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Gear Review: Galco Stow-N-Go Inside The Pant Holster

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I’ve been a big fan of appendix carry in a belly band since I began concealing some four years ago. I found it to be the most comfortable and efficient way to hide my Springfield XD-Sub compact in the clothes I normally wear (mostly jeans and T-shirts). Now that it’s a little cooler, I’ve been wearing sweaters, or at least a looser blouse over a more summery top – an ensemble that allows more options for concealing. When I encountered a Galco Stow-N-Go holster in small gun store in Idaho I decided to try a new concealment method . . .

Galco sells the Stow-N-Go in a simple plastic baggie labeled “Galco leather holster.” There weren’t any pictures revealing whether it’s an inside- or outside-the-waistband holster. After looking online, it’s either. I would call the Stow-N-Go ambidextrous, depending on your needs. A lefty could open carry with the holster; a righty can put inside or outside the pants (conceal or open carry).

I tried this holster in a few different positions before deciding it fit perfectly inside the waistband of my jeans. (I buy a size 4 jean instead of a 2 so that I can put a gun inside the waistband of my  jeans.)

For whatever reason, the” right handed” version (as labeled on the package at the gun store) pulled on my belt and pants enough to make it uncomfortable. I don’t like constantly pulling at my pants. If I chose to let it go, the holster would eventually pull enough to be visible beneath my shirt. So I chose the soft leather and a left-handed holster. Note: I’m not left handed, but I can shoot that way if I must.

I can wear the Stow-0N-Go in an open carry position on my right hip between my belt and pants, or inside the waistband of my pants clipped onto my belt. It also works for appendix carry, although not comfortably. The Stow-N-Go holster is softer than the plastic holsters I’ve worn inside my jeans. While driving, I hardly notice my gun.

The Stow-N-Go also makes me a little more confident carrying concealed. Not that I was uncomfortable with the belly band, but it would sometimes scratch me if I didn’t line up the velcro perfectly. Drawing from the Stow-N-Go is quick and effective. I can re-holster with a little bit more effort than I would with a stiff plastic holster. Retention is also good an I’ll even demonstrate (FR style) by going upside down.  And yes, those are high-heeled boots.

I never thought I would own a left handed holster as a righty. The moral of the story: try different holsters.  You never know when you could come across a winner like the Galco Stow-N-Go. They could be labeled wrong, and even if they aren’t they could still work for your personal needs. Sometimes, going left is the right decision.

Ratings (out of five stars):

Comfort * * * * *
The leather is soft enough to be worn inside the pants against the skin. It feels great and doesn’t need any additional effort to enhance comfort. It simply works.

Retention * * * * *
This gun is secure.

Appearance * * *
The Stow-N-Go isn’t the best looking holster out there, but who cares if it’s concealed? (

Concealability * * * *
I have holsters that will conceal this gun better, but for the hip carry position, this one is the best I have.

Value * * * *
I’ve spent more money on a holster – only to relegate it to the “not this holster” drawer. At around $30 (depending on the make and model of your gun) the Stow-N-Go is well priced, especially when considering the comfort factor.

Overall * * * * *
Quality, comfort and utility in a reasonably priced package. I’ve found my new moving buddy.

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