Some solutions are so clear and work so well that you end up wondering, “Why didn’t I think of that?” The Versacarry Zero Bulk holster system is certainly one of these ingeniously simple and yet extremely convenient and effective devices. Like many gun owners, I have more than one handgun. When I carry concealed I will switch which gun I have on me depending on what I am wearing. Each different gun means a different holster, and some of my guns also have lasers on them, which means yet another holster. While I certainly don’t mind doing my part to keep all the good folks in the holster-making industry employed, I am running out of closet space. Sadly, many of the universal holsters out there are just that—universal—and don’t offer a very good fit, especially for concealed carry.
The Versacarry, however, is an inside-the-waistband (IWB) concealed-carry system that is very nearly universal, holds my gun securely in place and is very comfortable. The ingenuity of the system revolves around the barrel retention rod, which is made from a self-lubricating and tough polymer that is inserted into the front of the barrel at a 45-degree angle and holds the gun against the polymer clip. A polymer triggerguard is user installed in the retention clip for safety and can be set for right- or left-hand carry, and the integral belt clip fits up to 1.5-inch belts. The whole thing really does live up to its Zero Bulk name, and it is the smallest and lightest holster you will find.
The barrel retention rod is available in standard sizes for 9mm, .380 ACP, .40 S&W, .38 Special revolvers and .45 ACP, and it is just slightly undersized to prevent sticking. The one-piece belt clip and body comes in different lengths to accommodate pistols with barrel lengths from 2.75 inches to 5 inches. This keeps the handgun grip above the belt line for an easy draw. If concealability is a priority over speed, I found that using the longer Versacarry with a small subcompact pistol completely hides the gun below the belt line.
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The Versacarry is not quite a full holster, but it is convenient and almost universal since any similar sized pistol of a given caliber will fit in the proper Versacarry. Conveniently, this system also allows for the user to carry concealed with accessories mounted on the gun, including lights and lasers, since the retention is only at the barrel. The retention rods come in color-coded variations for easy caliber identification, and a revolver model is also available. To re-holster you do have to remove the Versacarry and re-holster as one unit with the gun inserted into the system, but this is very easily done.
Versacarrier
Most recently, Versacarry has expanded its product line with two new items that greatly improve the entire system. The first is an extremely well designed (and I would say minimalist) IWB spare magazine holder. It is always a good idea to carry spare ammunition and an extra magazine. On more than one occasion when I have drawn my gun the magazine fell out. Fortunately, this was only during training. This is usually due to pressure on the magazine release from a full day of carrying, and possibly the poor fit of a holster or clothing. Having a spare magazine can be a lifesaver in such a situation, especially in low-light conditions when finding a dropped magazine can be a challenge.
The Versacarrier magazine holder is made from the same material as the holster and with the same belt clip; the magazine holder’s retention is based on a rounded polymer sleeve at the bottom.
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This sleeve retains a full magazine through tension. It is inserted into the top of the magazine, between the top round and the feed lips, in the same manner you would to load the magazine. Simply push down and back to have the sleeve catch and retain the magazine. When you need your spare magazine in a hurry, just pull it up and the sleeve immediately compresses to release it.
Along the sides of the Versacarrier there are small tabs to keep the magazine oriented vertically. The holder also keeps the magazine in the traditional rounds-down position, which is how you should carry any spare magazines anyways. Like the holster, the side facing your body is left exposed so the magazine will be resting against you. I tried out the new magazine holder recently and it only took a minute to get the hang of the retention system, but once I did I found it very secure and easy to retrieve my spare magazine when I wanted to. Also, like the handgun holster, you will need to remove the Versacarrier from your belt in order to secure your magazine to it again. This is also very easily done.
Versahub Bedside Protection
Finally, the Versahub Bedside Mounting System ties everything together and provides for personal protection in the home. Made from a durable polymer, the Versahub slips between the mattress and boxspring while holding your gun and spare magazine in the Versacarry holster and magazine holder.
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This system resolves an important issue for many gun owners. The best place to have your gun for personal protection is on you, but this is clearly not possible while you are sleeping. You want to keep your gun secure and within your immediate control while still being easily accessible. Fast-access bedside safes are popular, but they are not fast enough for some. Simply laying you gun next to you on a nightstand is not a good idea as you may reach out during the night. An unsecured and loaded firearm is not something you want to grab in your sleep.
Bedside holsters are a great compromise that offer security against an unintentional flailing grab and lightning-fast access, ultimately placing the gun easily within reach. Properly placed, the Versahub Bedside Mounting System will make it so you can reach your gun just by lowering your arm alongside the mattress. The Versahub has three distinct clip attachment points that exactly match the shape of the belt clips on the Versacarry holster, keeping the holster firmly in place when you attach it to the Versahub.
When you are ready to turn in for the evening, you can simply remove your holster with the gun attached and clip it to the Versahub in the center position. On the two side spaces you can attach your spare magazine holder for fast reloads (should the need arise). Another aspect I like in this system is that I will typically use a weapon-mounted light for my home-defense handgun. The Vesracarry holster will easily accommodate this or any other attachment, and the Versahub Bedside Mounting System keeps it all securely within reach, with enough space so that I can draw my gun without obstructions.
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With multiple Versacarry holsters, I can keep one on the Versahub at all times for my home-defense handgun and lock up my concealed-carry handgun. Then, in the morning, I lock up my home-defense handgun and slip my concealed-carry gun into the proper Versacarry holster inside my waistband.
I will, however, offer one word of caution. While the Versahub can be easily concealed under a sheet, comforter or blanket when it is attached to your bed, this is not secure storage if you are out of the room or away from home and it should not be used as such. It is designed only for quick access while you are asleep.
For more information, visit http://www.versacarry.com or call 855-278-9678.