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Holstering a concealed handgun at times proves to be an exercise in compromise. The problem with some inside the waistband holsters is they’re so inside the waistband they’re uncomfortable. The problem with some outside the waistband concealment holsters is they’re so outside the waistband they don’t conceal well. Granted, some of the problem of discomfort or lack of concealability results from the size of the gun itself. The laws of physics still apply and thus hiding large or fat guns is more difficult than hiding small or skinny guns. So I’m intrigued by Galco’s Concealable Holster, an outside the waistband holster meant for concealed carry. Calling it a Concealable Holster does not make it so. But I thought I’d better find out for myself.
First, the Concealable is one good-looking and well-constructed holster. This one sports a Havana Brown finish on premium steerhide and retails for $112.95. It is luxurious to the touch but appropriately firm and a sight to behold. A very modern Springfield Armory XD Mod.2 in .40 fit perfectly in it and looked great doing so. Two 1.5” belt slots held the gun at a significant forward cant, pointing the butt of the gun more up than back. The Concealable’s claim to fame is its two-layer construction, a design that allows the holster more naturally curve around your hip as you wear it. Admittedly, the fit is great, very comfortable, and I liked the full coverage of the barrel but the open top design, allowing for an easy combat grip.
Second, the Concealable offered very good concealment at two locations: 4 o’clock and 5 o’clock. As to which was better depended on what I was wearing and what I’d be doing. Most of the time I stuck with 4 o’clock to allow my arm to naturally drape over the somewhat protruding rear of the slide. Plus, if I was driving, this was simply more comfortable. But I would slide the Concealable back to 5 o’clock if I knew I would be standing around a lot or if I wanted to get away with less of a covering garment. So, 4 o’clock was more comfortable but 5 o’clock more concealable.
Springfield’s XD Mod.2, of course, sports a small but chunky frame. Smaller and thinner guns would fare better in the Concealable but the Mod.2 was more than passable, especially with the short magazine. I don’t particularly enjoy carrying the Mod.2 inside the waistband; it’s just a bit thick. But carried outside the waistband in the Galco Concealable, I found a believable mix of physics and marketing for concealed carry.
— Mark Kakkuri
