M&P Shoulder Holster, Horizontal or Vertical?

Dave686 · Feb 25, 2023

I’m kicking around the idea of a shoulder holster for my M&P40 M2.0 Compact 4”.

I haven’t bought a shoulder holster in decades, so I thought I would see what you guys are using or what is new.

I’m partial to leather and thumb breaks, but not absolutely necessary.

I think my M&P 4” Compact might conceal better vertical, but would be easier/quicker to draw horizontal. Does anyone make one that can be set-up either way?

Opinions and recommendations are welcome, pictures if you have them would be great.

Thanks

BSA1 · Feb 25, 2023

Go with vertical.

The muzzle of your gun in a horizontal holster can (likely) print against the back of your covering clothing when you do common movements like reaching for something or twisting.

stansdds · Feb 25, 2023

Vertical vs horizontal really boils down to the height and length of the handgun. For maximum concealment, you would want the longest dimension to be oriented vertically. Seems to me the 4 inch M&P 9mm/40 S&W's have a longer length than height, so vertical carry would be the most concealable. Now you can compromise with diagonal carry, like the Jackass style shoulder holsters.

CGhelofxr · Feb 25, 2023

I had this discussion with myself recently. I acquired a 5 inch Kimber for an upcoming Alaska trip and future hiking expeditions. I decided on vertical orientation for the main reason I don't want whoever is behind me staring down the barrel of my pistol.

WR Moore · Feb 25, 2023

I recall an event that happened looong ago. A plainclothes officer managed to buy himself one of those Miami Vice horizontal shoulder holsters. He was bragging on it so much no one had the heart to tell him the center of the figure 8 harness printed VERY badly.

That very same night in some bar, a patron grabbed the harness at the center, wacked him against the wall a couple of times and then swept the top of the bar with him. He never wore it again nor did anyone ever hear any mention of it.

mckenney99 · Feb 25, 2023

Having occasionally used a shoulder holster over the past 40+ years I will pass on a couple things to think about. Don't go cheap, you usually get what you pay for. I've got 3 Galco Miami Classic Horizontal Shoulder Holster systems (1911, Browning Hi Power, Beretta 92/96) and while they are very comfortable, especially while driving, they have several drawbacks. First the muzzle is pointed at everyone behind you (I sure don't like having guns pointed at me). Second, even if you are fairly thick chested (I am), if carrying anything with over about a 3 1/2 to 4 inch barrel, the muzzle will poke out beyond the plane of your back. Third, unless you adjust the harness to carry the firearm and off side ammo carrier very low and anchored to your belt, the gun and carrier will have a tendency to flop around a bit if you get very active.
Over the years, I have experimented with a couple of the old Uncle Mikes nylon Vertical Shsoulder Holsters while hunting and generally found the vertical set up a little more stable when carrying large framed revolvers (Ruger Redhawks/Blackhawks and long slide 10mm 1911).
Currently I am looking at the system below for my S&W M&P's since I have them with 3 1/2, 4, 4.25 & 5 inch barrels. While it carries the pistol vertically it pivots to allow the smoother, more natural horizontal draw.
Vertical Roto Shoulder Holster System | Craft Holsters(R)

Jim Watson · Feb 25, 2023

Interesting, brings to mind a Chic Gaylord design.

I notice the still pictures show it without the belt tiedowns attached, but the video shows them hooked up.

A friend wore the Rogers shoulder holsters which were thin but hard leather on nylon straps; very light and comfortable.

sigp220.45 · Feb 25, 2023

I carried a Sig P220 in this Galco rig for years. I never used the tie-downs, never cared if it pointed at people behind me, and never worried about it printing.

I liked the easy on, easy off capability. I’d get back to the office or home and dump the whole thing. Need to roll? Throw it all back on.

We are both retired now, since I have no need for extra mags, cuffs, or badges. Gun in the waistband now.

walkinghorse · Feb 25, 2023

Fry Bread Inspector!

Like the tee shirt!
Definitely manna from the gods!

stansdds · Feb 26, 2023

WR Moore said:
I recall an event that happened looong ago. A plainclothes officer managed to buy himself one of those Miami Vice horizontal shoulder holsters. He was bragging on it so much no one had the heart to tell him the center of the figure 8 harness printed VERY badly.

That very same night in some bar, a patron grabbed the harness at the center, wacked him against the wall a couple of times and then swept the top of the bar with him. He never wore it again nor did anyone ever hear any mention of it.

Look at the bright side, it was a really sturdy rig to hold up to that sort of abuse.

URIT · Feb 26, 2023

Rudy at Black Hills Leather makes some fine, custom-made shoulder holster rigs. At least check out his website when you have more than a few minutes.

majorsideburns · Feb 27, 2023

Vertical is slower to draw but more concealable than horizontal. It's a trade-off.

M&P Shoulder Holster, Horizontal or Vertical?

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