Shoulder holster for 5906

[DocNugent]

I'm trying to decide between a vertical and a horizontal shoulder rig for my 5906, then I'm open to specific brand/model recommendations.

Uses would include:
- under a light jacket while driving
- under a winter parka while shopping, running errands, etc.
And yes, I have a Concealed Pistol License from my state.

I'll be 69 next month and my build is "Santa-like":
- 5'11" with a 44" waist
- currently 234 lbs (down from 326 a year ago)

Never having carried in a shoulder holster, I think horizontal would be better for driving (easier to draw), but vertical would be better for walking (better hidden by my arm). Ads I've seen recommend vertical for "bigger" pistols and horizontal for "smaller" pistols, but I see the 5906 as "medium" so size doesn't seem to matter in this case.

School me if you can add to my understanding. Thanks.

PS: Cost IS an issue (no Social Security COLA again this year).

 

[flagman1776]

I know this is not what you asked... but I can't answer your poll.
Of all my shoulder holsters, I like the Miami Classic the best BUT to stay balanced, you need to carry the off side mags as well. I found the shoulder holster tiring to wear for long periods & most useful if I already had a primary belt weapon. (IE for a BUG) Any shoulder holster rakes your weak arm with the muzzle on the draw & is hard to reholster. I didn't use my vertical shoulder holsters much at all. I would not have bought the verticle holsters again.
Personally, I'd recommend to reconsider a belt holster. I carry in a discontinued Bianchi Avenger model but others now offer comparable. Or a Sparks Summer Special. You'll notice I strongly prefer high riding belt holsters, even for partol use... and current LE uniforms seem to lean this way now.
But then we are all different, this is MY experience. There's a reason that many shops have a basket of used holsters to get rid of.

 

[BAM-BAM]

I have and use both Vertical and Horizontal shoulder holsters...... but not often..........

Winter carry on walks under a heavy parka a horizontal Miami Vice style.... with a Sig 245 (3.9" barrel/slide) 2 spare mags on the off side......the vertical Bianchi X15 gets used with 4" K/L frame revolvers walking in Penn's Woods. The zipped coats keeps them covered and tucked tight.


No offense; but with a 44" waist and at 234lbs will you be able to reach across and get a good grip on the gun?

What gets more use for needs like yours are crossdraw holsters.... worn at 9 O'clock for better concealment.....you can push them forward with you weak hand to 10-11 O'clock as part of the draw.....while driving ......or if you perceive a threat. Also IMO more comfortable for long time carry.

Leather shoulder rigs tend to be expensive (nylon one are junk IMHO) .......+$100 to $200......I'd keep my eyes open for a used one at 1/2 the price...... crossdraw.....IIRC Bianchi 111's about $80 new

 

[retiredbadge8091]

Most users of shoulder rigs haven't been in the game long. Of course I make exceptions for hunting rigs or military rigs that lean more to a chest carry due to weapon size or accessibility issues because of other equipment being carried.

Rookie cops and wannabes love shoulder holsters, most old cops and experienced ccw folk hip carry, even the fat ones. Take it from a fat, old cop.

 

[growr]

Most of my shoulder carry is when I am driving...I have and use both vertical and horizontal carry...I much prefer having the magazine pouch horizontal instead of vertical....On the vertical carry I simply use an OWB mag pouch behind the holster so that I can use my left hand to reload if needed.

Randy

PS. I am NOT a rookie nor am I a wannabe....just have found when driving this mode works well for ME.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Rookie cops and wannabes love shoulder holsters, most old cops and experienced ccw folk hip carry, even the fat ones. Take it from a fat, old cop.

I meant no offense to the OP ..... I have noted a number of posts over the years from posters saying they have a "reach" issue with shoulder and crossdraw holsters........just wanted him to consider the question before shelling out $150.

FYI I got my shoulder holsters years ago ..... used ....... but "like new"..... they were found in LGS's recycled holster boxes..........for less than $50 each.....I like having them in my "box-O-holsters" but may only use one 4 or 5 times a year....... my Bianchi 111s get a lot more use at the Cabin.

