Mini-Review: "I Told You So", or Disappointment Reigns - Page 2

ROFL SQUAD · February 7th, 2009, 08:41 PM

Wow! And I thought mine was well used!

Sweet to hear it straight from the horse's mouth.

J

Rock and Glock · February 8th, 2009, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Padawan

I BEG TO DIFER.

I work for Galco. I think your expectations were a bit high for $24.95. I think its a geat entry level pocket holster.

I don't disagree, I stated my expectations weren't high, but I'll elaborate on my opinions a bit more based on the Galco description I've copied below. I do have a nicely made custom, for the same price, with rough-out 6/7 weight vegetable tanned (USA) leather. I was expecting at least 5/6 or 6/7 weight, but again, the site did not elaborate on the weight of the leather.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Padawan

The “lightweight sloppy leather” you are referring to is the same leather used on the harness for the Jackass Rig and the entire Classic Lite rig, the Sto-N-Go, The Paddle Lite, the Ankle Lite, and the Walkabout. It resembles heavy weight suede.

If the site had said it resembled heavy weight suede I would have passed. If I knew it was the same as harness material for a shoulder or ankle rig I would have passed. The site states it is made of "Premium Center Cut Steerhide™". It does not say it is made of the same material as the harness rigs. I could not find a description of "Premium Center Cut Steerhide™" on the site, so I relied on the picture. It appears"Premium Center Cut Steerhide™" is a Galco trademarked term.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Padawan

Yes it is lightweight, this is by design. You will notice the holster is listed in our “lite” line.

I assumed it was "light", as it had minimal leather. Again, this ("Lite") was not noted on the web page for the holster or in the description. I did not shop by product line. I shopped by the "gun selector" page, which works very well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Padawan

How is leather “sloppy”? Fit can be sloppy, finish can be sloppy. How does this apply to the leather itself?

The light weight suede is pliable, fold-able, very light (suede like) - I meant it would not retain a firm molded shape. "Sloppy" was a poor choice of words.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Padawan

No boning? Not surprising considering the holster shown on the website (which you copied to your posting) is not a molded holster. Was the photo misleading? Why were you expecting boning?
The purpose of boning is retention. How much retention did you want while the holster was in your pocket? Deep molding of a pocket holster is not condusive to a quick presentation.

The website shows very minimal forming around the trigger guard. My mistake. The suede came flat with no molding, and as noted, was foldable and very soft. That will not change. It will not stiffen up, in fact, I'd guess it will soften with age (i.e. leather)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Padawan

Irregular stitching? The stitching is done by hand on a harness-stitching machine. It is specifically designed to place x stitches per inch. How is this irregular? The photo you posted shows very regular stitching.

The photo is from Galco's site. I didn't pull out a ruler or micrometer, just a visual.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Padawan

I have included a photo of my Pocket protector. Forgive the shape as it has spent many hours in my pocket and gotten a bit sweaty. Sometimes I carry it as a primary, more often as a bug. While it is well used, it shows no sign of imminent failure after 2 years use. You may note some molding, this was caused by the soft leather naturally molding to the hard surface while being in my pocket.

Nice looking holster, well loved, and it has served you well!

Here's the description from the Galco site:

Quote:

POCKET PROTECTOR HOLSTER GLOCK - 26

While limiting the carrier to a relatively small handgun, pocket carry offers some unique advantages. Not only is the handgun completely covered and concealed, but the gun carrier can casually place a hand on the holstered/pocketed pistol if a nonspecific threat materializes – and the fastest draw is to have the gun already in hand.

The Pocket Protector™ holster is designed for front pocket carry in pants or a jacket. The Pocket Protector keeps the firearm in the same general position so you can quickly locate the grip when you need to draw, conceals the shape of the gun so that its outline is not printed through the pants, and allows one-handed release of gun from both pocket and holster.

Reinforcements at the holster mouth and beneath the trigger guard keep the holster stiff enough to allow a smooth draw and easy return to the holster, while also maintaining enough rigidity to prevent “printing” and shifting of the handgun. The holster’s hooked shape – at the base of the handgun’s trigger guard – is designed to catch on the pocket so that, with practice (using an unloaded firearm) and while using the proper pants, you can draw the firearm while the holster remains in your pocket or falls away.

The Pocket Protector is ambidextrous and constructed of premium Center Cut Steerhide™.

Pocket Protector for NAA mini-revolvers includes a flapped pocket for spare rounds.

To clarify, I took a shot in the dark - Galco has a good reputation and is a big player in the market - I am not dissing Galco.

I based my decision on the site description of the holster. It did not specify "suede or suede like or heavy suede". It said "Premium Center Cut Steerhide™" which was not defined. Based on the picture it could be a "rough out" rig. Likewise, the weight of the leather was not specified on that page - I made an assumption.

Because I was not shopping for a shoulder or ankle rig, I did not notice the similarities in the material used.

I hope this explains my original post better. Glad you like yours! It looks well loved, and after two years, obviously meets your needs. It just wasn't going to meet mine.

Thanks for your input, and the pictures as well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROFL SQUAD

Slightly better pics. You can see the wear and tear. and how the holster has molded to the right side of my leg. IMO the best part of this holster is that half dollar size space between the grip of the pistol and the holster above the "wing" of the holster....I place my ring finger here when drawing and use that finger to help "push" the holster off the pistol when drawing. Some pocket holsters don't have this space.

