PMCI - September 2021

pmcimagazine.com
KIT: GALCO FLETCH HOLSTER
new Glock 17 Fletch holster, I could not wait to take it out of the
package and give it a once over. The smell of fresh leather hit
my nostrils and I immediately smiled. Quality leather gives off
a rich smell that can only be described as satisfying. Premium
steerhide often referred to as saddle leather is one of the most
durable leathers available on the market. Having grew up on a
horse ranch, I saw firsthand how long the steerhide saddles and
equipment lasted over the years with simply basic care.
Although Galco offers the Fletch model finished in a rich tan
or black, I opted for how the deep black died leather shows off
the clean lines of the holster’s sleek design. It exuded the look
of a true professional. Few other finishes and materials look just
as good with a t-shirt and jeans as it does while working a VIP
protection detail with slacks and a sport coat. Combined with a 1
¾” wide Blacknite series everyday carry belt from www.Nexbelt.
com to perfectly match the holsters belt loops, the rig offers an
impressive look even though its designed to primarily not be seen.
The holster featured a fully covered trigger guard for safety
and a reinforced thumb strap to firmly secure the pistol in place.
More than once during my tenure with my original Galco
Fletch holster did it survive rolling across the floor wrestling to
get a suspect into handcuffs when working in plain clothes. The
wet molded holster design contours to the hip at the 3 to 5 o
clock position very well. The narrower profile tends to blend much
better than traditional pancake style holsters to prevent printing
when worn to conceal the gun under an untucked shirt or light
jacket. The high ride and pistol butt tilted forward design for carry
aided to break up the overall profile as well.
DAILY CARRY
Before I could start carrying my pistol in the holster, I had to break
it in first. The holster came as much quality holsters with a super
tight fit at first. I simply placed the UNLOADED gun in a sandwich
bag and inserted it back into the holster. After working the gun
back and forth in the holster, I placed it in my safe to sit overnight.
The next day, I did the same thing by working the gun in and
out of the holster several times before returning it to the safe.
After a couple of days, I started to mount the holster on my belt
and work on presentations on target and reholstering with the
gun still unloaded and in the plastic bag to reduce friction.
Within a few weeks, the holster was a perfect fit allowing a
quick, smooth draw and reholster without the surrounding plastic
bag on the gun. I was then confident to carry the rig with my gun
fully loaded.
I really enjoyed the way the holster’s design allowed for a quick
acquisition of a master grip in order to draw fast and confidently
without the subconscious need for any readjustment of the firing
hand. This confidence and grip security can be instrumental in
getting a clean first shot hit. With the holster bladed just behind
the hip, the draw stroke felt natural although I regularly prefer
zero cant holsters with a directly vertical draw carried at my 3
o’clock position. The Fletch design lends itself much better for
concealment and makes it easy for shooters like me to be able to
comfortably and quickly adapt.
After a few days of wearing the Fletch rig, I started to forget
it was there. The weight dispersion of the load and the high ride
carry kept it up and out of the way of accessing my pockets or
causing any lower back discomfort. My biggest concern with
any thumb break holster is with the reholster process. Too many
times, I have seen lesser holsters cause issues in the reholstering
process due to a limp thumb strap flopping into the trigger guard.
I was pleased to see this was not in any means the case with
the rigidity of the Galco Fletch thumb strap. The strap thickness
of the Fletch’s design kept it out of the way and stiff enough
not to flop out of place at all. Every draw and reholster kept the
strap against the slide as the gun eased in and out of the holster.
Safety features like that are often underestimated and overlooked
but greatly appreciated by the professional personnel who carry
them.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Overall, I found that I still really enjoy daily carrying my firearm
in the Galco Fletch holster. Although I have since moved from
North Carolina in which “open carry” is permissible to Florida in
which concealed carry is required to still carry, the Fletch holster
continues to have its use. I continue to carry on the belt on my
own property with an untucked shirt to conceal my gun or on the
range when teaching others. Due to the high humidity, I do find
myself cleaning the holster a bit more and once a year rubbing it
down with a quality leather conditioner.
The double-stitched seams have continued to give the holster
unmatched durability and show no signs of wear or fraying. My
Glock 17 9mm still fits like a glove and delivers a quick smooth
draw. The holster sits high on the belt with zero flopping or
indication of any loss of stability. Despite long days on the range
and in the field, the holster still cleans up well and delivers a
professional appearance to my students.
Retailing for US$136, the Galco Fletch holster is a prime case
of getting what you pay for, a premium holster at a premium
price. Could I purchase a cheaper leather holster? Yes, of course
and that would be exactly what I end up with, a cheap holster.
Cheaper constructed, cheaper materials and ultimately a less
safe and much less durable product. When it comes to strapping a
tool onto my belt daily that comes with as much public speculation
and high liability as a handgun, how much it costs to have the
absolute best in quality and protection is the very least of my
concerns. Pay the price, get some quality training and enjoy years
of worry-free service out of a Galco holster.
To put the quality and longevity of the Fletch holster into
perspective, I will leave you with this fact. The original Galco
holster I purchased in 2000 for my duty gun not only served me
well during my off-duty days for over a decade but continues to
still serve the Department twenty-one years after purchasing it
with the Detective I passed it along to when I left.
In my opinion, that’s not just a good example of
quality but a part of the Galco legacy as well. To
find out more about the Fletch holster and other
great Galco products, visit www.GalcoGunLeather.
com and find the model that best suits your needs.
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