I'm thinking about buying a used Galco shoulder holster. The current configuration is for a 1911 but I could always buy additional holsters for my 3rd Gen pistols to swap with. My question to everyone is have you worn Galco's before and are they comfortable? Conceal well?
Checking on Ebay I see you can acquire one of these classics for fairly cheap so I would like a fair estimate of what you'd pay for the one in the photos.
Thinking of going the shoulder route due to having to sit a lot during the day and also making 4 or 5 trips in the car daily.
Everyones thought would be appreciated.

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I've never worn one but definitely would like to try. I would love to have a shoulder holster for when I ride my bicycle. It should conceal well under a hi-vis vest. I'm just waiting for the right deal to come along.

I love the idea of a shoulder holster. Unfortunately I don't have the build for it. I'm very barrel-chested, which also means I don't have really broad shoulders for my size. So they just aren't comfortable for me.

Before investing serious coin for one I'd highly recommend buying a cheapo nylon off eBay (maybe even a used one) and give it a try - if you haven't already.

I had one like that for the first S&W 3913 I owned. It didn’t fit so well after I gained 20 pounds, and I never liked having the muzzle pointed at random people behind me. The rig itself was comfortable and secure.

I wear one like that daily for the past almost 40 years. LOVE the shoulder holster and will only wear an IWB when absolutely the only option.

Mind if I ask what you carry? Full size, compact or subcompact?
Revolver or semi? If 1911, what size? Haven't used a shoulder rig and curious what's working for you.
I have a 5" 1911 as well as a 3913. Might also pick up a 3" 1911 soon so these would be the rotation for shoulder holster carry.
Just would need to get a holster for the 3913 to swap with. Wondering if you wear it under a loose fitting shirt only and if it conceals well?

I too have a 3913 and am assuming it concealed well? Conceals good under a loose shirt?

I'm looking at picking this up cheap but didn't want to waste my money if it was not going to work for concealment under a loose fitting shirt. Living in So Cal means not wearing a jacket/cover garment most of the year.

The design will print under thin, snug clothing but I mostly wore it under a Carhartt jacket or a bulky wool knit sweater. I also have a couple of heavy Pendleton and Woolrich wool shirts that I bought oversized. They do a decent job of concealing the harness.

I usually carry the S&W 1911sc Commander. Other times I will carry the S&W 640, when I need to be less clothed. As far as shirts to cover it up.....

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Not to hijack my own thread, but wondering if you also wear business casual shirts (and if you conceal well with). The Hawaiian casual look won't work for my day job

If you don't secure them to a belt they can flop around if you move much or bend over. They are not quite as concealed as I'd like around the buckles. Worn under a jacket/coat, no problems, no way with only a shirt IMO. I don't bother with the belt straps cuz I rarely wear belts. On the plus side you could wear it naked if that's your bag. Mine are older & it only has a single mag pouch. I had a triple mag pouch made that helps even the wt side to side. You can change holsters quickly with 2 snaps. For a quick drive somewhere I don't really care much anymore if I show to a person that knows what to look for. I'm legal & don't stay out in public for long. Hard to hide a 1911 IMO. The largest I CC now is a Sig P239, but we don't over dress here in Fl.

If I am not mistaken Galco was the successor to the original Jackass shoulder holster design. X-style harness, horizontal carry and draw, weight of the holstered pistol counter-balanced by an off-side mag pouch (and occasionally a handcuff pouch attached).

Very good design. Generally comfortable for all day use. One harness could be used with multiple holsters and pouches, so some versatility offered.

Several down-sides to this type of carry:

1. Not particularly concealable. Accessibility requires an open front cover garment, and that can frequently expose the shoulder harness or the holstered pistol itself. Selection of cover garment is critical for discreet use.

2. Riding in an automobile, sitting at a desk, and other routine activities can cause the harness to shift in position. Not unusual to see shoulder holster users going to some lengths to move the harness around to maintain a comfortable position. Every time you get out of your car you could find yourself announcing "GUN HERE".

3. Generally comfortable in casual use, but any strenuous physical activity such as running, jumping, bending over, etc, adds another dimension to the experience.

4. Of course, drawing from a shoulder holster involves telegraphing your intent to anyone paying attention, and the muzzle of the weapon can sweep a very wide area before being brought to the proper azimuth for target acquisition.

I am not condemning this holster design. I am just suggesting that it might not be the best for some users and circumstances.

