For some time I thought a shoulder holster was the way to go for concealed carry.

Two questions... For those who have experience what style or features are preferred.

Second which makers are preferred. I usually go custom rather than factory made.


I want a good one that works and only want to buy one!

My experience might be a little Old School. I prefer the vertical configuration for concealment and retention, but horizontal holsters allow for a faster presentation. Nowadays, it seems vertical shoulder holsters are difficult to find. Mine is a Galco. Safariland, Bianchi, and others make a leather version of the "Miami Classic" that is a very popular horizontal that might suit your needs. Good luck!

I tried a variety of them during my career and only found the old style upside down suitable for all day wear w/my snubbie. Steve McQueen used one in the movie Bullet. As to the rest, they just did not work for me. Made my shoulders or back hurt after a couple of hours.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

I have on occasion used a shoulder holster. If I know I am going to be in a car for a long period of time I sometimes still do. I recently bought a nice custom rig from Andrews in Florida for my lady friend who has some physical issues and can not wear a holster on her waist. She likes it very much and it is very practical for her.

I use my shoulder holsters when I am driving and also when in suit and tie events unless the event would have me remove my jacket.

All three are Galco's and I modified all three to have the magazines horizontal instead of vertical for ease of access to both magazines. Works SO much better for ME....might for you, might not.

Randy

I, too, used the "Bullit" style upside down holster with a snubbie. I also had to have a coworker lower the hammer on my revolver when I removed my coat and revealed that I had been running around with a cocked .357 pointed at my armpit for God only knows how long. I am considering one for my 642 for long car trips, but will probably stay with pocket carry for daily use.

I carried a 4" M 28 and a M 39 in vertical shoulder rigs on stakeouts or other assignments when I had to spend a lot of time in the car. They were comfortable and easier to draw from a seated position than any belt holster.

I tried a horizontal Bianchi or Safariland (don't recall which) for 4" N frames briefly but found they did not conceal well. I was wearing a size 46 coat at the time, but still couldn't avoid some printing. As someone noted, it did lend itself to a quick presentation.

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I need ammo, not a ride.

I used all kinds during my work in law enforcement and never liked any of them too much, except for an Andrew's custom for a 1911 commander. but even it would get un comfortable.

I have a Galco Miami Classic for my Commander size 1911 and while it's okay it's not real comfortable. I have the Bianchi X-100 I think they call them now for large N frames with long barrels, 6- 8 3/8. Hard to conceal well but comfortable and use them mainly for hunting.

Old cop,
What brand is your holster and where did you find it, please?

spm

Played with the Miami-Classic X-rig in my day, as well as an X15 style verical rig. Eiether tends to be very uncomfortable. There is never a balance of weight across your back and shoulders. Even a double-mag pouch and cuffs won't balance the typical duty-piece.

That said, there are several rigs with elastic which allows for freedom of movement you won't get with solid leather or nylon straps. I would probably be okay with it for use with a J--frame, or Shield type of gun that's stubby so as not to print, and light.

When I was flying S&R for a police agency, I used a Galco Miami Classic to carry a S&W M 66, 2 1/2". I really liked it. Later when I had to operate at night in plain clothes, I used a Bianchi X15, medium to carry a full sized Government 1911. It was comfortable and had a very fast presentation from under a sports coat. I did wear one size larger than normal sports coat. Nowadays, when hunting with a handgun I use a Bianchi X15, large outside my jacket. Works for me. For years my wife used a Bianchi X15, small to carry a Colt Combat Commander under ladies' dress coats. She got tired of carrying that much weight and went to a S&W M 640 in a concealment purse. ............... Big Cholla

I've used the Bianchi X-15 for hunting, keeping it under my coat for weather protection when transiting and such and the gun in my lap whilst on stand. Used the horizontal Bianchi Scorpion's for both K frames and a Colt Commander. Liked them well enough but you have to wear a coat of some sort for concealment and that proved troublesome for me.

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Stay safe people!

This Galco Miami Vice shoulder rig was comfortable to wear and easy enough to draw from. The horizontal position kept the gun pointed at just about everyone I came near.


I prefer the vertical type shoulder holsters, though the upside down rig for my S&W J frames, in the middle, has always been a favorite.

I've used mostly DeSantis Slant shoulder rigs to carry a Colt Detective Special, an S&W M36, a Glock 19 & 26 and a SIG 228.

