Anyone using shoulder holsters with any regularity for CCW?
- Thread starter ZeppelinM16
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dairycreek
Member
I use a shoulder holster for concealed carry and, IMHO, it is a safe, secure, reliable, and, above all, comfortable way to carry.
The holster in the above pic is a Triple-K and can be found in the Cabelas net site for about $75.00 which is why I bought it. The "big name" shoulder holsters all have $triple digit price tags and I not want to start there.
The Triple-K is made of a high quality, very soft and pliable leather, which fits over the shoulders very comfortably. I carry a Dan Wesson CBOB 1911 and the combination has worked well for me. It took some adjusting of the shoulder straps to get it "just right" for me (6'3", 260 lbs) but when it was adjusted it has fit well and I really enjoy carrying it.
I know others who have posted here have slammed the shoulder holster's carry attributes that that has not at all been my experience. I recommend it highly.
For daily CCW, a CZ P-01 in a High Noon Undertaker.
That rig is comfortable, quiet, and the craftsmanship is top quality.
Personally, I can't stand IWB.
Now, that being said, I have heavier guns that
Are more comfortable to carry OWB
Than in a shoulder rig.
isher
That rig is comfortable, quiet, and the craftsmanship is top quality.
Personally, I can't stand IWB.
Now, that being said, I have heavier guns that
Are more comfortable to carry OWB
Than in a shoulder rig.
isher
For several years I sometimes toted a .380 Mauser HSc in a Bianchi shoulder rig. The holster and gun are both long gone and I don't remember the model number. Lately around the yard I've carried a J-frame Smith & Wesson in a no-name shoulder holster I bought from Cheaper Than Dirt. It actually works well and was indeed cheap. I got two for $20.00. They're from Czech Republic and surprising well made, good leather and stitching. I wear the holster over a tee shirt and a Hawaiian shirt on top of that. Even in the Texas summer it's bearable. Usually with the J-frame, I carry in a DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster, but a few times I've worn the shoulder harness to the convenience store and no one gave me a tumble. I've never had a problem at the private range, although I make a point of letting anyone else on the line know what I'm wearing. I usually wind up on the far left, anyway. And considering some other shooters draw from the strong side carry, I'm glad to be to their left. Some of the guys have the bad habit of swinging their draws wide, almost in a semicircle with the gun rib high. Makes me shudder to think about it.
Only when it's not possible to use another type then I'll resort to this one you find at: http://www.activeprogear.com/234.html
Price is reasonable and it's light weight.
Price is reasonable and it's light weight.
Brass Rainbow
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I keep going back and trying my shoulder rig hoping that I will find a comfortable way to use it, but so far..not. I prefer IWB for my XD45 IMHO nothing beats it.
"There's no such thing as a "Pretty good" gunfighter!
"There's no such thing as a "Pretty good" gunfighter!
I carry a Glock 19 in a Survival Sheath Kydex shoulder holster all winter. It is one of the only carries that works with a heavy winter coat. I also carry a J Frame in a weak side outside pocket.
As far as the draw being easy to block:
If you are properly "bladed" away from the threat anyone trying to block your arm is in easy range of a hard strike to the face or throat with the weak hand. If that should fail there's always the weak hand J Frame.
If someone grabs you around your waist pining your arms it probably doesn't matter where you carry your sidearm. There are ways to counter this anyway.
If you draw the gun and sweep it muzzle down across your body like a cross draw no one gets swept by the muzzle and you end up in a "close retention position".
Do I need to say I like shoulder holsters for certain applications?
As far as the draw being easy to block:
If you are properly "bladed" away from the threat anyone trying to block your arm is in easy range of a hard strike to the face or throat with the weak hand. If that should fail there's always the weak hand J Frame.
If someone grabs you around your waist pining your arms it probably doesn't matter where you carry your sidearm. There are ways to counter this anyway.
If you draw the gun and sweep it muzzle down across your body like a cross draw no one gets swept by the muzzle and you end up in a "close retention position".
Do I need to say I like shoulder holsters for certain applications?
