Very informative thread.
As a certified FOP (____ Old Person) and former cop, I'd like to add a few things:
If you are warm-natured, as I am, you may not be able to tolerate a shoulder rig when it gets above 70 or so degrees. Then, even if it is winter, what happens if you go inside and someone has the heat cranked up to BROIL?
That said, shoulder rigs have more than a few assets:
1. If you have a bad back, particularly lower back, they can be much more comfortable than a belt holster.
2. If you are in a situation that doesn't feel right, no one gives a second glance to you if your arms are crossed, but you can have your hand on the grip and be ready to present the weapon VERY quickly.
3. A shoulder rig is an easy way to grab both the weapon and spare ammo at the same time. You could even add your official Mall Ninja Accessory Kit to it and carry a flashlight, knife, or light saber....
4. If suffering from the flu, and you are forced to use a public restroom, your hardware will remain unseed while on the "throne."
Ankle holsters have a place; I always carried my backup J-frame in one while on uniformed patrol, and I never had a problem accessing it. Pull your offside leg up to the seat cushion, and you can have it in a flash. I did this MANY times when I noticed a citizen approaching my cruiser, and I could discreetly conceal the J-frame while they asked directions, but was still prepared for the worst.
But as an old-timer, my experience has been bad with nylon and good with leather. I have three shoulder rigs from Alessi (two of which are 20+ years old), and all are comfortable and fast. My ankle rig (25+ year old) is from Ken Null, and still going strong.
Keep the good ideas coming!
As a certified FOP (____ Old Person) and former cop, I'd like to add a few things:
If you are warm-natured, as I am, you may not be able to tolerate a shoulder rig when it gets above 70 or so degrees. Then, even if it is winter, what happens if you go inside and someone has the heat cranked up to BROIL?
That said, shoulder rigs have more than a few assets:
1. If you have a bad back, particularly lower back, they can be much more comfortable than a belt holster.
2. If you are in a situation that doesn't feel right, no one gives a second glance to you if your arms are crossed, but you can have your hand on the grip and be ready to present the weapon VERY quickly.
3. A shoulder rig is an easy way to grab both the weapon and spare ammo at the same time. You could even add your official Mall Ninja Accessory Kit to it and carry a flashlight, knife, or light saber....
4. If suffering from the flu, and you are forced to use a public restroom, your hardware will remain unseed while on the "throne."
Ankle holsters have a place; I always carried my backup J-frame in one while on uniformed patrol, and I never had a problem accessing it. Pull your offside leg up to the seat cushion, and you can have it in a flash. I did this MANY times when I noticed a citizen approaching my cruiser, and I could discreetly conceal the J-frame while they asked directions, but was still prepared for the worst.
But as an old-timer, my experience has been bad with nylon and good with leather. I have three shoulder rigs from Alessi (two of which are 20+ years old), and all are comfortable and fast. My ankle rig (25+ year old) is from Ken Null, and still going strong.
Keep the good ideas coming!