Even the very best shoulder holsters can be uncomfortable unless properly adjusted. The best way to don a shoulder holster without self-inflicted bondage is to hold the rig in front of you, where the back straps cross. Insert either arm while holding the straps, then insert the other arm, returning both hands to the cross straps. Then, lift the straps over your head and guide them to the back of your neck. The motion is similar to how a woman puts on her bra. This helps prevent the straps from becoming twisted.

Safety: With many of you carrying M1911s in Condition One, be aware that when drawing your gun, the muzzle passes over your non-shooting arm unless you train yourself to pull it back and out of the way. But, this is counter-productive as it slows down your total draw and in getting both hands on your gun.

It is better to train yourself to not disengage the safety and having the gun in Condition Zero until the muzzle is clear of all your body parts.

Shoulder holsters have their place but the shortest distance and time from holster to "on-target" is with a strong side belt holster.

I have one made by El Paso Saddlery and another by Uncle Mike's. The latter I never use; the former I used to use in the field. I never liked it much but it worked alright.

***GRJ***

I used a Galco Miami for my Glock 22 about 10 years ago and it worked well for me. I recently tried a Safariland 1052 ALS for a snubby and it worked very well. I liked the thumb release and it was very secure in the holster. I sold it though since I live in southeast TX and the weather doesn't call for jackets around here much.

So...what is so uncomfortable with a shoulder holster?

I must have mine adjusted perfectly because I am certainly quite comfortable for even long carry sessions...(over 14 hrs or so)

Randy

Thanks for all the great comments.
I think I saw the answer to the obvious question on the vertical for snubbies. I have a J frame and think it would be comfortable this way. I also have a Beretta Nano and it might carry well this way.


The retention is obviously critical, does it impede presentation? Or is it a matter of preparation for this purpose. Practice Practice Practice?

Other than safari are others producing this style?

Production or custom?

I have used shoulder holsters extensively. Good for certain types of duty and for the larger firearms. Also serves as suspenders when carrying a lot of gear. The most comfortable harness I found was the Bianchi nylon with the expandable X connection in the back. It is wide and moves with you. I often wore this one with a G17 for 36 or more hours in a row. The Bianchi Viper had this harness but I dont think it is made anymore. Used to be able to get the harness by itself to adapt it to other holsters.

When I was bodyguarding, I found the shoulder rig about perfect. Easy to draw from in a car. You do a lot of standing around, and no one notices a guy with his arms crossed. You can keep your hand on the pistol grip that way. Very fast. I also kept a pistol on my opposite hip. Depending on where your hands are, a fast presentation can be made.

I like the shoulder holster for use in the winter when I'm wearing a coat or suit. A vertical Bianchi for my 6 inch revolvers and a horizontall Don Hume for the snub nose K frames. Both are for right hand draw.

The Bianchi is an older model that has the elastic bands which have worn badly over use/time. But the leather which holsters the gun is beautifully made and felt lined on the inside. If there were an easy way to replace the bands, I'd wear it more often.

The Don Hume is mostly all leather (no lining) but has more rivets for shoulder adjustments and size. I feel that because it can be adjusted many different ways it is also more comfortable to wear and my preference for long term use. It's pictured below.

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Ephesians 6 (Armor of God)

For everyday carry I use a Bianchi X2000 that's close to 30 years old. I replaced the elastic harness with a leather one. It allows adjustment for extreme comfort.

Nice setup Arisin. That looks similar to the one I own. The elastic bands are why I've stopped wearing it. Over the years they continue to stretch. Can I ask where did you find your leather replacement straps? Looks like a perfect match in color.

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Ephesians 6 (Armor of God)

357 - thanks for the compliment. Those elastic straps are the weak point for those and similar holsters. the straps loose strength over time and are a bear to adjust. If you carry a heavy weapon like a N frame the straps are not strong enough to hold the rig in place comfortably.

The leather harness I replaced the elastic straps with is one I made. I used to make them and sell but I haven't done that in a few years. I used strap leather, 1 inch wide for the front and back straps. The leather is 25% wider than most elastic straps so it distributes the weight more. The piece across the back is 3/4 leather. I fastened the whole thing together with Chicago screws. Each piece has multiple points for the Chicago screw for adjusting. I also used nickle buckles and snaps. The buckles allow even more adjustment. Once set up it's very comfortable. No sagging, no fatigue. I use the same harness when I hunt and I carry a Redhawk. That heavy revolver rides very well with the rig.

