The Longmire Holster: Galco Speed Paddle

By Eli Duckworth

Through this pandemic, I have spent more time watching Netflix than ever before, and have found some really good shows in the process (NO, this will not be “The Guns of Tiger King”).

Longmire, a show about a sheriff in Wyoming, grabbed my interest and I began a shameless binge of the show that consumed a large portion of my free time. As a huge fan of westerns, this was right up my alley. The show was based on a series of novels called The Walt Longmire Mysteries, and it becomes more and more addictive the longer you watch.

Walt Longmire, the show’s main character played by Robert Taylor, carries a beautifully patina’d pre-war 1911 .45 ACP with stag grips. However, as iconic as the gun is, it is surprising to see how much attention the Longmire holster received.

The Galco Speed Paddle

Many people are asking “What holster does Longmire carry?” That’s easy — Walt carries his 1911 in the Galco Speed Paddle for all six seasons. The Speed Paddle is an interesting piece of kit, as it blends a traditional leather holster with the modern Kydex paddles seen on many “paddle” style holsters. This allows the holster to be easily put on or taken off. The paddle works best with belts up to 1 ¾” width.

Constructed of thick, premium steerhide leather bound by thick double-stitching, the Speed Paddle is rigid but beautifully finished in a rich “whiskey” brown color. Using an open-top design, the holster retains the gun well (in my case, a Springfield Armory Vickers Elite Master Class) by using expertly molded leather in conjunction with a retention screw. Hands down, this is the most attractive holster I have ever owned.

Is It for You?

The one downside I have found with the Galco Speed Paddle is that it is a holster that protrudes off the hip more than many of Galco’s other offerings. In the show, Walt Longmire typically open carries with his speed paddle, or conceals it under a large coat.

I have found that the holster is really only concealable with a sport coat or a large winter coat. What is interesting, though, is the speed that can be achieved when drawing from this holster. The angle and position of the holster help to give the user a great purchase on the firearm for building a grip from the holster. I absolutely love drawing and carrying the Speed Paddle, which makes it my number one choice for carrying while in the woods.

Galco is no stranger to major TV programs. Back in the 1980s, the character of Sonny Crockett made the Galco Miami Classic iconic in the Miami Vice series. In that show, Crockett wore the Galco shoulder holster while chasing drug lords and romancing the ladies of South Beach.

Conclusion

So, does buying the Speed Paddle and throwing your 1911 in it automatically make you the best sheriff to ever protect Absaroka County? Probably not. However, there’s no doubt that you will look your best with the Speed Paddle on your hip. And isn’t looking good important? Oh, and it’s a very good holster as well!

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