One of the greatest technological advances in self-defense includes the near ubiquitousness of accessory lights and lasers for handguns — and not just for those guns equipped with rails meant to accept such accessories, but light/laser units that can be safely and securely attached to guns lacking rails.
Ruger’s LC9 is a gun regularly in my carry rotation. It’s safe, simple, accurate, reliable and thin/trim. While it lacks an accessory rail, I’ve carried it with a Viridian tactical light installed just in front of the trigger guard. It’s a great light for a great gun, but, because the light is an add-on, I can’t use any standard LC9 holster to carry it. Thankfully, DeSantis solved this with a variation on their Mini Scabbard holster designed to accommodate the Viridian light.
The DeSantis Mini Scabbard, in its normal configuration, is a long-time favorite holster of mine. Retailing for $62.99, the Mini Scabbard comes in tan or black leather with a belt attachment accommodating a gun belt up to 1½ inches wide. In addition, a tension screw allows you to set the desired effort you want to draw the gun from the holster, and since the holster is molded exactly to whatever gun it is carrying, the fit is superb. The slightly larger Mini Scabbard holster accommodating an accessorized gun doesn’t disappoint, either. It provides a secure ride, pulls the LC9 in close and holds the gun with a slight forward cant. Like the standard model, the holster is molded perfectly around the gun and the light.
There’s no shortage of discussion around how to carry or use a tactical light in conjunction with a handgun. Some advocate for a separate, handheld light. After all, you don’t want to draw your gun unless you have to use your gun. And you can use the tactical light in your weak hand and support your strong hand with your weak arm — all while manipulating both light and gun. Some, however, advocate for a gun-mounted light. If you have to use your gun, then let’s get as much light on the target as quickly as possible. A gun-mounted light keeps everything together and simplifies the process of getting to a ready-to-shoot status. Moreover, you can carry a separate, handheld light and have a tactical light mounted to your gun.
The DeSantis Mini Scabbard accommodates a gun-mounted light without any appreciable increase in size or bulk. Yes, the holster looks a bit larger — and it is — but the extra girth is under the muzzle of the gun. As such, there’s no compromise of width or carry-ability. If anything, the extra leather around the gun and light adds an element of balance and tension, as there’s more surface area for the leather to engage. And since the leather is very smooth, covering garments drape over it very well and don’t get hung up.
I think we’ll continue to see significant advances in light and laser capabilities in defensive handguns, including even more integration into guns’ design rather than as add-ons. But if you want an add-on light or laser option, holsters such as the Mini Scabbard are available and ready to help.
More info at: www.desantisholster.com
