Hello,

I am new to the forum, and hoping one or more of you can spare your 2-cents on a shoulder holster question.

I currently ccw either a S&W Model 60 or an HK P2000. Either way it is inside the waistband. Truth be told, I've never found IWB carrying to be very comfortable, and as a result I don't carry very often.

I came into a little money this Christmas, and my DW has approved the purchase of a S&W Model 327 R8, which I've been jonesing for for quite a while now. (Now if I can only locate one...)

It being cold weather time, and "wearing layers" season in my neck of the country, I would like to try CCW the R8 when I finally acquire it. I've looked at shoulder holsters, and I'm leaning towards the "Original Dirty Harry" from Lawman Leather.

Questions: Does anyone have experience with these holsters--particularly with a similar-sized revolver? How comfortable or not is it? And how concealable is it under a winter jacket or fleece? Comfort and conceal-ability are my two biggest concerns.

Finally, does anyone have any other suggestions for shoulder holsters or CCW with a shoulder holster in general?

If it helps, I am 30ish, approx. 6ft. and slim-built.

I bought one in May of last year-received it in October. I then promptly ordered another. It is the only way to carry a heavy handgun in a shoulder holster-I carry a 6inch 44 Magnum. I used to have Bianchi X15 and the elastic strap would kill my neck after an hour-even when I carried my 4 inch 629. The offside tie down supports the whole thing and you can't even tell you have it on. The only downside is the wait. My last one will take a whopping 23 weeks.

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jj

Good to hear. Now I'm kicking myself for not having my order in already. If I can ask, do you live in a cold weather environment, or do you shoulder carry during warm weather as well? a 6-inch 44 mag sounds difficult to conceal under light clothing.

Also, what is your build? I'm still not sure of my ability to convincingly conceal under anything short of 4 layers of clothing. I'm very self-conscious about printing when IWB carrying. Which is a big part of the reason why I don't carry often and also why I'm looking at shoulder carry as an alternative.

Thanks again for the 2-cents.

I live in Pittsburgh and as I type this, it is 15 degrees outside. Warm weather presents a problem and I usually try to go with a 4 inch 629 IWB-in waist band. I have recently discovered the paddle holster and am looking for either one of those -or a belt holster I can conceal under a loose shirt. I am by no means slim of build, but not fat either.
What is the barrel length on the 327? The HK has a 4inch barrel-I think. I just bought an HK USP and am looking at a SERPA holster for that one. Depending on the barrel length of the 327, you should be able to hide either one under a winter jacket.

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jj

I WEAR A GALCO MIAMI CLASSIC EVERYDAY AT WORK FOR 8 TO 10 HOURS A DAY. SEEMS THAT MY GUN RIDES BETTER IN THAT THAN OTHER HOLSTERS I HAVE HAD. MUCH EASIER TO DRAW AND FAST TO GET TO. NOT SLOPPY FEELING LIKE THE OTHER RIGS

I agree with Kingpin about the Galco Miami Classic. It was made popular by Don Johnson in Miami Vice for autoloaders. They make rigs for almost anything. Not cheap, but anyone who has much experience with ccw will tell you not to skimp on holster quality. I'll bet I'm not the only one out there with a bunch of holsters in a box they never use. I have a few I use all the time, we live and learn!
I rarely use my Galco shoulder rigs for my K-Frames or Glocks because they're not comfortable. But I did buy a Kramer Confidant mesh shirt holster this year and I LOVE it!!! It fits my Glock 27, Kahr PM40 or J-Frames great. Total comfort. If you're like me you read about 7or8 gun mags a month and have seen their ad. It's not real fast but it works.
Get the best quality you can afford,. You'll be glad you did.

Not to poo poo shoulder rigs,even though I find them not to practical for civvies unless you are keeping your jacket on...but why is it IWB or shoulder? A 60 or P2000 ( I CCW both, well, a 442 anyway) ride nicely in outside the waistband holsters...

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What Sipowitz said. A good outside waist band holster on a sturdy belt conceals and carries very well even with a large revolver.

I too would recommend you try an OWB holster before investing in a shoulder holster.

I carry a Mdl 19 or a Govt sized 1911 year round in an OWB.

In the summer I use banded polo shirts or a light vest to cover the gun, in the winter a fleece vest or winter jacket does a great job.

I would have to say, "you're a better man than I am to pack that 8 shot Mag as a CCW weapon!"

I may be missing something here, but wouldn't an OWB holster print like crazy? I own a Serpa Blackhawk holster for my P2000, but haven't dreamed of using it for CCW. I just think it would create a very conspicuous bulge.

