Galco Miami Classic II Shoulder System for 1911 5-Inch Colt, Kimber, para, Springfield

This holster works very well, but importantly it's Safe and comfortable. I also have the Galco VHS 4.0 (Vertical Holster) for a full-size 1911 but I feel a bit uneasy with the VHS design for the 1911 because the Thunb safety (Ambidextrous Safety) on my 1911 gets flipped off randomly using it. I can see where the VHS may be great for a larger revolver but not for a 1911. That being said I really like the Miami Classic II for use with a fill size 1911. It's the same 1911 that I used with the VHS 4.0 but it's by far more comfortable. (Even though the Miami Classic II has thinner straps than the VHS 4.0) I have a whole lot more confidence in The Miami Classic II holding my 1911 since the rear strap while holding the 1911 securely also sits between the hammer and the firing pin. There also is an additional piece that holds the Safety Up and On while the 1911 is holstered. At first, I wasn't sure I liked that feature but after using it I now do. --- I did make a few small changes to improve it's design. --- I flipped the straps over (smooth side in) since it helps the holster to slide over your shirt easier making so it not bunch up as easy. --- I took a sanding stick (AKE an emery board) and smoothed up and rounded over the plastic piece that goes under the thumb safety since it was a bit on the rough and sharp side. (I didn't want to take that chance it would put a scratch/line in the finish of my 1911) --- I removed the rubber bumper in front of the trigger and put a thin piece of soft plastic tubing in its place to allow the 1911 to be inserted further into the holster making the rear strap fit better. --- This last one may be more than most want to do but it makes a huge improvement on this holster. I removed the plastic hardware for the strap attachment points and replaced them with parts made from Leather, and used Rectangular D-Rings, and Chicago screws for mounting. (The Plastic pieces tend to dig into you if you wear just a t-shirt and a shirt as a cover garment) Parts Needed Metal Rectangle Rings - 1 x 3/8 Inch works quite well Chicago Screws - a variety pack will give you various sizes for best fit Leather (The leather I use was about 3mm thick)

Works well. Hides well and is comfortable. Buy some metal Chicago screws.

This rig is nice once you get it adjusted right and it gets worn some. Like all new leather products it needs oiled and worked. Mine is now as pliable as a baseball mit and very comfortable.

Please disregard my model physique. The holster is good out of the box but not great. It fits ok, has plenty of adjustment and conceals my full size 1911 under a light shirt. I did 2 modifications to this rig to make it epic. First, I went on the Galco website and bought the 2" wide shoulder straps. The narrow 3/4" straps it comes with don't have the look and feel I think this rig should have. Plus the narrow straps tend to twist up when I'm putting it on. I also bought the optional belt loops. This rig should really come with the belt loops to secure the holster and mag holder but it doesn't. Those two mods really make this rig stand out. I'm very happy with it. Real leather, so be careful with the button holes and buckles getting it to fit. Have someone help you.

This is a very fine holster system at a good price. They use very nice leather and their fit and finish is excellent. My Galco vertical holster system that I bought in 2003 (it's now July 2008) is going on its 6th year. It's sweat stained; a lot of the finish has worn off; even the "Chicago" screws have had their finish worn off. But, like the "pink" (copyrighted name omitted) bunny it still goes on ticking. You won't be disappointed in Galco's products as I have many and I'm quite happy with them.

I use only Galco leather holsters for my firearms ... have done so for many years. They have always produced the highest quality products from the highest quality leather. This product is also high quality and an improvement in many ways over the older version. But ... only 4 out of 5 stars because Galco has gone one step cheaper for the same price. Instead of using metal (solid brass) screws for the shoulder harness they have gone cheap and are now using plastic "fasteners". Really? I want something that I can count on to stay in place ... not to have to worry about some plastic "fastener" coming loose at the most inopportune time.

Most comfortable way to carry a full size auto. Easy access from seated position in a car or at a desk or table

I was setting up the holster to fit my body and the plastic keeper end up breaking.