Shoulder Holster
- Thread starter ramp_tech
- Start date
dairycreek
New member
A shoulder holster is no different than any other holster in that if you buy a quality piece of work you should get quality carry experience. A well constructed shoulder holster will be quite comfortable (in my experience after some experimentation) and will give good concealibility if you do your job of dressing properly (once again, just like any other holster). I wear mine under a light jacket and it does a good concealment job. However, if I go inside and wish to remove my jacket for comfort sake I can't to that. That can be inconvenient. Whatever your outer concealment garment might be, you are pretty much commited to wearing it when using a shoulder holster rig.
Many shoulder holsters have suspender clips on both the holster side and the magazine side which can be clipped to the waistband of your trousers. Some, like the one in the pic you posted have belt loops. Each provides for additional stability and keeps the rig in place should you run or jump, etc.
They do have their place and are highly functional. If you try it my advice is to go with a quality rig right away.
Shoulder Holster Question
I used a shoulder holster for 15 months in Iraq and can give you some pointers. 1) If you are going to wear an overcoat or shirt and not take it off then okay as far as comfort 2) The issue I found with shoulder holsters is that they tend to break loose and flop around (bruised ribs). 3) Cross-draw rigs are infamously difficult to draw quickly from (for looks only) it took alot of practice to draw it smoothly (going from strong side to weak side back to strong side for employment) If you like shoulder holsters then just understand the comfort factor yes is there but it requires more training and puts a few precious seconds behind a person with a strong holster. Hope I helped you out.
"Any day on the rifle range is better than a day anywhere else" Unknown
I used a shoulder holster for 15 months in Iraq and can give you some pointers. 1) If you are going to wear an overcoat or shirt and not take it off then okay as far as comfort 2) The issue I found with shoulder holsters is that they tend to break loose and flop around (bruised ribs). 3) Cross-draw rigs are infamously difficult to draw quickly from (for looks only) it took alot of practice to draw it smoothly (going from strong side to weak side back to strong side for employment) If you like shoulder holsters then just understand the comfort factor yes is there but it requires more training and puts a few precious seconds behind a person with a strong holster. Hope I helped you out.
"Any day on the rifle range is better than a day anywhere else" Unknown
As with any style of carry, the shoulder holster has it's place, depending on your circumstances and the weapon you wish to carry.
Comfort; The wider the strap, the more comfortable. A narrow strap can become annoying after a while, especially with a heavier pistol. With a OWB rig you can at times forget you have gun on you, but with a shoulder holster it is "felt" constantly. A quality, well fitted holster is required for comfort.
Concealability; They are as concealable as any other method, and that depends on your cover, not the holster. The larger the gun the more they print, as with any other holster.
Pro; A shoulder holster is more comfortable when my back is acting up and I don't want to wear a belt.
It's easier to go to the "can"
You can if you wish carry a lot of ammo on a shoulder holster, or two guns.
A shoulder holster is more accessable and more comfortable too while sitting, as a rule. If you spend all day in a car, a shoulder holster is great.
Cons; They can get hot.
A little slower to draw than a regular duty holster.
Good ones are expensive.
If you are active, they can become annoying, dancing on your ribs all day.
Yes they can flop around, but your cover garment and tie downs (if you use them), limit the movement.
I've used a DeSantis (a model no longer made), and several Galcos; Miami Classic (excellent), Half Harness (good only with a light pistol) and Executive (made for a very limited number of guns).
I prefer good old fashioned OWB for comfort and accessability, but a good shoulder holster has it's place and time.
Niner4Tango
New member
A shoulder holster is my favorite method of carry. Miami Classic for the XD's (all XD models fit the same holster) or a Bianchi X15 for big revolvers. The Miami Classic has what looks like narrow shoulder straps but they are comfortable and do not cut into your shoulders, due to a kind of self adjusting design. A wider strap may just be hotter in warm weather, I think.
+1 on the pros and cons above. Biggest issue for me is the long reach across to draw due to some shoulder injuries.
When you put on a shoulder rig you are "geared up" and can conceal a full size gun with 2 extra magazines very easily (Miami Classic). You can walk, sit, drive, bend over without discomfort or adjusting the "merchandise".
The X15 has an elastic strap that loops over the opposite shoulder. Galco's Executive has an elastic strap that clips to your pants on the opposite side, like suspenders. There are others, I'm sure
+1 on the pros and cons above. Biggest issue for me is the long reach across to draw due to some shoulder injuries.
When you put on a shoulder rig you are "geared up" and can conceal a full size gun with 2 extra magazines very easily (Miami Classic). You can walk, sit, drive, bend over without discomfort or adjusting the "merchandise".
The X15 has an elastic strap that loops over the opposite shoulder. Galco's Executive has an elastic strap that clips to your pants on the opposite side, like suspenders. There are others, I'm sure
I bought an el cheapo Passport Sports shoulder holster just to see if the shoulder holster concept would work for me. That original holster proved so comfortable and concealable that I am still using it and have put my original plan to eventually purchase a custom shoulder holster on hold,
I like the SH a lot when am working UC on my day off, very little chance of having the tip of the holster peek out-----BGs can be very observant.