I'm not a fan of shoulder holsters mostly because I've called out a few police officers who were "under cover" that had straps showing...it's happened on more than one occasion.

I also once knew someone that shot himself while wearing a shoulder holster - he told the police someone tried to rob him and shot the side of his van...the truth came out later (and he was charged for it). It's all about trigger and finger control.

That being said, I am a fan of holster rigs when you're out in areas where you can open carry...and do so to protect yourself more from wild animals...I'm a huge fan of Diamond D Leather Chest holsters and have one for my 629 8".

Got a couple years ago; both with double mag pouches ..... both were "lightly used" and the prices were about 1/3 retail.....about the only time I use them is in the winter under a zipped coat or jacket.... the jacket holds everything in place .... pull down the zipper and grab gun.

Think short barrels 4" or less.

I know your some what of the expert on holsters and appreciate your feed back.
My first choice for conceal-ability is the IWB. The only issue I have is I drive a small vehicle that's difficult getting into and having the IWB is not comfortable or possible without having to move it around (or take it off) every time I get in & out of the car (multiple times a day). The thought was to use a shoulder rig for comfort in these circumstances. My main concern is conceal ability of the shoulder rig. I'd be wearing the rig over a tee shirt then hopefully have a loose fitting dress/business shirt over it.When weather dictates, I wear it over a regular shirt with a light weight jacket to conceal (maybe 2 or 3 months out of the year).

These were my hopes. Maybe just wishful thinking? I'm in the city 95% of the time(So Cal) and concealment is extremely important.

When I'm at my mountain cabin, that's how I'd roll since a jacket is the norm up there. I'm looking at getting the rig for 25% of retail(used of course). I believe in using a quality holster for everything you carry regularly which is why I wouldn't go buy a cheap one off of Ebay.

I wore that same set up with a Sig P220 for years. Gun and badge on one side (badge holder hooked to strap), two mags and cuffs on the other. Easy on, easy off.

It conceals ok under a shirt or light jacket. If you wear one of those fishing vest things it can show through the armhole.

It can disconcerting to anyone behind you if it isn’t concealed.

Now I am a mostly retired gentleman of leisure and my people-shooting days are probably behind me. I just carry a gun and none of the other stuff, so the Galco rig lost its charm. I gave the Sig to my son along with the rig, but he is wrong-handed so it doesn’t do him much good. He likes having it, though.

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Rule of law, not a man.

Everything in holster design involves compromises among the 4 basic factors of comfort, accessibility, security, and concealment. Whenever one factor if emphasized there will be compromises in the other factors. Only the end user can decide which factors are most important for his needs and how much compromise can be tolerated in the other factors.

There is no such thing as a perfect holster, any more than there is a perfect firearm, for every user and every situation.

Try it out. If you like it and it serves your needs, great. If not it could guide you on the search for your perfect compromise.

Best regards.

I use this very setup when driving....have one for my 1911 and my 3913
and I find it very comfortable and also like having everything in one spot.

Randy

I have that exact shoulder holster, purchased from a forum member for $60. Purchased the tie-down straps separately and I recommend them. I carry a 1911 Officers Model in it, but only when wearing a suit or jacket. It is very comfortable.

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Stay protected my friends.

The Original Jackass Leather Co was the predecessor to Galco (Gallager Co). I had the original Jackass rig for a Model 59 with two magazines and handcuffs on the side opposite the gun. It was balanced and comfortable. Carrying a full size gun, mags, cuffs, a flashlight and a radio while wearing a suit on a dress belt is not comfortable for several hour shifts. So it worked. I have a MiamiClassic now with a Kahr 9mm and two extra mags which is pretty concealable. I also have the re-released Jackass rig for a 1911 which isn’t that concealable. Bigger gun leaves bigger imprint. Love them in the winter with a coat or jacket. Not so much with a shirt and no coat. I use other holsters or pocket carry for that. Hope this helps.

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SWCA 3255 SWHF 615

I have tried the Bianchi X15 vertical shoulder holster and the Galco Miami Classic horizontal holsters, using my S&W 439 and my S&W 6946. I found the draw from the Bianchi to be easier and quicker, but the Galco was more comfortable to wear. Neither seem to compare well to the ease of carry, ease of concealability and utility of strong side IWB carry.

FWIW, the suggestion of the cheap one off eBay would be just as an inexpensive way to test the IDEA at the lowest cost - before investing more money into a good one that you would actually use.

