DeSantis T.B. Vengeance Holster Review

By Dylan Casey

In today’s article, Dylan Casey reviews the DeSantis T.B. Vengeance holster. This leather concealed carry rig is a three-slot belt holster designed to carry your pistol outside the waistband. Equipped with a thumb break for increased retention, the holster tested was fitted for the Springfield Armory Echelon pistol. The company provided the holster to the author for review.

Leather holsters are a thing of functionality, class and beauty. They are often, at least in my mind, associated with many timeless heroes from the silver screen and television of the past. As time is always advancing us forward, our leather holsters of today have advanced as well. This is important to remember when considering the DeSantis T.B. Vengeance Scabbard.

In this shot, the Springfield Echelon 4.5F paired with a Surefire X300 tactical light is securely nestled in the DeSantis T.B. Vengeance holster.

In particular, I tested the DeSantis T.B. (Thumb Break) Vengeance Scabbard for the Springfield Echelon. It’s a leather pancake holster, and you might notice that the one I am testing is designed to fit an Echelon 4.5F fitted out with a SureFire X300 weaponlight. It is also offered in a version for fitting the Echelon and the Streamlight TRL-1. Both are offered in right- and left-hand versions.

This detailed image displays the exquisite stitching around the belt loops of the DeSantis T.B. Vengeance holster, crafted from American full grain steer leather. The photo clearly illustrates the triple stitching and reinforced belt slots, essential for excellent weapon retention and secure concealed carry. The craftsmanship showcased here is a testament to quality in leather products and gunsmithing. The holster is designed for handguns and pistols, including models like the Glock and 9mm, making it a unique holster option for law enforcement and plainclothes professionals. Keywords such as holster, handgun, pistol, concealed carry, leather, thumb break, premium leather holster, and scabbard holster are integral to this review. The close-up emphasizes multiple carry positions, additional strength from the added thumb break, and the minimalist design that appeals to sport shooting enthusiasts. This detailed view aids visually impaired users in understanding the superior build quality and refined craftsmanship of the DeSantis T.B. Vengeance holster review. — Stitching around the belt loops of the DeSantis T.B. Vengeance holster appears extremely rugged and should help the holster provide a long life.

So not only can you carry a duty-grade firearm in the Echelon, but you can pair it with a duty-quality light. Let’s examine some of this holster’s other standout quality features and see if it’s worth the price tag of $110.99, as available on the Springfield Armory Store.

Features and Quality

First, the build quality of this American-made holster is immaculate. The color, finish, and double (and even triple) stitching in high-use areas are all fantastic. Plus, the three belt loops — which allow you to choose the cant of the holster and work with belts up to 1¾” wide — are a great feature. Furthermore, it is made of native U.S. full-grain steer hide.

This image shows the author at a shooting range drawing a Springfield Echelon pistol from the DeSantis T.B. Vengeance holster. The photograph captures the holster’s precise retention mechanism, including the innovative thumb break design. It highlights the premium American full-grain steer leather and meticulous stitching that ensure excellent durability. The scene illustrates the practical application of the holster in both concealed carry and open carry scenarios. The author’s testing emphasizes the ease of drawing and secure firearm retention essential for real-world shooting. Keywords such as holster, handgun, pistol, concealed carry, thumb break, premium leather holster, review desantis, and scabbard holster are incorporated to support the review. This detailed description is intended to guide visually impaired users in understanding the holster’s advanced features and practical performance. — The author tested the DeSantis T.B. Vengeance holster on the shooting range with his Springfield Armory Echelon 4.5F pistol.

It has an adjustable tensioning device that allows for a custom retention level, and the wraparound band at the top of the holster provides additional strength for easy reholstering. The custom retention level device is located right by the section of the holster where the light fits and is adjusted with a flathead screwdriver. The holster also has been designed to allow room for a red dot optic.

Specifically, this holster works with the Echelon 4.5F with either the Surefire X300U-A or X300U-B, or there is also a version that can work with the Streamlight TLR-1 or TLR-1HL weaponlight.

Retention Performance

Aside from the holster’s actual build and physical form is the question, “How does it perform?” Well, I’m pleased to say this holster’s exceptional quality puts it off on good footing for its performance. When a product has impeccable quality to start, it’s already a leg up.

