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Galco Break in and Holster fit

We’re proud to be an authorized Galco Dealer; we stock hundreds of Galco Holsters, in order to serve you fast. Once you own a Galco Holster it will be your holster of Choice. Galco is a premier manufacturer of the Finest Leather Holsters, and the Galco line of accessories is every bit as impressive. From Galco’s Premium saddle leather, Ballistic nylon, and of course horsehide, to the designs that have made Galco famous. Galco specialize in concealment Holsters, from the Galco Belt holster, down to the Galco ankle holster. Galco continues to be "for those who demand the best... and know the difference."

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Galco leather holsters are made of the finest materials and are precision molded to specific firearms. It may appear the holster fit is too tight at first but this is by design. We engineer our holsters to fit tight knowing the leather fibers will relax to the proper fit with use.

UNLOAD YOUR HANDGUN (chamber, magazine, cylinder) before testing holster fit.

If the holster has tension screws: Since the tension units are not pre-set at the factory you may need to adjust them in order to holster your handgun the first time. We recommend that you check your tension screw adjustments before and during each use. There is no reason to completely remove tension units.

If the fit is too tight when holstering your firearm the first time don’t force it. If you do force it, it may be difficult to remove the firearm. Spend a few minutes preparing the leather pocket. (Similar to a new baseball glove or pair of leather shoes it needs to be broken in, however the break-in techniques are different.) Using your hands only, relax the seamed edges by gently flexing the holster in all directions repeatedly. This does not mean severely folding, bending or smashing the leather. Once the body of the holster starts to feel less rigid, it is time to insert and remove your completely unloaded firearm from the holster multiple times to create the perfect, long-term fit.

If your holster has a retention strap: You may need to relax the retention strap before you get it to snap. With your fingers only (no tools, no chemicals, etc.) pull, bend and roll the strap repeatedly. The leather will become suppler as the fibers warm and the internal oils migrate through the leather. Now, with the firearm fully seated in the holster pocket, hold the grip with one hand and push the gun into the holster while pulling the retention strap toward you with your other hand. Keep constant pressure on the strap as you bring it around the rear of the slide/hammer spur to meet the other half of the snap. With a little repetition and patience you will get it to snap.

Once the holster is snapped, leaving it sit for weeks with the firearm in it will do nothing to stretch or break it in. Following and repeating the above instructions is the only way to an ideal break-in and long service life with proper fit that will last many years.

It is common for the inside of a leather holster to scratch from a single holstering. A smooth leather lined holster will be even more subject to this normal occurrence, called etching. After this initial etching the holster will custom fit your handgun.

Some firearm manufacturers still sell guns with very sharp edges. They have not been deburred/dehorned. If your gun falls into this category, it is highly recommended that you have a qualified gunsmith deburr/dehorn your firearm.

After using the above break-in techniques, if your holster is too tight for your preference, you may want to try Galco Draw-EZ. It is applied to the inside of your leather holster to shorten the break-in period and to provide a slicker draw.

Care and Maintenance of Leather

Galco’s saddle leather and premium horsehide holsters, belts, and accessories will need minimal care and maintenance throughout their service life. Our saddle leather products are made from natural steer hides that are range bred and grown. Therefore there may be natural range markings in the grain of the saddle leather. This is normal for top grain steer hide, and adds to the beauty and character of your Galco leather product. These same natural range markings will appear in our genuine horsehide. By following the instructions below, you will add to the service life of your Galco product.

DO
• Do regularly clean your leather product with Galco Leather Lotion or use a hard bar glycerin soap. Work soap and a small amount of water into a lather and apply to the surface of the leather, rub in and wipe off with a soft cloth (do not submerge or saturate the leather in water).
• Do allow to air dry naturally.
• Reapply a light coat of leather conditioner such as Galco’s Leather Lotion. Galco Leather Lotion will replace the natural oils of the leather. Holsters that come in contact with body perspiration on a regular basis may need to be treated as outlined above as often as once a month, to slow down the natural breakdown of the leather fibers.
• Do use a large, properly fitted screwdriver to tighten and loosen the adjustment screws.
• Do make sure the holster provides secure gun retention in all circumstances.

DON’T
• Don’t submerge or saturate your leather product in water or any other liquid.
• Don’t dry your leather product with heat from a hair dryer, oven, radiator, direct sunlight, etc.
• Don’t use pure oils such as Neats Foot oil as they will saturate and soften the leather too much.
• Don’t leave your leather product on the dashboard of your car in summer, etc.
• Don’t use Loctite.
• Don’t use holster if tension unit(s) are missing.

The above care and maintenance instructions cannot substitute for your good common sense.

Following our recommended care and maintenance tips, along with common sense, will allow you to get the maximum service life from your Galco leather products.

Care and Maintenance of Synthetic Material

Galco's synthetic material holsters, belts and accessories will need minimal care throughout their service life. Galco's synthetic material products are made from the highest quality materials available (such as ballistic cloth, military specification webbing, Velcro, etc.) and are made to rigid specifications. By following the information below, you will add to the service life of your Galco product.

DO
Clean as needed by hand with a mild soap and water. Allow to air dry naturally. If needed, you may use a soft bristle brush (such as a toothbrush) to loosen any extra dirt or dust. After washing, apply a very light coat of WD40 to all metal components (hardware).

DON'T
Do not put Galco synthetic material in the washing machine. Do not use artificial heat to speed up the drying process, such as that from a hair dryer, oven, radiator, direct sunlight, etc. Do not use Loctite Sealant on your screws if they come in contact with a plastic part. Vapors from Loctite Sealant can cause a chemical reaction with thermoplastic that will make the plastic become brittle, causing irreparable damage to your product. Do not use any solvents or corrosive chemicals on the product. Do not leave Galco products on the dashboard of your car. The above care and maintenance instructions cannot substitute for your good common sense. Following our recommended care and maintenance tips, along with common sense, will allow you to get the maximum service life from your Galco synthetic material products.

GALCO CONCEALMENT HOLSTERS                                            
Galco Concealable Holsters
Galco inside pants Holsters
Galco Shoulder Holsters
Galco Alternative carry
Galco Paddle Holsters
Galco Exotic Holsters

GALCO CONCEALMENT ACCESSORIES
Galco Accessories
Galco Belts