It isnt just tradition.
The reinforced mouth (top section), on both sides, allows an easy one-hand return.
Its both ambidextrous and adjustable for height and cant with the 1.5 belt loops.
The DeSantis GRD, shown here with the Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro, is one of many high-quality holsters made by the company.
1 3/4 belt loops are available separately.
The #194 is now available for many commonly carried autoloaders in black and saddle tan.
The GRD Element
GRD stands for GunhideRetainingDevice.
While leather is the main material used in the GRD holster, the rig uses an internal Kydex component to lock the gun into place when carried.
When youwantit to come out, though, its open top design allows a quick draw.
Our testing showed that it was indeed the case.
Harder for the bad guy, still easy for you.
The GRD is not a security holster like those worn by police officers. Rather, it uses a positive retention device to ensure the gun remains safely in the rig during normal activities.
As a weapon retention instructor of long-standing, I see that as a selling point.
The ingenious design also allows the pistol to be switched from right-hand carry to left, and back.
This is more useful than a lot of people realize.
The DeSantis GRD, along with the Hellcat Pro 9mm, makes for a great CCW setup.
Some of those folks are going to be southpaw even though Im not.
Even if you dont teach, you might have to lend a holster to someone you care about.
A quickly convertible holster like this one gets another bonus point on that score.
5-Gun Master and daily carrier John Strayer did the two-month carry test of the DeSantis GRD holster.
He has won so many state and regional championships that he has lost count.
He has carried a gun daily at work and off work for 30-some years.
Suffice it to say, when John Strayer talks about this sort of thing, I listen intently.
The GRD is a good-looking rig with ample clearance for a slide-mounted optic on the Hellcat Pro.
Heres Johns after-action report on the #194.
Security is excellent, John told me.
It has two distinct, palpable clicks.
When holstering, the wearer of the GRD holster can hear and feel the “click” of the pistol locking into place.
As you holster, you feel a tight spot, and then it snaps into its molding.
Strayer added, This holster protected the gun very well.
It simply did not retain moisture; when I took it off at night the holster was dry.
From this view, you can see the internal Kydex mechanism that helps to lock the Hellcat Pro into the scabbard.
Thats one reason I went to Kydex a long time ago.
Nothing is perfect for everyone.
He adapted, though.
In this photo, you can see the rigid belt loops used by DeSantis. The left loop is arranged in the high position which would create a butt-forward tilt to the gun when carried.
Thats a problem I have with a lot of holsters, not just this one.
It should be noted that John is not a small guy and does not have thin fingers.
There was no protrusion when sitting in the diner and leaning forward talking to friends, for example.
DeSantis reinforces the mouth of the rig and uses top-shelf hardware and stitching for the GRD.
I really liked its tight profile to the body for an OWB holster.
It did take some breaking in.
(As most leather holsters do.)
How do we reconcile that with a holster whose own manufacturer speaks proudly of its click?
John Strayer explains, The click is audible going in, but not enough to really notice coming out.
Go to forum thread
DeSantisVariable GRD Ambi Hellcat Pro Holster