This image features the author demonstrating the thumb break mechanism on the DeSantis T.B. Vengeance holster, highlighting its unique retention design. The author’s hand is shown engaging the thumb break to allow for a smooth draw of the firearm. The holster is crafted from premium American full-grain steer leather with impeccable stitching and reinforced belt loops. This demonstration provides an in-depth look at the thumb break’s functionality, making it ideal for both concealed carry and open carry applications. The design incorporates a secure retention system that appeals to users looking for reliable firearm retention and advanced holster technology. Keywords such as holster, handgun, pistol, concealed carry, thumb break, premium leather holster, and review desantis are included to emphasize its features. This detailed description is intended to help visually impaired users understand the operational mechanics and superior build of the holster. — In this photo, the author demonstrates how the thumb break on the DeSantis T.B. Vengeance holster works.

This holster was extremely easy to break in to get a comfortable draw yet still have great retention. I followed the manufacturer’s instructions to break in the holster, wrapping my Echelon and X300 Surefire in a thin sock and then sticking the gun in the holster with the sock still around it. Per the instructions, I left it like that for a little over a day. Now, I have a really smooth draw and an easy time putting the gun in the holster.

The manufacturer specifically warns against using any sort of leather softening oil. The reason for this is that those oils will actually break down the structure of the holster, meaning it will lose the shape of the Echelon and attached light.

In Use

To get the most out of this holster, you are going to need a good, stiff belt. This holster would be fantastic for wintertime concealed carry with a large pistol and light like this set-up. Of course, this holster will really shine in any open carry situation.

This image shows a close-up view of a pistol being secured into the DeSantis T.B. Vengeance holster, highlighting its superior American full-grain steer leather construction and precision stitching. The holster is designed to provide excellent firearm retention with its innovative thumb break mechanism and adjustable tensioning device. It offers a secure fit for handguns and pistols, making it ideal for both concealed carry and open carry applications. The detailed craftsmanship, including reinforced belt loops and triple stitching, ensures durability and functionality. The photo illustrates a key step in holstering, emphasizing the blend of quality design and practical application. Keywords such as holster, handgun, pistol, concealed carry, firearm, premium leather holster, and review desantis are integrated into this description. This comprehensive ALT text assists visually impaired users by providing an in-depth explanation of the holster's secure design and performance features. — The author secures his Echelon pistol in the DeSantis T.B. Vengeance holster.

It really is a beautiful holster, and it looks very clean and neat. It is also very comfortable to sit down with while wearing. I had no problems riding in the truck or sitting in my favorite chair with it and the gun and light.

A holster is made or broken by how it allows for you to draw. It can be the most beautiful holster in the world, but if it’s hard to draw from then it might as well be reduced to the status of a paperweight.

This holster partly relies on a retention technology known as a “thumb break.” If you are unfamiliar with what it is, it’s as straightforward as it sounds. There is a longer retention strap with a male button connector that comes over the top of the lateral side of the holster and connects to a female button on the medial side of the holster, closer to the body.

When you go to draw the firearm, your thumb is meant to push the medial side of this device inward toward your body, breaking the button seal and allowing the gun to be drawn.

In this detailed photograph, a pistol is being carefully secured into the DeSantis T.B. Vengeance holster, demonstrating its reliable retention system. The image emphasizes the holster’s robust construction using American full-grain steer leather and its precise, reinforced stitching around the belt loops. The design includes an innovative thumb break for easy yet secure drawing, ideal for real-world use in both tactical and everyday situations. It is perfectly suited for various carry styles, including concealed carry and open carry, ensuring that the firearm remains safely in place. The craftsmanship and quality of this holster are evident in every detail of its design. Keywords such as holster, handgun, pistol, concealed carry, firearm retention, premium leather holster, and scabbard holster are included to enhance the description. This ALT text is crafted to help visually impaired users fully understand the secure, high-quality nature of the DeSantis T.B. Vengeance holster review. — The author found the DeSantis T.B. Vengeance to be a quality carry rig that should deliver many years of service.

On this particular holster, as I’ve said, I’ve followed the instructions to break it in and I’ve practiced with it. As a result, I am now able to draw it very easily, breaking the thumb break quickly. It does take practice, but that’s true of anything that’s worthwhile doing.

Conclusion

I can assure you that this holster puts you in a great position to have a quality holster that, if taken care of, will last and perform for years on end.

I can say that if I were a rancher, farmer or anyone else who regularly worked outside, this is a holster that I would carry every day on my person. There is just something about a quality leather holster that feels right, and this one is a great example.

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