2025 galco quality is not the same quality as it once was - Galco VHS 4.0 Leather Shoulder Holster System

This really grieves me to make a review like this.....but it would be right not to point out that Galco has
been bought out and now makes a less duty hard product.

I bought the Galco Vertical S/H system 4.0 and have been happily using Galco holsters since 1989.
All of them are still fit for duty.....all five (5) of them!

With this new purchase from Optics Planet I discovered some troubling issues that I've seen before.

The leather itself appears to be thinner and less sturdier than any of my previous Galco products. It leads
me to believe they are using imported leather from a much warmer climate without benefit of nourishment.
When I was a kid we all had horses and saddles growing up. American saddles were made with rugged and thick
leather. Some imported saddles made in a country on our southern border looked good but the leather was not as
thick and as a result would not hold up to daily use. Our Dad bought a small pony saddle of that inferior quality against his judgement and sure enough it didn't last. His words were, "I gave them a chance and it lasted as long
as I thought it would." The test saddle wouldn't take a shine, the stitching would tear from it's place since there was little thickness to hold it.

They other noticeable difference is the strap retaining hardware. Galco no longer uses quality metal screw and nuts.

They have made slots in the straps for the use of flimsy plastic retainers. The appearance of the New Parts show they are thin and the plastic is not pliable. That usually means they will not stand up over time and to changes in adjustments.

Sometimes you just know when a product is not the same. Don't waste your good money on the New Products. They are
not the same. It' always the subtle changes.