Product Preview: A Hunting Holster for Scoped S&W X-Frames

Finding gun leather for behemoth big-bores can be tough—add a scope to the equation and the search goes even deeper. Leave it to the leathersmiths at Galco Gunleather to offer the solution—the Kodiak Hunter Shoulder Holster. Made in Phoenix, Ariz., and backed by a satisfaction guarantee, the Kodiak Hunter exhibits a two-strap carry system designed for both retention and comfort.

A leather-padded shoulder/neck strap rides across the shooter’s  strong-side trapezius muscle, down his back and under his weak-side armpit before connecting to the holster via a YKK buckle. A second nylon-web strap runs around the midsection of the user and fastens to the holster with another YKK buckle. The top part of the holster contains a 9" opening to accommodate the revolver and optic, and a leather retention strap secures the gun in place via a snap with an extended plastic lip to ease operation. Because of the holster’s design, the draw cycle is shortened, resulting in fast presentation and easy reholstering. 

The Kodiak Hunter features Galco’s Havana finish, which equates to a dark brown glossy surface with clean beige stitch lines that adhere its multiple layers of leather together. Brass D-rings are affixed to an interior frame or skeleton to retain the holster’s open shape. Price: $200. Contact: Galco Gunleather; (800) 874-2526; galcogunleather.com.