Galco FLETCH for XD is MIA

[KCXD45]

Either these holsters are flying of the shelves in un imaginable numbers, or Galco did not anticipate the demand for this product (or likely, a bit of both).

I can not find anywhere that has this product in stock.

Ideas anyone?

[KarolinaKid]

Last I looked Sportsmans Warehouse here in TN had them in Tan for $57. If you want, I can pick you one up and ship it for actual cost +tax+shipping.

[KnightHawk]

It's unfair to criticize Galco, that should go to dealers who don't have the foresight to stock the product. There are too many "dealers" out there that don't order holsters until you purchase them.

I've often told customers that the guy in the plumbing department at Wal-Mart isn't there because he likes plumbing fixtures; to him it's just a job. We're gun guys. We stay in touch with the marketplace and it keeps us a step ahead.

If your dealer won't stock the items you need, go to a dealer who will.

I guess I should add that neither Galco nor Bianchi currently make anything, except the Galco Ankle Glove holsters, for anything except the 4" service model guns. Some of the abbreviated holsters, like the Matrix, will accept any length gun but the other holsters are for the 4 inchers only.

[KCXD45]

Originally Posted by KnightHawk

It's unfair to criticize Galco, that should go to dealers who don't have the foresight to stock the product. There are too many "dealers" out there that don't order holsters until you purchase them.

Actually, my orginal post was not at a criticism, as it was more of an acknowledgement of what is going on. The FLETCH is a whale of a holster. The version for the XD can't be kept on the shelves at my local gun dealers.

I called Galco yesterday to find out what the scoop was. The customer service agent told me that if a dealer (or an retail individual) put in an order today, because of their hand manufacturing process, the holster would not ship for 6 to 8 weeks.

Now here is where I will criticize. If business is always this good, and consistantly the lead time is 6-8 weeks, then there is problems with management not either streamling their manufacturing process or hiring enough people to reduce their lead time. If this is just a flash in the pan, and they don't normally have 6-8 week lead times on holster production......then, oh well....this happens to every manufacturer...and no big deal.

Many gun shops are not dealing in large numbers of holsters and the like, and many don't have the money to keep a large inventory of all makes, sizes, colors of holsters. This is just not economically feasible.

If the manufacturer can't keep lead times down, the gun dealers...and their customers will just start looking for other options.

[KnightHawk]

Your argument is logical and I understand your point of view but the lead time from manufacturers is often unpredictable and varies wildly.

Bianchi has gone to a totally order driven production line. It doesn't matter whether we order 1000 identical items because they won't go to production until the bean counters figure they can make an economical run and ship it all out. They aren't carrying anything in inventory and few dealers can order 50,000 holsters at a time.

Galco does inventory items and, most often, can satisfy dealer orders without delay. However, sometimes they go off on a tangent; as they have recently done with Concealables, and then they get way, way behind on a specific holster model line.

I don't know which dealers you've polled to find XD FLETCH holsters but most companies that sell holsters sell a wide variety of product and don't necessarily stock many holsters at any time. We should consider that small shops probably aren't factory authorized dealers and are purchasing their inventory from places like Brownells and Midway.

We stay on top of our inventory and we keep our XD stock up as best we can. The only weak point we've had lately is with the Concealable. They don't seem to be able to keep up on those. The FLETCH hasn't been a problem until now. I just checked Galco's FLETCH inventory and not only are they just about out of stock but they have dropped the Left-Hand TAN FL441 for XD and they have not said anything to their stocking dealers. It looks like I'll have to check our stock on that one and may have to delete the item from our website.

I like Galco's products but they don't communicate well.

[KCXD45]

Originally Posted by KarolinaKid

Last I looked Sportsmans Warehouse here in TN had them in Tan for $57. If you want, I can pick you one up and ship it for actual cost +tax+shipping.

Sir, your offer is most gracious. I appreciate it more than I can say.

As I am a big guy...wide, not tall, I really need to try this holster on for size before I buy it. I have heard nothing but good things from other large guys who have bought this model for their carry pistol. I just need to make sure it will work for me.

Thanks again!

[Apdl]

i lovw my FLETCH i have it in Havana Brown i am 5'9 280 lbs it is a reall good holster!

[KCXD45]

Packin' Heat Leather Company of McAllen, Texas has stock on the Galco FLETCH for the Springfield XD. Right and left hand versions and in both Tan and hard to find Black. The price is 62.80. Great price! I bought the RH Black model from them.

Gary, the gentleman that I spoke with was a very friendly, knowledgable, and helpful guy. He is also a XD convert, as he was carrying a XD himself! He told me that as they like the XD, they always carry a lot of stock on Bianchi and Galco holsters for it.

So if you need a holster, check these guys out. They were great to work with!

http://www.packinheatleather.com/

[KCXD45]

I have a sneaking suspicion that KnightHawk is the gentleman I spoke with today at Packin' Heat Leather. What a nice guy!

[KarolinaKid]

Originally Posted by KCXD45

Sir, your offer is most gracious. I appreciate it more than I can say.

As I am a big guy...wide, not tall, I really need to try this holster on for size before I buy it. I have heard nothing but good things from other large guys who have bought this model for their carry pistol. I just need to make sure it will work for me.

Thanks again!

Yea, I am a try before I buy guy as well. If you decide on it and still can't find one local just shoot me a message and I will see if I can track one down for you.