Click on pictures for larger sizes.


Model: M7X MATRIX
How its made: High pressure plastic injection molded.
Materials: Next generation of thermoplastic.
Introduced: MID 2004.
Facts: Will securely hold any model XD & HS2000 pistol.
            Strong side belt holster featuring easy on-off belt loops.
            Will fit belts up to 1 1/2” wide.
Manufactures website: www.usgalco.com
MSRP: $21.99


Galco's cop series holsters has a new addition in its lineup -- the M7X Matrix. The Matrix series is marketed as "the
next generation in thermoplastic holsters and accessories" because of its unique design. The advertisements say
that you get "the look of leather" at "the price of polymer". Galco's goal with the Matrix was to mimic the look of
its traditional hand molded leather holsters. Galco's idea came from looking at other brands of Kydex holsters.

Ask any traditional shooter for their comments on the new style plastic holsters and almost all would say they are
nice but have lost that handcrafted look that only leather can provide. Also, the kydex is functional but not very
good looking. The Matrix is made of injected plastic but is made in such a way that it has that traditonal look
with all the soft curves you expect. The Matrix is made from two main components-- the front (above left) and
rear (above right) sections. Neither has very many hard angles, and both look like they were originally molded from
leather pieces. Even the belt loops are made so they look like what you would expect to find on a leather belt loop
holster.

When I first pulled the M7X out of its bag I thought there was no way that it would securely attach to a belt. The
M7X uses two belt loop straps that wrap around top of and behind the belt then back up the front snapping into place.
On the very bottom portion of the loop strap is a hole that a tab fits into securing the loop strap so when the holster
is worn the loop strap will not pull and unsnap. The straps allow for one of the best features of the M7X, you do not
need to unbuckle your belt to put the holster on or to remove it. Just unsnap the straps and put them into place
resnaping when done. These simple yet effective straps lock into place before snaping so even when drawing your
weapon the holster will stay in place. Since these straps wrap around the belt they hold on to the belt very tightly.
This allows the holster to be pulled into your body. With a good strong belt the M7X hides an XD very well. With a
nice strong belt there is no noticable slop having the holster move around or stick out allowing the pistol to print.
The snaps are large and are not the type that are easily undone so really this whole strap system works very well. At
the range I had some one else pull at a holstered XD training blue gun from the rear and side. The holster held, and
I had plenty of time to try various retaining techniques. I then tried some running, crouching, and rolling on the
ground. The pistol was retained in the holster. Now tired since the holster had worn me out, I decided to try falling
seeing if the pistol would fall out. I stacked some mattresses on the ground and had a friend push me onto them trying
to simulate a struggle. The pistol was held in place. After all of this, I can say that I am positive the pistol and
holster will stay in place during normal usage.
            
This generation of the M7X does not have any adjusting screws or devices to adjust the retention level. Drawing
the xd from the M7X was not that bad coming straight from the packaging. The pistol easily came out with a nice quick
tug and adding a little oil to the retaining portion of the holster helped even more. As far as any type of maintenance,
the M7X does not need very much. If the holster gets dirty simply use a warm damp cloth to wipe it down. Also using a
neutral Kiwi shoe polish, you can buff the outside of the holster to restore a "like new" look. Galco warns not to leave
the holster near an excessive heat since damage may occur.

            
Overall I think this is a refreshing look into holster design. Some of those that have been turned off by the cold hard
generic lines of plastic holsters may have something new to look into. The design is rugged although I would prefer some
type adjusting devise for the holster since everyone likes different levels of security vs ease of draw. The M7X is very
capable of doing its job of concealing a pistol which is something that not every holster is capable of doing. Looking
good and being comfortable to wear just makes the package even better. For more information check out Galcos
webpage at www.usgalco.com
Written By James Nicholas


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