Would You Wear This Galco Holster Rig?

antilamr · Mar 2, 2019

I'm thinking about buying a used Galco shoulder holster. The current configuration is for a 1911 but I could always buy additional holsters for my 3rd Gen pistols to swap with. My question to everyone is have you worn Galco's before and are they comfortable? Conceal well?
Checking on Ebay I see you can acquire one of these classics for fairly cheap so I would like a fair estimate of what you'd pay for the one in the photos.
Thinking of going the shoulder route due to having to sit a lot during the day and also making 4 or 5 trips in the car daily.
Everyones thought would be appreciated.

max503 · Mar 2, 2019

I've never worn one but definitely would like to try. I would love to have a shoulder holster for when I ride my bicycle. It should conceal well under a hi-vis vest. I'm just waiting for the right deal to come along.

BC38 · Mar 2, 2019

I love the idea of a shoulder holster. Unfortunately I don't have the build for it. I'm very barrel-chested, which also means I don't have really broad shoulders for my size. So they just aren't comfortable for me.

Before investing serious coin for one I'd highly recommend buying a cheapo nylon off eBay (maybe even a used one) and give it a try - if you haven't already.

ColbyBruce · Mar 2, 2019

I had one like that for the first S&W 3913 I owned. It didn’t fit so well after I gained 20 pounds, and I never liked having the muzzle pointed at random people behind me. The rig itself was comfortable and secure.

Zebra War Wagon · Mar 2, 2019

I wear one like that daily for the past almost 40 years. LOVE the shoulder holster and will only wear an IWB when absolutely the only option.

antilamr · Mar 2, 2019

Zebra War Wagon said:
I wear one like that daily for the past almost 40 years. LOVE the shoulder holster and will only wear an IWB when absolutely the only option.

Mind if I ask what you carry? Full size, compact or subcompact?
Revolver or semi? If 1911, what size? Haven't used a shoulder rig and curious what's working for you.
I have a 5" 1911 as well as a 3913. Might also pick up a 3" 1911 soon so these would be the rotation for shoulder holster carry.
Just would need to get a holster for the 3913 to swap with. Wondering if you wear it under a loose fitting shirt only and if it conceals well?

antilamr · Mar 2, 2019

ColbyBruce said:
I had one like that for the first S&W 3913 I owned. It didn’t fit so well after I gained 20 pounds, and I never liked having the muzzle pointed at random people behind me. The rig itself was comfortable and secure.

I too have a 3913 and am assuming it concealed well? Conceals good under a loose shirt?

antilamr · Mar 2, 2019

BC38 said:
I love the idea of a shoulder holster. Unfortunately I don't have the build for it. I'm very barrel-chested, which also means I don't have really broad shoulders for my size. So they just aren't comfortable for me.

Before investing serious coin for one I'd highly recommend buying a cheapo nylon off eBay (maybe even a used one) and give it a try - if you haven't already.

I'm looking at picking this up cheap but didn't want to waste my money if it was not going to work for concealment under a loose fitting shirt. Living in So Cal means not wearing a jacket/cover garment most of the year.

ColbyBruce · Mar 2, 2019

The design will print under thin, snug clothing but I mostly wore it under a Carhartt jacket or a bulky wool knit sweater. I also have a couple of heavy Pendleton and Woolrich wool shirts that I bought oversized. They do a decent job of concealing the harness.

Zebra War Wagon · Mar 2, 2019

antilamr said:
Mind if I ask what you carry? Full size, compact or subcompact?
Revolver or semi? If 1911, what size? Haven't used a shoulder rig and curious what's working for you.
I have a 5" 1911 as well as a 3913. Might also pick up a 3" 1911 soon so these would be the rotation for shoulder holster carry.
Just would need to get a holster for the 3913 to swap with. Wondering if you wear it under a loose fitting shirt only and if it conceals well?

