Shoulder Holster Pros and Cons

I did not like the idea of a shoulder holster when in close proximity, (interview position) to another person. Your arm does not have much strength pulling in a sideways motion like that required for a shoulder holster, very easy to thwart the pull.

As far as carrying on a motorcycle, I learned my lesson when a flip phone beat up my leg after rolling 3 times at 55.

I stumbled across a recently released video that might be interesting to some.

chicharrones said:

I stumbled across a recently released video that might be interesting to some.

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Thanks for this link! Mas does an excellent presentation, here.

As the OP indicated, shoulder rigs are useful for driving situations, and Mas’ video presentation specifically mentions shoulder rigs’ usefulness while seated. I will note that a shoulder holster can pair well with a pocketed weapon, because the problems associated with getting the pocketed weapon into action, while seated, or otherwise bent at the waist, do not affect shoulder holster access.

In his previous writing on this subject, Mas mentioned the shoulder rig as being useful for those folks who have to drop their trousers, due to intestinal conditions. Indeed, a shoulder rig solves much of the “bathroom/restroom issue” that some of us have, have had, or will have, as the weapon and rig stay in place.

As chicharrones already indicated, shoulder holsters work better for those in some climates, than in others. I would wear a shoulder rig more often, if I did not live here in hot, humid SE Texas.

roque5 said:

I did it, bought my first shoulder holster in 20 years, Don't have it yet as it is from Craft Holsters and will be here in a month, I respect the people on this forum and over the years have learned some good things here so I thought I would seek your input, I will be carrying a H&K USP-C w/safety. I am aware of muzzle discipline so that is not an issue. Here where I live car-jackings are high, 2020=1417,
2021=1800+ and 2022 is starting off strong, these #s according to Chicago Tribune, So while driving my usual 4oclock position is not as convenient as I would like so I am trying the shoulder holster, Look forward to hearing your thoughts.

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From your post it appears the problem you are trying to solve is quick access while driving. From experience I believe you would be better served by crossdraw at about 10:00 or a between the seat holster. Your seatbelt is going to interfere with your shoulder holster and/or clearing your cover garment.

redcon1 said:

I'm looking at the craft shoulder holster and I notice the same problem that I notice with my Aker shoulder holster, the magazine carriers have one snap a piece and that isn't enough. I lost a Glock 20 mag out in the field one day because of that issue and I haven't worn the holster since and that was a couple years ago. The mags are heavy and they hang upside down and get jostled around with vigorous activity and the snaps pop open and the magazine dumps out and maybe you notice it or maybe you don't. Show me a shoulder holster with two snaps to secure the magazines and I'd consider buying it. If it had 3 snaps, I'd buy it instantly because that's a shoulder holster made with actual combat in mind.

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Flip the pouch over so you have to pull them up and out of the pouch.

Elkins45 said:

Flip the pouch over so you have to pull them up and out of the pouch.

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It isn't constructed in a way that would really allow that and I'm not sure how tactically useful that would be either. the solution is those pull the dot snaps. the holster should have come with them in the first place and if I were looking for another shoulder holster, I would be verifying that pull the dot snaps were used. if the manufacturer doesn't mention it, I'd call them and ask because that's a major design flaw IMO. I consider fall to be "shoulder holster season" so as fall gets closer, I'll look at getting new snaps on it and see if that fixes the problem. It seems like it will and it's worth paying a few bucks to find out.

Bottom Gun said:

Redcon1,
Would it be possible to add an additional snap or a strip of velcro in addition to the existing snap?

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You could add an extra snap but that would then limit you to short little magazines like you might use in a Glock 30 or 29. The holster will work with either of these pistols as well as their full size .45 and 10mm counterparts and I bought it (and my other Aker flatsider holsters) because I have all of those pistols and I appreciate the versatility but I really bought it so I could carry a full sized Glock 10mm and 2 extra magazines under either a light fall jacket or even a heavy winter coat. that's it's only real purpose to me and the failure of the snap that I described pretty much made it unsuitable for that job. But I am going to see about getting it refitted with the pull the dot snaps. It's a nice enough holster otherwise and I'd like to be able to use it for its intended purpose but that one incident just really soured me on the whole idea. But we'll see.

