Channel fans and family, this one is a look back to SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas (the video went up in February 2023). We stopped by the Versacarry booth and talked with Andrew about what was new in concealed carry for them that year: inside and outside the waistband holsters, belts, a padded rifle sling and even wallets. The question on the thumbnail was simple: can a carry holster actually be comfortable?
Quick note: this is a short booth walkthrough at SHOT Show 2023, not a SlavGuns range test and evaluation. We handled the holsters at the booth; we didn’t carry or draw from them for this video.
TL;DR
- Bigger polymer lineup: for 2023 Versacarry greatly expanded its custom molded polymer line, with more firearm fits.
- Rebel 2.0 (IWB): holster plus magazine pouch, adjustable retention on both, open bottom for threaded barrels, adjustable clips and a padded backing for all-day wear.
- V-Slide (OWB): a small-footprint outside the waistband holster that fits between belt loops.
- Optics ready: the polymer holsters shown are optics compatible.
- Vintage leather: a new crackled vintage leather finish on the Compound holster, belts and a new padded rifle sling, with close to 40 color and logo variations.
- Made in the USA with water buffalo leather.
Rebel 2.0: the padded IWB
The first thing Andrew showed us was brand new for 2023: the Rebel 2.0. It’s an inside the waistband rig that carries both the pistol and a spare magazine. Here’s what stood out:
- Adjustable retention screws on both the holster side and the magazine pouch, so you can dial in how tight each one holds.
- Open bottom, so a threaded barrel isn’t a problem.
- Adjustable clips to customize the fit on your belt.
- Padded backing that covers every part of the firearm that would touch you. That’s the comfort piece: it’s meant for all-day wear and it helps keep sweat off you (and off the gun).
Some of you will look at that padding and think it’s going to print or add bulk. I had the same thought, so we compared it side by side with a Versacarry holster without the padding. The unpadded one is slimmer, but honestly not by a whole lot. If you still think the padding is too thick, Versacarry has several IWB options without it.
V-Slide: a small OWB that fits between belt loops
Next up was the new V-Slide, an outside the waistband holster. It uses a similar molded polymer front with an adjustable tension screw, and it’s optics compatible like the rest of the polymer holsters we saw. The thing I like about it is the small footprint: it’s compact enough to fit in between your belt loops, which is exactly where OWB holsters usually get awkward.
Comfort Flex Custom in gunmetal gray
Versacarry also added new colors, including a new gunmetal gray. Andrew showed it on the Comfort Flex Custom, which he told us is the holster he carries every day. It has the padded backing, and the list of firearms it fits has been greatly expanded.
Water buffalo leather, made in the USA
Versacarry is known for its leather work, and it’s all made right here in the USA. They use water buffalo leather, and the point Andrew made is that it doesn’t stretch as much, so it holds its shape and should last a really long time.
The new vintage leather line
This was the eye candy at the booth. The Compound holster now comes in a new vintage leather finish with a nice little crackling to it, and it’s now optics compatible. Between the color variations and the logos you can get on it, Andrew figured there are close to 40 different versions. It looks really sharp.
That vintage leather carries over to the rest of the line:
- A new padded rifle sling, with an emblem option and comfortable padding.
- Belts in the new gray plus black, brown and other variations. If you carry, you need a good sturdy leather belt, and that’s a big part of what makes any holster comfortable.
- Wallets and other carriers. Versacarry has expanded well past holsters.
My take
Comfort is the number one reason people stop carrying, so I like that Versacarry is attacking it from two directions: padding where the gun touches you, and a slimmer, unpadded option for folks who care more about printing. Add a proper carry belt and you’ve solved most of the problem. Just remember this was a booth look, not a long-term carry test. If you’ve been looking at concealed carry gear in general, also check out our first look at the Mission First Tactical ACHRO concealed carry bags, and for more from the same show, the Sharps Bros P365 grip module from SHOT Show 2023.
Where to find it
- Versacarry holsters, belts and more at KYGUNCO
- Versacarry V-Slide OWB (Glock 19 fit) at KYGUNCO
- Versacarry Compound Custom IWB (Glock 19 fit) at KYGUNCO
- Versacarry Rancher leather carry belt at KYGUNCO
- Precision rifle upgrades: Anarchy Outdoors
- Everything else I run: SlavGuns Amazon storefront
- Support the channel: join the Squat Squad on YouTube
Check fit for your exact pistol and optic before you order, since each holster is molded for specific models.
Padded backing or slim and unpadded: which way do you go for all-day carry? Let me know in the comments. Thanks for reading, and keep on squatting!
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