I use and really enjoy my Galco "Executive" rig. Some say it is "Pricey". I have always thought, and believe.....'buy cheap and you will buy twice'.
I carry one of my 642's at a very comfortable angle and just nicely balanced for most of any given day. Easy on and easy off too.
I'm 75 so what would I know bout stuff like this?

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Armed and Dangerous

I used one of Ken Null's model SMZ shoulder holsters occasionally when I carried a Makarov. It hangs the gun, muzzle up, on a hook through the front of the trigger guard, and puts the barrel/slide in front of your armpit, so only the grip is between your arm and body. A wraparound piece with a snap keeps the gun from falling out - to draw you push the gun up slightly and rotate the grip away from your body, which pops the snap and lets the gun come out.

Null makes the model SMZ for a variety of S&W models. He also makes a model SKR just for J frames, which also holds the gun upside down. I'd look at either one of those if I were interested in a shoulder holster for a revolver.

I have a couple of Galco vertical and a Desantis horizontal rigs for my Glock. They are quite comfortable especially under a jacket, and when you are driving the weapon can be drawn easily. I found a Bianchi Agent 9R for my J frame through ebay. Havnt been made in years. Here's a picture;

Attached Images

PA230161.jpg (108.2 KB, 123 views)

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Mbr; LEAA,KSRA,M.C.League

I like the A E Nelson vertical holsters. Larry

I find them to be very limiting to what you can wear and where you can go. Something always has to be covering it so you're forced to wear an extra layer of clothes. Then, if you go out and want to take your jacket off you cant

Isn't that true for all concealed carry - something has to be covering it? I usually wear a top cover - jacket, BDU top, loose shirt and the rig is under that. No extra layers there.

Yes of course however, in fall/winter/spring when you still wear a jacket the holster goes over you sweater or shirt. When you go to a restaurant you'll have to take your jacket off and the gun will be visible. If it's on your belt it's still under the sweater

I would contend it would be from anything carried at the appendix area.

Okay, so you're older than I am, but not enough to matter, and you opened the door for a VERY important question or two, because I carry a 642 every day:

Where do you live, what is the weather like, what are you wearing to hide that holster/gun combination?

Inquiring minds want to know! Seriously! I'm not jerking your chain or anything - I'd love to use a shoulder holster for my 642 but it's 98 in the shade, I'm in a short sleeved shirt and jeans, using a pocket holster. So that's why I'm asking

***GRJ***

For most people in most climates and with most clothing styles the shoulder holster is a horrible choice for concealment. There are many places that some part of the holster/gun shows or prints when one is just moving about. We all try one or two but eventually settle on a good belt rig supported by a quality belt.
I do find them comfortable and practical for when one is sitting. When I was a uniformed deputy, a centennial sometimes rode under my winter jacket in a Bianchi 9R. This was both more secure and more accessible than the ankle holster the 38 usually rode in.

Ken Null SMZ holster on the Galco Executive shoulder strap is mighty fine IMO. Not that pretty but works for me.

This one will hold most autos, but not revolvers. It's designed for autos that have barrels at least 3.5" and up. The elastic and clips are cheap, so I had a pair of HOLDUP suspenders with the no-slip clips sacrificed and had a leather maker redo it. Made a world of difference in the quality of the rig.

Overall, I don't think that shoulder rigs are as concealable or comfortable. Maybe a flyweight J frame would be good for a road trip, but carrying a steel gun all day would require the person to have toned muscles in the shoulders and neck area.

EXCELLENT post, fed! Well said and all true. I've carried over 50 years, was an academy firearms instructor and shoulder rigs are my last choice.

I disagree on the "vertical" except for larger weapons but you are SO right! PRACTICE, PRACTICE PRACTICE and remember you are sweeping the muzzle at least 90 degrees each time you draw. Careful with that trigger finger! Be safe.