For carrying a gun, I've found shoulder holsters are quite comfortable, providing I'm not involved in activities that would cause it to bounce off the ribs or swing around too much.

For drawing a gun to defend myself (which is the point of carrying it) I think they're terrible. It's a really long way to move your hand; an awkward and compromising position to put your arm into; and then a long pivot to get the gun pointed in the right direction.

It might be slightly less terrible of a draw, if the attacker is at your driver's side window (assuming you're right handed). But then you have to figure out what your left arm is doing because you're drawing from your armpit which makes that upper arm hard to avoid. Appendix carry makes more sense to me.

Speedo66 said:

I did not like the idea of a shoulder holster when in close proximity, (interview position) to another person. Your arm does not have much strength pulling in a sideways motion like that required for a shoulder holster, very easy to thwart the pull.

As far as carrying on a motorcycle, I learned my lesson when a flip phone beat up my leg after rolling 3 times at 55.

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I learned that lesson with my iwb after a few rolls down the interstate at 70mph when a truck decided to use my lane. It hurt pretty good until the whole thing got ripped off my belt and skittered down the interstate in different directions. I got lucky, but ouch. Bruised my bone and hurt for more than a year under the gun.

I routinely carry a J-Frame in a shoulder holster when working as a bartender. I can bend over, stoop, squat, everything without showing it to anyone under a Hawaiian shirt. Waiting on a Craft shoulder holster for a SP101 right now.

chicharrones

Great video! First rate presentation and very informative! Many thanks for the link!

redcon1 said:

I'm looking at the craft shoulder holster and I notice the same problem that I notice with my Aker shoulder holster, the magazine carriers have one snap a piece and that isn't enough. I lost a Glock 20 mag out in the field one day because of that issue and I haven't worn the holster since and that was a couple years ago. The mags are heavy and they hang upside down and get jostled around with vigorous activity and the snaps pop open and the magazine dumps out and maybe you notice it or maybe you don't. Show me a shoulder holster with two snaps to secure the magazines and I'd consider buying it. If it had 3 snaps, I'd buy it instantly because that's a shoulder holster made with actual combat in mind.

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Buy a $10 snap setting kit and some 'hard-action' or 'pull-the-dot' snaps. You can change them out in literally two minutes and solve that problem forever.

Larry

Old Dog said:

I've got an old LouAlessi rig

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My Alessi 1911 rig is likely 30+ years old. Unlike most shoulder holster retention, it uses a pull the dot through the trigger guard to secure the pistol... which is nice, you just yank the pistol and out it comes... but also not so nice when the PTD snap starts to fatigue and the pistol unholsters itself. I have since replace the snap, and it works fine.

I bought an Alessi for my Kahr pistols... waited over a year and received it shortly before they closed. This one retains the pistol traditionally, with a thumb break, because of the Kahr trigger.



Pros... I started wearing it when I traveled. Access to the pistol while seated is much better, and I didn't find the seat belt got in the way. I wear a hoodie over it, usually, and keep it half unzipped... for ready access.

Cons... it does fatigue me after a while, and there is no denying it's more inconvenient if you are moving around, crouching or bending over to pick up something or work on something. I've been smacked in the chops with the .45 before. I've considered making a horizontal strap to go around the back, to hold both the holster and mag pouch from sweeping forward. It would also aid draw... my new Alessi is still quite stiff, and it takes a hard tug to get it out.

roque5 said:

Hope I never have to draw from it but IMO it is the best choice and will be a part of my everyday carry options.

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All I can say to that is... train, train, train on draw and presentation, both dry fire and, if possible, live fire... to include setting in your vehicle.

If your big concern is driving, the Gunfighter chest rig is possibly an answer.
Not good for concealment, but quick access.
Mostly used by outdoorsmen.

www.gunfightersinc.com

Shoulders holster are what I carry some of my larger EDCs in when driving 8-9 hours to see family of tend to my elderly mother. They are not fun with heavy weapons and mags. My personal limit in a 365 and two 12rd mags on the off side or G19 with two 15rd mags in the off side of a Andrews Leather Monarch Rig.

