Shoulder holster

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Armored farmer said:
Can anyone recommend a good shoulder holster rig with double mag holders.?
I wear bibs for hunting....sometimes waders...so a belt rig doesn't work.
I'm thinking that a shoulder rig might be practical for road trips too. Maybe hiking on public trails where discretion is important.
I think i would use one, but i don't want to drop $100+ on a good one without knowing if it suits me.
I'm pretty close to ordering one from Amazon that is really cheap.....too cheap.
Any suggestions.?
Probably for a 1911 size gun.
Click to expand...

My experience has been that any "shoulder" rig that doesn't somehow attach to a belt, swings around and just doesn't stay put very well during any activity that prohibits the torso from remaining upright.

So are you going to be able to attach the rig to a belt at some point (preferably from the holster down to the belt)? If not, a shoulder slung fanny pack might work. I can elaborate on that if you wish.
 
Armored farmer said:
I'm not hearing anything positive about the shoulder rigs!
Click to expand...

The Simply Rugged Chesty Puller harness might be your best bet for a 1911 sized gun. My friend hunted in bibs and was able to store a micro 380 in a pocket in them. Using a velcro holster successfully would require you think about your front sights. If they are vertical in the back of the front sight, it might hang in the velcro loop. If it is ramped in the back of the front sight you could be just fine. I ended up getting a p365 SAS for use in my Remora. Here's a gratuitous Remora video. For a good look at the belt attachment and the gun compartment go to 11:00 in.

 
SharpDog said:
I have started using the Maxpedition Remora as a shoulder holster, they are discontinued but still in stock for the moment, I just ordered one yesterday (my third) and 3 in stock.

View attachment 956777View attachment 956778View attachment 956779View attachment 956780View attachment 956781

I add a Maxpedition Gear Sneak velcro holster in the inside pocket as well as Mazpedition Janus Extension Pocket, molle water bottle and sunglass holders: I added the holster, extension, water bottle holder and sunglass holder to all three of my Remoras.

View attachment 956782View attachment 956783View attachment 956784

View attachment 956776

Here's my hunting rig with a Winkler tomahawk, an ESEE 4p knife a Leatherman Skeletool and a Streamlight pocket flashlight.

index.php


https://shop.opticsplanet.com/maxpedition-remora-gearslinger-bag-remora-gearslinger-0419.html

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B001DZRMFW/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RMT82LP/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B001DRHEYY/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B009NX5D66/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DNH7RVB/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Click to expand...
SharpDog said:
I have started using the Maxpedition Remora as a shoulder holster, they are discontinued but still in stock for the moment, I just ordered one yesterday (my third) and 3 in stock.

View attachment 956777View attachment 956778View attachment 956779View attachment 956780View attachment 956781

I add a Maxpedition Gear Sneak velcro holster in the inside pocket as well as Mazpedition Janus Extension Pocket, molle water bottle and sunglass holders: I added the holster, extension, water bottle holder and sunglass holder to all three of my Remoras.

View attachment 956782View attachment 956783View attachment 956784

View attachment 956776

Here's my hunting rig with a Winkler tomahawk, an ESEE 4p knife a Leatherman Skeletool and a Streamlight pocket flashlight.

index.php


https://shop.opticsplanet.com/maxpedition-remora-gearslinger-bag-remora-gearslinger-0419.html

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B001DZRMFW/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RMT82LP/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B001DRHEYY/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B009NX5D66/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DNH7RVB/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Click to expand...
I have been re-reading the posts in this thread.
I have a clone to the Remora pack. I will take your suggestions and try it as a shoulder holster rig. Furthermore, my pack lacks an external water bottle carrier. I think I'll order one from The information that you provided. Thanks for the detailed post. I realize that you put quite a bit of effort in it. It is appreciated.
 
mlankton said:
View attachment 957415
tanker holster for 1911
Click to expand...
That's actually a copy of the aviator style holster. Tankers wore overalls and had no belt, so there's a strap to snug around the ribcage.
QFaQBnWsVJdB12TJnfQUb33NGl_CPw_dGIJhL6_YVi-LUl_Qa0GeG8vf3VWzPi-bGOTw-4KxIXtn6jUxKI8huRTabclpkkwY.jpg
The weight of a 1911 will hold it down more under the armpit, wit ha bit of 'training' to the leather--which is pretty much wearing the thing near constantly until it behaves.
This is the UM84 Chest rig, some of the treadheads I know preferred to put the strap over the right sholder and not the left to get a better holster cant.
310IpM27C6L._AC_.jpg
images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSnkeCWCMvBnkZ5ihhzbh5EMFIFVqtaC-mnJA&usqp=CAU.jpg
 
alp35218.jpg
most of the pics you see are coveralls but there are also a smattering of the above both in movies and in historical pics. Maybe this was the gear the Sarges wore to differentiate them from the other tankers? I don't know, I didn't name the holster.
 
FL-NC said:
I have an old GI leather tanker holster for a 1911.
Click to expand...

CapnMac said:
One of the major problems with all the shoulder rigs is that they all want a belt attachment. Which is going to be an issue in bibs--as OP mentioned.

