How many of you switch to shoulder holster during winter?

T

t45

New member
Just curious how many move to a shoulder holster during the colder months or stay with your regular routine carry method? Occasionally I will use my SH when im wanting to carry a full size like my SR9, Sig 2022 or my Springfield Loaded.
 
I haven't done that yet but I'm really considering it. I like to carry as big as gun as possible. But I have a gut on me and it's not really comfortable on my waist. The only thing I can carry with being somewhat comfortable is my S&W shield. I want to carry my beretta M9 compact or glock 19.
 
My normal carry is IWB, which is not the most accessible under multiple layers during the Midwest winters. Instead of a shoulder holster, I usually carry a 642 in the outside pocket of my coat, sometimes alone, sometimes in addition to my EDC.
 
I carry one a lot all year round. In the warm months, the proper lightweight cotton button down worn untucked, I can keep my 4" 1911 pretty well hidden in a Desantis NY Undercover rig.
 
I do mostly if I'm hunting but normally change from IWB to OWB for winter when wearing a coat.

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I carry IWB year round, usually a T shirt under an unzipped jacket during the winter. I just tuck the shirt under my holster on my right side and call it good.
 
Year round with a Galco rig. In the winter I add a pocket gun because you just don't leave your coat unzipped @ -40. Down on the Georgia coast this summer it was AIWB for the Glock.
 
My normal carry is IWB, which is not the most accessible under multiple layers during the Midwest winters. * * *
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Nor while seated when wearing cold-weather clothing - as in a vehicle driving somewhere, or if you spend some part of your morning hanging out at Starbucks reading the paper. :eek:

Same for winter OWB carry where the holster is in the 4-5 o'clock position. The pistol will be buried under some amount of layers of clothes (sweaters, sweatshirts, coats) ... and doubly so whenever you're seated.

As the seasonal weather changes, and your manner of dress with it, it benefits you in terms of both comfort and immediate access to at least have the option to switch to a different carry method for that season.
 
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I don't use a shoulder holster, but like others I switch to OWB. I also go from a PM9 to a CZ PCR. Even so, I think I'm still faster with the PM9 IWB; all those layers really slow me down.
 
A lot depends on where you end up positioning or locating an OWB holster once it's covered up by layers of clothing and/or outer garments - like rain jackets, hoodies, or the heavier types of coats.

Rapidity of access is the key. I know two dudenals who, in cold-weather, dump their standard OWB holsters, which they would normally wear at the 4-5 o'clock position on their belts, and start wearing a cross-draw holster just in front of their left hip (holding the same EDC gun).
 
I like to carry either AIWB or closer to 1:30-2 year round. That means that even in real cold weather it is not terribly difficult to reach my firearm. As long as I'm not wearing a parka. Heavy gloves are more of an impediment IMO.

Even when I lived up in AK I found that a Carhartt jacket and thermal sweatshirt were good for everyday use. Hunting on the tundra, I did use a shoulder rig as reaching my belt under the parka and coveralls was pretty much impossible.
 
I like to carry either AIWB or closer to 1:30-2 year round. That means that even in real cold weather it is not terribly difficult to reach my firearm. As long as I'm not wearing a parka. Heavy gloves are more of an impediment IMO.

Even when I lived up in AK I found that a Carhartt jacket and thermal sweatshirt were good for everyday use. Hunting on the tundra, I did use a shoulder rig as reaching my belt under the parka and coveralls was pretty much impossible.
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Agree with you. In those circumstances in Alaska, that makes sense.
 
I use this rig in the woods during the winter. The holster is a copy made in India. Cheap but well made. The weapon is a Springfield Loaded.
 

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I'm in southern Arizona during the winter. I usually carry OWB with a untucked shirt which is pretty good for not printing. Sometimes it's cold enough to have to wear a heavier jacket (in the early morning) but the OWB is still sufficient.

That said, I been giving some thought to getting a shoulder holster just to use at times. I'm thinking a shirt over it would pretty much keep things hidden. I'm usually carrying a smaller handgun - either a S & W Model 36 snub or a 9mm Shield (which I find I'm carrying more and more now with one or two spare mags - just feel more comfortable with more rounds at times).
 
For me the weather does not dictate how I carry. I have a shoulder holster but I find that it constricts my reaching movements.
 
I've always preferred shoulder holster carry. I HATE IWB carry. Just doesn't work for me.

But, for the past decade or more, I've been primarily carrying my S&W 042 or my Taurus PT-22 in a pocket holster.
 
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