MIAMI CLASSIC II SHOULDER SYSTEM (AUTOS)

I owned this holster years ago around 2010 or so, but lost it somehow. BEST HOLSTER I EVER OWNED..... I wanted to order another one but the price has increased by about $200 since I purchased my first one at less than $200.. So I purchased the Classic Lite 2.0 which is similar, just 1 inch straps instead of 1.5. The Classic Lite SUCKS compared to the Miami Classic. I really want the Miami Classic but I am a veteran on disability and can't afford more than $150 for a shoulder holster.. But if someone can afford this one, its THE BEST EVER...

[GALCO RESPONSE]

Thanks for the great review, and more importantly, thank you for your service. I'm a vet, as well (Army, OEF 2007-2008).

While the Miami Classic II and the Classic Lite are similar in layout, they're not really intended to serve exactly the same purpose.

The MCII is a professional-grade system made of premium steerhide and intended for hard, daily use over many years.

The Classic Lite 2.0 is more of a budget-friendly (as you note) option made from Center Cut Steerhide and intended for lighter-duty use.

Basically, one is made for decades of hard use, while the other is directed toward newer users who might be trying shoulder carry for the first time, or those who need something for part-time use. The respective pricing reflects these differences in design philosophy and construction.

I currently have 10 different style Galco holsters , all for 1911 Government model pistols, 8 of them for belt carry, and 2 different shoulder holster systems. My first Galco holster was the original Miami Classic 212R horizontal-carry shoulder holster system, purchased in 1996 (still in perfect condition), and my newest (purchased within the past 2 months) is a VHS4-212R Vertical Shoulder Holster for Optic-equipped 1911 pistols.

I have 3 different Browning Hi-Power pistols, one is a Mark III in .40SW, one 9mm, and one 9mm with a Holosun Optic. The non-optic Hi-Power pistols fit perfectly in ALL of my Galco 212R holsters ( even those holsters with "Thumb Break retention"), but the optic-equipped Hi-Power only fits in my new VHS4-212R shoulder holster and my 212R Silhouette belt carry holster that I purchased 2 years ago.

I recently purchased, and RETURNED, a shoulder holster system from a different company with a name similar to Galco, that had very stiff, non-pliable harness straps, and an "Innovative design that allowed holster movement during draw". I presume that it was good quality, but I possibly would have died from old age (I am 76), before the leather would have softened enough to be comfortable to me.

I have a Miami Classic II for my Sig P220 and it works great. I wore it numerous times during my career when I had to wear a suit or tuxedo to an event. It's so comfortable and keeps the weapon close to my body, that no-one knew that I was wearing it. It was so comfortable and concealable that I just purchased a second one for my Sig P365XMacro.