First Look: Galco Switchback Holster for 1911s

by
posted on September 11, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
1911-switchback-galco.jpg

Keeping your gear near you in the great outdoors is often different task—with a different set of challenges—than keeping your gun near you inside city limits. A trail holster has to be rugged enough to handle the wilderness, comfortable enough to carry for hours on end. Galco is introducing its versatile and affordable Switchback belt holster for both 4- and 5-inch 1911 pistols. Both versions of the holster are designed to work with pistols that mount a red dot sight and that have iron sights.

The Switchback is a general-purpose hybrid design that combines the best elements of leather and synthetic materials. A fully-ambidextrous holster, it can be carried at either the strong-side or cross-draw positions. The main body of the holster is constructed of layered synthetic with an outer layer of durable black ballistic nylon. Beneath that layer  is closed cell foam which imparts structure to the holster body and protects the firearm in the field. Finally, a layer of 420 denier gunmetal-colored packcloth lines the holster. 

There is an ambidextrous “exoskeleton” on the Switchback that is made of top grain steerhide. This allows the belt to be threaded through either side of the holster body in strong-side or cross-draw positions for right or left hand draw. The retention strap on the holster is reversible for ambidextrous use.

Galco Switchback Holster Features

  • Hybrid leather/synthetic design
  • Converts for right- or left-hand use
  • Usable in either strong-side or cross- draw positions
  • Layered ballistic nylon/closed cell foam/packcloth construction
  • Top grain steerhide "exoskeleton"
  • Reversible retention strap

 

The Switchback is an excellent way to pack a 1911 in the great outdoors or on the range. The Switchback has an MSRP of $49; more information can be found at galcogunleather.com.

Latest

Streamlight
Streamlight

First Look: Streamlight Sidewinder Compact III

A multi-fuel flashlight with 185-degree tilting head, different mounting options and a user-configurable LED.

First Look: Bushmaster Bravo Zulu Pistols

Available in either .223 Rem/5.56 NATO or .300 BLK.

IMNHO: We Ain't Gonna Make It

Some things sure have changed, and not necessarily for the better.

Review: Kimber 2K11 9mm Pistol

Kimber’s new entry into the 2011 market is sure to garner attention.

First Look: Galco RevSolution Belt Holster

Created as part of Galco's Masterbilt line, it's designed for the great outdoors.

Skills Check: Posture Patrol Drill

Find the stance that's right for you.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Illustrated delivered to your inbox.