Are you in the market for a quality holster for your S&W CSX 9mm pistol? Or just about any pistol under the sun? Today we’re taking a quick look at their Mini Scabbard holster to see how it performs. DeSantis has been making holsters since 1972. Being around that long means they’re doing something right. Once you get one of their holsters into your hands, you’ll understand what they’ve been doing right.
What features does the Mini Scabbard offer?
A Minimalist Design
DeSantis designed this holster to be of the minimalist variety, without a lot of the bulk that other holsters exhibit. This one is made to have a low signature. It’s constructed from thick, high-quality saddle leather. The edges of the leather are very nicely finished and add to the look of the holster.
Multiple Models Available
Aside from the Smith & Wesson CSX, the Mini Scabbard fits a ton of other makes and models, including:
- Berretta
- Para Ordinance
- Savage
- FN
- Browning
- Colt
- CZ
- Glock
- H&K
- Kahr
- Keltec
- Kimber
- Para Ordinance
- Remington
- Ruger
- Sig
- Springfield Armory
- Smith & Wesson
- Taurus
- Walther
- Suffice it to say, if it’s a small to duty-sized pistol or revolver, DeSantis probably makes a holster for it in this model line.
For instance, they make 46 different holsters in the Mini Scabbard line just for Glocks! They cover most Glock models (as large as the Glock 17) down to the mini-Glocks. And then they offer options that will accommodate Glocks with lights and lasers. It’s the same with the other manufacturers, so, such as Springfield Armory—holsters for different-sized pistols and light/laser combinations.
I didn’t count them all up, but there are literally several hundred possible combinations for pistols, revolvers, and accessories in this holster model. DeSantis is coming up with holsters to plug into everyone’s needs! This is a responsive company, to be sure. And any time I’ve ever contacted them, they’ve been very quick to respond.
Color and Right or Left-Handed Options
As with most of their leather holsters, the Mini Scabbard is available in either tan or black colors. I have some of their holsters in black, as they look business-like. My favorite color, though, is tan, as I think it looks more classic. Aside from the colors, they come in left or right-hand versions.
Fit and Finish
As mentioned, the Mini Scabbard is constructed of thick saddle leather, so it’s going to last for a very long time. I have DeSantis holsters that have lasted a couple of decades and are still going strong.
Each holster is molded specifically to the handgun it is intended for, and the leather is very stiff. The edges of the holster are nicely finished and smooth, which lasts for a long time and is pleasing to the eye. The stitching is done with a very heavy thread and extremely well done; very even. This is stitching that will last for decades of heavy use.
I’ve found that, with most DeSantis holsters (and really, every leather holster you’ll buy), there is a very short break-in period. Drawing the pistol several dozen times will begin to wear in the inside finish, which makes the draw stroke smoother and faster. You can feel it immediately as you start to break the holster in, and after a day or two, it’s sliding right out of the holster like glass.
Weapon Retention
Although there is a very smooth draw stroke, the holster does offer retention so the pistol doesn’t simply fall out on its own. The DeSantis Mini Scabbard has a tension screw that can be adjusted, so if you desire the pistol to be even more secure, you can make it that way. If you want it to come out very easily, you can have that too. It’s a very simple matter of tightening or loosening that screw to meet your needs.
Wearing
The belt loop on the Mini Scabbard will fit belts up to 1 3/4 inches wide. As mentioned, this holster is a minimalist design, so it is very good for concealment. It keeps the pistol tucked in close to the body and canted slightly to the front. Naturally, a holster on the belt will not conceal quite as well as an Inside The Waistband (IWB) holster, but this is one of the best to wear on your belt as far as concealment is concerned.
Is the DeSantis Mini Scabbard a good holster?
If you’re looking for a no-nonsense holster for the belt, for just about any pistol under the sun, you’ve found it. The fit and finish are outstanding. Retention is great and can be adjusted by the user. Not only does the holster function well—it looks good while doing it. I perused the reviews on the DeSantis website, and the holster consistently gets five stars. People love this holster, and I can see why.
Did I find any negatives for the DeSantis Mini Scabbard? Honestly, I can say I have not, there is nothing that I don’t like about it.
Finally, the Mini Scabbard is priced reasonably at $69.99 retail at the time of this writing. It can be found for a bit less through certain suppliers. Best of all, it’s made in the USA! Overall, it represents a good value for a high-quality piece of gear. Check one out, I think you’ll be pleased.