Iim in agreement with ronnie gore. In 24 years LE last twelve plain clothes
and tried the Bianchi X-15. Actually, few LE use shoulder holsters except in
movies. They really aren't that comfortable, I found. For concealment it depends on what you wear and if you live in South Arizona like me__T-shirt and shorts __almost formal wear here! A good easy/fast off and on OWB
or ISW __the most concealable but not for LE work, eh?
If you do wind up with only "one"___you'll be a rarity.
G'luck!

Personally, I prefer the older Galco Jackass Rig in lieu of the Miami Classic. When correctly adjusted, the guns sits at a more oblique angle which eliminates a lot of the muzzle sweeping to the rear and makes the profile of the gun narrower & more easily concealable for folks of slighter build. The harness is fairly comfortable and doesn't tend to print. If shifting of the rig becomes an issue, Galco does make hold downs for both the holster and magazine carrier. Here is a link to a completed auction for an original style JackAss Rig. Note the harness attachment points on the holster:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/111428318015...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

To me, shoulder rigs work best for driving or sitting. They also dictate attire. Presentation is slower than a good belt holster. Also, shoulder rigs seem to be a better solution to carrying heavy, full size guns like a 1911 or large frame revolver like a Smith Model 27. Horizontal or vertical magazine holders are a matter of personal choice. Getting the harness adjusted exactly right is the key to comfort for many and a trial & error procedure. For large revolvers, the original "Dirty Harry" by Bucheimer and then Lawman Leather was really nice although the name was kind of cheesy.

Just opinion and food for thought.

Bruce

The last and only shoulder holster I had was a Mattel rig with a .38 snub nose special. I must have been 12. It was a "77 Sunset Strip" rig, as I recall, modeled on the one worn by Efram Zimbalist Jr.

Most 12 year olds only wear a sport coat on rare occasions and for me that was one Sunday for church. As I recall, it was very comfortable, didn't print and performed well at concealment.

All was fine until I rested my arm on the end of the pew, thus exposing the rig and .38 cap pistol to the sharp eyes of my mother.

First and last time I was ever "made" with a concealed weapon.

She scooted down the pew, right in the middle of the sermon, smacking each of my then five younger siblings, until she got to me. Grabbed me by the arm (the right arm, thus limiting access to my fabulous .38 snub nose, silver plated, j-frame sized cap gun) and drug me quickly and not so quietly from the service.

Once outside, she read me the riot act about my behavior, disrespect...yada yada yada. I think the only response I could mutter to her tirade was...."But Ma....but Maa...."

Sadly, that incident soured me on this form of concealed carry. As comfortable - and comforting - as this rig was, I just could not and cannot get over the trauma that anytime I thought about getting another shoulder holster, my mom would pitch a fit.

That was 50 years ago. My mother, now 90, still remembers and we still have a good belly laugh over this incident. And many others.

Carry what you like, what's comfy but for God's sake, don't get "made" in church by your mothers.

This is the best reply ever. Thank you for sharing.

Have you ever heard how loud the "Clunk" is when you try to sit down in a Church pew with your Model 36 carried concealed at the 5 O'Clock position?

Used an X-15 only on stakeouts. Waistband is more practical majority of the time. It's easier to conceal & draw strong side. The only real advantage I ever found with shoulder holsters was ability to draw with weak hand easier. See if a friend has 1 & wear it for a few hours, I think you will get what all of us have said about comfort, printing etc... Find a good IWB or OWB holster.

Thumbs up for the Bianchi 9R, inverted shoulder holster, bought mine at a cop shop back in the early '80's. I also use an old Safariland vertical when I carry my single action 45 LC.

I love my SH's, Ken null and pre Galco jackass leather company double handgun for my ASP's and the Bianchi R 9 clamshell for J and K frames.

I also have a couple of the "Semi Shoulder" rigs, Purdy leather makes a great one.

I have always found them to be comfortable for long hours if they are adjusted right, but everyone is built different, that is why most of us old guys have a holster box of " lets try this one's"

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“Cogito, ergo sum armatus

We all go through the shoulder holster phase… sometimes more than once. More than 30 years of concealed carry, you get to try a lot of options. :/

As others have stated, the shoulder rig gives you better access under some carry conditions. The trade off is less concealment with most dress, eventual discomfort when worn for long periods, and some safety issues.

