related to the holster itself.

However, the user can customize their carry experience by using different belts or adjusting their carry position. Aftermarket clips could potentially replace the factory clip. But, this may require some modification.

Pros and Cons of DeSantis Gunhide 031BA79Z0 Insider Black Leather IWB Colt Officer Right Hand

Pros

  • Comfortable for extended carry: The leather construction is gentle against the skin, making it ideal for all-day wear.
  • Affordable price: At around $26, it’s a budget-friendly option for concealed carry.
  • Good retention: The holster securely holds the pistol in place without hindering the draw.
  • Simple and easy to use: There’s no complicated mechanism or adjustment required.
  • Decent concealment: Its IWB design allows for good concealment under clothing.

Cons

  • Leather collapses when re-holstering: Requires a deliberate two-handed approach.
  • Minimalist design: Lacks advanced features like adjustable retention or reinforced mouth.


Who Should Buy DeSantis Gunhide 031BA79Z0 Insider Black Leather IWB Colt Officer Right Hand?

The DeSantis Gunhide 031BA79Z0 Insider Black Leather IWB Colt Officer Right Hand is perfect for individuals seeking an affordable, comfortable, and simple IWB holster for their Colt Officer’s or Defender model 1911. It’s well-suited for everyday carry and those who prioritize comfort over advanced features. This holster is ideal for those who value a traditional leather holster.

Those who require adjustable retention, a reinforced mouth for easy one-handed re-holstering, or a more rigid construction might want to skip this product. Those who prefer Kydex or hybrid holsters might also not find this appealing. Must-have accessories might include a high-quality gun belt to ensure proper support and concealment.

Conclusion on DeSantis Gunhide 031BA79Z0 Insider Black Leather IWB Colt Officer Right Hand

The DeSantis Gunhide 031BA79Z0 Insider Black Leather IWB Colt Officer Right Hand is a solid, no-frills IWB holster that delivers on its promise of comfort and affordability. While it lacks advanced features and requires a deliberate two-handed re-holstering technique, its simplicity and comfort make it a worthwhile option for those seeking a budget-friendly concealed carry solution for their Colt Officer’s model 1911.

The price is definitely justified for what you get. It is a comfortable, functional, and reliable holster. I would personally recommend it to anyone looking for a basic leather IWB holster. If you’re looking for a comfortable and affordable way to carry your Colt Officer’s model, give the DeSantis Insider a try. You might be pleasantly surprised.


Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top