The Desantis Gunhide The Nemesis N38 Medium/Large Colt Defender/Officer B – Black Color, Textured Model, Medium/Large Size, Pocket Holster Type Made a Bold First Impression
The Desantis Gunhide The Nemesis N38 Medium/Large Colt Defender/Officer B – Black Color, Textured Model, Medium/Large Size, Pocket Holster Type promises revolutionary concealment for compact firearms. It’s a pocket holster designed for specific models, boasting a “sticky” exterior and slick interior for secure carry and quick draw. I was intrigued by the promise of no movement in the pocket.
As someone with over a decade in tactical gear, I’ve seen countless holsters claim to be the best. I needed a reliable, deep concealment option for my Colt Officer’s model when off-duty. I was tired of bulky IWB holsters and wanted something truly pocket-friendly, so the Nemesis’s advertised discretion caught my eye.
Upon unboxing, the textured black exterior immediately stood out. The Desantis holster felt lightweight but substantial. The stitching appeared clean and durable, and the material had a definite stickiness to the touch.
Compared to a generic nylon pocket holster I’d been using, the Nemesis felt like a significant upgrade. A kydex pocket holster offered a more rigid structure, but I was hoping the Nemesis’s flexible design would be more comfortable for all-day carry. The Desantis Nemesis felt like the Goldilocks option.
Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. The “fly paper” claim seemed a bit hyperbolic, but the textured exterior and Desantis’s reputation gave me hope. I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype or ended up being another over-promising, under-delivering piece of gear.
Real-World Testing: Putting Desantis Gunhide The Nemesis N38 Medium/Large Colt Defender/Officer B – Black Color, Textured Model, Medium/Large Size, Pocket Holster Type to the Test
First Use Experience
My first trial was at the range, incorporating draw drills into my practice. I carried the Desantis Gunhide The Nemesis N38 in the front pocket of my standard 5.11 tactical pants. The draw was surprisingly smooth, considering the holster’s sticky exterior.
During a particularly humid day, the holster retained its grip inside my pocket. The slick interior facilitated a clean draw despite my sweaty hands. I did notice a bit of “printing” through the fabric, but nothing alarming.
The initial range session revealed no immediate issues. The gun stayed secure, the draw was consistent, and the holster remained in place after repeated draws. I was cautiously impressed.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent carry, the Desantis Gunhide The Nemesis N38 has proven to be generally reliable. I’ve carried it in various pants, from jeans to cargo shorts, with varying degrees of success, discussed later in this review. The holster has remained largely intact, although the texture has begun to slightly lose some of its initial tackiness after sustained use and friction.
I’ve noticed minimal wear and tear, primarily some slight fraying at the holster’s opening. Regular cleaning with a damp cloth keeps it relatively clean and maintains its stickiness. Overall maintenance is simple, involving only occasional wipe downs.
Compared to other pocket holsters I’ve used, the Nemesis performs admirably in retention and draw consistency. The minor loss of texture is a slight drawback, but its overall functionality remains solid, making it a better alternative.
Breaking Down the Features of Desantis Gunhide The Nemesis N38 Medium/Large Colt Defender/Officer B – Black Color, Textured Model, Medium/Large Size, Pocket Holster Type
Specifications
The Desantis Gunhide The Nemesis N38 is specifically designed for medium to large compact pistols like the Colt Officer and Defender models. The holster is a pocket holster type made from a unique blend of materials. It features a black textured exterior for maximum grip inside the pocket and a slick pack cloth interior.
It accommodates guns like the Colt Officer, Kimber Ultra Carry, Glock 17/19/22/23/36, Ruger SR9/SR40, S&W 99/990L 9/40, and Sig P220 Carry/P225/228/229/239. This matters because specific gun fit is critical for retention and proper draw. The slick interior promotes a smooth draw, while the textured exterior stops holster movement within the pocket.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the Desantis Gunhide The Nemesis N38 is to securely hold and conceal a handgun in a pocket. It performs this function well, offering solid retention and a smooth draw. The holster excels in concealment, but the “printing” issue depends heavily on clothing.
