SHOULDER HOLSTER ??

[trailblazer02]

do any of you guys use a shoulder holster?
what are pros & cons?
i have a 4043 & i'm thinking of using this type holster.

any input is greatly appreciated.

trailblazer

 

[borntoraisehogs]

I used one almost exclusively when I was to wearing a suit or a sport coat every day . I was carrying 4 and 6 inch N frames . I had a model 19 and never carried it concealed . I had some fairly decent leather ones made by a saddlemaker I knew . The synthetic materials I did not like , but I may not have spent enough time adjusting them since I thought I knew the first time I put it on I would not quit using my leather . For driving I still think they are the best . I never really tried to conceal the shoulder rig in light clothing , might be rough .
A minor thing was I always conscious of the weapon in shoulder holster , more than my belt rigs , but maybe that is good .
I can not carry the same big guns at all on belt rig and and drive or conceal them . I don't remember the model number , but I bought my partner a 9mm S&W semi-auto that looks like your 4043 and a nylon shoulder rig , he loved it and was wearing it the last time I saw him as I rode into the sunset of retirement .

I will get a Lawman Dirty Harry if I keep thinking about this and start packing my mod 29 again .
I almost forgot , This sounds kind of dumb but when we started with the shoulder rigs we put them on and follow each other around and we would stand up , sit down , bend down, reach and every thing we could think of and only by looking at the other guys rig could we tell each other when we were showing .and where the straps were slack to adjust . If I had been alone I probably would have given up before I got it right .

 

[jimmyj]

Hi:
I use a Galco "Miami Classic" with a Glock G-22 .40.
Great combo.
Jimmy

 

[Arisin Wind]

I use them all the time. They are excellent for carrying larger guns. Adjusted properly they are very comfortable. Here's a couple of mine.

 

[HCD]

Yep

In the winter in the worst weather, carhart bibs on then a cheap uncle mikes with a blackhawk 357 maximum and carhart coat over it all, cause it's hard to get your gun out when it is under your coveralls. but that is about the only time.

 

[LoboGunLeather]

Harness design is the key to comfort with a shoulder holster. The weight of the handgun and any accessories carried needs to be fully supported, and the harness must maintain a constant position during all normal activities.

 

[photoman]

Never had any luck with shoulder rigs. I tried three or four different ones. The only one that had any value to me was Ken Null's SKR.

 

[Evil One]

I have a Galco Miami Classic for my 1911, great for winter and/or driving.
Proper adjustment is key.


Jim

 

[Arisin Wind]

I have a Galco Miami Classic for my 1911, great for winter and/or driving.
Proper adjustment is key.


Jim

This is so true. If it isn't properly adjusted it can be a bear. One problem I found on most shoulder holsters used to carry large frame (heavy) guns is the elastic harness. Over time that elastic harness looses strength and just doesn't do the job. Many times even new it isn't the best way to carry a heavy gun. I replaced the elastic strap on an old Bianchi X-15 with a home made leather harness. I modeled it after the harness used on the Dirty Harry holster and the military shoulder holster used by pilots near the end of the Viet Nam war. I made some changes such as using a heavier leather that is 1 inch wide so the weight is spread out more. I also eliminated the leather ties using Chicago screws which allows the leather to pivot better. This also does away with the leather ties printing and makes the harness more comfortable. The end result was a very comfortable shoulder holster. The wider straps and pivot points greatly improved the carry characteristics. I've converted a couple of X-15s, a Safariland, and a few other shoulder holsters I had laying around unused for years breathing new life into them.

 

[spearcrow]

I use one with a 6" L frame sometimes. I wanted to try it out because I didn't like carry that long tom on my hip, not comfortable in a vehicle. I got one and used it, and it worked well for what I was using it for, but I would not exactly call it comfortable having that big L frame tucked up under my arm. Just my experience, doesn't bother some people at all.

 

[jimmyj]

Hi:
In addition to my "Miami Classic" shoulder rig for my Glock Model 22 .40 I have found that a Bianchi 9R with a "J" frame is great for around the house and wearing jeans and a light shirt. The Bianchi 9R is a copy of the Berns-Martin upside down design shoulder rig.