Not so great holsters for CCW

Gene L · Mar 16, 2020

For me, shoulder holsters aren't great unless you wear a coat at all times. Which I don't. I've got a couple, one for CC, one for a Tanker holster 1911, which is a good way to carry an unconcealed gun. Maybe it's just the way I'm built, but my other shoulder rig tends to move backwards on my shoulder making a single hand draw problematical. It's got a buckle to fix it to the belt, but that doesn't keep mine from migrating backwards so to draw it, I have to use my off-hand to push the holster forward to reach it. It's a good-quality holster, a horizontal carry rig. Maybe with a lightweight auto, it would be better, but that heavy-*** 1911 wants to shift backwards, I don't carry it.

The most impractical holster I've ever used was an ankle holster. Good for concealing, yes, but the idea of actually drawing it for use? Not unless you're sitting down, and even then, the process of drawing the weapon is a giveaway. I think there are better options for sitting-down draw, certainly quicker.

If you're taken hostage or something and have the time and opportunity to draw the gun without being observed, I guess it's OK, but for me, it's sacrificing usability for concealability.

ContinentalOp · Mar 16, 2020

Every holster has pros and cons that vary for different users. Every carry method is a compromise in one way or another.

I like ankle carry for a BUG, particularly in the seated position. It works better in the car than trying to get to my IWB-holstered gun behind my hip. I've also practiced with it standing. It's not as fast, but do-able. I certainly wouldn't want to rely on it for primary carry, unless it was absolutely the only way I could carry a gun. I did once when I was moving, but I was worried the physical activity would cause my IWB-holstered gun to become unconcealed.

I prefer IWB to OWB, mostly because it conceals better, but also because the one time I carried OWB it felt like the gun kept pulling away from me, despite using good quality gear. Maybe some day I'll find an OWB holster I'll like, but since IWB meets my needs it's not a priority.

AIWB and crossdraw work for some people, but not for me, even though I do like them in concept.

Not a fan of pants pocket carry due to accessibility, but sometimes it's the best option.

Haven't tried paddle holsters, but the ones I've seen don't look like they'd conceal very well.

Also not a fan of generic-fit nylon holsters, like those by Uncle Mike's. I like good retention for my belt holsters, preferably without a strap. I also prefer them to hold my gun close to my body for concealment, which you generally don't get with them.

But that's just me. I'm sure for every holster type I don't like, there'll be at least a few who swear by them.

stansdds · Mar 17, 2020

I'll say that my experience has been similar. Shoulder holsters don't always keep the handgun exactly where it needs to be and the draw, especially for someone with a belly or barrel chest, can be difficult. I prefer to carry on my waist, just behind my hip. IWB mostly, but in winter when a heavier coat is worn, OWB works better.

ColbyBruce · Mar 17, 2020

The Glock Sport/Combat holster. A fine holster by design, VG retention, inexpensive, durable, ambidextrous, but obtrusive. It can’t be pulled close enough to the body. I have three of these and recommend them for field use, but it is what it is.

jimmyj · Mar 17, 2020

I have the same issue with shoulder holsters

Gene L said:
For me, shoulder holsters aren't great unless you wear a coat at all times. Which I don't. I've got a couple, one for CC, one for a Tanker holster 1911, which is a good way to carry an unconcealed gun. Maybe it's just the way I'm built, but my other shoulder rig tends to move backwards on my shoulder making a single hand draw problematical. It's got a buckle to fix it to the belt, but that doesn't keep mine from migrating backwards so to draw it, I have to use my off-hand to push the holster forward to reach it. It's a good-quality holster, a horizontal carry rig. Maybe with a lightweight auto, it would be better, but that heavy-*** 1911 wants to shift backwards, I don't carry it.

The most impractical holster I've ever used was an ankle holster. Good for concealing, yes, but the idea of actually drawing it for use? Not unless you're sitting down, and even then, the process of drawing the weapon is a giveaway. I think there are better options for sitting-down draw, certainly quicker.

If you're taken hostage or something and have the time and opportunity to draw the gun without being observed, I guess it's OK, but for me, it's sacrificing usability for concealability.

Bobbysixkiller · Mar 17, 2020

I tried a shoulder rig too. Didn’t like it. I’ve found that a vest or jacket inside pocket is best for me. In summer a good pancake holster or jeans pocket carry works. Any standard belt holster is great for woods/field carry. Absolutely hate iwb holsters. Just not my thing. Never tried ankle holsters. I kinda like crossdraw holsters but the grip always sticks out making it hard to conceal. I’d say pocket carry is my favorite for concealing. A good pancake strong side is close second. It’s really all personal preference and different for each individual.

Rpg · Mar 17, 2020

I’ve tried shoulder holsters and ankle rigs and have no use for either.

Shoulder holsters look great on tv, but are miserable devices in practice.

They are too bulky and uncomfortable for me to wear for any length of time for day to day use and are too intrusive and limiting to be practical for carry while out and about in our mountains.

