An ignorant question regarding the Berns-Martin pattern upside down holster

[El Biblioitecario]

I'm partial to the Berns-Martin upside down holster which suspends the weapon under the arm in an inverted position. I've always assumed the holster was meant to be used in the manner of a conventional shoulder holster; that is, a right handed shootist wore the weapon suspended under the left armpit and drew it with the right hand.

I've discovered a right handed shootist with the holster slung under the left arm can rapidly draw the weapon with the LEFT hand. This has started me thinking--am I using the holster correctly? Was the Berns-Martin system designed to wear under the same arm with which one shoots?

Obviously there are some safety issues, including controlling the direction in which the muzzle points,...but I'd be curious to hear comments. TIA

 

[ispcapt]

Designed to be worn under the opposite side, ie right hand shooter under the left arm.

 

[cmort666]

I believe that last year I read an account by Massad Ayoob about a cop who had one of those and somehow the hammer of his revolver got cocked. This left him unknowingly with a cocked firearm pointed at his armpit until somebody noticed and warned him.

 

[xcpd69]

I'm partial to the Berns-Martin upside down holster which suspends the weapon under the arm in an inverted position. I've always assumed the holster was meant to be used in the manner of a conventional shoulder holster; that is, a right handed shootist wore the weapon suspended under the left armpit and drew it with the right hand.

I've discovered a right handed shootist with the holster slung under the left arm can rapidly draw the weapon with the LEFT hand. This has started me thinking--am I using the holster correctly? Was the Berns-Martin system designed to wear under the same arm with which one shoots?

Obviously there are some safety issues, including controlling the direction in which the muzzle points,...but I'd be curious to hear comments. TIA

Back in the day (70s-80s) both Bianchi and Safariland marketed holsters of this design. I had the Safariland version and carried a 2 1/2" Model 19 (later a 66) in exactly that manner. Under right arm for right hand draw.

Reason?

Worn that way, one can place their hand on their hip unthreateningly, then hook the butt with the thumb, under the jacket. This sets up a twist drawing MUCH faster and giving less warning than reaching across and under a jacket.

The thumb pulls the butt into the hand. Once secured the draw is started by rocking the butt forward, which starts the release of the weapon. As it is withdrawn,bring the barrel down and once down, rotate the wrist, then bring the weapon up, keeping the finger OFF the trigger until aligned with the target.

Much faster than it takes to describe it. While it may not work for everyone, it worked for me.

Neither Bianchi nor Safariland make that style of holster today, however I have a mint Bianchi for my Colt Agent, and an old Safariland that needs refurbished with new elastic. I don't plan on throwing them away.

 

[jimmyj]

Hi:
Used the Berns-Martin design Plain Clothes and Off Duty for many years.
Even a 4" Model 29. The only "Mis-Hap" I know off with this design was another Officer using a Model 36 with a trigger shoe shot himself while re-holstering. Lesson learned- Do not use a Trigger Shoe with this design.
Jimmy

 

[Malysh]

I recently was given one of the Bianchi shoulder holsters by one of our generous members. It's primarily for my 1964 Cobra and 1955 Agent.
It can also be used for J frame S&Ws like my Mod 640. The 640 weighs a little too much to be comfortable in my Null SKR shoulder holster with it's minimalist harness.

I would have been happy to get a Safariland, a Berns Martin or the Bianchi but I prefer the Bianchi because it uses spring steel to retain the gun and not elastic. As xcpd69 mentioned, the elastic on the Sarfariland and the Berns Martin eventually will sag.

Due to surgery, I was unable to carry guns IWB which is my primary carry style. Hence. my renewed interest in shoulder holsters. Today was the first day I've carried IWB in about two months. I guess I'm feeling better!

 

[trigtechr]

I used the Safariland upside down shoulder holster. 2-1/2" Model 66.
Felony stop. Drew the weapon. Web of my hand drug the hammer to "cocked and dangerous" without me knowing it.
Survived the incident without embarrasment, but I Immediately went home and dehorned the hammer.

Left hand draw from my right hand holster (carried under left shoulder) is a valuable technique for weak hand access in a delicate situation. I practiced it until I was fluid and confident.

trigtechr