The Galco Miami Rig has been around for decades. Prior to being called the Miami Classic, it was known as the Original Jackass Rig. That name might not have been as marketable, so The Jackass Leather Company became Galco, and after some modifications, the Miami Classic became their shoulder holster of note.
The name actually came from the show “Miami Vice.” The character Don Johnson played used a shoulder rig to carry his big Bren Ten. This rig was a bad imitation of the original Jackass Rig. The actor complained that the rig was painful, annoying, and he didn’t want to wear it.
The President of Galco flew to Miami to meet with Don, Michael Mann, and the propmaster. Once he was on the ground, he fit Johnson for a shoulder holster, and it was magic. The rig fits perfectly, and from then on, it became a staple of the show. From then on, it was known as the Miami Classic.
The Miami Classic and Miami Classic 2 are also known commonly known as the best shoulder rigs on the market, not only for comfort but for access, retention, and durability. They are professional-grade rigs. They also play host to a number of impressive modular improvements.
Modularity Makes It Better
Modularity with holsters isn’t a super common combination. Some offer the ability to change cant and height, as well as the various clips and how you carry. Modularity always makes things better, and the Galco Miami Classic takes modularity to the extreme. It allows you to swap separate elements of the system to make it exactly what you need it to be. Let’s go over some of those modular attachments.
Tie Downs
The only attachment I’d say you really should have is the tie-downs. They make a huge difference in comfort and security. They attach to your shoulder holster and then attach to your belt and keep the holster from swinging so much, especially if you’re running. The tie downs are a very simple addition that can make carrying the shoulder rig a lot comfier.
They make the biggest difference when carrying a larger gun. If you’re rocking a P365 or a J Frame, you aren’t likely to notice them. However, with a Glock 19 and up, they make a big difference.
Bigger or Smaller Straps
The shoulder strap system that holds everything together can be easily swapped. Maybe you purchased the 1.5-inch straps and found them too big, or maybe you went with the 1-inch straps, and they aren’t supportive enough. Well, you can purchase straps up to 2 inches wide and as small as 1 inch. This allows you better fit the holster to your needs and comfort level. Smaller straps tend to conceal easier and bigger straps are more supportive.
Two-Cell Mag Pouch
Your base-level Miami Classic rig comes with a two-cell mag pouch that is designed to do two things. First and most obvious, it carries extra ammo. Second, it allows you to offset the weight of the weapon and provide more comfort.
With that said, Galco makes several mag pouch designs. You can carry the magazines vertically or horizontally, and if you have a revolver, you can carry speed loaders or speed strips as well. The world is your oyster, and you can swap it out to carry exactly what you need.
Four-Cell Mag Pouch
Let’s say you expect to be in a modern version of the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. Well, then, you can strap on the four-cell magazine pouch and carry up to four double-stack magazines! That’s an absolute ton of ammo, and the massive pouch goes from right under your shoulder down to your belt.
It certainly does more than offset the weight of your gun. If you’re Bruce Willis in “Last Man Standing,” then this is the rig you need to pack with those 1911 magazines.
Cartridge Loop Carrier
If you want the four mag pouch cell equivalent for revolvers, then the Cartridge Loop Carrier is for you. This leather plate of ammo offers 24 slots for either .38/357 magnum or .44 Magnum rounds. It’s 10.5 inches long and 4.5 inches wide. It’s big, it’s capable, and it’s ready for your six-gun gunfight. Or, more aptly, it might be perfectly suited to revolver hunters who want the comfort of some extra ammo. Regardless, this thing holds enough ammo to make Wyatt Earp happy.
Cuffs
If you’re law enforcement or just a little kinky, you can swap the mag carrier for a cuff carrier. Yep, they make a simple leather cuff carrier that allows you to pack a pair of restraints if need be.
A Big Knife!
Maybe you want to be Solid Snake? If so, then you know you need both a gun and a knife to succeed. With that in mind, the Galco Shuka is a leather panel designed to provide you with the panel to mount your favorite giant knife. The bigger, the better! Specifically, a big fixed blade works absolutely perfectly on this type of rig.
A lot of people associate shoulder holsters with the 1980s. Why not embrace that by carrying a Rambo-inspired pig sticker? Is it practical? No, not really, but it’s dang sure neat.
Another Gun
Sometimes you don’t need spare mags. You need a spare gun. The reasons are many. What if a gun fails? What if you want to dual-wield? Well, if that’s a concern you have, the Galco Miami Classic allows you to set it up for two guns. Just purchase a holster that’s opposite the one you have and attach it.
If you have a right-hand holster, purchase a left hand and attach it! It’s simple and allows you to live out your fantasies of being Laura Croft.
The Modular Miami Classic
There we have it. The upgrades and modular attachments of the Miami Classic and Miami Classic 2 holsters. Most people don’t associate leather with modularity, but the Galco Miami Classic series has broken that mold. I tend to be a bit boring with mine, just a gun and a two cell ammo pouch. What about you?
How do you run yours? Let me know below!
