When you think of your dream home, is it paneled in rich woods with thick luxurious rugs? Or is it a concrete room with one steel chair and a single bare-bulb lamp? If you answered yes to the second scenario, you’re probably a minimalist. And if you are, VersaCarry has the carry method for you. VersaCarry must have known that I’m an adventurous dude. Why else would they send me a holster that basically formalizes “hood” carry? After wearing it around a bit, I might just send one to Plaxico so he can formalize his favorite method of concealed carry . . .
There’s not much to this little guy. At its core, the VersaCarry is a piece of plastic with a barrel plug that clips to your belt. Pick your caliber, select the proper length for your particular gat and plop down your $25. Once you have your VersaCarry in hand, install the trigger guard (optional but you’ll really want to use it), insert your gun in your drawers without muzzling yourself and clip it to your belt. Voila!
Once properly stowed, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find that it’s actually quite comfortable. The entire system is very stable, even when it’s supporting a heavy Government 1911. With a sturdy belt it’s a reassuring fit. And with the trigger guard kit installed, things are kept reasonably safe.
Where the VersaCarry really seems to shine is on the draw: it’s fast. Wicked pissa fast. And as long as your gun doesn’t have anything hanging off of it to get caught in your clothing it should stay that way. This minimalist design also has the added benefit of allowing the user to use flashlights, lasers and red dot optics – the VersaCarry will still tote your gun. Thanks to its one-size-fits-a-lot scheme, you can use the VersaCarry with multiple guns of the same caliber.
But what to do when you want to reholster? That’s right – you undo the whole thing and start over at step one. Then insert your gun without muzzling yourself and clip it in. Again. Forever. And that sucks for three very important reasons.
First, it makes dry fire practice a pain in the ass. You can see in the video that you have to do a bunch of reattaching and finagling to get everything back where it belongs. That takes time and adds frustration to a process that already requires a good bit of concentration (if you’re doing it right).
Second, it elevates live fire practice to a special kind of dangerous. Here you are trying to wedge the barrel of a loaded gun on a Teflon plug without muzzling yourself or any innocent bystanders. Then you have to put said live gun inside your waistband with only one side of the trigger protected. It took me a bit to get it down, and I still never got up the courage to load my 1911 for any of these demos.
Third, and most importantly, it hoses you hard if you’re ever involved in a DGU. Any instructor worth his salt will tell you to reholster your heater once it is safe to do so. With the VersaCarry, if you want to put your gun away you’re forced to do the awkward little reholster dance (with your adrenal glands pumping massive amounts of Catecholamine all the while). Pending your inability to reholster (you can’t do it), you’ll be forced to set your gun down on the ground. And that is no bueno amigo(a). With your gun on the ground, you aren’t in control. And you need to be in control of your firearm.
VersaCarry’s FAQ page seems to agree with my safety-related sentiments. Well, at least the part about what you have to do to re-holster. Not so much on the gun retention piece. But they do specifically warn users not to carry cocked and locked. Which to this humble scribe doesn’t make a damn lick of sense.
For easy decision making reasons, I’m going to paint a picture of the qualities that might attract you to the VersaCarry: if you carry Israeli style (condition 3), have a multitude of similar sized guns in the same caliber, can’t afford multiple holsters, want to carry in different positions on the body, hate efficient practice sessions or are intrigued by the thought of patent pending products, the VersaCarry might be a good fit for you.
If you like full trigger coverage, hate getting sweat on your gun and like the ability to re-holster on a whim, you may not be their target audience.
Specifications: VersaCarry
Type: The patent pending Versacarry is so unique, there is not a term to define it. It is a new and revolutionary concealed carry invention.
Materials: Plastic and DelrinAdjustment: N/A –
MSRP: $24.99 + $0.50 for the trigger guard/spacer combo
Ratings (out of five stars)
Fit and Finish * * * * *
The VersaCarry is a very well made piece of gear that should last and last and last.
Customization *
There’s nothing to modify. It is what it is.
