Don Johnson as Sonny Crockett in “Miami Vice”. Photo courtesy Galco Holsters.
The Galco® Miami Classic℠, originally has a storied history that dates back to the early 1970s. This iconic shoulder holster system has become one of the most recognized and imitated holsters in the world, thanks to its unique design and its prominent appearance in popular culture.
The story of the Miami Classic begins with Richard Gallagher, the founder of The Famous Jackass Leather Company. The company began as a small family business in Chicago, Illinois, specializing in custom leather goods, including sheepskin jackets, handbags, and wallets.
In the early 1970s, Gallagher designed a custom horizontal shoulder holster system for a Chicago police officer. This design, known as the Jackass Rig, quickly gained popularity among law enforcement officers for its practicality and comfort.
In 1980, Gallagher changed the company’s name to Galco, which stands for the Great American Leather Company. Three years later, in 1983, Galco moved from Chicago to its current home in Phoenix, Arizona. This move marked a new chapter in the company’s history, as it continued to innovate and expand its product line.
Miami Vice and the Rise to Fame
The turning point for the Miami Classic came in 1984 when executive producer Michael Mann was working on a new TV show set in Miami called Miami Vice. Mann wanted a dramatic and photogenic holster rig for the show’s hero, vice detective Sonny Crockett, portrayed by Don Johnson. The propmaster for the show, Charlie Guanci, initially struggled to find the original Jackass Rig due to the company’s name change and relocation.
In a stroke of luck, Guanci eventually tracked down Galco and requested a genuine Jackass Rig for Johnson. Gallagher flew to Miami and custom-fitted Johnson with the holster, which Johnson declared “fits like a glove.” This moment marked the transformation of the Jackass Rig into the Miami Classic.
Miami Vice aired on NBC from 1984 to 1989. Created by Anthony Yerkovich and produced by Michael Mann, the show follows two undercover detectives, James “Sonny” Crockett (played by Don Johnson) and Ricardo “Rico” Tubbs (played by Philip Michael Thomas), as they tackle drug trafficking and other crimes in Miami. Known for its stylish visuals, contemporary pop and rock music, and authentic 1980s fashion, Miami Vice became a cultural phenomenon and significantly influenced the portrayal of law enforcement in media. The series’ unique blend of action, drama, and neo-noir elements, along with its iconic theme music by Jan Hammer, has left a lasting legacy in television history.
The success of the Miami Vice TV series, eventually led to a film adaptation directed by Michael Mann in 2006. The movie, starring Jamie Foxx as Ricardo Tubbs and Colin Farrell as Sonny Crockett, aimed to bring the iconic 1980s show into the modern era. Mann’s film retained the gritty, stylish aesthetic of the original series while updating the story to reflect contemporary issues and technology. Despite facing challenges during production, including weather disruptions and cast changes, the movie was released to mixed reviews but has since gained a cult following for its innovative filming style and homage to the original show. The film’s release marked a significant moment in the legacy of Miami Vice, bridging the gap between the classic TV series and modern cinema.
The Legacy of the Miami Classic
The Miami Classic’s appearance on Miami Vice catapulted it to fame, making it a household name among gun owners and law enforcement officers. The holster’s unique design, which allows for horizontal carry of the firearm, became highly sought after.
Over the years, the Miami Classic has remained a staple in Galco’s product line, evolving with new materials and technologies while retaining its original design principles. It has become the most copied shoulder holster system in the world.
To commemorate the 40th anniversary of the iconic TV show Miami Vice and the renowned Miami Classic shoulder holster, Galco released a limited-edition Miami Classic 40th Anniversary Shoulder System. This exclusive edition is a tribute to the original design worn by Sonny Crockett, featuring a retro layout with a distressed premium steerhide holster and double magazine carrier. Only 40 of these custom-made, serial-numbered holster systems have been produced, making them a rare collector’s item. The design replicates the 1980s-era holster layout, complete with a distressed full-grain leather harness and swiveling Flexalon backplate, ensuring both style and functionality. This limited-edition holster system is a fitting homage to the legacy of Miami Vice and the enduring popularity of the Miami Classic.
Final Thoughts
The Galco Miami Classic’s journey from a custom design for a Chicago police officer to an iconic piece of television history is a testament to its innovative design and functionality. As it celebrates its 40th anniversary, the Miami Classic continues to be a symbol of quality and craftsmanship.
Today, Galco Holsers is a leading provider of holsters and firearm accessories, known for its craftsmanship and innovation. With over 50 years of experience, Galco offers a range of products to meet the needs serving law enforcement, military personnel, and civilian gun owners. The company continues to uphold its commitment to quality by using premium materials such as exotic leathers, steerhide, horsehide, and advanced thermoplastics. Galco’s products are designed for comfort, durability, and aesthetic appeal. All Galco-made products are handcrafted in Arizona.
Source
Galco Holsters
GalcoHolsters.com
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