Galco Underwraps belly band

badgerw · Post by **badgerw** » Sat Oct 21, 2006 9:37 pm

I moved to a different job site recently. The dress code at the new place is "Business Casual." Shirt tails must be tucked in.

My normal dress is slacks and an untucked camp shirt. I normally carry a Kimber 3" 1911 in a Tucker Gunleather "The Answer" leather/Kydex hybrid IWB at about 3:30.

Initially I tried the "Answer" as a tuckable. I didn't like it. The gun left a weird bulge in my side. It didn't scream "GUN" but it didn't look right, either.

I decided to try a belly band. So I ordered a Galco Underwraps.

The Underwraps is about 4" wide and made of elastic. The elastic band fastens with Velcro. It has two leather holster pouches sewn to the inside.

If you fasten the Velcro at the center of your back, one of the holster pouches is at 4 o'clock and the other at about 9:30. The one at 4 is sewn so that a holstered pistol is oriented butt-forward (sorta FBI cant). The other holster is angled so that in cross-draw, the gun butt is angled towards your centerline for a comfortable draw.

Concealment is good. The Kimber seems to ride well a bit farther back than in the "Answer." The grip is a bit higher, with the trigger guard just above my belt. No noticeable bulges anywhere and my shirt drapes nicely over the gun butt. As you would imagine, draw is slow.

I also tried rotating the band so the "crossdraw" holster is at about 2 o'clock. My S&W 642 rides nicely in Appendix Carry that way. I haven't tried carrying the Kimber and the S&W simultaneously, as doing so strains the waistband of my trousers.

I tried carrying my Colt Mustang Pocketlite in the "crossdraw" holster, but it isn't secure. The leather pouch has too much room to securely retain the gun. I found this out while getting out of my car. The Mustang had shifted around while I was driving. When I stood up from the car, the Mustang flopped out into my tucked-in shirt.

One thing that helps concealability is keeping my trouser belt fairly tight. That keeps the gun tucked against my body. The downside is that the gun presses against you with almost no cushioning. I imagine my right hip will get used to it, but it's not nearly as comfortable as the "Answer." Don't think I'll be able to nap with this one on.

Another plus of the belly band comes in using a public toilet. No need to juggle the gun or hide the holster. Just drop your trousers and go.

I can't speak for other brands, but this Galco product seems to do its job well. At $45 + shipping, it's not too expensive if it doesn't work out. It's not the magic holster, but it might meet your needs.

Bill

KBCraig · Post by **KBCraig** » Sat Oct 21, 2006 11:50 pm

Thanks for the review, Bill. I can't imagine carrying like this, but I like to know the options that exist.

Kevin.

HighVelocity · Post by **HighVelocity** » Sun Oct 22, 2006 6:30 am

What is the tensile strength rating of the Galco belly band?

In all seriousness, I haven't tried this method of carry but it doesn't look very comfortable. How does it feel after an 8 hour day? If you sweat, how does the band handle the moisture?

badgerw · Post by **badgerw** » Sun Oct 22, 2006 10:58 am

The belly band is not as comfortable as my Tucker "The Answer" leather/Kydex hybrid IWB. By the end of the day, the muzzle of the Kimber is digging into my hip. I've been know to take a nap wearing the Kimber in the Tucker holster. No chance with the belly band.

As for sweat, I wear a cotton undershirt. The belly band goes on top of the T-shirt and under my outer shirt. So far, sweat hasn't been an issue. I should point out that I work in an air-conditioned office. I haven't tried working outside in the San Antonio swelter with the belly band.

Bill