As everybody knows I have a weakness for 80’s and 90’s duty guns. They pop up in various places. This particular Smith 5906 was a pawnshop find. Finding the pistols and revolvers can often be only half the battle. Since I made my bones with pieces like this, I am quite comfortable putting them into my EDC rotation. The problem becomes finding suitable holsters.
I do not particularly care for kydex for EDC holsters. The cost is generally pretty high and the lead time can be very long. Combine that with being an old fart, I just plain ole like leather. There are still some holster makers putting out products for these older guns. Maybe I am just being contrary but I don’t mind dropping money on quality leather. This particular holster is a basic Galco that was new old stock found on eBay. Back in the
day, Galco was a mid level player in the duty gun holster space. There were a few higher quality products out there but there was a lot of really poor quality leather goods also. Cordura nylon was just becoming a thing and although cheap enough, the quality was often horrendous at best.
This holster is a standard pancake style with a thumb break. In the 80’s and early to mid 90’s, this was pretty much an industry standard retention feature. It is probably a little slow compared to some types of holsters today, but not slow enough for me to consider it a reason not to carry with it. Combined with a good belt, this holster does a good job at weight distribution and keeping the weapon tight to my hip. I have modernized my belts however and run Kore ratcheting belts and love them.
The bottom line for me, is carry what works for you. I run some very modern guns and a lot of these old dinosaurs too. If you have a chance to grab up an older duty type pistol, don’t let lack of holster options stop you. They are out there!
Kraken
www.John1911.com
“Shooting Guns & Having Fun”
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