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I recently got a very good deal on a barely used Galco FLETCH holster for my G23. This is my first leather and OWB holster (other than an Uncle Mikes OWB used only for the range).

The holster is beautiful. I have always loved the look and feel of leather. The holster fits the gun well, with only slight difficulty in drawing the pistol, at least until the holster is actually worn, then it gets quite difficult to draw.

I am used to Kydex holsters, where, once you clear the retention "bump" molded into the holster, there is very little resistance. Is it normal for a draw from a leather holster to feel like the belt and pants are going to be ripped off and the gun to stay in the holster as all of it is pointed at the BG, who simply falls over dead from laughter? I currently have my gun in the new holster in a plastic baggie to "break in" the holster. I hope this will allow for easier drawing without negating the retention by the holster. I'm not terribly worried, though, as the holster does have a thumb break.

Second, this holster doesn't conceal very well. I've worn my IWB holsters under a loose t-shirt or polo, but that's not enough cover (for my taste) with this OWB holster. It seems to stick out too much to me, even at 3:30-4:00. Is this normal, or is it just me? I know many relegate OWB carry to colder weather, but I usually take my jacket off when I go inside. I'd look pretty suspicious, I think, if I refused to take my jacket off in some store or restaurant and am sweating due to the heaters running. I am also not comfortable driving with a jacket on.

I really love the way this holster looks. I want to love everything about it, but I can't, right now. I'm hoping the baggie will loosen the fit for a faster draw, but, if I can't conceal it well enough... I'll at least keep it through the winter and see if I like it for winter carry (my first winter with my CHL). Who knows, maybe the legislature will pass open carry in the upcoming session. This holster would be perfect for that.

barres wrote: Is it normal for a draw from a leather holster to feel like the belt and pants are going to be ripped off and the gun to stay in the holster as all of it is pointed at the BG, who simply falls over dead from laughter? :lol

Ummm, I would think it is time to trade that holster. I carry in leather everyday and would not even attempt to break in something that felt that way. I had a Don Hume once that I did draw from while seated in my car.....the holster came out with the gun. I passed the holster on to a friend with a disclaimer.

There is life beyond kydex (I love it too).....his name is Milt Sparks! Once you meet him...there are only a few to compare.
Jason

I've got a Galco Silouette (sp?) model that is very similar to the Fletch. I really like the holster, but rarely wear it due to the concealment issues you mention. Maybe winter will change that though. I'd try letting the gun sit in it for a while. Galco make quality stuff from what I've heard and seen so it should be fine.

After a couple of days with the Glock in a baggie in the holster, the draw is much improved. There is still considerably more drag than my Kydex holsters, but it no longer feels anything like it's ripping my pants off, any more.

I still have issues about the concealability (is that actually a word?) of this holster, but i will give it some time before I give up on it. For those of you who carry OWB with your wallet in the back pocket on the same side as your weapon, how do you get your wallet out without flashing your weapon/holster (or at least part of it)?

The Galco FLETCH tends to ride very high and tight but depends upon a good belt for proper support and will sag outwards with out it. It will conceal quite well if worn behind the hip and with a gun suitable for concealment.

+ 1 for the VM2 I agree 100% Milt Sparks holsters are hard to beat.
http://www.miltsparks.com/