Also, with an OWB holster, I imagine I'd need a very long shirt or jacket to conceal a 5 inch barrel. And wouldn't I still face the same comfort issues as IWB when sitting or crouching? Again, I guess I may be missing something. I can appreciate that a downside of shoulder carry is the necessity for keeping your coat on, but doesn't that apply equally to any other style of CCW other than an ankle rig?

I have shoulder rigs for all my guns including a P7 and M60.

Frankly, they are not used often. They are NOT concealable unless wearing an outergarment(s) and if you wear anything other than a sportcoat or something that opens fully in front the gun is not readily accessible...at all.

My wearing of shoulder holsters is genrally confined to when I am driving/riding in a vehicle. They are very good then.

FWIW, as others who have responded have noted, both of your currrent guns readily lend themselves to concealed carry. The M60, in particular, can be CCW very effectively with a proper holster(s.)

Be safe.

Serpa Blackhawks don't conceal very well, but they aren't the only choice. A Raven Concealment OWB holster allows me to carry a Glock 21 under a light outer garment.

Serpas are not designed for CCW.

No offense intended, but selecting a revolver that is 10.5 long is going to prove problematic for CCW if you find it difficult to conceal a M60.

Your decision, of course.

Be safe.

I carry my sw99 in a Galco Miami Classic. It is very comfortable for all day wear.

Big D: Yep, I hear ya. My issue with the Model 60 has more to do with the comfort issue of IWB carry than the size. I have a good carry belt but not a super nice holster for the Model 60 (just some cheap Uncle Mike's number).

My hope is that a shoulder rig would be both easier to conceal and more comfortable. And if it would allow me the ability to carry a larger revolver when weather allows...well, that's just icing on the cake.

Try a quality belt holster or IWB holster and you might learn to love that 60 as a CCW.

I use mostly Galco (OWB) and Active Pro Gear (IWB) holsters with fine results. There are also some Forum members like LoboGunLeather and srigs who manufacture fine gear.

Give the IWB carry some time; in short order you will learn to "forget" the gun is there.

Be safe.

I'm confused..are you trying to carry a 6 inch 444 magnum because you can't comfortably carry a model 60?

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I'm all for owb carry,though i don't know about a 5 inch barrel gun,i have a 4 inch 686 that i c/c almost every day even in the summer.It takes the right belt/holster combo.Infact i c/c a 686 4 inch,a Sig 229,and a Glock 22 all owb and with no problem.Now i will admit that i do on occasion carry my G22 iwb,it's the only gun i find remotely comfortable to do so with(no hammer or sharp edges).

Try this website Packin' Heat Leather

Seems to me the OP needs to talk to a holster maker and that ain't gonna happen with store brands...why don't you give Ray at Lobo a call..I'm sure he can help you find what you need and make it for you.

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Sipowicz: I've not yet found a comfortable carry IWB for either my Model 60 or my P2000. I've tried a good gun belt, which helps, but not quite enough. I'd be willing to give OWB a try, but my holster budget isn't unlimited, and I'm worried that OWB will not be significantly more comfortable and no easier to conceal.

Shoulder carry would be a good alternative, I'm thinking, and let me conceivably carry a larger-frame/barrel pistol at the same time.

check out highnoonholsters...I have a mr. softy for my P2000 and a bare asset for my SP101...these do not replace higher end rigs but they are thin and comfortable...and only 25 bucks.

Bare Asset

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Sounds interesting. What model holster do you have? I may want one for my HK USP.

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jj

I like the Ken Null SMZ (plastic) holsters:

K.L. Null Holsters Home Page

I have one for my J frames and another for my K frame revolvers. They have an unusual draw motion to them, and they're designed so that barrel length is not an issue. I find the holster to be very comfortable especially in the summer. Mine are in white (they also come in black) and are very comfortable if you wear them on top of a white t-shirt with a larger unbuttoned top shirt as your cover garment.

Best of luck,

Dave

"I agree with Kingpin about the Galco Miami Classic. It was made popular by Don Johnson in Miami Vice for autoloaders."

The holster Don Johnson wore was a Galco Jackass Rig. The Miami Classic didn't exist at that time. For nearly the first 2 years of the show, he carried the Bren Ten in a Ted Blocker Lifeline rig.

Both are nice shoulder holsters. The Jackass Rig is different from the Miami Classic in that the harness attaches to the holster at different locations which allow for more diagonal, nearly vertical position of the gun when worn as compared to the Miami Classic which is pretty much horizontal.



Bruce

If you are looking for a quality shoulder rig check out Andrew's Leather and their Monarch rig.