After Crafting Excellence Since 1969 Galco Holsters Receives the Spotlight

The holster industry has evolved into a highly competitive market. Numerous manufacturers consistently vie for the attention of firearm enthusiasts, law enforcement, and military personnel. Amidst this fierce competition, Galco Holsters has distinguished itself as a leader in the field.

SPOTLIGHT: Galco Holsters

Originally known as The Famous Jackass Leather Company, Galco Holsters has been a respected name in the gun holster industry for over fifty years. The company was founded by Richard N. Gallagher in 1969 in a small workshop in Chicago, Illinois. Initially, the company specialized in a variety of leather goods, including sheepskin jackets, handbags, wallets, and hats.

The company’s journey into the world of holsters began somewhat serendipitously. Gallagher, an experienced shooter with a passion for firearms, started crafting custom holsters for local law enforcement officers.

One of his early designs, the Jackass Rig, became particularly popular among Chicago Police Department detectives. This shoulder holster, made from hand-polished saddle leather and harness-stitched with six-cord waxed linen thread, was both durable and functional.

One of the early designs, the Jackass Rig, became particularly popular among Chicago Police Department detectives.

The Jackass Rig’s popularity soared when it was featured in The Blue Light, a journal for Chicago PD officers. Orders for the holster poured in, and Gallagher realized there was a significant demand for high-quality, custom-made holsters.

This success prompted him to focus exclusively on holster production, leading to the rebranding of the company as Galco International, LTD in 1980. Galco stands for the Great American Leather Company.

Galco’s Hollywood Connection

In the early 1980s, director Michael Mann was working on a new TV show set in Miami, which would later become the iconic series M iami Vice. Mann had previously directed the film Thief, where the propmaster had used a Jackass Rig from The Famous Jackass Leather Company for a minor character.

Mann thought this dramatic and photogenic holster rig would be perfect for the hero of his new show, vice detective Sonny Crockett, portrayed by Don Johnson.

However, when production of Miami Vice began, the propmaster, Charlie Guanci, had difficulty locating The Famous Jackass Leather Company. The company had been rebranded as Galco International, LTD. Likewise, it moved from Chicago to its current home in Phoenix, where it established its state-of-the-art facility.

Likewise, Galco Holsters moved from Chicago to its current home in Phoenix, where it established its state-of-the-art facility.

This move marked a new chapter in the company’s history as it continued to innovate and expand its product line. In desperation, Guanci approached a local holster maker to replicate the design. However, Don Johnson found the imitation uncomfortable and unsuitable for his character’s needs.

Eventually, Guanci managed to contact Galco. Rick Gallagher, the company’s president, and designer of the original Jackass Rig, flew to Miami with a genuine Jackass Rig. Gallagher custom-fitted Johnson with the holster, which Johnson declared “fits like a glove.”

Gallagher custom-fitted Johnson with the Jackass Rig, which Johnson declared “fits like a glove.”

This moment marked the transformation of the Jackass Rig into the Miami Classic. It was destined to become the most copied shoulder holster system in the world.

The Miami Classic became a recurring “character” on Miami Vice, appearing in numerous episodes and becoming a household name among gun owners. This exposure significantly boosted Galco’s reputation, establishing it as a premier maker of practical concealment holsters.

A Popular Choice

Galco continues to be a popular choice for Hollywood productions. The holsters have appeared in numerous television shows and movies. Galco has a storied history in the firearms industry, with its products being used by real-life law enforcement and military personnel. This adds authenticity and credibility to the characters and scenes.

As a result, they are a preferred choice for prop masters and directors who want to ensure that the gear used on screen looks and feels genuine.

Galco also has a reputation for designing and building custom pieces for movies. By doing so, filmmakers get exactly what they need for specific scenes or characters. This flexibility and willingness to collaborate with the film industry make them a go-to choice for custom holster designs.

Over the years, Galco has built a strong brand that is recognized and respected by both professionals and enthusiasts. A presence in popular media further reinforces the company’s brand image and helps it reach a wider audience, enhancing its visibility and appeal.

The relationship between Galco and the entertainment industry is mutually beneficial. While Galco provides high-quality holsters for productions, the exposure in films and TV shows has helped boost their visibility and appeal to the general public.

This symbiotic relationship ensures that Galco holsters continue to be featured prominently on-screen and further cements Galco’s reputation as a trusted and reliable brand.

Galco Today

Today, Galco produces a diverse range of holsters and accessories. They utilize both traditional leather and modern synthetic materials like Kydex® and injection-molded polymers. This allows Galco to cater to a broad spectrum of customers. This includes those who prefer the classic look and feel of leather to those who seek the durability and versatility of modern synthetics.

Despite its growth and diversification, Galco remains true to its roots. The company continues to produce high-quality leather holsters that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Each leather holster is crafted with the same attention to detail and commitment to quality that has defined the brand since its inception, ensuring its reputation for excellence.

The company continues to produce high-quality leather holsters that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

With the implementation of “shall issue” concealed carry laws in nearly every state and the landmark Supreme Court decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. v. Bruen, which affirmed the constitutional right to carry a handgun for self-defense outside the home, the landscape of firearm regulations has significantly changed.

Additionally, the rise of constitutional carry laws, which allow law-abiding citizens to carry handguns without a permit, has further expanded the ability of individuals to exercise their Second Amendment rights. Many law-abiding citizens have chosen Galco to carry their defensive handguns.

Galco’s ability to innovate while maintaining its commitment to quality has ensured its continued success in a competitive market. The company’s products are not only practical but also stylish, appealing to a wide range of customers. Whether for professional use or personal protection, Galco holsters are trusted by “those who demand the best.”

All Galco-made products are handcrafted in Arizona.

For more information, please visit GalcoHolsters.com.