Concealability * * * * *
I had no issues concealing a full size 1911 with the VersaCarry. If concealability at the cost of everything is your game, buy the VersaCarry.
Comfort * * * *
It isn’t quite as comfortable as a leather backed IWB holster, but given what it is (or isn’t), I was pleasantly surprised at how comfortable it was to carry around.
Overall Rating * *
How can a holster-esqe thingy get so many stars above and end up with only two overall? Because it fails so miserably in practiceability and general safety. Doing any sort of meaningful practice with the VersaCarry is all but impossible. You will get very good at reassembling the whole thing, but that’s about it. And all the trigger guarding plastic in the world can’t help the fact that it still leaves one side of your trigger guard totally exposed. VersaCarry doesn’t advocate carrying a loaded gun in this holster that isn’t a holster and that should be all you really need to know.
I bought 2 at the NRA convention this year (one for my 9mm and one for the .380). I bought them for what they are – deep cover and no holster nearby or I dont’ have the right kind of holster. this is not a primary carry method but for someone who needs to grab a heater to go, it works.
very interesting design idea, there are some innovative people working at VersaCarry.
I’m not particularly thrilled about removing the barrel plug and kydex clip to reinsert the unloaded pistol into it.
At first I was thinking YOWCH! Hard steel against my skin? Then after watching the video and examining the pictures a little better I understand how it works.
Thanks for the post Tyler! (also your 1911 is a thing of beauty!)
“VersaCarry doesn’t advocate carrying a loaded gun in this holster that isn’t a holster and that should be all you really need to know.”
So what is this product’s intended purpose? Is it to just carry an unloaded firearm. If so, what a business marketing blunder.
I believe the warning in VersaCarry’s FAQ is more of a CYA statement. In fact they follow it up with, “We can not know the level of firearm or safety training a user may have, so for safety, we recommend not carrying a loaded firearm”. Since the thing is such a departure from traditional holsters, VersaCarry might feel they’d be an easy target for frivolous lawsuits.
Here’s an earlier review from this site. http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2011/12/chris-dumm/gun-review-ruger-lc9-and-versacarry-holster/
I thought like you, but the trigger is not covered on both sides. I also don’t understand why one would carry an unloaded firearm. The waistband of my underwear caught the trigger of my SD9VE discharging the weapon resulting in two flesh wounds in my outer thigh. One from the muzzle blast and debris from the plug inside the muzzle and another just an inch below that where the round entered my leg. The third wound was from the surgical incision to remove the bullet about 8 inches down my leg.
I was lucky that I walked out of the ER that same day. Everyone take heed. This is not a holster! The trigger is not covered! There is a big plug in the muzzle of your pistol! You should never have a live round in the chamber while using this device! So I ask you, what good is it?
I learned a valuable lesson at the cost of pain and suffering, scaring physical and yes even psychologically. I paid a hospital visit and the embarrassment of being “That Guy.” But, it is more important to own that I experienced a N.D. and warn others perhaps saving someone else the injury or worse.
Any holster that does not allow safe and fast reholstering is useless for carry.
+1
I see on their sizing chart they make one for the newly popular .9mm. Once I upgrade my Glock, I’m-onna git one.
The one for the new .9mm is basically a paper clip.
I’ve seen these around. It does seem like a comfortable and low bulk carry solution. However, I think I would only feel comfortable using a traditional DA autopistol with it. My Kahr P9 would be safe, as there’s no way I can imagine depressing that long trigger pull while wearing the Versacarry. A 1911 cocked and locked? Pretty safe, as firing requires depressing the grip safety and releasing the safety lever.
But a Glock? No thanks. The trigger guard is on the outside, but the possibility exists for undergarments(or extra insulation for some ppl) to get into the trigger guard and BANG.
This is nothing more than glorified Mexican carry and is a really stupid idea.
Why do people keep trying to legitimize mexican carry? It’s STILL not a good idea guys!