Folks sometimes propose using a shoulder holster to carry a handgun while hunting with a rifle. This thinking is a triumph of hope over reality: the shoulder holster is a major impediment to quick rifle work (try assuming a quick kneeling position while wearing one). It’s like wearing a straight jacket.

Ankle holsters are great devices for escaping from fantasy hostage situations in the movies. In practice, they’re clumsy and uncomfortable. Observing someone wearing an ankle holster is very like watching a neophyte wearing spurs at a dude ranch.

chief38 · Mar 17, 2020

I have tried a few shoulder holsters over the years and they were never practical, never comfortable and never concealable without sweating to death 6 months a year. I sold them all! The only practical purpose I see for them is while Handgun Hunting when it is worn over all your clothing and concealment is a non issue.

I used an Ankle holster for a few years prior to pocket carry. While you do sort of get use to the weight around your ankle, the gun is slow to deploy and is hard to hide when in a sitting position. Always watch for puddles when getting out of a car in the rain - ask me how I know. LOL!

robertrwalsh · Mar 17, 2020

Shoulder holsters are good if you spend a lot of time sitting down in a vehicle and are wearing appropriate clothing. Where I live I can go almost year around with a strong-side OWB pancake and a loose cover shirt. One of the few advantages of California.

ltj9296 · Mar 18, 2020

When I used to ride a motorcycle, a shoulder holster was my favorite way to carry, but never used it any other time. I always carry aiwb these days.

growr · Mar 18, 2020

I much prefer a shoulder holster when I am driving for a number of reasons, everything I need is right there, seat belt doesn't cause a problem, the ones I have been using are very comfortable to me, the magazine pouches are horizontal not vertical and are anchored to my belt with a strap as is the firearm.

Restroom visits are not problematic either....

However, I don't own cheap ones ....

Ankle holster....have no use for, nor do I use any of the gimmic type holsters...no urban carry, small of the back, Serpa, cordura nylon anything, etc.

Randy

KSDrifter · Mar 18, 2020

I’ll just say I’m a shoulder holster fan as well. I wear my holster over a t-shirt and a dress shirt over the holster. Works great! But! But it has to be a light firearm for me to wear it that way. Under 20oz.

CH4 · Mar 19, 2020

Another fan of the shoulder holster. I have one for all my guns. Great for driving. I don’t mind wearing a fishing vest or cover shirt.

crazyphil · Mar 19, 2020

Shoulder holsters work best with a small, lightweight, revolver or pistol,
such as my Colt's Agent, shown here in a Bianchi 9R.

jimgoldth · Mar 19, 2020

I am a fan of the upside down Bianchi 9R series.

Hair Trigger · Mar 19, 2020

Gene L said:
For me, shoulder holsters aren't great unless you wear a coat at all times. Which I don't. I've got a couple, one for CC, one for a Tanker holster 1911, which is a good way to carry an unconcealed gun.

I like a shoulder holster for the accessibility, but yeah, it's difficult to conceal well without a heavy jacket or coat. I have two shoulder rigs, an M3 "tanker" holster you mention, and a Galco "Miami Classic". I use the M3 a fair amount when outdoors, it keeps the pistol up front and its weight off my belt. It's not too bad to conceal with a coat, as long as you keep it zipped about halfway to hide the strap. One thing I really like about it is that I have three 1911's to fit in it.

I haven't worn the Miami Classic in years. It's made for a G20, so nothing else I own fits it, and I don't own the Glock any more. I really wish my EMP4 would fit it, though.

Most times now, I use a high-riding leather pancake-style at 4 o'clock.

Bro. Dave · Mar 19, 2020

I only have one shoulder holster and I've tried to love it. Sadly, the only reason it doesn't work for me is that I've got that infamous "ministerial profile" from too many church suppers. My belly is just too much to reach around!

True confessions ended.

357-RevolverGuy · Mar 19, 2020

I own two shoulder holsters and I love wearing them. They are an old school leather Bianchi and Tex Shoemaker. I use to be on my church security team and it was my preferred method of concealing, as I was always wearing a suit during service. Yes I suppose they can be impractical depending on the gun. Mine are for a snub nose K frame and I never had any issues with draw.

There are some pretty horrible modern holster designs out there for CCW. Never tried one but looking at those "Urban Carry" make me cringe. Also look up the "Bicep Holster" if you've never heard of it... another complete fail.

Gene L · Mar 19, 2020

It's not my belly, it's my chest. I kinda got a barrel chest, or too-short arms.

ContinentalOp · Mar 19, 2020

Now that I think of it, I did have a cheap Uncle Mike's nylon horizontal shoulder holster for my Beretta 92FS. Never really wore it much as there was no provision for legal concealed carry at the time (unless one was well-connected).

I have been tempted to try one of Ken Null's upside-down shoulder holsters for my 642, but has never really been a priority.

Gene L said:
It's not my belly, it's my chest. I kinda got a barrel chest, or too-short arms.

Sorry, but that reminded me of this...

Not so great holsters for CCW

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