Shoulder Holster Recommendation?

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As long as you are not a real small person and have no upper body movement issues the Miami Classic (horizonal carry) is very good and very comfortable. Shoulder holsters are not currently in vogue but they have their place, especially if you spend a lot of time sitting in vehicles. Make sure you practice clearing your seat belt.
 
I carried the 4006 in a miami classic for years. And now I carry the M&P in a Miami classic as well.
 
I bought a horizontal shoulder holster from the ******* Leather Company when its factory was in Glenview, Illinois in 1977. I still have that holster. The company later moved to Chicago, then Phoenix, changed its name to the Great American Leather Company (GALCO) and named its shoulder holster the Miami Classic after some lame television show.
I've had a number of GALCO's shoulder holsters since then and I think they are the best combination of comfort and concealability. You can carry horizontal, vertical, or some where in between. You can attach different carriers to the off-side to carry more stuff, or to just balance the weight of the gun.
And no other holster is more comfortable when driving. I drove cross-country wearing one under an unbuttoned shirt; no one every knew I was carrying, even when getting gas or going into rest stops, etc.
 
I have only used an uncle mike's velcor/canvas (?) tangled mess... would definitely not recommend it. very uncomfortable on the neck, PITA to adjust.
 
Ken Null Shoulder Holster:

http://www.klnullholsters.com/

I recommend the polymer one and you won't have to worry about sweat/humidity issues. If you get it in white (I believe Mr. Null also makes it in black) it hides well on top of a white (tee-shirt). The draw stroke is unconventional so you will have to practice a bit, but once mastered, it is very fast. By the way, Mr. Null answers the phone himself. He is very nice and courteous, and doesn't seem to mind questions.

I have the SMZ shoulder holster for my J frame that I am very happy with.

Regards,

Dave
 
I agree about Miami classic, great ones. I like horizontal carry better after many years of revolvers in a vertical shoulder rig. I would buy good brand, such as Galco and stay away from nylon rigs. To me, the nylon rigs have a little more bulk which will print under your clothing more than thin quality leather.
 
Dave,

Stupid question--How do you wear your Null holster? Is it tight up under the shoulder or does it hang down a bit? Is it on your centerline, slightly in front of, or slightly behind your centerline?

I can't seem to find the sweet spot on mine. It flops if its loose. I can't put my arm down if it tight or on my centerline. If I put it slightly forward, I can put my arm down, but it prints. Any help you can give would be appreciated.

Herk
 
Hi Herk,

You can do like I did and call Ken Null at his shop - he walked me through it, but in the end, I think you'll shift it around to where it suits you. Mine sits just in front of, and slightly below the front of the (left - non-firing) shoulder. The draw stroke is unusual. You have to push up, while rotating outwards - yeah, it sounds weird, and it is until you get used to it. It sounds like your off-side strap may not be adjusted properly. it should take the weight of the pistol when clipped to your belt or waistline. In that position, when you move, it should move also, so it shouldn't feel tight. Your arm should help trap it so it shouldn't flop around. In the summer, I wear an Under Armor type tee-shirt (white) under the holster, and then use either a square cut shirt or a photographer's vest as a cover garment. I might have the instructions for my Null holster here at the house. I'll look for them and if I find them I'll e-mail them to you. Don't give up on it yet, I think you'll find it to be a really good rig once you get it adjusted and get used to it.

Best of luck,

Dave
 
Thanks, Dave. I was purposely wearing it tight under the arm. I'll try loosening it up some.

Thanks for the tip!
 
In regards to the polymer holster, Ken has it down pat. I use his for my Colt Cobra.

For leather, I have been happiest with Andrews Leather for my K-Frame and Mitch Rosen for my 1911 Officer's Model.
 
Alessi horizontal shoulder holsters besides being very well made have a snap that fits inside the trigger guards. As the weapon is drawn the trigger guards unsnaps the snap. This is the fastest and most comfortable shoulder holster I have ever used.
You might try Gunbroker search to find one.
 
Originally posted by Herknav:
Thanks, Dave. I was purposely wearing it tight under the arm. I'll try loosening it up some.

Thanks for the tip!

Hey Herk,

Good news, I found the instructions for the Nulls SMZ holster. I scanned them and will send them to your e-mail address. I have to adjust mine a bit differently as my left shoulder is messed up - so I can't snug mine up as much as the instructions call for. By the way, the first two pages of the instruction sheet are identical - scanner problem, it was just a simple, double-sided sheet of instructions. Let me know how it works out for you.

Regards,

Dave

Best of luck,

Dave
 
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