Just like there are legacy guns — classics that have been around forever and which remain largely unchanged over time — there are also legacy holsters. Galco’s Royal Guard is a legacy holster, a design replicated by many holster manufacturers and used by many who carry a handgun concealed. The design itself testifies to simplicity, durability and functionality: an inside-the-waistband, rough-out horsehide carrier with two loops for attaching to a belt. To use: Insert gun in holster, insert holster inside waistband, run the loops around your belt and snap them in place. That’s it. You’re carrying your gun securely and comfortably.
Galco’s Royal Guard is in its second generation (retail $150), but the one you see here is a first-generation model (currently available for $129.95 but in left hand only). Second-gen Royal Guards have a sweat shield and a black-leather trimmed mouth and loops. Functional and good-looking improvements, respectively. But my first generation Royal Guard has been faithfully serving me and my Commander-sized 1911 for a long time without those extra features. What it does better than many holsters — and probably what makes it a legacy holster — is combine secure carry with satisfying comfort.
As for secure carry, in an open-top holster (one without any extra retention built in), friction between gun and holster does the job of keeping the gun in the holster. Compared to the rough exterior of the Galco Royal Guard, the inside of the holster is very smooth — just the opposite of many holsters. But the effect on fit is notable: A gun in a Galco Royal Guard is not coming out unless intentionally drawn out. Similarly, with the rough side out, the Royal Guard sits securely inside the waistband, between body and whatever clothing is covering it, attached to a gun belt. The holster will move with you a little bit, but not much; it will stay in place.
As for satisfying comfort, sometimes I’m at a loss to explain why holsters like this feel so good. However it works, the size of the holster, placement on your person (it’s made for 3 o’clock to 5 o’clock) and design all contribute to carry comfort. This, despite a metal-reinforced mouth. Granted, a Commander-sized 1911 is not a thick gun to begin with. But other guns in other Royal Guards (or similarly designed holsters) also prove to be quite comfortable. My theory is that the leather warms up as you wear it and your body just gets used having a holstered gun in the same spot.
Royal Guard holds a gun in a slight-forward cant and the belt loops will fit a belt up to 1¾ inches wide. The belts I wear are at least 1¼ inches, but usually 1½ inches wide. It doesn’t matter; the Royal Guard functions fine with all of them. Moreover, the nature of horsehide results in a very stiff holster. As such, there’s no question it’ll last for generations. It already has and it continues to this day. Secure, comfortable, durable. That’s how a holster builds a legacy.