I also use it at work when I think the day might get "interesting".
Plus, as everyone who knows me knows I idolize Sonny Crockett.
I also use it at work when I think the day might get "interesting".
Plus, as everyone who knows me knows I idolize Sonny Crockett.
redstategunnut
New member
I have a Galco Miami rig for my Glock and for my 1911s. I have found them to be very comfortable. I am a "suit" so if I am in a shoulder rig, I can leave my suit coat on without trouble. Also, it is easy to remove in the event I have to go to the courthouse where I cannot carry. I have found it almost necessary to have both magazines on the opposite side of the gun to balance the rig, so you will have a heavy load (I don't usually carry two spare magazines).
Steviewonder1
New member
My Bianchi X-15 is now completely dead. The elastic in the elastic part has not elastic. The rig is 30+ years old and holds my Colt Python 6" in .357 Magnum. I have 4 sets of twin Speed Loader holsters for the reloads including two sets of Dade Loaders, which were the first Revolver Speedloaders used in the Magnum Force Movie starring Dirty Harry. I've gotta get that rig fixed.
I wear my galco miami classic rig with my 4in 686 95% of the time and my fobus paddle the other 5%. I like the shoulder rig better for cc.
Pro's = ease of concealment with a larger handgun, speedloader pouches on opposite side, I feel I can control a BG better if he tried to get my gun, I also feel I can draw more inconspicuously, I can change the holster side of the rig for any handgun i want to carry, I can draw easier from sitting and in the truck,
Con's = have to wear a cover garment over a t-shirt, slower to draw from, not legal for IDPA or USPSA,
Pro's = ease of concealment with a larger handgun, speedloader pouches on opposite side, I feel I can control a BG better if he tried to get my gun, I also feel I can draw more inconspicuously, I can change the holster side of the rig for any handgun i want to carry, I can draw easier from sitting and in the truck,
Con's = have to wear a cover garment over a t-shirt, slower to draw from, not legal for IDPA or USPSA,
Shadi Khalil
New member
I've never used one but they sure do look cool.
SilentHitz
New member
I also use a Galco "Jackass" rig for all my 1911s, and it's very comfy. I never utilized the hold down straps as I'm in a wheelchair...just don't need them. I just got a Miami Classic from a forum member for the 642, sorry no pic of that one yet.
Also used to have a 10" SBH in a X-15 rig that I sold years ago...was just impossible to use that long of a barrel sitting down. Was a really nice rig though.
Like others have stated, the shoulder holsters distribute the weight evenly, and use the strongest part of your body for support...I love em'!
I also have a cheaper double nylon rig that makes carrying 2 1911s a lot more comfy than you would think.
Also used to have a 10" SBH in a X-15 rig that I sold years ago...was just impossible to use that long of a barrel sitting down. Was a really nice rig though.
Like others have stated, the shoulder holsters distribute the weight evenly, and use the strongest part of your body for support...I love em'!I also have a cheaper double nylon rig that makes carrying 2 1911s a lot more comfy than you would think.
glockman55
New member
I like the extra strap on lower back, seems to hold everything in place better when bending over.
The Miami Classic and Jackass rigs do a great job of load distribution. My stainless 1911 with 2 spare mags can be carried 10 hours without causing aching shoulders.
For revolvers with 4-6" barrels, a vertical SH is recommended. The Bianchi X15 is okay and so is the old Safariland as these allow you a straight-through the front pull to deploy the gun, yet are relatively secure.
For a 2" wheelgun, there are a lot of designs but I still like the K.L. Null SKR "City Slicker" for it's lightweight, modified Berns-Martin design and the ability to deploy with either hand.
Common comfort features to look for in a rig are:
- Where the straps meet, they should pivot on the backplate (Miami Classic)
- Belt loop/clip to secure gear to a belt.
- Pull thru retention snaps or generous release tabs.
- Wider straps under the arms reduce pinch points.
- Lack of adjusters on the back area (they print thru light jackets)
With a light nylon jacket over the rig you should not have any adjustment buckles on the back otherwise they'll print under the jacket.
The downsides have pretty well been covered. One other aspect is leaning forward or too far to the gun side can let the cover garment "gape" from the body and reveal the presence of your firearm.
For revolvers with 4-6" barrels, a vertical SH is recommended. The Bianchi X15 is okay and so is the old Safariland as these allow you a straight-through the front pull to deploy the gun, yet are relatively secure.
For a 2" wheelgun, there are a lot of designs but I still like the K.L. Null SKR "City Slicker" for it's lightweight, modified Berns-Martin design and the ability to deploy with either hand.
Common comfort features to look for in a rig are:
- Where the straps meet, they should pivot on the backplate (Miami Classic)
- Belt loop/clip to secure gear to a belt.
- Pull thru retention snaps or generous release tabs.
- Wider straps under the arms reduce pinch points.
- Lack of adjusters on the back area (they print thru light jackets)
With a light nylon jacket over the rig you should not have any adjustment buckles on the back otherwise they'll print under the jacket.
The downsides have pretty well been covered. One other aspect is leaning forward or too far to the gun side can let the cover garment "gape" from the body and reveal the presence of your firearm.