Holsters: Simply Rugged vs. Galco DAO

F

FiveFeezy

New member
Tomorrow I'll be picking up my new GP100 and now I am trying to decide on a holster. It will be only used for open carry while hiking/hunting/camping. I live in California so CCW is not an option.

I like the Simply Rugged Sourdough Pancake and the Galco DAO. They have the features that I am looking for: open muzzle, good retention, good protection for the firearm.

I have never used a holster before and I am wondering which will be more comfortable. The Simply Rugged seems like it would not flop around much but could get pretty uncomfortable in hot weather since it's such a large piece of leather pressed against you body (some of the areas I frequent get pretty hot). The Galco seems like it would be more comfortable in hot weather but may flop around more than I would like with the big GP in it.
 
I have the Simply Rugged Pancake holster and have been very pleased with the fit and quality. I have worn it in Atlanta during the summer under an oxford cotton shirt and did not really remember it being too hot. However, I suppose it might be different if you spent a lot of time in very warm outdoor environments.
 
I have both a Simply Rugged and a Galco, but my Galco is a SAO (very similar). I like the Simply Rugged, but for outdoor carry I use the Galco. I like a retaining strap and the Galco rides high as well.
 
The Galco won't flop around on you however you will need a good, heavy leather gun belt to support the weight of the gun. In my opinion, the belt is just as important as the holster. If you don't have a good solid belt, no matter what holster you chose you won't be happy with the results.

As between the two holsters, Rugged makes good holsters and so does Galco. Really just a matter of which you prefer.
 
I have 3 of the Simply Rugged Sourdough holsters (4" GP100, 3" GP100, and 2.25" SP101).

They all carry very well, very tight to the body and secure. I live in NC which is only marginally cooler than HotLanta. I have no problem with the Simply Rugged in that regard.

Belts...........research belts............plan to spend $ on belts.

I have two that I like.

www.thebeltman.net

I have his double layered horesehide belt which is 100.00 or so. It's well worth it.

I also use the 5 Stitch Instructor's belt from www.thewilderness.com

That's primarily my outdoors belt and the one that most often has the 4" GP100 in Simply Rugged pancake hung off it. Works well. Less $ than the Beltman at around 40.00. It is not nearly as stiff or as nice looking though.
 
Batmann, do you choose the Galco for outdoor carry just because of the retaining strap? I was thinking of getting the strap on the Simply Rugged becasue it would always be used for open carry. Would you still choose the Galco for outdoors if your Simply Rugged had the strap?
 
I have both Galco and Simply Rugged.
The Galco is better than most other holsters I have tried, and is the best off the shelf holster around, IMHO. However the Simply Rugged is much better than the Galco. It is a custom made holster. It is made by an atisan, Rob Leahy. It fits the gun so well there is no need for a retention strap, but Rob will provide one if you wish. For outdoors-open carry you may wish to go with the Flapjack style to offer the gun more protection.

As a side note, which county are you in in CA? CCW reform is happening. A year ago I would never have thought I would have one here in Sacramento. I do have one now. Visit www.calguns.net to see where you county currently is in the "Sunshine Intiative." At least three lawsuits are currently making their way through the courts. Sacramento settled last year and are now virtual shall issue.
 
The only Galco I use is a high-ride OWB for CCW of a 3" K-frame. Can't directly comment on the DAO.

I have several SimplyRugged pancakes, though, for 4" and 6" N-frames and 4" GP100. They wear and retain well. I have carried in GA and FL woods without noticing heat issues from the holster.
 
I have a Simply Rugged Silver Dollar for a Colt Agent. I have a couple of Galcos for other guns. The Galco is good but the Simply Rugged is better, IMO. Can't talk about the specific models mentioned.
 
I have the Simply Rugged holster for my 6" GP100 and it has worked out well with no issues. Good field holster, shields the trigger and hammer and keeps close to the body with no movement.
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I wouldn't be too concerned with retention with the Simply Rugged.

They say a pic is worth a thousand words.

Here's my Python in one.

Picture051.jpg
 
Thanks for all of the responses. Those are some nice looking holsters, alright.

Andy, I live in Contra Costa County. It's one of the tougher counties. Hopefully the new sheriff will change things though.
 
Sorry for the long response time. I actually prefer the SAO for carry. In addition to the retaining strap, it is also tension adjustable and you can carry it both strong side and cross draw. Nothing wrong with my Simply Rugged, just my preference. Besides, it just looks more 'outdoor'. LOL
 
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