If after you sink $50 into one you then find that (like me) shoulder holsters in general just don't work for you, you might wish you had tried something cheaper to start with to figure that out.

Just a thought.

I appreciate the advice. I'm looking to pay under $50 shipped for the Galco. (yes I'm frugal!) I was referencing some of the cheap $20 rigs from Ebay. Even at under $50, don't want to throw away the money to have it end up in my holster drawer.
That's why I appreciate all the comments from everyone in the S&W community. I can't even begin to list what I've learned in the short time I've been a member.

I used one with a Sig-Sauer P-229 .40. wore a light weight windbreaker. concealed well.

I now use a cross draw lobo holster designed by Mark.

I got the Galco VHS (vertical holster system) a little while back. In another thread we had talked about it and the consensus was that the horizontal was waving the muzzle at anyone behind you. Also I believe the vertical carry will print less. I carry a Colt CCO so the longest dimension is the slide which in tucked into my side and the grip is officers length. It took a couple weeks of tweaking, but it's good now and I use it mostly under a jacket when I'm out on the Harley. Beats my usual IWB when sitting and can be worn under a loose shirt if you're mindful. I use a belt loop on the mag side to balance out the pistol weight.

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Time wounds all heels

I carry a 3913/PC Shorty-9 95% of the time IWB, 4 O'clock, in a good Milt Sparks Summer Special or Executive Companion.


For concealed carry the good horizontal shoulder rigs add a lot of leather to
to the gun that has to be concealed ...................... works under a suit coat in Miami Vice when you only wear the gun/holster in scenes where you are using a gun

I posted above ... but would add.....

Think OWB cross-draw... at 10-11 O-clock when driving.... pushed back to 7-8/9 o'clock when getting out of the car for a meeting.

I've had a lot of success with a Bianchi X-15 for a little 3" 60-10.....think mini -686..... have another "little horizontal rig" that I use to use with my Walther PPK and a spare mag on the off side.

The bigger the gun.... the more gun and leather you have to conceal .... the harder it is to conceal!!!!!

I have used the Galco rigs since they were from Jackass Leather. I have used them with 4500 series autos and 1911's both on-duty and off-duty. They always worked well for me. As was stated above several times, you need to cover with a jacket heavy enough to conceal them and tie them down to the belt.

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Dave Frost

It's been 35 years since I was carrying my 1911 as an off duty gun. Young and clueless so IWB in the small of my back every where I went. Mostly rode my Harley back then. Never had issues (25lbs lighter and BMI of 18% back then). Oh how I miss those days
I would love to carry my 60 no dash or PPK/S (would solve my concealment issues) but both are NIB safe queens and I can't get myself to shoot them. I'm starting to re-think this shoulder holster for carry for my 1911. Would only be used for 2-3 months out of the year. Unless I'm able to find a holster for my 3913 to use with this rig for a decent price, that would allow usage year round.

If the Galco I'm looking at was a VHS I wouldn't have started this post ( I agree on it being able to conceal better). I've also thought about the muzzle pointing issue
but am confident in safety systems built into my 3913 & 1911.
Muzzle pointing backwards would only be an issue for those standing behind me that were aware of me carrying. I might pick up a 3" 1911 locally which would be easier to conceal with this holster system.

I own a Galco Miami Classic II, the holster in the photo. I use it for GM, Cdr, and OACP 1911 variants.

It works, with all the caveats folk mention above. I usually conceal it under an un-tucked Dickies, camp, or Hawaiian shirt. Concealment under a jacket is no whoop.

I also own the Galco VHS for a SW629 4" bbl.

Shoulder holster is another option. I wear an OWB Tortilla holster from EP Saddlery 7/10 times, MS VM2 2/10 times, and the shoulder holster 1/10 times.

I used a shoulder holster as a cop during a particular assignment many years ago and found it comfortable, but did not like the need to always have a coat on. It was one of the old upside-down Safariland holsters, with the muzzle up in the armpit area. It may not matter to you, but I can't think of a law enforcement agency around here today that permits shoulder holsters, for safety reasons. Showing up at the PD range with one would cause a real problem. Most or all of the private indoor ranges around here prohibit them. The reality is that one way or another when drawing from a shoulder holster, you have to point the gun at yourself or others. I am confident that could safely use one, but would probably be a bit uncomfortable around someone else with one unless I was confident of their competence. Hunting and other "wilderness" usage is a different matter.

The Galco looks nice, though. Looks like it wold be comfortable and conceal well if you can get over the other issues.

