Shoulder harness versatility...

[Cellar Hound]

I am looking for a high quality shoulder harness that will be versatile with several types of semi-autos. I want to keep the same harness but interchange the holster and mag holders. The ideal rig would allow me to use, but not be limited to, the following:

Glock 19
Beretta 92 A1
H&K P30 SK
Walther PPK and PPKs
Beretta Tomcat .32

I'm not looking for low cost. I am looking for high quality and versatility.

Any suggestions?

 

[rednichols]

Shoulder holsters and their components have always been interchangeable, and by every maker. The harness is made separately, and the pouches, and attached to the holster. Since 1929 and E.E. Clark of Los Angeles .

That said, perhaps you're looking for maker recommendations? Then with that understanding I expect you'll get plenty of suggestions on brand, but thin on the ground with specific models from these makers.

Shoulder holsters are not all equal; they are not holsters with a harness, they are an entirely different holster that has a harness adapted to it not the other way 'round. I suggest you specify style: vertical or horizontal, sprung or unsprung, leather or not, with a strap or without, etc. And you still won't be able to choose from the recommends because they'll say, 'go with Joe Bloggs, he's a good guy' whatever that means when it comes down to your gunleather .

 

[s&wchad]

Both Galco and Kramer sell component parts for their shoulder holsters. I'd give Kramer the nod when it comes to quality, but they are a bit more expensive. Galco is a mass producer and their holsters are available from a number of retailers, so you may be able to find discounted prices. Unless you stumble across a used Kramer, you'll have to order from the manufacturer. Buying "new" won't be cheap. A complete Kramer rig is about $250 and component holsters are $150 ea.

If I were in your position, I'd look for a clean used holster for the gun you carry the most. Wear it for a while and make sure you like it, before investing in additional components. Most of us have boxes of holsters that we've accumulated over the years and rarely use. Watch the auction sites and consider placing a WTB ad in our classifieds.

On a side note, you might consider a pocket holster for the Tomcat. A shoulder rig for such a small pistol seems like overkill and these are ideally suited to pocket carry.

 

[squidsix]

This is excellent advice^.
The used market will provide you and inexpensive education in shoulder holsters. I have done the shoulder holster thing on the motorcycle, and have components for four different guns and one harness (I went with Andrews for the harness and Galco for the holsters and ammo carriers). I was able yo outfit myself for four guns for less than $175. What I really got for my money is an awareness of how impractical and uncomfortable these things are for me with the shining exception of riding the motorbike.
I wish you luck. The reason so many nearly new shoulder rigs are on ebay is that everyone thinks they are cool till they use one. Like pistol grip shotguns and AK pistols.

One shoulder setup that is actually fantastic for small guns in my experience is the Galco Executive, which holds small semis upside down and uses an elastic offside tiedown. I found it very useful for PPK-sized guns and had one for a while till some joker talked me out of it.

 

[s&wchad]

One shoulder setup that is actually fantastic for small guns in my experience is the Galco Executive, which holds small semis upside down and uses an elastic offside tiedown...

Yes, they are comfortable. Here's one for a J frame (on the right). The elastic is rolled up and tucked in the holster, so you can't see the waistband clip:

I've only worn the Executive a few times, because I have an old Alessi that I like just as well. I generally pocket carry, but the shoulder holsters and nice in cooler weather when I'm driving or seated for an extended period.

 

[Rammer Jammer]

Ebay is a great place to find deals for quality rigs. Shoulder holsters are a bit "experimental" where you'll be adjusting and fine tuning what you like and find comfortable.

 

[Fishinfool]

Not a specific answer to the OP post, but the most comfortable shoulder holster I have used is pictured below, a Safariland upside down holster for a 4 inch L frame. Shows, I believe, that a well designed rig does not have to have a heavy harness and tie downs to balance and work well.

Larry

 

[andyinlz]

Buy Handcrafted Alaskan Leather Holsters | Diamond D Custom Leather

 

[tecolote]

Look at Andrews Custom Leather's Monarch system; you can order separate holsters and mag pouches for separate guns.

 

[warren5421]

I went through looking for one harness for several different gun holsters. It is not worth it. You never get the adjustment right first time after changing the holster. Not being able to use lock tight can give you lost parts. It cost to go with a complete rig per gun but makes life easier. Just remember you get what you pay for with holsters. I have went with Red Nickels. Holsters | Berns-Martin | Australia | Red Nichols Holsters His holsters are horsehide, much better than cowhide. The few I have seen are first rate.

 

[hotshot357]

Look at Stoners out of Ohio. Their shoulder rig is called the Stormer. Very well made and comfortable to wear. The price is pretty good also. My rig ran $250.