Shoulder holster bad idea?

My favorite method of carry is a leather shoulder rig. I've had a couple of nylon ones but the holster usually is not molded to the specific gun and have elastic, and velcro and snap adjustments and tie-downs. I've seen shoulder rigs which used Kydex holsters but I don't like them much except for the cheap plastic guns I've owned.

I've carried a big revolver like a GP100 with a 6" barrel in a vertical rig and a small Colt Mustang Plus II in a horizontal and everything in between including a Coonan Model B.

I've had shoulder holsters from Galco, FIST, and Uncle Mikes, but the most comfortable shoulder rig that I've ever owned is a Monarch made by Andrews Custom leather.

Usually the a big problem when you get a rig is that you have to make adjustments over and over again to get it to fit comfortably. I didn't have to adjust anything with the Monarch. It fit perfectly.

This rig does away with using belt loops and clips to "tie-down" the weapon and mag pouches to keep them from swaying. The Monarch is not connected to your pants or belt. (Ever find yourself in a public restroom trying to undo your pants from the shoulder holster to sit on the toilet?) It can get pretty amusing. I did some draw and fire testing (I checked the weapon real good to make sure it was unloaded) in my own bathroom while sitting down. It was as easy to draw from this position as standing up.

Although somewhat expensive it's well worth the price and the wait.
 
For hiking and also 4-wheel drive exploring (getting in/out of the vehicle a bunch), I found a shoulder holster to be the perfect solution to keep the weapon with me comfortably and securely. Started with a Bianchi vert holster...moved to a Galco Miami Classic, and just picked up a Mitch Rosen Stylemaster.
 
One advantage to vertical rigs (aside from people getting nervous about horizontal rigs) is that they can hold larger weapons.

For instance, my 6" 10mm Fusion 1911 can conceal under a heavy shirt or jacket in a vertical rig; there is no way that gun will conceal in a horizontal, at least not on me - and I'm on the large side of medium.

Another advantage to my vertical rig - it's a Sam Andrews design, and my only Andrews holster that isn't specifically contoured. He uses a heavy spring for a closure, so the holster doesn't need to be moulded. Getting a pistol into the thing can be a pain, at first (not the best for holstering while watching somebody), and the gun isn't going anywhere if not deliberately pulled, but drawing only requires a firm grip and a reasonable pull. This holster fits my 1911s in 3 lengths (CBOB, 5", and 6") and my M&P45s. The spring will adapt to a reasonable range of thicknesses.

The OP specifically asked about CCW, so I won't address other modes (chest, or tanker) other than to say that for OC / hunting / backpacking, there may be better options.
 
I've heard so-called experts say that horizontal shoulder holsters put the wearer at risk because his non-firing arm gets swept when he draws. My question is - has there ever been a documented case of the wearer actually shooting is off-side arm while drawing?
 
As others have noted, every holster position allows for a shooter to sweep some part of his body.

I don't know of any cases where a shoulder holster user has shot himself in the arm. That doesn't mean it has never happened, though - it's impossible to prove a negative.

The other complaint I hear about shoulder holsters is that they make it easier for an assailant to take one's weapon.

My counter to that is that if one is unaware, a gun can be taken from a holster in any position; if one is aware, one can pivot on the ball of either foot quickly enough to either take the weapon out of reach, or, if the assailant has grasped the grip, to really torque the assailant's wrist, hand, and trigger finger - regardless of holster type.
 
shoulder holster bad idea????

I think the shoulder holster is just another option to carry your firearm. Nothing to do with ideas. Whatever your comfortable wearing that is the one for you.
 
Well color me surprised. 25 responses and no one calling the OP a dangerous fool for even considering the option. I CC with a horizontal shoulder holster almost every day and I can't tell you how many times I've had to defend that decision against other peiple who also CC or OC daily.

It is a valid and safe choice, no better or worse that other carry positions in regards to safety, and the best choice for some situations. Pick a quality rig from an established maker, adjust it until you like the ride and position, and do lots of dry practice drawing and reholstering until you are satisfied with the results.
 
I like sholuder holsters a lot for cool weather carry, easy access when seated or driving. When the weather gets warm, just to uncomforable to carry.
 
Don't wear girl's "skinny jeans".
Click to expand...

They are mens! but super tight :(

My pal's jeans are so lose in the pockets he can get a compact M&P 40cal or Glock 27 in there lol........

Thanks guys, I feel more safe using a shoulder holster now. I like the fact its easier to get to when driving.
 
Alot of great info in this thread about shoulder holsters.

Thanks for that.

Makes my preferred high rider,right side holster seem all the better.

Doyle-skinny jeans-that was a good one.

9mm-don't take Doyle too seriously-we poke each other in the ribs around here all the time.
 
"25 responses and no one calling the OP a dangerous fool for even considering the option."

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! DANGEROUS! INSANELY DANGEROUS! YOU'LL KILL A BUS LOAD OF NUNS USING A SHOULDER HOLSTER!


There. I think we've gotten rid of the 800 pound gorilla in the room. :p
 
Read this thread yesterday and ordered a Bianchi X15 shoulder holster for my 1911,which I can also use for my Colt Lawman, and Walther P-38.
 
I use a shoulder rig when riding my motorcyle but other than that it's either iwb or owb. For EDC I don't think I'd care for it much for a number of reasons already mentioned in other post above but if it works for you roll with it. As far as it being safe that depends more on you than the holster.
 
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