Photos and text by John Markwell | Associate Editor
Its hard for some to believe but there are still folks in this great country who put on a gun everyday when they put on their pants; and many of them still carry revolvers.
The author found using the Galco SAO holster in the cross-draw position was just the ticket when doing chores with the MULE ATV.
Rangers, surveyors, timber cruisers, ranchers and farmers, guides, and many citizens tote either a single or double action revolver on a daily basis. And many more folks occasionally carry revolvers while recreating afield. What all these people have in common is the need for a quality holster to sheath their handgun; if the holster offers options in carry positions that is a big bonus.
The folks at Galco (GalcoGunleather.com) have recently introduced a couple of new holsters specifically designed for belt carry of full-sized revolvers; the Dual Action Outdoorsman line. The Single Action Outdoorsman and Double Action Outdoorsman are designed to carry each type of revolve either in strong side or cross draw mode and will fit belts up to 1 ¾ inches in width.
Galco holsters are built from full grain premium steer hides that are vegetable tanned in the United States. These “Number One” hides yield the premium leather (the top 2%) from which the Galco holsters are cut. Holsters are finished with four to six hand-rubbed applications of Galco’s specially formulated oil which acts as a preservative as well as providing an eye pleasing and tough surface finish.
Single Action Outdoorsman in cross draw position on the left; Double Action Outdoorsman in strong side carry position (vertical) on the right. .357 Magnum 2X2 pouch in the deployed position.
We received two of the new Outdoorsman holsters for testing from Galco. The first was built to fit a Smith and Wesson 5-inch Model 27, .357 Magnum revolver; a DAO model. The second rig was built to fit our Hamilton Bowen modified 4 ½-inch, 3 screw Ruger Super Blackhawk .44 Magnum; a SAO Model.
Both holsters have the unique double belt slot from which, we assume, the outfits get their moniker of Dual Action. The belt loop on the back of these holsters allows for changing the cant of the holster to allow presentation from either the cross-draw orientation or the straight-up, strong side position. For general security a retention strap is provided. This strap on the DAO holster has a substantial nylon tab to aid in breaking loose the snap holding it in place; the SAO safety strap is plain. A tension screw is also installed on each holster to provide for better gun fit and retention when the safety strap is not in position. Both the DAO and SAO models are available right or left handed and for long or short barreled revolvers. MSRP ranges from $109 to $129.
View of the back side of the holsters shows the unique dual belt slot design which is the key to the rigs’ versatility.
Along with the two test holsters we were sent a new 1 ¾-inch Fancy Stitched Belt (item #SB6) and two 2X2 Ammo Carriers; one for .357 Mag. and one for .44 Mag. Over the years we’ve found that for belt carry (with the belt running through the belt loops of one’s jeans) a really stout belt of 1 ¾-inch width is far superior to most narrower belts in both comfort and the support provided when carrying a full-sized handgun. The SB6 Galco belt is indeed stout and supports the weight of either of these holster and handgun combos with great comfort and provides for solid positioning of the guns and the 2X2 ammo pouches.
The latter, by the way, are simple pouches that wrap around the belt and secure with a single snap. Holding 6 spare rounds in pairs, the 2X2 pouches are low in profile and stay in position when unsnapped allowing easy ammo access when reloading. If one only tops off the cylinder, the pouch with the remaining rounds can be easily closed and secured with one hand. MSRP on the 2X2 ammo pouch is $52.
This is a close-up view of the Dual Action belt slot concept.
Since it was Winter when we received this leather gear, we had the opportunity to carry both outfits quite a bit both openly and sometimes concealed under a jacket or insulated vest. These are not concealment holsters by any means but they can be carried concealed with a bit of creativity. Getting in and out of our pickup or MULE while hauling hay and doing other chores was more convenient and comfortable when carrying in the cross-draw position. However, strong side carry was the order of the day if bending over was required as in stacking or loading firewood. Regardless of position, the 1 ¾ inch SB6 belt, with its solid brass buckle, provided more than adequate support and looked good to boot. It should be noted that a 1 ¾-inch belt constructed from heavy leather will require considerable more break-in time than narrower and thinner belts. MSRP on the SB6 belt is $129.
Galco’s .44 Mag 2X2 pouch with the flap tucked back for easy access to spare ammo while reloading.
The SAO and DAO holsters are designed for comfort and security in the field; not for speed of presentation; hence the retention straps. However, if we were dressing out an elk in grizzly country we’d have the retaining strap tucked out of the way behind the belt and holster. The tension screw would be adjusted down to provide increased pressure on the trigger guard/frame of the revolver to prevent it from inadvertently being dislodged. Carrying with the retention strap tucked away provides quicker access to the sidearm but, obviously, lacks the security provided by using the retention strap; use your own judgement based on your current need for speed of access versus security.
For those looking for new leather gear for their favorite revolver the Dual Action Outdoorsman holster line from Galco Gunleather is moderately priced and available with limited wait times. Paired with a 1 ¾-inch SB6 belt and a 2X2 ammo pouch of appropriate caliber either the SAO or DAO holster will make for a good looking and functional ensemble for toting your favorite blaster afield. These are well thought out rigs that offer the versatile options of either strong side or cross draw carry in one holster. If the quality of the leather and workmanship in our examples are any indicator, these new outfits from Galco should provide a lifetime of service with minimal care.
