Levels of Security
Some users like to bash the clip on holster designs and the reality is that a clip on isn’t as secure as a paddle or belt design, but if you match the right belt to a holter, it is a fine CCW option, especially if you are going to be taking the gun and holster off while you are out. I personally prefer the vertical shoulder holster design, but I’ve been tempted to wear the Galco Miami Classic holster on occassion. They are defanitely one of the nicest shoulder holsters out there.
One of the most well known leather holster manufacturers is Galco Holsters. They make some of the nicest belt holsters you can find. When you get down to it, all of these holster options are really preference because nobody can tell you that something can’t work for you. Some holster designs like Kydex are better in warm and sweaty environments, but when you’re looking for a rock solid setup, you can’t beat the security of a belt holster.
Uncle Mikes holsters have been around for a long time and I know some people have it in for them because they aren’t very expensive and many of them are made out of Nylon. After being in the gun industry for so many years, I’m starting to be amazed at the number of people I have respect for that are walking around with 38 Specials and 32ACP pocket guns and believe me, they aren’t underpowered. The experts don’t always carry the most expensive holsters and gear, sometimes they just use when is neccessary and don’t waste money.
Selecting the right holster for you and going to take some work. The best thing you can do before you start carrying a firearm is figure out what kind of gun you really want to carry and then go from there. Some people want to carry a full size auto right off the bat and then find out which holster works for them. Firearms can be carried in various ways, but situations and comfort are really the key. I have a friend that carries a full size Springfield 1911 and claims there is no difference in carry that vs a smaller auto.
The argument about which gun is better than the other is like beating a dead horse to most gun enthusiasts, but when talking about gun holsters there seems to be very little argument. Whenever I speak to my friends about the topic of gun holsters, there is a clear and obvious reality that no holster is good for everything. Some holsters look nice and feel nice, but they won’t hold up to adverse weather. Nylon and plastics are options for damp environments, but there can always be drawbacks.
If you were new to the concealed carry world, one of the most popular CCW firearms recommended is the Sig 239. Some may think that the smaller the firearm the easier it could be to handle, but that is simple not true. I’ve stood on the firing line and seen guys put 32acp and 9mm firearms in their friends hands and people always comment how much bite the gun has. The smaller the gun, the ligter it is to carry around but not neccessarily easier to shoot or control.
From what many people seem to like about shoulder holsters is the stability of carrying a larger size revolver or duty gun. Something like a Beretta 92 or 1911, Sig 228 ect are all a little large for IWB and OWB limits the defensive movement inside a vehicle.
In 1980 the name of the company was changed to Galco International, and in 1983 the business was moved from Chicago to its present home in Phoenix, Arizona.