O.T. Holster

Does anyone carry with a Galco holster? I normally carry with and IWB Crossbreed but am looking for a new OWB. I really like the looks of the Galco but just looking for some input on comfort, retention, etc.... They are a bit pricey but if they do the job comfortably and securely, I'll order one. Thanks

Tom: what kind of Galco holster? Galco makes dozens of variations. Also, what are you using it for? In general, Galco is a well-respected name and I've been satisfied with any I've owned, but some more information would help in giving you a better answer.

All of the names you mention make good holsters, so I have heard. The thing is they might make good quality holsters, but when it comes down to the wire, the price reflects a name brand more than anything else.

That said, I guarantee a little searching will turn up a good leather worker in your area that can make you a custom holster for a lot less than any of the name brands. I know I"ve got a buddy that is just getting into the craft but he already does some pretty good stuff on the pure leather side of things. Then I ran into another guy at the gun show last weekend that combines leather holsters with the plastic paddles that go inside your pants to support it. Basically he will do a sheath customized, and formed for retention to your gun. As he makes it he sews in the barrel nuts so you can attach the plastic paddle like you"d find on most off the shelf holsters. With that setup you"ve got the look of leather for the main part of the holster with the paddle to carry the weight on your hip, and the ability to adjust the cant anywhere you want. Ultimately it"s more adjustable than the off the shelf brands because he can put the barrel nuts in the holster where ever you need them, and get close to what you want from the word go.

He"s got his "standard" stuff, and standard prices, so I asked him about the cost for a full custom job that would carry my Steyr M40 exactly like I want it. Given that it"s next to impossible to get anything to fit it, period, much less anything that will allow me to comfortably carry cross draw like I do I"m pretty much stuck with getting something custom made anyways. He said he said he could do it for around $65, maybe a little more just depending on what I wanted and the amount of leather it took beyond the more common stuff. In other words everything he does is pretty much "custom" to some degree because the $65, base price, to make mine was the same price on the "standard" holsters.

Price wise, that"s not much more than the plain, off the shelf, kydex holsters that are running nearly $40 or more around here. Then I am sure for a little more he would gladly add schroll work, or whatever to make it into a really nice looking, as well as functional piece.

Too there are guys doing custom stuff out of pure kydex. All it takes to do that is a pattern for the gun, or the gun itself, and a heat source to form the kydex to it. I"ve seen a few of those at the shows and they are pretty nice too.

Good luck with whatever you decide to go with. The only thing worse than not being able to carry is trying to carry and being uncomfortable doing it.

(quoted from post at 02:55:06 08/23/14) Tom: what kind of Galco holster? Galco makes dozens of variations. Also, what are you using it for? In general, Galco is a well-respected name and I've been satisfied with any I've owned, but some more information would help in giving you a better answer.

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i Tim. Sorry. I forgot to put in what model I was looking at. It's the "consealable outside waistband" model. I really like my IWB from Crossbreed but was kind of hesitant on their OWB. Didn't look like it had enough beef on the "Snapslide" model. The "SuperSlide" they offer looks good and can be used as a crossdraw but not sure if i would really use that option.

I use a Galco paddle holster. It is quick, convenient, and secure. Was about $75. I don't like an IWB, not enough room. I like the paddle because I can grab it and clip it on and go.

I have used Galco and they are good . I have been useing lately Quest or Ace Case(out of St.Clair,Mo.). The ones I get are nylon and are designed to carry extra magazine and can be worn inside or outside of pants. I carry outside of pants don't like it inside next to skin. I don't like leather because gun finish doesn't hold up good if gun is left in leather.

Where do you find holsters in St.
Clair mo??? A lot closer to home than St Louis

Sounds like he makes a nice holster

I use a Galco IWB Carry Lite. I have a Kahr P40 in it most of the day. Most of the time I don't notice it, as I have become use to it there all the time.

I thought about switching to OWB, but in Michigan it needs to be concealed, so that would force me to wear a loose shirt to keep it covered.

A few people practice open-carry (technically legal), but I don't want to go down that path yet. Its not very common and it does draw attention to people.

Post back if you find a OWB you like.

Rick

I like my Galco slide-style OWB holster, though I don't typically use it for concealed carry. It has a thumb-break retention strap, which I prefer, and has held up well to a lot of use.

I found Ace Case Manufacturing on line. They make cases for pistols, rifles,shotguns,ammo pouches and bags to take guns to range. They make holster of leather and nylon and for many differant makes and models of firearms. Heres their info. Ace Case Manufacturing 160 North Main Street St. Clair,Mo. 63077 Phone (800)544-0008 or Missouri (636)629-4994.