I was looking for a lightweight IWB holster for use with the Arrowhead Tactical Apparel™ Carrier line of athleisure concealed carry apparel when out jogging. I contacted Galco Holsters® and they sent over their Stow-N-Go™ holster for evaluation.
The Stow-N-Go is a relatively inexpensive holster that’s designed to provide an “exceptional combination of high performance, comfort and affordability.” It checks all of the boxes for wear with the Arrowhead Tactical Apparel Carrier line. It’s safe, secure, lightweight, keeps the gun close to the body and has minimal bulk. The supple leather construction adds to the comfort when worn.
Galco has been in the holster business for over five decades, so they definitely know their stuff. The Stow-N-Go is part of Galco’s Concealed Carry Lite™ line. Galco designed it as an entry level professional concealed carry holster. But don’t let the words “entry level” fool you. It may not be the fanciest holster but it’s an excellent holster.
The Stow-N-Go is a simple-design open-mouth, neutral-cant IWB holster made of Premium Center Cut Steerhide™. It has a metal-reinforced mouth to prevent it from collapsing, allowing for easy one-handed re-holstering. The holster covers the trigger guard and allows for a full firing grip which is essential with any holster. The vertical orientation allows for strong side, cross draw, or appendix carry. The holster is available for a wide range of semiautomatic pistols and double-action revolvers.
Steerhide is stronger than cowhide. It tends to be stiffer, heavier, and more durable. Premium Center Cut Steerhide is an exceptionally durable steerhide that has the inner and outer layers removed, resulting in a napped texture on both sides of the leather. It’s been treated at the tannery in such a way as to retain its lateral strength, while providing a soft inner layer. The natural grabbing ability of the napped outer layer makes it a great choice for IWB holsters.
The napped leather doesn’t seem to chafe as much as the smooth surface of most leather holsters or the hard surface of plastic holsters with their unyielding edges in hot weather. The leather does adsorb sweat but it also dries fairly quickly.
The Stow-N-Go has a durable, wide injection-molded nylon polymer clip that fits belts up to 1.75 inches wide. The clip is held in by a stitched piece of the leather and also riveted. The width of the clip coupled with the napped leather helps to keep the gun and holster at a consistent cant. It also makes for easy donning and doffing of the holstered gun.
The clip has an under-hook (reverse “J” hook) design that fit into recesses in the holster body for additional grip to ensure that the holster doesn’t come out when the gun is drawn. There’s a cutaway space between the hooks that allows the clip to be placed over a belt loop and lock it in place. It allows for greater versatility in holster placement. It can also be used as a finger notch to lift the clip up when putting the holster on and taking it off. The clip has good tension.
Level 1 retention holsters like the Stow-N-Go rely on friction to keep the gun in place, allowing for quick access and an easy draw. Although the holster fit was tight by design when new, the leather fibers will relax with use. The Stow-N-Go is designed to provide proper retention when worn and tensioned with a belt holding the holstered firearm in place. Retention is good in this regard.
Summing Up.
The Stow-N-Go offers a lot of bang for the buck. It exhibits all of the high quality and workmanship that one has to come to expect from Galco and does so at an exceptionally affordable price. It’s a great budget IWB holster option.
The Stow-N-Go is available in both right- and left-hand versions. It comes in your choice of Black or Natural. MSRP is $46.00. As with all Galco products, the Stow-N-Go is designed and made in the USA in the Great State of Arizona. Galco offers an easy and hassle-free return process for retail customers who purchased directly from them (terms apply).
Sources
Galco Holsters
www.galcoholsters.com
Arrowhead Tactical Apparel
www.arrowheadtacticalapparel.com
Material Disclosure
I received this product from the manufacturer so I could test it and give my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal or implied contract to give this product a good review. All opinions are my own and are based on my personal experience with the product.
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