Desantis Gunhide The Nemesis N38 Medium/Large Colt Defender/Officer B Review

First Thoughts on the Desantis Gunhide The Nemesis N38 Medium/Large Colt Defender/Officer B

The Desantis Gunhide The Nemesis N38 Medium/Large Colt Defender/Officer B pocket holster promises the ultimate in concealed carry convenience. Desantis Gunhide boasts a “sticky” outer material that prevents movement, a slick inner lining for a smooth draw, and a foam core to minimize printing. The low price point definitely adds to its appeal, but does it live up to the hype?

I needed a reliable, deep-concealment option for my Colt Officer’s Model while maintaining easy access. Pocket carry seemed ideal, but finding a holster that wouldn’t shift or print noticeably was proving difficult. I wanted something that would stay put, allow for a quick draw, and comfortably fit in my pocket without screaming, “Gun!”

Upon receiving the Desantis Gunhide The Nemesis N38 Medium/Large Colt Defender/Officer B, the first thing I noticed was the texture of the rubberized fabric. It felt… well, sticky! Compared to the Uncle Mike’s pocket holster I’d previously used, which slid around constantly, this seemed promising. The build quality felt solid for the price.

I considered the Galco Pocket Protector and the Aholster Pocket Holster, both known for their quality and retention. However, the Desantis Gunhide model was significantly cheaper. I decided to give it a shot based on the “Nemesis” moniker and the promise of its non-slip exterior.

Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. The holster felt substantial and seemed well-made, especially considering the price. However, the size was immediately apparent; it looked bigger than I anticipated for pocket carry, and I was concerned about how it would fit and conceal.

Real-World Testing: Putting Desantis Gunhide The Nemesis N38 Medium/Large Colt Defender/Officer B to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place at the shooting range during a concealed carry qualification course. I wanted to evaluate both the retention and the draw speed under a bit of pressure. The weather was mild, around 70 degrees, but the humidity was high, leading to some perspiration.

The Desantis Gunhide The Nemesis N38 Medium/Large Colt Defender/Officer B performed adequately in terms of retention. The gun stayed securely in the holster during movement. However, the draw was slower than I’d hoped, as the sticky exterior tended to grip my pants pocket slightly.

One initial issue was the size. The holster was large enough to fill much of my front pocket. It created a noticeable bulge, which somewhat defeated the purpose of concealed carry.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of carrying the Desantis Gunhide The Nemesis N38 Medium/Large Colt Defender/Officer B in various pants pockets, the initial stickiness has lessened slightly, but the size remains a concern. The holster has shown no signs of wear and tear, despite being subjected to daily use and occasional bumps and scrapes. Cleaning is simple. I just wipe it down with a damp cloth.

Compared to my experience with the Uncle Mike’s holster, the Desantis Gunhide offers far superior retention. However, the added bulk negates some of the benefits, making concealment more challenging. It’s a step up but not the perfect solution.

Breaking Down the Features of Desantis Gunhide The Nemesis N38 Medium/Large Colt Defender/Officer B

Specifications

• Type: Pocket Holster. This is specifically designed for pocket carry, emphasizing deep concealment.
• Color: Black. A standard color for discreet carry.
• Material: Rubberized Fabric. The “sticky” exterior is intended to prevent the holster from moving in the pocket.
• Size: Medium/Large. Fits a range of compact handguns, including the Colt Officer and Glock 17/19.
• Model: Ambidextrous. Suitable for both right- and left-handed users.
• Finish: Textured. Enhances grip and minimizes slippage.
• Gun Mod: Colt Officer. Specifically designed and molded for this gun platform.
• Add Mod: Glock 17/19. Also compatible with these popular models, increasing versatility.

These specifications matter because they dictate the holster’s effectiveness for concealed carry. The material impacts retention and draw speed. The size and fit determine comfort and printing.

Performance & Functionality

The Desantis Gunhide The Nemesis N38 Medium/Large Colt Defender/Officer B performs reasonably well in terms of retention. The sticky exterior does a good job of keeping the holster in place. However, its size and the resulting bulge are significant drawbacks.

The holster’s strength is definitely its retention capabilities, as it stays put even during rigorous movement. Its weakness lies in its bulk, which can compromise concealment and hinder draw speed. It meets some expectations, offering good retention, but falls short in terms of comfort and concealment.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is surprisingly good for the price. The rubberized fabric seems durable, and the stitching is well-executed. However, the holster is larger and bulkier than ideal.

The Desantis Gunhide The Nemesis N38 Medium/Large Colt Defender/Officer B is relatively user-friendly. There isn’t a significant learning curve, but getting accustomed to drawing from it quickly takes practice.

Durability & Maintenance

The Desantis Gunhide The Nemesis N38 Medium/Large Colt Defender/Officer B appears to be reasonably durable. After several weeks of daily use, there are no signs of significant wear. Maintenance is simple: a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Desantis Gunhide The Nemesis N38 Medium/Large Colt Defender/Officer B doesn’t come with any accessories. There aren’t any real customization options available, as it’s a molded pocket holster. The holster is designed to fit the Colt Officer and similar-sized firearms.

Pros and Cons of Desantis Gunhide The Nemesis N38 Medium/Large Colt Defender/Officer B

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Who Should Buy Desantis Gunhide The Nemesis N38 Medium/Large Colt Defender/Officer B?

The Desantis Gunhide The Nemesis N38 Medium/Large Colt Defender/Officer B is perfect for individuals seeking an affordable pocket holster with reliable retention. It’s ideal for those who prioritize keeping the holster in place over achieving the smallest possible profile. This might suit individuals who carry in larger pockets, such as those found in cargo pants or jackets.

Someone who should skip this product is anyone needing maximum concealment and minimal printing. If you prioritize a sleek profile and prefer not to have any visible bulge in your pocket, this might not be the right holster.

Must-have accessories would include a sturdy belt to help support the weight of the firearm and holster in the pocket. Also, practicing the draw technique with dummy rounds is essential to increase proficiency and speed.

Conclusion on Desantis Gunhide The Nemesis N38 Medium/Large Colt Defender/Officer B

The Desantis Gunhide The Nemesis N38 Medium/Large Colt Defender/Officer B is a decent pocket holster, especially considering its low price. Its standout feature is the “sticky” exterior, which provides excellent retention and prevents the holster from shifting in the pocket. However, its bulkiness is a significant drawback, potentially compromising concealment and hindering draw speed.

The value proposition is reasonable. The Desantis Gunhide The Nemesis N38 Medium/Large Colt Defender/Officer B offers acceptable performance at a budget-friendly price point. It’s worth considering if you are on a tight budget and prioritize retention over a slim profile.

I would cautiously recommend it to those who understand its limitations. It’s a good starting point for exploring pocket carry, but those seeking the ultimate in concealment and comfort may want to consider higher-end options. If you need a cheap, “sticky” holster, give it a try. Just be aware of its size.

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