It’s also kinda ironic that we call it Mexican Carry when Mexicans can’t legally carry.
According to legend, that’s actually why it’s called “Mexican” carry. Early in Mexican history, when their right to carry firearms in public was taken away, they ditched their rather obvious gunbelts but kept the guns stuffed in their waistbands. Hence the term.
Dumb ass
If you need to just grab your gun and go, then how about we see a review on the highly touted Remora series of holsters with the grippy thingy stuff. Does Remora also have a shoulder thingy that goes up?
Just curious.
I am going to say no to this versacarry thingamabob.
Ralph did his usual bang-up job reviewing the Remora holster here:
We didn’t have it tagged correctly, so it didn’t show up under the Gear Review tab at the top. It should now.
No thanks…
Since you say you like leather between you and your piece, how about a review of some hybrids. I’ interested in some unbiased opinions on those from Old Faithful Holsters and others, perhaps even a “shootout” between some of the different brands.
I have one and use it with my Glock 30 and 36. I like it. It rides well and keeps the gun tight with a little snug of the belt. Stable platform. Not too concerned about reholstering if involved in a DGU. If I need to, I can pocket the gun or just do what I do now, pull the VC from my belt reinsert the gun and place back in pants. Least of my worries if I’ve been shot/shot at/shot someone. Great for Glocks as they are already bulky and a holster just adds to the bulk. Just don’t put your bugger hook aon the bang switch and you won’t have to worry about a ND.
Wheelgun
The problem with a “holster” that doesn’t fully cover the trigger guard, is that something besides your trigger finger can get on the bang switch.
I picked one up for quick trips out the door when I didn’t want to “dress” in my supertuck. Unfortunately, I think this will go in the drawer. I prefer a Kahr 45 as my carry gun of choice; it feels just plain unsafe.
It seems to me that it’s possible for a gun to catch on something as it’s being drawn. I’ll pass.
Is it still nice and comfortable after you’ve run a full mag or two through your gun? Or are you just a fan of roasted peanuts?
I would never wear it as a range holster for sure. Just a quick solution to CC especially in the southeast where I am, where it is roiling hot! Running out to the store for a few minutes, it’s perfect. Better than not having a gun. I always carry IWB behind my hip so not worried about roasting the “nuts” mexican style. I agree it has limitations as long as you know that and account for it. I mean some folks carry 6 rd. .380s for defense and that has limitations too. As long as you know and can live with it, I guess it is what it is!
Wheelgun
I got one out of curiosity. I wasn’t much impressed. I didn’t like how it’s almost impossible to re-“holster” without removing it from your belt.
It’s a clever idea, but it doesn’t hold my pistol securely enough. The lack of a trigger guard is another drawback. I doubt I will ever use it.
jeet christ
I just got one for my XDs .45 just to try out and one problem… It’s way too tight, ie the gun doesn’t easily come off. If you look at the pics you can see the angle of the pin creates pressure against the inside of the barrel when inserted. Perhaps it’s fast for other people but I need to remove the entire holster and use two hands to pry it off my piece.. Will try and break it in and see if it gets better.
It seems to me that everyone that owns one has said they like it. Everyone who 1. Doesn’t know what they are talking about or 2. Are rather old school. Dislike the holster. I love mine. Way more comfortable than my super tuck or the 3 knock offs I have, more secure than the nylon iwb I used to carry. I carry a locked and loaded 1911 gov every day and have used the super carry for a little over 2 months. Until I find something more comfortable and better build I’m sticking with this.
Hah-Hah, well at the risk of being an old school ignorant inbred I don’t use it. I did buy one. After reading the included paperwork after purchase I am like WTF? Carrying without a round chambered is worse than no gun at all. Fortunately I found out about Ravens VG 2 and haven’t looked back.
It appears that those who don’t “like” it don’t have one or have one and have not used it. I carry a Sig 9 mm every day, in my Versacarry, and I LOVE it. I don’t see any safety issues, and other than removing the Versacarry to re-install it (if I have to sit down in the bathroom)
, have no issues whatsoever. GREAT product!
