DeSantis Persuader Complete Holster: Full Review

From its headquarters in Amityville, New York, family-­owned DeSantis Gunhide has been handmaking holsters for 51 years. Keeping up with the times, DeSantis has refined its traditional offerings and introduced new designs. A great example, the Persuader Holster captures the zeitgeist of modern concealed carry by supporting compact-­and-­smaller optic-­ready pistols at the appendix inside-­the-­waistband (AIWB) position.

Made from Kydex with a carbon fiber finish, polymer sheets are cut to pattern, heated, and then pressed around the mold of a specific firearm model. As with all DeSantis holsters, each Persuader is hand fit. Thanks to its Kydex construction, the holster isn’t affected by long-­term exposure to skin and sweat. There are also several features that lend themselves to front-­of-­the-­body carry. First is a patent-­pending Anti-­Rotation Wing (ARW) on the back of the holster to angle the pistol’s grip back against the body. It’s paired with an integral Spur — a ridge between the trigger and magazine release — which presses against the back of the belt to secure a lie-­flat position. The Persuader also includes a larger, detachable concealment claw.

For on-­body retention, the Persuader comes with a 1.75-inch central belt clip mounted with Chicago-­style screws. A three-­hole arrangement provides two attachment options: Straight drop, preferable for appendix carry; or, canted about 15 degrees, which is a nice option for strongside IWB wear. Yes, the Persuader can be worn further back or behind the hip, but that is not the optimal position given its design. Optionally, the central clip can be swapped for one or two tuckable C-­clips, available as a set from DeSantis for $18. The body of the holster is pre-­drilled with three mounting positions.

A thoughtfully conceived appendix rig in its own right, the Persuader Holster becomes more intriguing for its several add-­on options. The first is the Persuader Mag Pouch, sized for specific magazine models and made from the same carbon-finished Kydex as the holster. It, too, uses the large central clip for belt attachment. The magazine pouch can be worn separate from the holster, or, with the optional leather coupler, it can be mounted to the holster, affixed by six screws. Because of the pliability of the leather, the unified Persuader package offers some flex for enhanced comfort.

Sourced separately, the entire Persuader set could cost around $131 to assemble. However, DeSantis also offers the Persuader Complete Package to include the holster, mag pouch and coupler for $100. That’s significant savings.

At this writing, the Persuader was available for select pistol models from Glock, SIG Sauer, Smith & Wesson and Springfield Armory. While most of the fits are micro-­compact 9mms, the Glock offerings include at least one option each for .22 LR, .357 SIG, .40 S&W and .45 ACP. The Glock holsters can also be had with Streamlight TLR 7/7A weapon-­mounted light compatability. DeSantis does a lot of contract work for law enforcement agencies, which explains some of these fitments. Otherwise, new holster options are based on consumer demand. Regardless of firearm model, all Persuaders are made to accommodate slide-­mounted optics.

60-­Day Carry

To test the Persuader, I had an evaluation model made up for a Springfield Armory Hellcat. I also opted for the Complete Package add-­ons. There is no denying this is a handsome holster. The carbon-­fiber pattern of the exterior is paired with a DeSantis-­blue interior finish, and it’s a visually appealing combination. The execution of manufacture was also very good. The pistol fit perfectly with a satisfying click, and all the edges had been smoothed and rounded. Firearm retention was firm right out of the box, but not to the point of slowing my draw.

The magazine pouch was equally well-made. Multi-­fit mag carriers may offer versatility, but there is something satisfying about a magazine pouch that perfectly grips the ammo stack. Attaching the mag pouch to the holster took only a few minutes with a Phillips-­head screwdriver.

Time allowed for a thorough two-­month evaluation of the Persuader and my impression was very positive, overall. The rig was comfortable, especially thanks to the coupler’s flexibility, and there was no deterioration of parts or appearance despite daily wear against the skin.

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I did have two recommendations for DeSantis as possible running changes. First, I would have liked to see one more set of mounting holes for the central clip just below the current three-­hole array. A lower set would have allowed me to raise the ride height and have easier access to the pistol grip. Draws were quite quick, but I think there was another tenth of a second (or two) that could be shaved given a little more space between the grip and the beltline.

Secondly, I would have preferred a “long-­slide” model holster, despite the Hellcat’s 3-­inch barrel and slide assembly. For appendix carry, the extra length acts like a keel for the holster, keeping the gun straight and flat against the body. For those of us with a little extra “ballast around the water line,” if you catch my meaning, there is a tendency for the gun to be pressured forward, over the belt. A deeper keel helps right the ship. DeSantis doesn’t currently offer such an option, but an aftermarket foam wedge would also solve the issue.