 

[DocNugent]

Yes, I can now reach across without difficulty (not true when I was 95 pounds heavier).

There's a lot of 'don't do it' running through the responses so far (not a criticism). Would something like this work better?
[ame="http://www.amazon.com/TufForce-Conceal-Belly-Holster-TG-HC105N/dp/B0037TICJM/ref=pd_sim_200_4?ie=UTF8&dpID=41aXPP5QWBL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=1JKMGGQSG22090D4AGTM"]Amazon.com : TufForce Conceal Belly/Chest Band Holster TG-HC105N : Gun Holsters : Sports & Outdoors@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41aXPP5QWBL.@@AMEPARAM@@41aXPP5QWBL[/ame]

 

[BAM-BAM]

I had one years ago..... IIRC wore it once............ hot and sticky



Check out Kirkpatrick Leather..... Texas cross draw....TCD.... been using one for about 18 months for my 6906 on long drives...... ( picked up a second for my Beretta 92 Compact/Centurions.

 

[Big Shrek]

Expect to buy around 12 holsters/rigs in the next three years.

Not only do your needs & attire change,
but holster wear also plays into it...
then you get into the "that looks like a good CC idea" purchases

 

[lrrifleman]

I use my shoulder holsters when I am driving a dew hours or more at a time. I currently have 3 vertical draw holsters, which I am quite comfortable with.

I bought an old Galco ages ago for use with my 1911 Government Model, but I can also use it for my Commander or my S&W 439 (the interchangability is an advantage with the vertical draw holster).

At the same time I bought the above Galco, I also purchased a used vertical draw Bucheimer, which will accommodate my S&W model 14 6" or my 6" 41 Magnum.

Recently, eBay was kind to me when I bought a used S&W vertical draw for my 4" Colt Trooper MKIII.

With my build, the vertical draw holsters allow the pistol profile to blend in with my profile. I am a solid stocky 245# on a 5'6" frame.

 

[Big Shrek]

SARCO has a couple old-fashioned shoulder holsters right now...
inexpensively

 

[WizardWine]

I'm trying to decide between a vertical and a horizontal shoulder rig for my 5906, then I'm open to specific brand/model recommendations.

Uses would include:
- under a light jacket while driving
- under a winter parka while shopping, running errands, etc.
And yes, I have a Concealed Pistol License from my state.

I'll be 69 next month and my build is "Santa-like":
- 5'11" with a 44" waist
- currently 234 lbs (down from 326 a year ago)

Never having carried in a shoulder holster, I think horizontal would be better for driving (easier to draw), but vertical would be better for walking (better hidden by my arm). Ads I've seen recommend vertical for "bigger" pistols and horizontal for "smaller" pistols, but I see the 5906 as "medium" so size doesn't seem to matter in this case.

School me if you can add to my understanding. Thanks.

PS: Cost IS an issue (no Social Security COLA again this year).

I used to carry my 1911 in a Galco Miami Classic and loved it for the reasons you explained but then I had to have an implant put in and the Doctor put the thing right where the front strap came down which made it rub all the time. Major pain, I hated to give it up but replaced it with a cross draw and have been able to get the same results. Also you can move the cross draw around your girth to the position that works the best for you.
Happy hunting.
Wiz

 

[housedog]

I was clued in that a shoulder rig would be very helpful after a back injury when I just seemed to be incapable of tolerating something on my belt. This turned out to be true, although it limited when I could carry a full service size gun because the outer garments had to conceal the shoulder rig.

I blew the $ to get a vertical FIST model 070 break front for a gen 3 S&W, it is something I still use even though my back problems are mostly behind me.

I could never get comfortable with the idea of muzzling everybody in my world 100% of the time with the horizontal units and the 070 design only requires my grip on the gun to release it and pull through as a normal part of the draw stroke, don't have to engage the snap release at all with a finger or thumb like those which are common to other shoulder unit designs.