I’ve used a VersaCarry ‘holster’ on a variety of handguns, including 5″ 1911, XDS, and XDM. Felt safe & secure in all cases. My only issue with VC is that they don’t (yet) have a .22 carry option. Soon, I hope.
I just ordered one about 2 weeks ago very slow shipping. I asked if my 25 Baretta would fit and they said to order a #2 which would be fine for any small gun. We’ll see if it ever gets here.
I’ve used the Versacarry for over a year, with a variety of pistols. It is very comfortable, and VERY concealable. can serve as the primary holster for some pistols, and as your backup rig for all of them. It is perfect for the pistol you keep in your glovebox. If you didn’t dress properly with your fancy rig that morning for some reason (like going to the Dr), you can grab it from the car and slip it on you belt when needed.
For the Glock 27 I carried Condition 3 – but that was the gun’s fault, not the holster. I don’t carry Condition 1, period. A 1911 in your pants with the hammer cocked, the grip safety pinned and the thumb safety off is not a great idea, neither is a single action striker fired, NO safety, pistol.
Combined with a DA/SA SiG, or a Ruger SR9c (with thumb safety), the Versacarry is great. Carry appendix, strong side or crossdraw, it all works.
As to re-holstering after a shooting. You don’t have pockets? Back to the Glock no safety issue – I’m going to wait til I have really calmed down before re-holster in an IWB rig. Actually, removing the Versacarry, attaching it to the gun and then putting back on the belt calls for more mental activity and is safer, since the trigger guard means you can’t have anything on the trigger.
The Versacarry is a useful addition to your gear.
VersaCarry is a dangerous, silly solution in search of a problem. You can buy any variety of comfortable leather and nylon inside-the-waistband holsters for $30-$50, with one wide belt clip that do exactly the same thing, cover the trigger for safety, and allow easy, safe re-holstering. Some have stiffeners at the top to allow one-handed re-holstering. It amazing that stores carry so much of this sort of “gun junk.” Like the idiotic crotch holsters that have caused discharges of Glocks into the family jewels, just by crouching down or bending over and having a fold in the holster pull the trigger. I also saw a new “underarm holster” you wear on your upper arm that points the muzzle of the gun right into your arm pit, so you can blow off your shoulder as the elastic catches the trigger you draw. All this, and we also have to deal with the young tacticool goofballs doing stupid, unsafe things with their ARs at the range. Geez.
This article seems really bias, I don’t have a dog in this fight, but do believe everyone deserves a fair shake. For example, the whole carrying without a round chambered comment, yes clearly they promote that. There was clear failure to mention that most firearm manufacturers have the same warning, read your Glock manual.
Also here is a video that shares another perspective on things.
Works Great on my LCP and when I purchase the new Glock 43 it’ll be the first accessory I buy.
Here is another great video explaining the concept.
My favorite method of c/c. It’s not a range holster. It is the best method of caring your favorite auto. Mine is a full size 1911, and no other method is better. Reholstering. For Petes sake. That’s something you do after the fighting is done. Who cares about how that is accomplished?
VersaCarry is about low-profile carry…period. Why are you concerned about “reholstering” once you have drawn your weapon? Are you trying to hide the fact that YOU JUST DREW YOUR WEAPON?!?
If you draw your weapon, your life – or someone near by – is in danger and you are ready to pull the trigger and take a life in self defense. At that point, reholstering is not an option. You secure the scene, call police and as they get near (sirens blaring) unload your weapon and place it and your self on the ground or possibly die.
I have carried my XD-s every day for 4 years – round in the chamber – without any issues. I marvel at how comfortable it is as I consciously think about the gun on my right hip all the while I carry it. I know my gun is loaded…always. And I treat it that way. Modern striker fire weapons with grip and trigger safeties are not going to go boom without concerted effort.
Don’t knock it because you have either not tried it or are not confident in your ability to carry a loaded gun.