I have a Galco Lite 2 which I can stand to carry a G26 in with a 17rd reload on the offside. It shines with a G43 and reload though.

I have some decent <$100 shoulder holsters from small companies, for j frames and smaller pistols, but they are not as comfortable as a good quality one from Andrews Leather or Kirkwood Leather. Their Solo and Detective rigs have a holster for the weapon only and an elastic bad foe the other shoulder. Made for lighter weight weapons like a snubbie or G42 size, they are the pocket carry equivalent in terms of ease and light weight.

I also carry a G19 in a cheap nylon shoulder rig I got off of some company that I wear in colder weather over my bibs and insulated sweatshirt when I’m in the barn tending to the animals and kennels. Have too many “squatters” and methheads want to take up residency or hit the puppy room for drugs. Plus, those damn rats! Keeps me on my toes and yes, a G19 will cycle ratshot! LOL

I would plan on spending $250-$300 for a good rig and waiting about 5-6 months. Quality take time and money. Not good if you swap out pistols every week, but well worth the person that just shoots and carries the same pistol daily.

KenW. said:

I routinely carry a J-Frame in a shoulder holster when working as a bartender. I can bend over, stoop, squat, everything without showing it to anyone under a Hawaiian shirt.

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I'm still mostly carrying a J-frame revolver in an old-school "upside down" shoulder rig. It's easily hidden under a loose T-shirt or polo shirt.

I sometimes carry a 1911 in a modified DeSantis shoulder rig, but it's bulky enough I normally only do it when it's cool enough for a windbreaker, sweatshirt, or other overgarment.

Can’t believe no one has mentions KL Null Shoulder Holsters. Or the DeSantis Executive Rig. I had one of each.

I sent the KL Null rig back. Had one for the P365 with MS and J Frame. Did not feel right with the piece of polymer in front of the trigger in either of them! You have to push up and twist out to release the weapon. Just didn’t like that, even with a heavy DAO 642. After a few phone calls it was implied, heavily, by Mr Null that I may not be “professional enough” for his rig. Damn straight I’m not! If I have to carry with an empty chamber or trigger block, I’m not carrying it.

The DeSanits Executive is awesome with a small semi auto or j frame. Very well thought out and practical.

Alex Clayton said:

Have been using a Galco Miami Classic for decades for a 1911. They are very comfortable. I too have never had a mag fall from the pouch. Looks to me like it would not be a big deal to add a snap to the flaps if someone wanted to.

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I carry a Glock21 in the same holster. Good for Cold Weather and sitting in the car. The CZ 97b fit's it pretty well also which is a plus.

redcon1 said:

This is the Aker XR7. This is the shoulder holster that cost me a magazine full of 10mm. Note the two snaps. Those are so you can use the mag carriers for short or extended magazines. There are two caps there that you can see but there's only one stud underneath so you can retain the smaller mags. What it needs are two snaps on the strap and two studs on the body of the mag carrier if not three or an alternate method of securement that is more secure than the single snap. IMO, that's a pretty big deal to have magazines falling out of your mag carriers because you're twisting the wrong way or moving to vigorously. That is completely unacceptable. It's cheaping out is what it is.
View attachment 1066619

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As mentioned PTD snaps are Good solution. Velcro also works.
I have a shoulder holster from a gun show vendor, you probably know the one. The snaps attach to the holster with Velcro, and make them adjustable to different guns, but not ideal for any one gun. I use it for cycle rides, which I go on about once or twice a year.

Regarding the earlier poster losing a mag out of the mag pouch...
I had a mag clatter onto the concrete while walking down the sidewalk once with a shoulder holster -- out of the gun.
I still can't really recreate what happened. The mag release is constantly pressed against my upper ribcage, but not with much pressure, and I'm not that bony. If it happens again, I'm going to look into doubling the mag catch spring. CZ p07.

Mas left out one critical use of shoulder holster: carrying while in bath robe and sweatpants without a belt

I bought a Stormer Vertical shoulder holster made by Stonerholsters.com a few years back. Not cheap, but very high quality and extremely comfortable. and I don't have to worry about muzzling anybody.