Galco Walkabout

By Jeff John

Long respected for high-quality gunleather, Galco’s newest, the Walkabout (for revolvers) does not disappoint. An Inside-the-Waistband style, the signature addition is a holder with safety strap for a 5-shot HKS S&W J-Frame speedloader. Shooters of 9mm revolvers using 5-shot moon clips likely benefit the most, since the inside of the pocket features a hard plastic case to help prevent the clip from becoming deformed. The body of the holster is “premium center-cut steerhide” and has a reinforced lip to aid reholstering. Draws are whisper quiet.

I had planned on writing this a lot earlier than now, but “fatso” either had to buy new pants and belt or lose weight. I chose to lose weight, and several months later, after gaining two belt notches, I began to wear the holster mostly around the house, since I haven’t gotten my CCW.

Because of the extra reload attached to the front of the holster, the Walkabout conceals best for me at 3 o’clock. With many canvas pants, the belt loop is at 3 o’clock, and the holster’s belt hook (made from injection-molded nylon) has a claw notched to slip over this part and attach to the belt underneath. The holster stays put during the draw, which is quick and smooth. For me, putting it on isn’t a discreet operation and requires both hands. The holster hides well under a Hawaiian shirt and didn’t print when I checked things in the mirror. I did have trouble with the speedloader printing when worn at the 4 o’clock position. The holster has neutral cant, and it was difficult to draw when worn closer to my back than at 3 o’clock, but I’m not as flexible as I once was, either.

I’ve been wearing it openly on BLM land when I’m target shooting, as it is more out of the way than bigger belt guns. Since I have snake loads aboard, it’s nice to have a JHP reload handy.

I often work on guns with the garage door open if the weather is nice. Crime is low here, but door-to-door salesmen have walked right up to my open garage door and started their pitch. So having someone appear 7 yards from me is a little startling. Before, my gun was under the workbench, but the last time a tradesman appeared, I was washing parts at the sink, and the gun (although he didn’t know there was one) was between us.

The Galco Walkabout for 5-shot revolvers is made from premium steerhide
and holds a .38 speedloader or 9mm moon clip aboard as well.

The speedloader holder has a hard-shell insert to protect
the cartridges, and a retention strap adjustable to hold
either the speedloader or the moon clip.

The nylon belt clip slips over belts up to 1-3/4 inches wide and keeps the
holster from being drawn with the gun. The clip helps retain the holster
even with belt-less gym pants.

I’ve since found the Walkabout can clip over my preferred gym pants and hide out of the way under my T-shirt. With a S&W 442 Airweight .38 Special and HKS speedloader aboard, the Walkabout weighs only 1 pound, 8 ounces. It is quite comfortable, and the belt “claw” grabs the pants well. Presentations are quick from under a T-shirt. In fact, I’m wearing it as I write this. I don’t run, jump and throw the softball anymore, so retention during strenuous activity wasn’t tested.
The holster is a bit cavernous and fits my Charter Arms Bulldog .44 (although the speedloader holder is way too small), and the muzzle peeks out the bottom.

Speaking of speedloaders, my HKS 5-shot loader fits the spot nicely. The holder is fluted for the 5 cartridges, and the safety strap holds it securely. The holder has four snaps and can be positioned to secure 9mm moon clips. The strap also has twin buttons on each side so the speedloader button can be centered and cinched tight enough.

The Walkabout is $51.95 for revolvers and $41.95 for small autos. The Walkabout for small autos, such as the Ruger LC9, has provisions for one extra magazine.

Galco Int.
2019 West Quail Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85027
(800) 874-2526
www.usgalco.com

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