There was a WWII "tanker" version which had two cross straps--collectors have made those ludicrously expensive.
.
Click to expand...
The "Tanker" is an M3, the one with the extra strap is the M7. Tankers are great for field wear, the gun can be placed as an off-center chest carry or more as an under arm shoulder carry. They have concealment issues due to the strap crossing the chest, which is visible unless your cover jacket is buttoned near the top. With the tanker holster in place, they don't interfere with pack straps, you can sit without the gun being in the way, and drawing is relatively quick. The M7 fits the gun more under the arm than across the chest, and the extra strap makes it a bit more secure. Finding an original in usable condition can run a couple hundred dollars or more, a M3 original can go for around $100 in good condition, less if more worn or missing/replaced hardware. As for using one wearing overalls and no belt, you can thread the belt strap through one of the side button holes, depending on the brand you're wearing, or they will work without the belt strap, but you may need to hold the holster bottom with the weak hand when drawing the gun, if the holster isn't well fitted to the gun and the gun fits tightly. I like overalls for the freedom of movement, and carry with the holster under the bib. It is more protected in brush, doesn't alter how quickly you can draw, and keeps the gun from swinging when you bend over.

I have an original WWII Inger-Kress M3 I use sometimes with my 1911's, and have a "Tanker" holster for my revolvers, made by El Paso Saddlery. The one for the revolvers is made for a 6" barrel N-frame, but my K frame guns also fit (so an L frame would, too). EPS makes a beautiful holster, they have other shoulder rigs made more for concealment.

DSC01937.JPG DSC01941.JPG DSC01942.JPG DSC01944.JPG
 
CapnMac said:
One of the major problems with all the shoulder rigs is that they all want a belt attachment.
Click to expand...
I do not use a belt attachment. With a certain adjustment, the rig stays on. What I found though, driving the butterfly high up helps, at least with my body type.
 
bangswitch said:
The "Tanker" is an M3, the one with the extra strap is the M7. Tankers are great for field wear, the gun can be placed as an off-center chest carry or more as an under arm shoulder carry. They have concealment issues due to the strap crossing the chest, which is visible unless your cover jacket is buttoned near the top. With the tanker holster in place, they don't interfere with pack straps, you can sit without the gun being in the way, and drawing is relatively quick. The M7 fits the gun more under the arm than across the chest, and the extra strap makes it a bit more secure. Finding an original in usable condition can run a couple hundred dollars or more, a M3 original can go for around $100 in good condition, less if more worn or missing/replaced hardware. As for using one wearing overalls and no belt, you can thread the belt strap through one of the side button holes, depending on the brand you're wearing, or they will work without the belt strap, but you may need to hold the holster bottom with the weak hand when drawing the gun, if the holster isn't well fitted to the gun and the gun fits tightly. I like overalls for the freedom of movement, and carry with the holster under the bib. It is more protected in brush, doesn't alter how quickly you can draw, and keeps the gun from swinging when you bend over.

I have an original WWII Inger-Kress M3 I use sometimes with my 1911's, and have a "Tanker" holster for my revolvers, made by El Paso Saddlery. The one for the revolvers is made for a 6" barrel N-frame, but my K frame guns also fit (so an L frame would, too). EPS makes a beautiful holster, they have other shoulder rigs made more for concealment.

View attachment 957710 View attachment 957711 View attachment 957712 View attachment 957713
Click to expand...
I'm liking those tankers.
 
Corpral_Agarn said:
I have a Galco vertical shoulder rig. It's okay. It is NOT fast. carries decently.
Click to expand...
This is what all the officers on a certain base in Iraq sported during one of my deployments (it seemed to be kind of a status thing). This rig, and the Bianchi X-15 are great vertical shoulder rigs.

I have two Galco Miami Classics and one old Jackass Rig. Horizontal, Sonny Crockett-style. Not great concealment, but good for long drives with heavier, larger outer garments. One of my go-to rigs for winter hikes and hunting in the PNW. And surprisingly comfortable. My wife uses one (she has some serious back issues), with a SIG P-228, it conceals well on her.
 
If you're looking for "cheap and serviceable" I have one of these and after putting some leather dressing on it it is pretty nice for a 1911 or Beretta 92. It is old school though--you unlace and relace it to adjust the length. Once it is set it is fine, though.

https://www.sportsmansguide.com/pro...and?a=453872&_br_psugg_q=1911 leather holster

Sorry for the nine yard long URL but trimming it doesn't seem to work.
 
Mine's a Galco horizontal. I use it with a Commander-size 1911. It gets some use this time of year when I can wear a coat. I like how adjustable it is; I was easily able to set it up to get the right fit for me. I don't usually use the hold-down straps that attach to the belt, as I keep both sides adjusted high enough to not flop around when I walk. It's great in cold weather, since I can get to it a lot more easily than I could with something on my belt under several layers of clothing. It seems to be durable-- I've had it for eight years and the retention snap is still nice and tight, and the leather is still shiny even though I haven't done anything to it.
 
The Andrews Monarch works quite well. No tie-downs, to a belt, are necessary. There is a strap, across the wearer’s back, that tames the swinging, and allows bending forward. The comfort of this rig makes me wish I lived in a cooler, drier climate, because here, SE Texas, is so often hot, and always humid.

http://www.andrewsleather.com/traditional.htm



 
I like the El Paso Saddlery tanker-style holster, too, especially for anything with a barrel much over 3”. This type of holster is not intended for concealed carry, however, under anything except perhaps a poncho, or a seriously voluminous parka or rain jacket. Until my recent retirement, my employer, a police department, required that I carry handguns concealed when not in uniform, if visible to the public, which limited the usefulness of such open carry rigs. Since retirement, I have acquired a couple of these, for large revolvers; not because I have decided to start open carry, with any regularity, but because I have largely reverted to toting revolving pistols.

https://epsaddlery.com/product-category/holsters/military/
 
I’ve used a Galco Jackass holster for years. Due to job I needed something I could wear for hours without being conspicuous. Not cheap but to me very comfortable. Looking at the Gunfighter holster from a previous post looks like a good option. In my opinion don’t skimp on equipment.
 
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