Concealed Carry Xander Leather Sling Review

 

Concealed Carry Xander Leather Sling Review

After months of hunting for a concealed-carry sling that didn’t scream “tactical cosplay,” I finally found a unisex leather sling that looks good, carries comfortably, and keeps my firearm secured without adding bulk or making me feel like I’m smuggling a brick under my arm. This is my hands-on review of the DS Conceal Xander Leather Sling — and why it surprised me in all the best ways.



Overview

The DS Conceal Xander Leather Sling is a concealed-carry bag designed for men and women who want a low-profile, everyday-carry sling that blends into actual life — grocery runs, dog walks, hikes, commutes, travel, whatever.

This isn’t a purse disguised as a holster.
It’s not a tacticool sling with more straps than sense.

It’s something in between:

  • Clean

  • Mature

  • Purpose-built

  • Comfortable

  • Doesn’t look like a “gun purse”

And yes — it actually conceals well.

It’s the first sling I’ve worn that didn’t feel like I was carrying a firearm and a diaper bag at the same time.


First Impressions

Let me get this out of the way:
I’ve carried with slings that felt like I strapped a leather ham hock to my body.

The Xander Sling?
Not even close.

First thoughts as soon as I unboxed it:

The leather feels warm, soft, and already broken in
The stitching is tight, clean, and doesn’t feel machine-cheap
The sling strap adjusts smoothly and sits naturally across the chest
It looks unisex — not too feminine, not too “operator”
It doesn’t collapse when empty (big one)

And because DS Conceal didn’t add 32 pockets “just because,” the bag stays slim even when fully loaded.

If you’ve ever used a poorly designed concealed carry purse, you know that mushy, slapped-together feel that makes drawing inconsistent.

The Xander sling is the complete opposite.

Use Code: BARKANDBRASS for 10% off.

✅Price Here


Carry Capacity: What Actually Fits?

This is where the Xander surprised me the most — it’s compact, but it actually fits real gear.

The main compartment fits:

  • Wallet

  • Keys

  • Sunglasses

  • Chapstick

  • AirPods

  • Mini first-aid kit

  • Small dog treats (yes, Willie-approved)

  • Pocket knife

The concealed compartment fits:

  • Subcompact pistols

  • Micro-compacts

  • Single-stack 9mm

  • Small-frame revolvers

Confirmed models that fit smoothly:

  • SIG P365 / P365X / P365XL

  • Springfield Hellcat

  • Glock 43 / 43X

  • Smith & Wesson Shield

  • Ruger LCP II

  • Kimber Micro 9

What doesn’t fit well?

  • Glock 19-size pistols

  • Full-size revolvers

  • Anything with a compensator

  • Pistols with a large weapon-mounted light

This bag is clearly designed for micro-compact CCW pistols, and that’s okay — those are the guns 90% of everyday carriers rely on.


Comfort & Fit

I’m not exaggerating when I say this:
This sling feels like it becomes part of you.

Why?

Because the strap mounts and the bag’s shape line up with natural arm movement.
I tested it doing:

  • Walking

  • Bending

  • Getting in/out of the car

  • Picking up Willie (the Goofy Golden)

  • Driving

  • Grocery loading

  • Half-jogging because I forgot my phone in the truck

Not once did the bag jab, dig in, or slide into an awkward “armpit pocket.”

The weight distribution is the MVP.

Micro-compact pistols tend to make small bags sag or swing forward.

Not the Xander.

Even loaded, it keeps to your body like it’s supposed to.

You know when you put on a sling and it starts to twist like a tortilla wrap?
This doesn’t do that.


Draw Speed: Let’s Talk Real-World Access

The concealed compartment uses a quick-access vertical zipper that lets your hand slip in naturally at the right angle.

No fishing.
No digging.
No praying.
No acrobatics.

Time to impression

From “hand on zipper” to “grip acquired,” it’s consistently:

Under 1 second.

From grip to clear draw:

1.7–2.2 seconds depending on body position.

That’s comparable to drawing from an IWB holster when wearing layers.

I tested it with:

  • P365

  • Hellcat

  • Glock 43X

No jams.
No holster collapse.
No snag points.


Build Quality: Leather, Stitching, & Hardware

Full-grain leather

This is real leather, not the cheap “genuine leather” blend.

It’s thick enough for durability but soft enough to be comfortable.

Stitching

Tight and evenly spaced.
No loose threads.
No corners cut.

Zippers

Smooth, fairly quiet, and solid.
They don’t feel like they’ll break in six months.

Hardware

Matte metal, not shiny chrome.
Good choice — nothing draws attention.


Pros & Cons

PROS

  • Comfortable for all-day wear
  • Fast, consistent draw access
  • Soft, premium full-grain leather
  • Unisex design — fits all styles
  • Conceals micro-compacts extremely well
  • Doesn’t print when adjusted properly
  • Great for errands, hiking, travel
  • High build quality for the price
  • Lightweight but durable
  • Code BARKANDBRASS gets 10% off

CONS

  • Not ideal for larger pistols
  • No ambidextrous quick-access
  • Leather may show character wear
  • Limited color options
  • No MOLLE or external attachments


Setting Up Your Concealed Carry: Tips for Beginners

One thing I love about writing for Bark & Brass is helping beginners feel confident instead of overwhelmed.

Here’s the simple setup guide I wish I had on day one:

1. Choose the right pistol

Stick to micro-compacts for this sling.
The P365 and Hellcat are perfect.

2. Adjust the strap BEFORE loading the firearm

The bag will sit differently once weighted.

3. Practice the “zip-grip-draw” motion 20–30 times

This builds muscle memory.

4. Don’t overload the main compartment

More weight = slower access.

5. Use the discount code

Seriously.
Code: BARKANDBRASS

✅Price Here


Who the Xander Sling Is Perfect For

  • Women who want concealed carry without carrying a purse

  • Men who hate bulky slings

  • Hikers

  • Dog walkers

  • Travelers

  • Minimalists

  • Anyone who wants a non-intimidating first carry option

This bag is new-user friendly without being cheap.


Shelly’s Final Verdict

The DS Conceal Xander Leather Sling is one of the best concealed-carry slings I’ve used in years.

It looks good.
It carries comfortably.
It conceals extremely well.
It works for beginners and seasoned carriers.

If you want a sling that handles real life — not fantasy tactical influencer life — this is the one.

Use Code: BARKANDBRASS for 10% off.

✅Price Here


FAQs

Q: Does it fit a Glock 43X?
Yes — perfectly.

Q: Can men wear it?
Absolutely. It’s unisex.

Q: Is the draw fast?
Yes. One of the fastest I’ve tested from a sling.

Q: Will the leather scratch over time?
A little — but it adds character.

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