There are a couple of reviews on Youtube and elsewhere if you do a search.

They go well with a pastel t-shirt, unstructured sport coat (with sleeves bunched up), convertible Ferrari Daytona and 2 day beard growth.

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Thirty characters. Exactly...

English is fun. Those two sentences mean exactly the same thing.

However, neither is correct. Richard Gallagher formed the company in the late 1960s as the Famous Jackass leather Co or something like that and a decade or so later they changed the name to GALCO International - but it was/is the SAME company. Neither a predecessor nor a successor but merely a name change.

That said, I used to carry an El Paso Saddlery shoulder rig with a 2.5" M686+ when I was hunting feral hogs down by the Rio Grande. I liked it because it kept the gun on my left side out of the way of my rifle that I carried on my right shoulder.

I admit I never tried to use it for concealed carry in town; I might have to give it a whirl, bearing in mind the warning above in re having to "sweep" someone when drawing it from the holster. The gun points rearward so you are sweeping everyone behind you all the time, anyway.

I wear the Galco Miami Classic II all the time with my Colt 1911 steel frame Officers that has a carry comp, so it's the size of a Commander. It's a great shoulder holster that is comfortable for hours of wear.

The issue of where the gun is pointing is nonsense. Every holster is pointing the gun at some body part of somebody at some time. Who cares. All that matters is that you make a safe draw, meaning keep your finger out of the trigger guard until you're ready to engage. If the user can't do that, they have no business owning a gun regardless of what kind of holster they want to use.

The Great Jackass Leather Company started in Glenview, IL. Their factory was on the road to the main gate of Glenview Naval Air Station. Their retail shop was a gun store (long gone) on Hwy 43/Waukegan Road in downtown Glenview. When they outgrew the Glenview factory, they moved to Chicago where the name was changed to the Great American Leather COmpany, or GALCO. They later moved to Phoenix but kept the GALCO brand name.

I have an original Jackass shoulder rig for a S&W K frame revolver that I picked up at their factory in 1978. I've carried it and the follow-on Miami Classic for years, and with many different guns, both revolver and semi-auto. I think it's the perfect rig for long driving trips; conceal it under an open shirt over a t-shirt and no one is the wiser.

FWIW I have Galco shoulder rigs for all smith frame sizes, Sigs and 1911s. I use them more than any other system. For me a shoulder rig provides the most utility for my needs.

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213th FBINA

I too bought my original Jackass rig there,carried my 5" Colt 70 series daily for almost 10 years with never a problem. I do recall some minor wear & tear on the inside area of my leather uniform jacket. It provided may hours of head comfort as the 1911 was always the goto gun while working.
Summer time shifted all the weight to the waist along with the required 4" Trooper.
Doubt if I could even stand up today wearing it. Also bought my first vest there,Second chance,when we had to buy our own.
Can't go wrong with the Galco line.

I found my original Jackass Miami Classic carried my 39-2 under a short patrol jacket very well. You can't leave the straps too long. It does move little with you / your cover garment but that improves concealment. A holster that didn't move would print (from the rear) when you bent forward. Any holster / harness will print under very light fabric like a T shirt.
Comfort is more about how you do with weight on your shoulders for X hours. I never tried.
Yes, drawing any cross draw requires finger discipline because the muzzle must cross your left arm.
When on a lonely outpost, various civilians would engage in conversation... their eyes glued to the big stainless pistol on my belt. I could stand with my arms crossed & my fingers on the grip of the 9mm.

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NRA LIFE
Reserve Officer 9yrs

In most cases, a gun in a hip holster, whether inside or outside of the waistband is rarely pointed at anyone and especially not when a gun is being drawn or holstered, which is when an unintended discharge is most likely. With a shoulder holster the gun is usually pointed either at whoever is behind you or at your armpit and/or brachial artery, including while being drawn or re-holstered. When drawing the gun, a user then almost invariably "sweeps" everyone in about a 90 degree arc while moving the gun to a firing position.

Its fine to say this doesn't matter so long as the finger (and everything else) is kept off the trigger, but I think we all know that doesn't always happen. I don't think you could find many ranges or police locker rooms without bullet holes in some very unintended locations.

I am not saying shoulder holsters should be banned or anything, but they are more hazardous to use than a hip holster. In varying degrees the same can be said about crossdraw and appendix holsters.