J

Thank you for the pics and the insights! I appreciate it.

frankmako · February 8th, 2009, 11:51 PM

i have many galco holsters, some are 20 years old. some i wear on duty everyday. i have never had any problem except once. the clip broke off from the holster on my udc286. called galco, they told me to mail it back and they send me a new one. hard to beat.

Old Padawan · February 9th, 2009, 03:31 AM

You should look into the Horsehide Front Pocket Holster. It has the qualities you are looking for. Much stiffer leather, some light molding.
Did you buy the Pocket Protector from Galco directly? If so, call and return it. Makes no sense to keep a holster you wont use.
Ask to speak to me Bill King.
Galco holsters; Holsters; Gun holster, pistol holsters, western holsters, shoulder holsters, leather holster and Glock holsters

Rock and Glock · February 9th, 2009, 10:35 AM

Bill:

Thanks for the idea! I appreciate it! That horsehide looks nice too! I also found this description of "Premium Center Cut Steerhide™" on the Galco website:

Quote:

Premium Center Cut Steerhide™ is steerhide with the outer and inner layer removed.

It has been treated at the tannery in such a way as to retain its natural lateral strength and, at the same time, provide a soft inner layer to protect the firearm’s finish. It also has an outer layer finish that is ideal for inside the waistband and pocket holsters due to its natural “grabbing” ability. Unlike our competitor’s products that are made from a rubberized fabric, our Center Cut Steerhide is an all-natural leather product that breathes, and therefore does not cause excessive sweating and chafing between the wearer’s body and holster.

Center Cut Steerhide works equally well for general holster designs because its exterior does not show scuffing or scratches, making for a much less maintenance-intensive product.

I hadn't done enough homework.......

johnsonabq · February 9th, 2009, 12:44 PM

To say it another way, my expectations were not high, and they failed to meet my expectations.....

Rather, it seems they were. IMHO

Rock and Glock · February 9th, 2009, 01:12 PM

Just got off of the phone with Galco - really first class operation! Return was painless and easy. They were very helpful!

Didn't have a chance to chat with you, Bill, but I really appreciate your insight! Thank you.

Dakota97 · February 9th, 2009, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rock and Glock

I do have a nicely made custom, for the same price, with rough-out 6/7 weight vegetable tanned (USA) leather. I was expecting at least 5/6 or 6/7 weight, but again, the site did not elaborate on the weight of the leather.

I gotta ask..... Who is the custom maker that makes holsters for $24.95?

Rock and Glock · February 9th, 2009, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dakota97

I gotta ask..... Who is the custom maker that makes holsters for $24.95?

"Wild Bill" from"Leather Guns & Etc.". Not to worry - a very simple pocket holster, plus he likes me.....

Dakota97 · February 9th, 2009, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rock and Glock

"Wild Bill" from"Leather Guns & Etc.". Not to worry - a very simple pocket holster, plus he likes me.....

Thanks.

February 7th, 2009, 08:41 PM	#11
ROFL SQUAD Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Palm Beach County, FL Posts: 105	Wow! And I thought mine was well used! Sweet to hear it straight from the horse's mouth. J __________________ If you're going to carry one weapon, might as well carry two, because as the saying goes, "Two is one, and one is none."

February 8th, 2009, 11:51 PM	#13
frankmako VIP Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Parts Unknown Posts: 2,488	i have many galco holsters, some are 20 years old. some i wear on duty everyday. i have never had any problem except once. the clip broke off from the holster on my udc286. called galco, they told me to mail it back and they send me a new one. hard to beat. __________________ An armed man is a citizen. An unarmed man is a subject. Red State State of Mind

February 9th, 2009, 12:44 PM	#16
johnsonabq Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Albuquerque, NM Posts: 488	To say it another way, my expectations were not high, and they failed to meet my expectations..... Rather, it seems they were. IMHO __________________ Jeff NRA Member I will choose a path that's clear, I will choose Freewill! Kimber Ultra Carry II, Glock G23 & G36, Kahr PM9, Winchester 1300 Defender 12gauge pump (my favorite but hard to hide)

February 9th, 2009, 01:12 PM	#17
Rock and Glock VIP Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Colorado at 9,500' Posts: 4,441	Just got off of the phone with Galco - really first class operation! Return was painless and easy. They were very helpful! Didn't have a chance to chat with you, Bill, but I really appreciate your insight! Thank you. __________________ Richard NRA Life Member *"Carry the battle to them. Don't let them bring it to you. Put them on the defensive and don't ever apologize for anything."* Harry S. Truman

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February 9th, 2009, 03:31 AM	#14
Old Padawan Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Phoenix AZ Posts: 42	You should look into the Horsehide Front Pocket Holster. It has the qualities you are looking for. Much stiffer leather, some light molding. Did you buy the Pocket Protector from Galco directly? If so, call and return it. Makes no sense to keep a holster you wont use. Ask to speak to me Bill King. Galco holsters; Holsters; Gun holster, pistol holsters, western holsters, shoulder holsters, leather holster and Glock holsters