Holster help, please

[old bear]

I have an OLD Bianchi inverted shoulder holster, which is their copy of the Berns and Martin lightning holster. The Bianchi model uses a leather harness to support the holster a on the left shoulder and nylon strapping to secure the holster to the right shoulder. See first photo. I've made all the adjustment to this holster I can, and the darn thing does not fit me comfortably. It rides higher than I want and sits so far to the rear of my torso I have to use my left hand to push the holster forward so I can draw the weapon from the holster.

So my question is does anyone see any reason why I can't use ¾" nylon webbing to make a figure eight harness like the one in photo #2? Can anyone think of any drawbacks or potential pitfalls to watch out for?
Thanks for the advice all.

Ps. there is no need to mention that if I lost 20 pounds the darn thing may well fit properly.

 

[old bear]

Again any ideas?

 

[turnerriver]

Well the good news is you won't harm anything by trying. That's an early Bianchi you have, they are desirable holsters so keep the original harness. Shoulder holsters are problematic but a different harness may well allow it to ride where you want it to. Let us know the results.
Regards,
turnerriver

 

[bearfoot]

i had a shoulder holster somewhat like yours, the strap was the strech materal like they usie in sewing cloths. just sew by hand when it looked bad. holster finally just dry roted. have other shoulder holsters, one by bianchi. a great carrier. nylon, hangs good. another all leather. like your holster hung under arm, didn't feel right. so cut 1" nylon straps' melted the ends. made it carry like a tankers holster. so some trial work w/ the nylon strap and you'll get want you want. the quick detachable clips are bulky on the straps. try the yelcro that you just press together. walmart for a couple of bucks.

 

[chief38]

I've owned several shoulder holsters over the years and can't ever remember wearing the damned thing more than one day a at a time because of them being so uncomfortable (and when I bought them I was only 165 pounds). I even sold the one that was made for my Chief's Special and as small and light as a model 36 or 60 is that was a PITA as well. Now the only ones I still have are meant to be worn on the outside and NOT concealed should I take a handgun along in the woods with open carry in mind.

Other than looking like you are in a Hollywood movie scene, I have no more real use for shoulder holsters - but that's just me.......

 

[Chipmunk6]

Howdy Old Bear, I've got a set-up like yours. Same problems too. Redid my strap using elastic strapping from Strapworks.com and ran it through the uppermost slots on the front side of the holster. Hope that makes sense. Mine is actually comfortable now.
Chipmunk6

 

[Tcoburn]

Not sure if the supporting strap is the problem. Try finding someone that is well versed in leather. It would be fairly easy to duplicate leather harness leaving some excess tabs on the ends so you can lower and raise the holster itself to a comfortable point and promote a better draw. Make sure they use something around 4oz leather crafting type (no suede). The flesh side down helps to settle the holster in position without binding. My shoulder holster fits like a glove, good for riding in a car does not hang up in a seatbelt if needed. Feel free to contact me if I can help in any way. Contact me on private e-mail might be able to point you in the right direction.

Be Well
Ted

 

[old bear]

Thanks for the ideas all. I know shoulder holsters are not the idea way to carry a concealed handgun, but some times I still fall into my "Bullet" mind set. Thank God those don't last to long or happen to often.

 

[-db-]

Bianchi and Galco both sell adjustable figure 8-style harnesses that should work. I think you can get a ******* harness from Galco for under $40.