Galco Avenger Holster - Anyone?

Chase2b · November 4th, 2007, 09:17 AM

I was looking at getting the Galco Avenger OWB and wanted to know if anyone has this holster?
It looks like a really nice holster but I am concerned about how it conceals since it has the belt loop behind the holster.

N-frame Smith · November 4th, 2007, 10:38 AM

The Avenger style of holsters are great, classic holsters. I've had some Avengers and still use similar holsters from other makers (Sparks 55BN and Rosen RRR) and with the right belt they conceal just fine.

I have to say that I sort of "feel" that I conceal a bit better with a pancake, but have no actual data or results to prove it. It may be nothing more than the blended front end of the pancake reassuring my subconscious, whereas the Avenger does have a more abrupt, blunt front end. FWIW, this style of holster is typically described as a sport, practical or range holster by many makers, though I know plenty of people, including me, who use them for concealment. And of course, the key selling point of this type of holster is the reinforced mouth which will never close or collapse on you like some pancakes do.

The only thing I don't like about the Avenger is that the belt slots are 1.75" and I like my belt and holster to match perfectly for best stability. That's one of the reasons I buy them from the custom makers now.

Smith10 · November 4th, 2007, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N-frame Smith

The Avenger style of holsters are great, classic holsters. I've had some Avengers and still use similar holsters from other makers (Sparks 55BN and Rosen RRR) and with the right belt they conceal just fine.

I have to say that I sort of "feel" that I conceal a bit better with a pancake, but have no actual data or results to prove it. It may be nothing more than the blended front end of the pancake reassuring my subconscious, whereas the Avenger does have a more abrupt, blunt front end. FWIW, this style of holster is typically described as a sport, practical or range holster by many makers, though I know plenty of people, including me, who use them for concealment. And of course, the key selling point of this type of holster is the reinforced mouth which will never close or collapse on you like some pancakes do.

The only thing I don't like about the Avenger is that the belt slots are 1.75" and I like my belt and holster to match perfectly for best stability. That's one of the reasons I buy them from the custom makers now.

+1 couldn't put it any better.

JD · November 4th, 2007, 05:22 PM

I have one that I started using more often than my Milt Sparks VMII, I love it for my 5" 1911, Limatunes hi-jacked it while I was waiting for my VA CCW to get approved, now I'm talking it back and she is distraught.

I have no problem concealing it with a unbuttoned shirt. It is by far one of my two favorite holsters, the other being my VMII.

Thumper · November 4th, 2007, 08:24 PM

That holster looks like it has a "neutral" rake, or in other words "no" rake. If that's the case, couldn't you also use it in a cross draw position?

JD · November 4th, 2007, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thumper

That holster looks like it has a "neutral" rake, or in other words "no" rake. If that's the case, couldn't you also use it in a cross draw position?

Possibly, but for a good cross draw, the can should be there to put the grip on an angle, it's just more natural IMHO, and won't require the bending of the wrist and give a smoother draw.

sheepdog · November 5th, 2007, 07:59 AM

Chase2b, in regards to the belt loop-you seem to be concerned that there is only a rear loop. In addition to the one you see at the rear, there is a belt tunnel style loop on the back of the holster. The rear loop pulls it close against you-or at least mine does on a Del Fatti SLP that is very similar. The 1.75 belt loop referred to would seem to be the biggest negative...unless you WEAR that width all the time.

Thumper · November 5th, 2007, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JD

Possibly, but for a good cross draw, the can should be there to put the grip on an angle, it's just more natural IMHO, and won't require the bending of the wrist and give a smoother draw.

Yeah, looking at it again, it would be a greatly restricted cross draw.

November 4th, 2007, 10:38 AM	#2
N-frame Smith Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 272	The Avenger style of holsters are great, classic holsters. I've had some Avengers and still use similar holsters from other makers (Sparks 55BN and Rosen RRR) and with the right belt they conceal just fine. I have to say that I sort of "feel" that I conceal a bit better with a pancake, but have no actual data or results to prove it. It may be nothing more than the blended front end of the pancake reassuring my subconscious, whereas the Avenger does have a more abrupt, blunt front end. FWIW, this style of holster is typically described as a sport, practical or range holster by many makers, though I know plenty of people, including me, who use them for concealment. And of course, the key selling point of this type of holster is the reinforced mouth which will never close or collapse on you like some pancakes do. The only thing I don't like about the Avenger is that the belt slots are 1.75" and I like my belt and holster to match perfectly for best stability. That's one of the reasons I buy them from the custom makers now. __________________ "Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!" - Patrick Henry

November 4th, 2007, 05:22 PM	#4
JD Senior Moderator Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Central Iowa Posts: 11,652	I have one that I started using more often than my Milt Sparks VMII, I love it for my 5" 1911, Limatunes hi-jacked it while I was waiting for my VA CCW to get approved, now I'm talking it back and she is distraught. I have no problem concealing it with a unbuttoned shirt. It is by far one of my two favorite holsters, the other being my VMII. __________________ Some Things Need to be Addressed... Iowa Carry.ORG: Promoting Weapons Carry Reform in Iowa Forum Customs & Courtesies

November 4th, 2007, 08:24 PM	#5
Thumper VIP Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Nevada Posts: 5,590	That holster looks like it has a "neutral" rake, or in other words "no" rake. If that's the case, couldn't you also use it in a cross draw position? __________________ USMC 1968-1971 ALWAYS carry! - NEVER tell! *"Don't go to stupid places, with stupid people, and do stupid things!"*

November 5th, 2007, 07:59 AM	#7
sheepdog Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 581	Chase2b, in regards to the belt loop-you seem to be concerned that there is only a rear loop. In addition to the one you see at the rear, there is a belt tunnel style loop on the back of the holster. The rear loop pulls it close against you-or at least mine does on a Del Fatti SLP that is very similar. The 1.75 belt loop referred to would seem to be the biggest negative...unless you WEAR that width all the time. __________________ What Would Gumby Do?

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