Close Shoulder Holster Experience

[Arisin Wind]

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.

 

[357-RevolverGuy]

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.

 

[Arisin Wind]

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.

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.

 

[JonF]

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?

 

[wrangler5]

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.

 

[Sgt.Peck]

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;

 

[tops]

I like the A E Nelson vertical holsters. Larry

 

[Arik]

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

 

[Arisin Wind]

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.

 

[Arik]

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

 

[VictorLouis]

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

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

 

[ISCS Yoda]

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?

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***

 

[gkitch]

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.

 

[frogger1040]

Ken Null on Galco Excutive shoulder strap

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.

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

 

[Squash15B]

Safariland Shoulder Holster 1090

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.

 

[DepOne]

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.

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.

 

[DepOne]

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 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.

 

[Horn]

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!

 

[BruceM]

Personally, I prefer the older Galco ******* 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 ******* Rig. Note the harness attachment points on the holster:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/111428318015?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

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

 

[CoronaDan]

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.