Union City man dies from accidental gunshot | News | meadvilletribune.com

Hoonah hunter dies near Dillingham in self-inflicted shooting - KTVA 11 - The Voice of Alaska


Just my opinion of course.

This is not true at all, especially if you have any normal amount of body fat. That gun in the IWB holster will run a round right along your hip and outside thigh should you have an ND.

My bottom line: No holster design or placement takes the place of proper operator control.

Why not get a small thin gun and sew a holster to the inside of your vest under the weak side armpit?

I’ve been experimenting as to which carry method I prefer. I’ve worn Galco’s “Miami Classic” shoulder holster, and it’s semi-comfortable. The one I tried had a vertical revolver holster sized for a medium-sized gun, but I didn’t have anything to simulate the weight of a gun in it. The one think I was concerned about was the “butterfly” base that the straps connected to – I tho’t it was abit small, and didn’t spread the straps as much as I’d prefer. And, when I do carry, it’ll be a 460V revolver, and I have concerns that a 3½ lb gun maybe more than the “Miami Classic’s” designed for.
When I do carry the 460V, it’ll be in the open (concealing a 460V is going to be semi-tough at best). I made a shoulder rig, including the holster (which has a secure retention system) which is extremely comfortable for the weight of the 460V (3½ lbs), and I’ve carried it (it’s never been fired – yet), for several hours at a time. The main of the shoulder harness is a leather “T”, with the top of the “T” over my shoulder, and the base of the “T” going behind my neck. The strap going behind my neck goes in front of my right shoulder, and then attaches to my belt on the right side. The holster has a loop that attaches to my belt on the left side. There’s a strap connecting the 2 sides near the waist, so I can lean sideways, or forward, and the entire setup doesn’t flop or move. The holster from the shoulder rig also fits the 2” belt I made for waist-carry. The holster can be worn strong-side, or cross-draw. The back allows it to cant forward ala FBI style when on strong side, cant forward when worn cross-draw, or straight down on either side, and while connected to the shoulder rig. I don’t like the strong-side (my 3 o’clock) position at all, but I’ll have to use it that way when I use that gun in further classes. The cross-draw (10 o’clock) position is very comfortable for me, and I’ve also carried it that way for several hours at a time. Granted, a 3½ lb 460V revolver isn’t the typical carry weapon, but I plan on only using .45 Colt self defense ammunition vs the 460 “cannon ammunition”, and at 6’1” / 215 lbs, it isn’t too much for me. Thx.

I just have to quote this line. This is the truth!

I have the Galco Miami Vice Classic holster for the following guns, Colt 1911(a BHP) will also fit, K or L Frame S&W, N frame 3 1/2” or 4” S&W, FN Five Seven, Glock 19 or 23, and a S&W M39. The first one of these that I bought was for the 1911 back in the mid-late 1980’s when they were still Jack *** Leather. These work great for me.

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Life NRA, Life TSRA, C&R FFL

I have one like that for my 686 and 69. They are comfortable, but sometimes the straps can show near the neck depending on your cover garment.

I wore a Galco for twelve years as an Investigator for my local Sheriff's Dept. However, I had a 3", .357, S&W at the time. It also held two speed loaders, and a set of handcuffs. (Yeah, I'm dating myself!) I chased bad guys with it, jumped fences, climber over barriers, and rolled around in the dirt, and never had a problem with it.

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2037.10/8

Years ago our Police Dept. sponsored a firearms retention class taught by the State's top firearms trainer. We asked officers from area departments if they wanted to attend. I remember an officer from the next town showing up with a Miami Vice Shoulder rig without any covering garment as we all had seen in the TV show. Guns were unloaded, ammo put in a safe place and we practiced weapons retention. With a little instruction and demonstration. We almost all did a great job of protecting our weapons. The one exception was the shoulder rig. The instructor would walk among us and try to grab our weapons without much success but every time he got near that shoulder rig he had possession of that officer's Sig P226 in a heart beat. The instructor must have come in possession of that weapon 5 or 6 times through out the evening. The rest of us were wearing our duty belts with strong side duty holsters and while attempts were made by designated bad guys or the instructor most of us retained our weapons the whole evening.

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Gun Safety is no accident.

Shoulder holsters aren't my thing, but a buddy carried a Colt Officers Model in a Galco Miami Classic for years and swore by it. An uncle of mine, who's bit mall ninja, carried a S&W 29 in a shoulder holster as his off duty gun when he was a small time cop for a few years. He seemed to like it.