I usually carry the S&W 1911sc Commander. Other times I will carry the S&W 640, when I need to be less clothed. As far as shirts to cover it up.....

antilamr · Mar 2, 2019

Zebra War Wagon said:
I usually carry the S&W 1911sc Commander. Other times I will carry the S&W 640, when I need to be less clothed. As far as shirts to cover it up.....

Not to hijack my own thread, but wondering if you also wear business casual shirts (and if you conceal well with). The Hawaiian casual look won't work for my day job

nachogrande · Mar 2, 2019

YES, CUZ I OWN A COUPLE.

If you don't secure them to a belt they can flop around if you move much or bend over. They are not quite as concealed as I'd like around the buckles. Worn under a jacket/coat, no problems, no way with only a shirt IMO. I don't bother with the belt straps cuz I rarely wear belts. On the plus side you could wear it naked if that's your bag. Mine are older & it only has a single mag pouch. I had a triple mag pouch made that helps even the wt side to side. You can change holsters quickly with 2 snaps. For a quick drive somewhere I don't really care much anymore if I show to a person that knows what to look for. I'm legal & don't stay out in public for long. Hard to hide a 1911 IMO. The largest I CC now is a Sig P239, but we don't over dress here in Fl.

LoboGunLeather · Mar 2, 2019

If I am not mistaken Galco was the successor to the original ******* shoulder holster design. X-style harness, horizontal carry and draw, weight of the holstered pistol counter-balanced by an off-side mag pouch (and occasionally a handcuff pouch attached).

Very good design. Generally comfortable for all day use. One harness could be used with multiple holsters and pouches, so some versatility offered.

Several down-sides to this type of carry:

1. Not particularly concealable. Accessibility requires an open front cover garment, and that can frequently expose the shoulder harness or the holstered pistol itself. Selection of cover garment is critical for discreet use.

2. Riding in an automobile, sitting at a desk, and other routine activities can cause the harness to shift in position. Not unusual to see shoulder holster users going to some lengths to move the harness around to maintain a comfortable position. Every time you get out of your car you could find yourself announcing "GUN HERE".

3. Generally comfortable in casual use, but any strenuous physical activity such as running, jumping, bending over, etc, adds another dimension to the experience.

4. Of course, drawing from a shoulder holster involves telegraphing your intent to anyone paying attention, and the muzzle of the weapon can sweep a very wide area before being brought to the proper azimuth for target acquisition.

I am not condemning this holster design. I am just suggesting that it might not be the best for some users and circumstances.

EdinDenver · Mar 2, 2019

I'm not a fan of shoulder holsters mostly because I've called out a few police officers who were "under cover" that had straps showing...it's happened on more than one occasion.

I also once knew someone that shot himself while wearing a shoulder holster - he told the police someone tried to rob him and shot the side of his van...the truth came out later (and he was charged for it). It's all about trigger and finger control.

That being said, I am a fan of holster rigs when you're out in areas where you can open carry...and do so to protect yourself more from wild animals...I'm a huge fan of Diamond D Leather Chest holsters and have one for my 629 8".

BAM-BAM · Mar 2, 2019

Got a couple years ago; both with double mag pouches ..... both were "lightly used" and the prices were about 1/3 retail.....about the only time I use them is in the winter under a zipped coat or jacket.... the jacket holds everything in place .... pull down the zipper and grab gun.

Think short barrels 4" or less.

antilamr · Mar 2, 2019

LoboGunLeather said:
If I am not mistaken Galco was the successor to the original ******* shoulder holster design. X-style harness, horizontal carry and draw, weight of the holstered pistol counter-balanced by an off-side mag pouch (and occasionally a handcuff pouch attached).

Very good design. Generally comfortable for all day use. One harness could be used with multiple holsters and pouches, so some versatility offered.

Several down-sides to this type of carry:

1. Not particularly concealable. Accessibility requires an open front cover garment, and that can frequently expose the shoulder harness or the holstered pistol itself. Selection of cover garment is critical for discreet use.

