It has become necessary for me to search for an alternate method of carry for my J Frames due to physical limitations due to my worn out spine. Waist band carry has become painful for me. I have purchased four different shoulder holsters of different styles to try. The first three were not acceptable because I could never adjust them to fit me properly so that I could carry them comfortably or correctly reach the grips of my revolver to draw it. I'm a big guy and barrel chested and the harnesses of these were marginal as far as fit was concerned. The last one I bought was a very nice used Galco Classic Lite system. This is very similar to the more expensive models also sold by Galco. I have been able to get this one fitted so that it is comfortable for me to wear, and I can access the grips of the revolver so as to remove it easily from the rig.
This rig carrys the revolver in a horizontal position, so it is pointing toward the rear, as opposed to the first three that held the revolver in an upside down position. I do not particulary like the barrel pointing backward, but the design of the holster is very well done which allows the revolver to be removed easily without much effort after the thumb break snap is released. The trigger guard is well protected during the draw so as to keep my finger off the trigger during that process. The same drill is required with this holster which is to keep my finger off the trigger until the gun is removed and brought to the front to bear on what I want to shoot. It also requires me to raise my left arm out of the way to prevent pointing the gun at that arm as I move it from the holster to the front. I am well practiced at keeping my trigger finger on the frame until I wish to shoot. With some practice here at home with an unloaded revolver, I have had no issues with these safety practices.
Because of surgery pending shortly, I have not had opportunity to use this holster in actual use outside my home, but have tried it with various styles of clothing and cover here at home and I believe this holster will work for me, at least part of the time in my carry rotation. I still need more practice in actual use to be certain that my muscle memory and movements will become second nature.
This harness has the adjustment to allow me to get the fit fine tuned so that this rig will actually fit me correctly. I did not like the elastic straps on the first three that fit across my back and underneath my right arm at all. This rig will carry my revolver in the position and height that seems best for me, and with the ammo carrier in place on the right side to add some weight on that side to offset the weight of the revolver on the left, I believe this rig can and will work for me. It's the first shoulder holster I've tried to use that I can say this about. It is very well made of quality leather and to this point, I say it is also very well designed. The leather is soft and suede like and does not create any uncomfortable chafing anywhere for me. I would say that you will have to try whatever you choose to figure out if a shoulder holster will work for you, but I believe one of the horizontal carry rigs sold by Galco is something worth your time to try and consider. My rig appears to conceal the J Frame revolver pretty well. Larger guns will be more difficult to conceal just because they are larger and longer, so a lot depends on your personal physical size. Hope this helps you!
