Geez..All I wanted to do was upgrade from my Smith 638 to an auto, I guess, since we have open carry now I can print and be more indiscreet than usual.

So I pull out my Galco IWB for my P220, from 25 years ago, to try it out, and one of the 2 straps, that attach it to my belt, rips off, with no sensation of failing. Double OH Shit because I 3 have others, of that model for different guns from the same time period. I need to check them out. No rot, no moisture problems, no U/V, no mildew. Holy Crap, I just picked it up to see it the other strap was messed up and with the slightest flex, it broke off. Take my now Lord! I some how for sure messed this thimg up in it's quiet life.

Dang, this thing is like new and I don't think I've worn it more than a dozen times. Did I fail to maintain it some how?

Also, is my logic flawed to think of open carry as an excuse to lighten up on extreme discretion to a more relaxed type of carry? I really don't want any one to know I'm packing. It makes me wonder who, or how many will even notice if I print or what ever. So 30 years with a shoot me first, Galco Escort fanny pack, has yielded 2 call outs for packing.

They never notice my hand in my pocket with the mouse gun....

I live in a tourist area, so my fanny pack doesn't scream gun. I put a National Park patch on the front for a bit of misdirection. Nobody has ever said anything to me in 20 years.

I also open carry at times, mostly on trails or in campgrounds, and also then at gas stations. Again, never a word from anyone. I've never ever noticed anyone noticing my open carry or looking at the fanny pack.

My conclusion is that imperfect concealed carry isn't going to be noticed by anyone other than attentive similar minded people or, possibky, law enforcement. I don't think the vast majority of bad guys are calmly observing the crowd before they whip out their weapon. Being in a police or security guard uniform might make one a target, but a bit of printing through your shirt or wearing a fanny pack seems highly unlikely to get noticed.

quote:

Originally posted by duke762:
So I pull out my Galco IWB for my P220, from 25 years ago, to try it out, and one of the 2 straps, that attach it to my belt, rips off, with no sensation of failing.

I just picked it up to see it the other strap was messed up and with the slightest flex, it broke off.

Dang, this thing is like new and I don't think I've worn it more than a dozen times. Did I fail to maintain it some how?

Sounds like your 25 year old leather dried out.

Leather contains oils that eventually leach out over time, causing the leather to become dry and brittle. An extra dry climate like the desert can exacerbate this, whereas the holster maker using high quality full grain leather that's been sealed can help delay/prevent it.

Thin curved parts that flex heavily, like belt loops on an IWB holster, will typically be the first to fail.

Similar to shining your shoes, periodically applying some leather polish or conditioner can help the leather from becoming brittle. I use Leather Honey conditioner. (Just don't overdo it; it doesn't need to be soaked and overdoing it can affect the retention and blocking of the holster.)

Just for clarification, open carry has been legal in Indiana for a very long time, provided the individual had a carry permit. An Indiana permit does not stipulate any requirement that the pistol be carried open or concealed. The recent law change did nothing to change the manner in which a pistol can be carried, what it did was allow "permitless" carry, meaning that individuals who would have previously been eligible for a permit under the old law can now carry without having to obtain one. Nothing has changed regarding open carry or printing, except that you no longer have to have a permit to do so, provided you are a proper person. That said, I'd still maintain that open carry is a dumb idea in most situations.

As to your holster, I agree with everything Rogue said above. I like leather, but you're talking about dead animal skin, so it's ultimately biodegradable. 25 years is a long time, especially without some kind of chemical conditioning to keep it from breaking down.

quote:

Originally posted by duke762:
So 30 years with a shoot me first, Galco Escort fanny pack, has yielded 2 call outs for packing.

They never notice my hand in my pocket with the mouse gun....

Mrs. Flash uses a shoot me first fanny pack for almost as long as you and has never been called out for packing. A couple of people who became friends said she just doesn't look like someone who would be carrying...whatever that means.

I just ordered a replacement piece from Galco. Forward thinking company to offer parts for a holster that old. I like those folks a lot. Man, am I ever glad I looked there! Now to carefully inspect and hydrate my other rigs so this never happens again.