2. Riding in an automobile, sitting at a desk, and other routine activities can cause the harness to shift in position. Not unusual to see shoulder holster users going to some lengths to move the harness around to maintain a comfortable position. Every time you get out of your car you could find yourself announcing "GUN HERE".

3. Generally comfortable in casual use, but any strenuous physical activity such as running, jumping, bending over, etc, adds another dimension to the experience.

4. Of course, drawing from a shoulder holster involves telegraphing your intent to anyone paying attention, and the muzzle of the weapon can sweep a very wide area before being brought to the proper azimuth for target acquisition.

I am not condemning this holster design. I am just suggesting that it might not be the best for some users and circumstances.

I know your some what of the expert on holsters and appreciate your feed back.
My first choice for conceal-ability is the IWB. The only issue I have is I drive a small vehicle that's difficult getting into and having the IWB is not comfortable or possible without having to move it around (or take it off) every time I get in & out of the car (multiple times a day). The thought was to use a shoulder rig for comfort in these circumstances. My main concern is conceal ability of the shoulder rig. I'd be wearing the rig over a tee shirt then hopefully have a loose fitting dress/business shirt over it.When weather dictates, I wear it over a regular shirt with a light weight jacket to conceal (maybe 2 or 3 months out of the year).

These were my hopes. Maybe just wishful thinking? I'm in the city 95% of the time(So Cal) and concealment is extremely important.

antilamr · Mar 2, 2019

BAM-BAM said:
Got a couple years ago; both with double mag pouches ..... both were "lightly used" and the prices were about 1/3 retail.....about the only time I use them is in the winter under a zipped coat or jacket.... the jacket holds everything in place .... pull down the zipper and grab gun.

Think short barrels 4" or less.

When I'm at my mountain cabin, that's how I'd roll since a jacket is the norm up there. I'm looking at getting the rig for 25% of retail(used of course). I believe in using a quality holster for everything you carry regularly which is why I wouldn't go buy a cheap one off of Ebay.

sigp220.45 · Mar 2, 2019

I wore that same set up with a Sig P220 for years. Gun and badge on one side (badge holder hooked to strap), two mags and cuffs on the other. Easy on, easy off.

It conceals ok under a shirt or light jacket. If you wear one of those fishing vest things it can show through the armhole.

It can disconcerting to anyone behind you if it isn’t concealed.

Now I am a mostly retired gentleman of leisure and my people-shooting days are probably behind me. I just carry a gun and none of the other stuff, so the Galco rig lost its charm. I gave the Sig to my son along with the rig, but he is wrong-handed so it doesn’t do him much good. He likes having it, though.

LoboGunLeather · Mar 2, 2019

antilamr said:
I know your some what of the expert on holsters and appreciate your feed back.
My first choice for conceal-ability is the IWB. The only issue I have is I drive a small vehicle that's difficult getting into and having the IWB is not comfortable or possible without having to move it around (or take it off) every time I get in & out of the car (multiple times a day). The thought was to use a shoulder rig for comfort in these circumstances. My main concern is conceal ability of the shoulder rig. I'd be wearing the rig over a tee shirt then hopefully have a loose fitting dress/business shirt over it.When weather dictates, I wear it over a regular shirt with a light weight jacket to conceal (maybe 2 or 3 months out of the year).

These were my hopes. Maybe just wishful thinking? I'm in the city 95% of the time(So Cal) and concealment is extremely important.

Everything in holster design involves compromises among the 4 basic factors of comfort, accessibility, security, and concealment. Whenever one factor if emphasized there will be compromises in the other factors. Only the end user can decide which factors are most important for his needs and how much compromise can be tolerated in the other factors.

There is no such thing as a perfect holster, any more than there is a perfect firearm, for every user and every situation.

Try it out. If you like it and it serves your needs, great. If not it could guide you on the search for your perfect compromise.

Best regards.

growr · Mar 2, 2019

I use this very setup when driving....have one for my 1911 and my 3913
and I find it very comfortable and also like having everything in one spot.

Randy

Would You Wear This Galco Holster Rig?

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