CARRY POSITION
Although I am fond of small-of-the-back carry, my Avenger is a high-rise right-hand hip carry. This allows for minimal distance reach to get to my pistol. It draws straight up without a thumb-strap or other safety delay. This is intuitive for me and quick.
It is also surprisingly easy to conceal my full-sized Glock. The sturdy, stiff leather design keeps my pistol secure until needed. It carries my Glock approximately 3 inches above my belt line, allowing a fast, unobstructed draw.
Related: Daily Glock 19 Carry – OWB or IWB Holsters?
CONSTRUCTION
Located in Phoenix, Arizona, Galco Gunleather is known for quality leather products that are handmade. Premium grade, vegetable-tanned full-grain steer hide is used and processed without any hazardous materials. I like that because my holster and belt are worn all day and are often exposed to my skin. I need not worry about absorbing anything harmful.
Notice the double-stitched, two-layer thick reinforced holster mouth, belt loop, and rear belt slide. This thing is strong, tight, and meant to last. It grips with authority and fits well. Notice also the tension unit. This is seen as a screw parallel with the barrel on the outside of the holder. It is micro adjustable with my screwdriver to achieve the perfect draw tension.
THE BELT
My basket-stamped holster belt is a dress belt. It looks great! Each belt is handmade, and workers align the inside and outside layers of steer hide to match. It is stitched on top and bottom to add strength as well as good looks. Looks aside, this is a working belt. It is 3/8-inch thick and 1.5 inches wide. It supports my substantial 2-pound Glock 17 with authority.
Check out that buckle! Galco casts its brass buckles on site. That is amazing! Although a simple design, it shines like gold. Again, only vegetable tanning is used on the leather, and it is hand-rubbed and polished. Even the edges are smooth.
DAILY CARRY
Notice that my Glock 17 has an aftermarket Faxon 5-inch threaded barrel to accept my suppressor. My prior plastic-fantastic holster left the threaded muzzle exposed. This led to problems with my muzzle bumping hard surfaces while seated and even filling it with dirt when I sat on the ground on a hunting trip. Not cool!
When I explained my dilemma to Galco, I was told that the company’s custom shop would solve this problem by extending the Avenger holster for me by 1 inch. Cool! Now my muzzle, slide, ejection port, and trigger guard are protected.
I carry this pistol everywhere allowed, and that means nearly everywhere. Due to the high-rise design, it is easily concealed. My simple cloth vest is enough to completely hide this full-sized handgun.
The snug, form-fitted leather holds the gun securely without thumb snaps. I choose not to train to release snaps or other restraints. Rather, I train to draw straight vertically to clear leather. I like the covered trigger guard feature that protects from accidental discharge at draw. Should I add an optical sight, the holster will not interfere.
HANDLING
Carrying on my right hip at the three o'clock position reduces strain on my back. My skeleton supports the weight of the pistol more effectively than the small of the back position. This works well for me. It is a natural, instinctive draw position, and I feel in control when I draw. This is important.
The substantial Glock 17 grip is unobscured by the holster. Therefore, I may grab it under stressful conditions with sweaty hands as if the holster is not there at all. I like this. The custom-made holster belt helps immensely in this regard. Without it, the gun may not come free when pulled, due to a flimsy belt. The Galco holster belt supports the pistol and holds the holster in place for my draw.
The distance from draw to fire is minimal with the Avenger design. I can withdraw the pistol quickly, point forward, and fire from the hip if needed. No need to bring the pistol from behind my back, from a clumsy cross-draw position, or from a shoulder rig. It is fast-draw ready in an instant. That is a good self-defense feature!
PROS & CONS