The Nemesis’s greatest strength is its secure grip inside the pocket. A minor weakness is the potential for printing, depending on clothing and the size of the firearm. Overall, it meets expectations for a pocket holster designed for deep concealment, but falls short of being truly universal across different pants styles.
Design & Ergonomics
The Desantis Gunhide The Nemesis N38 features a simple, functional design with no sharp edges. The construction is lightweight, adding minimal bulk to the firearm. The slightly wider profile does impact comfort if you’re sitting for extended periods.
The holster requires no break-in period and feels immediately comfortable. The design is user-friendly, requiring no special skills or knowledge to use effectively. The ergonomics are generally good, but the size may feel bulky for smaller pockets.
Durability & Maintenance
The Desantis Gunhide The Nemesis N38 seems reasonably durable, constructed from quality materials. With proper care, it should last for several years of regular use. The holster requires minimal maintenance, primarily occasional cleaning.
The holster can be wiped down with a damp cloth and mild soap if needed. Repairing any damage would likely require professional stitching, but so far, no repairs have been needed. Overall, its simplicity contributes to its longevity.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Desantis Gunhide The Nemesis N38 is a standalone product and doesn’t require or accept additional accessories. There are no customization options available for the Nemesis itself. It is designed for a specific range of firearms, but offers no user-adjustable features.
Its compatibility is limited to the firearms listed by the manufacturer. Therefore, you cannot change the holster’s fit or retention. It is a minimalist design prioritizing function over customization.
Pros and Cons of Desantis Gunhide The Nemesis N38 Medium/Large Colt Defender/Officer B – Black Color, Textured Model, Medium/Large Size, Pocket Holster Type
Pros
- Secure grip within the pocket: The textured exterior prevents slippage.
- Smooth draw: The slick interior allows for a quick and clean draw.
- Deep concealment: Minimizes printing, particularly with appropriate clothing.
- Lightweight and comfortable: Adds minimal bulk for all-day carry.
- Simple to use: Requires no specialized training or adjustments.
Cons
- Printing: Can still print depending on clothing and firearm size.
- Loss of texture: The “sticky” exterior can lose some grip over time.
- Size limitations: May not fit well in smaller pockets or with larger firearms.
Who Should Buy Desantis Gunhide The Nemesis N38 Medium/Large Colt Defender/Officer B – Black Color, Textured Model, Medium/Large Size, Pocket Holster Type?
The Desantis Gunhide The Nemesis N38 is perfect for individuals seeking a deep concealment option for their compact pistols. It benefits law enforcement officers, concealed carry permit holders, and anyone prioritizing discreet carry. The ease of use and secure retention make it suitable for those with limited experience in pocket carry.
This product might not be ideal for individuals with very small pockets or those carrying significantly larger firearms. Those who require adjustable retention or prefer kydex’s rigidity may find the Nemesis lacking. If maximum comfort during prolonged sitting is a priority, alternatives might be better suited.
A sturdy belt designed for concealed carry can help minimize printing, especially with larger firearms. Proper clothing choices, such as looser-fitting pants, are also essential for optimal concealment with this holster. Consider heavier fabric pants.
Conclusion on Desantis Gunhide The Nemesis N38 Medium/Large Colt Defender/Officer B – Black Color, Textured Model, Medium/Large Size, Pocket Holster Type
The Desantis Gunhide The Nemesis N38 provides a solid, reliable pocket holster option for compact pistols. Its secure grip and smooth draw make it a functional choice for deep concealment. Despite some minor drawbacks like potential printing and texture wear, it generally performs as advertised.
At $18.49, the price is justified for its functionality and quality construction. The Nemesis offers a good value proposition for those seeking a simple, effective pocket holster. Its price-to-performance ratio is surprisingly good.
I would recommend the Desantis Gunhide The Nemesis N38 to anyone needing a reliable and easily concealable pocket holster. Just be mindful of clothing choices and pocket size to maximize its effectiveness. Try it for yourself and experience the “sticky” difference!