Versacarry Rebel IWB Holster: Full Review

Versacarry arrived to the holster scene in June 2010 when founder Justin Sitz set out to develop a minimalist concealed-carry rig for his Ruger LCP and SIG Sauer P238. His invention set a new standard for a bulk-­free design. Little more than an extended polymer clip, a caliber-­specific barrel stud and a trigger shield, the holsters could be used with different makes and models as long as the handguns were the same chambering and similar in size. Today, the company catalogs a family of Zerobulk holsters.

More recently though, Versacarry entered the realm of leather holsters. Most are multi-­fit designs constructed from distinct vegetable-­tanned water buffalo hide. The Bryan, Texas-­based company has also developed hybrid rigs that utilize leather and polymer elements to provide best-­of-­both-­worlds carry solutions, and some model-­specific offerings for the most secure fit. Options exist for outside-­the-­waistband (OWB) and inside-­the-­waistband (IWB) carry utilizing belt loops, metal clips, or both. 

Versacarry has something for just about anyone, and a fit for nearly every pistol.

The subject of this review is the Rebel IWB holster. It’s a hybrid design that pairs a firearm-­specific, molded-
polymer pocket with a winged leather structure. Comfort is enhanced by a layer of closed-­cell padding that separates the holster from the wearer. 

The holster uses two metal clips to attach to belts up to 11/2-inches wide, and the design is tuckable. This means the wearer can tuck their shirt in and around the gun and holster so that only the clips remain visible.

Firearm security is enhanced by the polymer pocket. It grips the pistol at the triggerguard and ejection port. A retention-adjustment screw is also incorporated, allowing users to affect their preferred-level of tightness between the holster and the gun. The pocket is closed on the muzzle end to protect the barrel, but most of the slide behind the ejection port is exposed. The mouth is cut to make the holster compatible with pistol-­mounted optics.

In use, the Rebel IWB was designed to be carried on the strongside or just behind the hip, between 3 and 5 o’clock. It offers about 15 degrees of cant. The firearm’s weight is distributed between the two belt clips, which help to prevent sag in the belt and pants. A raised fin of leather and padding forms a body shield that extends the length of the slide to reduce contact between the wearer and the gun.

Aesthetically, the dark brown and natural variations of the vegetable-­tanned leather are handsome, and the colors complement the carbon-­fiber-­looking overlay given to the black polymer pocket. The black leather backer ties the two elements together nicely. 

Stitching is tight and uniform, and all the edges were smoothed to avoid causing irritation or hotspots during use. The bases of three Chicago-­style screws are exposed and grip the Rebel’s backer, but the holster’s padding prevents them from becoming uncomfortable.

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At the time of this writing, fitment for Rebel IWB was limited to three micro-­compact semiautomatics: SIG Sauer P365, Springfield Armory Hellcat and Taurus GX4. Only right-­hand models were available.

30-­Day Carry

For evaluation, I ordered a Rebel IWB holster for a Springfield Armory Hellcat. To clarify, current production holsters will only accept original-­spec Hellcats; there is no RDP or Pro model compatibility. The same warning applies to extended-­slide renditions of the SIG Sauer P365. With my 3-­inch Hellcat, fit was perfect, though, and held securely.

Many reading this review likely have some experience with dual-­wing, hybrid-­material IWB holsters. Having proven their effectiveness, the concept has become a staple in the concealed-carry market. My intent for this review was to determine how the Rebel stacks up among a field of comparable competitors.

On looks alone, Versacarry’s new holster gets full marks. The color scheme is a marked improvement versus some of the more Spartan offerings out there. For comfort, I commend Versacarry for its execution of the padding and how all three materials work together. I appreciated the comfort that the extra cushion provided, and it did not prevent the holster from “taking shape” to match the contour of my hip during the course of this evaluation. Comfort has a cost, though, and the Rebel IWB is a bit thicker than comparable holsters. This can lead to more printing or require slightly larger pants for successful IWB carry.

On a similar note, I thought the clips were too large. The extended ledges that aid in opening the metal seemed to frequently snag my cover garments. In my opinion, a holster’s belt attachment should be subtle and secure. Although Versacarry’s clip choice makes removing the holster a breeze, they proved a hinderance in actual use. During my concealed draw evaluation, I experienced quite a few serious hang ups and had to make some adjustments to my draw to ensure that I fully cleared my clothing of those clips. The result was a slower average draw time.

I was also a little bothered by the clips’ tendency to spin somewhat freely, which required realignment when putting the holster on. The positive takeaway is that both of my gripes could be resolved by simply changing out the clips, something many of us can do at home with spare parts.

As with anything related to discreetly carrying a self-­protection firearm, Versacarry’s Rebel IWB holster makes some tradeoffs between comfort, concealment and functionality. With a bit more refinement and an extended list of gun fits, the Rebel could become a real standout for its looks and utility.

Versacarry Rebel IWB Holster

• Materials: Leather, polymer, closed-cell padding
• Carry Type: Inside the Waistband (IWB)
• Retention Type: Level 1; friction fit
• Adjustability: Retention (adj. tension screw)
• MSRP: $85
• Handgun Fit: SIG Sauer P365, Springfield Armory Hellcat (tested), Taurus GX4
• Accessory Rail Accommodations: No
• Positions to Carry: 3 to 5 o’clock (right hand)
• Average Time to Attach: 40 seconds
• Comfort Rating: 5/5
• Concealment Clothing: Tucked or untucked shirt, vest, or jacket
• Average Draw-to-Fire Time: 1.9 seconds
• Manufacturer: Versacarry, 979-­778-­2000, versacarry.com