Close Shoulder Holster Experience

[filipows]

For some time I thought a shoulder holster was the way to go for concealed carry.

Two questions... For those who have experience what style or features are preferred.

Second which makers are preferred. I usually go custom rather than factory made.


I want a good one that works and only want to buy one!

 

[Ranger514]

My experience might be a little Old School. I prefer the vertical configuration for concealment and retention, but horizontal holsters allow for a faster presentation. Nowadays, it seems vertical shoulder holsters are difficult to find. Mine is a Galco. Safariland, Bianchi, and others make a leather version of the "Miami Classic" that is a very popular horizontal that might suit your needs. Good luck!

 

[Old cop]

I tried a variety of them during my career and only found the old style upside down suitable for all day wear w/my snubbie. Steve McQueen used one in the movie Bullet. As to the rest, they just did not work for me. Made my shoulders or back hurt after a couple of hours.

 

[robertrwalsh]

I have on occasion used a shoulder holster. If I know I am going to be in a car for a long period of time I sometimes still do. I recently bought a nice custom rig from Andrews in Florida for my lady friend who has some physical issues and can not wear a holster on her waist. She likes it very much and it is very practical for her.

 

[growr]

I use my shoulder holsters when I am driving and also when in suit and tie events unless the event would have me remove my jacket.

All three are Galco's and I modified all three to have the magazines horizontal instead of vertical for ease of access to both magazines. Works SO much better for ME....might for you, might not.

Randy

 

[Buford57]

I, too, used the "Bullit" style upside down holster with a snubbie. I also had to have a coworker lower the hammer on my revolver when I removed my coat and revealed that I had been running around with a cocked .357 pointed at my armpit for God only knows how long. I am considering one for my 642 for long car trips, but will probably stay with pocket carry for daily use.

I carried a 4" M 28 and a M 39 in vertical shoulder rigs on stakeouts or other assignments when I had to spend a lot of time in the car. They were comfortable and easier to draw from a seated position than any belt holster.

I tried a horizontal Bianchi or Safariland (don't recall which) for 4" N frames briefly but found they did not conceal well. I was wearing a size 46 coat at the time, but still couldn't avoid some printing. As someone noted, it did lend itself to a quick presentation.

 

[ronnie gore]

holster

I used all kinds during my work in law enforcement and never liked any of them too much, except for an Andrew's custom for a 1911 commander. but even it would get un comfortable.

 

[Brian41]

I have a Galco Miami Classic for my Commander size 1911 and while it's okay it's not real comfortable. I have the Bianchi X-100 I think they call them now for large N frames with long barrels, 6- 8 3/8. Hard to conceal well but comfortable and use them mainly for hunting.

 

[spm]

I tried a variety of them during my career and only found the old style upside down suitable for all day wear w/my snubbie. Steve McQueen used one in the movie Bullet. As to the rest, they just did not work for me. Made my shoulders or back hurt after a couple of hours.

Old cop,
What brand is your holster and where did you find it, please?

spm

 

[VictorLouis]

Played with the Miami-Classic X-rig in my day, as well as an X15 style verical rig. Eiether tends to be very uncomfortable. There is never a balance of weight across your back and shoulders. Even a double-mag pouch and cuffs won't balance the typical duty-piece.

That said, there are several rigs with elastic which allows for freedom of movement you won't get with solid leather or nylon straps. I would probably be okay with it for use with a J--frame, or Shield type of gun that's stubby so as not to print, and light.

 

[Big Cholla]

When I was flying S&R for a police agency, I used a Galco Miami Classic to carry a S&W M 66, 2 1/2". I really liked it. Later when I had to operate at night in plain clothes, I used a Bianchi X15, medium to carry a full sized Government 1911. It was comfortable and had a very fast presentation from under a sports coat. I did wear one size larger than normal sports coat. Nowadays, when hunting with a handgun I use a Bianchi X15, large outside my jacket. Works for me. For years my wife used a Bianchi X15, small to carry a Colt Combat Commander under ladies' dress coats. She got tired of carrying that much weight and went to a S&W M 640 in a concealment purse. ............... Big Cholla

 

[Vulcan Bob]

I've used the Bianchi X-15 for hunting, keeping it under my coat for weather protection when transiting and such and the gun in my lap whilst on stand. Used the horizontal Bianchi Scorpion's for both K frames and a Colt Commander. Liked them well enough but you have to wear a coat of some sort for concealment and that proved troublesome for me.

 

[ColbyBruce]

This Galco Miami Vice shoulder rig was comfortable to wear and easy enough to draw from. The horizontal position kept the gun pointed at just about everyone I came near.

I prefer the vertical type shoulder holsters, though the upside down rig for my S&W J frames, in the middle, has always been a favorite.

 

[federali]

Been there...

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.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

I have one made by El Paso Saddlery and another by Uncle Mike's. The latter I never use; the former I used to use in the field. I never liked it much but it worked alright.

***GRJ***

 

[10mmillie]

I used a Galco Miami for my Glock 22 about 10 years ago and it worked well for me. I recently tried a Safariland 1052 ALS for a snubby and it worked very well. I liked the thumb release and it was very secure in the holster. I sold it though since I live in southeast TX and the weather doesn't call for jackets around here much.

 

[growr]

So...what is so uncomfortable with a shoulder holster?

I must have mine adjusted perfectly because I am certainly quite comfortable for even long carry sessions...(over 14 hrs or so)

Randy

 

[filipows]

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?

 

[ironhead7544]

I have used shoulder holsters extensively. Good for certain types of duty and for the larger firearms. Also serves as suspenders when carrying a lot of gear. The most comfortable harness I found was the Bianchi nylon with the expandable X connection in the back. It is wide and moves with you. I often wore this one with a G17 for 36 or more hours in a row. The Bianchi Viper had this harness but I dont think it is made anymore. Used to be able to get the harness by itself to adapt it to other holsters.

When I was bodyguarding, I found the shoulder rig about perfect. Easy to draw from in a car. You do a lot of standing around, and no one notices a guy with his arms crossed. You can keep your hand on the pistol grip that way. Very fast. I also kept a pistol on my opposite hip. Depending on where your hands are, a fast presentation can be made.

 

[357-RevolverGuy]

I like the shoulder holster for use in the winter when I'm wearing a coat or suit. A vertical Bianchi for my 6 inch revolvers and a horizontall Don Hume for the snub nose K frames. Both are for right hand draw.

The Bianchi is an older model that has the elastic bands which have worn badly over use/time. But the leather which holsters the gun is beautifully made and felt lined on the inside. If there were an easy way to replace the bands, I'd wear it more often.

The Don Hume is mostly all leather (no lining) but has more rivets for shoulder adjustments and size. I feel that because it can be adjusted many different ways it is also more comfortable to wear and my preference for long term use. It's pictured below.