This year at SHOT Show Galco Gunleather released the company’s new BlakGuard belt holster. The Galco BlakGuard holster is an innovative combination of traditional styles and modern materials. Made with an extremely durable injected molded plastic outer carrier, the BlakGuard remains faithful to the traditional leather holster by combining Premium Center Cut Steer hide as the interior liner of the holster.
Galco began in Chicago, Illinois in 1969 and was then known as “The Famous Jackass Leather Company”. The company moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1983 and changed names to Galco International. Very quickly the company became extremely popular for their leather handgun holsters, including a famous run of holsters used on the 1980’s television hit series, Miami Vice.
Galco BlakGuard Belt Holster
The new Galco BlakGuard belt holster is specifically designed for the rapidly growing concealed carry firearm group. With over 40 States passing “Shall Issue” concealed carry permit laws, the number of law-abiding citizens in the market for the perfect concealed carry firearm and holster has increased significantly.
In the early days of concealed carry holsters, there were not many options that provided quality materials and some form of retention capability. Those early holsters were often soft-backed leather or other material, that also presented the problem of re-holstering safely.
As more and more States passed concealed carry legislation, the holster manufacturers recognized the market was much more diverse and demanding of the holsters they would use to carry concealed. The new Galco BlakGuard uses extremely durable injection-molded plastic that also provides a solid-shaped holster making re-holstering safer and more secure. Unlike many “plastic” holsters that only use plastic, Galco stands by their gun leather tradition and includes an interior lining of Premium Center Cut Steer hide.
The Galco BlakGuard incorporates twin tension screws to allow for quick and easy draw adjustment. The BlakGuard then uses a tension-locking unit to secure the handgun at the trigger guard. Galco has shaped the BlakGuard with a vertical (neutral) draw orientation, claiming this is “the most natural, wrist-locked draw stroke”. I tend to agree.
Another important feature of the BlakGuard is the trench-style sight rail at the front of the holster. This design is meant to accommodate handguns with larger sights, including raised suppressor sights. In addition, the generously beveled sight rail feature provides a positive guide for returning the handgun to the holster. Recognizing the rise in red dot optics on pistols, Galco has cut the top of the BlakGuard low to allow most carry-style red dot sights to fit with this holster.
The tunnel-style belt loop straps secure with Velcro to allow swift on-off. At the same time the Velcro provides a strong attachment to the belt to keep the holster secured. The BlakGuard fits belts up to 1 ¾” wide and is available in black.
Galco BlakGuard Features
- Injected molded plastic exterior
- Premium Center Cut Steer hide lining
- Dual tension screws for adjustable draw
- Tension-locking design for trigger guard
- Top of holster cut low to accommodate red dot optics
- Velcro tunnel belt straps
- Belt Compatibility: Up to 1.75″ wide
- Availability: Currently for Glock, FN, and Springfield pistols
- MSRP: $49.95.
Final Thoughts
Galco continues to produce high quality products in an ever-increasingly competitive market. I really appreciate the design of the BlakGuard, incorporating long-lasting and durable injected-molded plastic, with a high quality steer hide liner. The draw adjustability, and tension locking design are great features for a concealed carry holster.
I’m not sure how I would like the tunnel Velcro belt attachment, however. Though the Velcro should do fine for securing the holster, I prefer an easier on/off attachment system for my off-duty, concealed carry holsters. The $49.95 MSRP will make this holster very competitive, and the feature options could easily sway a shooter to overlook the Velcro.