You have to wear a loose or bulky jacket to conceal anything bigger than 2" frame in shoulder rig. And unless you have some problem about not wearing pants, there's no reason not to carry a 2" J frame in IWB or pocket for concealment. I have a Rusty Sherrick copy of the Bern-Martin spring clip upside down shoulder rig design for the 2" J frame. It's cute, but limited in application. If I'm going to the trouble to get all strapped up with leather and elastic, I want a more substantial weapon.

Let's see… I used the discontinued Safariland Model 19 upside down rig to carry a 4" Ruger Security Six or Colt Trooper Mk III. It used an elastic band to hold the weapon in place. One winter I was running to get out of a Nor'easter and the Colt fell out, went straight down my parka and tumbled and slid along the sidewalk in front of me, giving me a rotating view of 140 grain Sierra hollow points.

I used a Bianchi X2000 and a discontinued DeSantis version of the Alessi Fieldmaster - both vertical rigs - to carry big revolvers while hunting in cold weather. Worn under a coat it kept the gun protected and is out of the way of your primary hunting rifle. However, for handgun HUNTING, I prefer a belt holster, as shoulder rigs are noisy and telegraph your movement.

In my LE career I used both DeSantis and Galco horizontal rigs to carry big autoloaders in plainclothes surveillance. Seated in a car they allow much faster access to the weapon, even when belted in. This is an issue in bad areas if you feel you will be approached by threats while in your car. However, they require a good deal of practice to be fast and SAFE with, as the act of drawing the weapon at the very least allows the muzzle to cover your arm briefly. These rigs, even with tie down straps, sway around when walking and bending over… they require a light jacket for concealment and even then be careful when moving. Running will require you to stabilize the holster with your support hand, which is not very efficient for running.

Any shoulder rig is going to be uncomfortable when worn for long periods. Heavy guns after many hours will cause you your shoulders to droop. The slapping of the gun and magazines against your upper body with horizontal rigs becomes annoying. The strapped in feeling of vertical and upside down rigs - with all the leather and elastic - quickly tires and strains your neck muscles and is favored only by those into bondage.

Shoulder holster etiquette - please don't remove your jacket and walk around with a horizontal rig on, forcing your soon-to-be ex-friends to look down the open gaping muzzle of your loaded weapon.

I rarely wear these things anymore. For hunting I use a cross draw belt holster… less fatiguing, same protection. Big carry guns are on the strong side belt or IWB. Small guns go in the pocket. In the car - get a holster for that purpose and transfer your weapon to while driving.

My 2 cents.

Filipows - are you sensing a lot of "sounded like a good idea at the time" from folks who have gone down the road before? That certainly was my own experience - I still have that Null holster, but can't remember the last time I used it. And since some folks find 'em convenient and comfortable, it may just be a road you have to go down, too, especially if your carry profile is close to those where a shoulder holster has proven particularly advantageous.

Although if I were a betting man, I'd say - you're likely to do better if you spend your money on more ammo.

My first shoulder rig also.............. didn't get another for about 25 years..

I'm a Milt Sparks IWB fan...... but Pa.s' winters see me carrying in a shoulder holster from time to time...... lot easier to half unzip my coat/jacket than to try to get to a gun behind my right hip!

BianchiX-15 (revolvers) belt snap and coat help stabilize it.....

or Jackass/Miami Vice rigs ( 3.5- 4.25 inch autos).. under a winter coat/jacket they doesn't swing around as much............

both are good to go ...... I can usually wear one 6-8 hours out in the woods.

The only one that ever "worked" for me in a suit was a horizontal rig for a Walther PPK with a spare mag under my right arm...... and I still preferred a IWB Summer special.

Ray at Lobo Leather made me a replacement strap for my Banchi X-15.....haven't had a chance to wear for a long period yet ...... but fits/adjusts well and seems like a good option.

Alessi makes great shoulder holsters. They have several models. Workmanship and comfort are terrific. Alessi has been making holsters for 40 years. The founder passed away but Tom the owner has taken over (www. alessigunholsters.com. Tom is happy to discuss your requirements. He even talked me out of buying a rig for my HD/target pistol. Email [email protected] and phone 716-932-7497). They also have a full line of quality holsters.

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Lifetime NRA Member

Tried a bunch of shoulder rigs, many of which have been discussed in this thread. The only one I really liked, and still use, is from Michael Taurisano at Tauris Leather. It carries my heavy CZ 75B quite comfortably and is relatively easy to draw from. I highly recommend his work.