Thor Bloodax
Member
shoulder holster
I use a shouder holster regularly when driving. Keeps the gun off the seat belt and available for drawing. I am a big guy and carry a big gun (big enough to do the job the first time) here in Macon, Ga which is becoming a murder and carjacking capital of Georgia and maybe the whole USA. Lots of gangs. Reported initiations are to carjack a white guy's car. Easily conceiled with a light jacket or windbreaker or even a BDU shirt.
I use a shouder holster regularly when driving. Keeps the gun off the seat belt and available for drawing. I am a big guy and carry a big gun (big enough to do the job the first time) here in Macon, Ga which is becoming a murder and carjacking capital of Georgia and maybe the whole USA. Lots of gangs. Reported initiations are to carjack a white guy's car. Easily conceiled with a light jacket or windbreaker or even a BDU shirt.
I have to agree that if you do get one, get a Miami Classic from Galco. Don't skimp out and hope brand X works out for you. I don't know how anyybody can say it's uncomfortable to carry.
It is the absolute easiest way to carry with exception to perhaps a traditional OWB side holster open carry. The weight of the gun and magazines is distributed to both of my shoulders and are anchored down by my belt using the optional belt straps. My only complaint, like others have made mention, that it is too hot to wear a jacket in the hot summer months. I use mine on Sundays when I wear suits to church. If it weren't for the heat, this style of carry would be a joy for me to constantly use. Anybody who is in a profession that mandates the use of a suit/jacket, would not be ill served using a shoulder holster, IMHO.
It is the absolute easiest way to carry with exception to perhaps a traditional OWB side holster open carry. The weight of the gun and magazines is distributed to both of my shoulders and are anchored down by my belt using the optional belt straps. My only complaint, like others have made mention, that it is too hot to wear a jacket in the hot summer months. I use mine on Sundays when I wear suits to church. If it weren't for the heat, this style of carry would be a joy for me to constantly use. Anybody who is in a profession that mandates the use of a suit/jacket, would not be ill served using a shoulder holster, IMHO.possum
Member
i have a galco miami classic for my xd, i tried it a few times after i got it broken in but i haven't used it since.
aliasneo07
Member
For you guys saying "omg shoulder holsters are impractical"...you're wrong. They have their uses, and advantages.
Anyone ever tried pulling out their pistol IWB or ankle holster while driving or sitting anywhere in a car? Its not easy. Shoulder holster +1
Anyone ever tried pulling out their pistol IWB or ankle holster while driving or sitting anywhere in a car? Its not easy. Shoulder holster +1
Chris Plitt
Member
I'm down in Alabama and the spring and summer weather precludes me from using mine (Galco rig). However, in winter months it is a great way to carry underneath a jacket, especially the heavy ones. Another option (for winter months) is a SigTac concealed carry jacket. The holster built in are large enough for a 226 which means it should fit quite a variety of guns. The concealment pockets are also large enough for me to put my 13.1" MacBook into, they are immense and could handle a full case of 9mm, if you shoulders are up to it.
SharpsDressedMan
member
Aliasneo07, the ankle hoster is actually very nice and easy to draw from in a vehicle, easier than any belt holster. Just pull you pantleg up behind the gun when get into the car, and cover up when exiting. Takes little time and effort to get the routine.
Tinman357
Member
I do. Sometimes..
Never been a big fan of shoulder holsters but they do have their uses.. I recently got a SMZ from Ken Null. Odd little rig. But it does work as advertised. I wear this one left hand with a S&W 60. (for motorcycle riding) Smooth draw and it does conceal under just a button down shirt.
Best thing about the SMZ is that it fist my 60, SP101, and DS equally well. I hated it at first and was going to send it back but once I got it adjusted it fit comfortable and I've worn it all day every day since. Good bug carrier.
I'd recommend it.
Never been a big fan of shoulder holsters but they do have their uses.. I recently got a SMZ from Ken Null. Odd little rig. But it does work as advertised. I wear this one left hand with a S&W 60. (for motorcycle riding) Smooth draw and it does conceal under just a button down shirt.
Best thing about the SMZ is that it fist my 60, SP101, and DS equally well. I hated it at first and was going to send it back but once I got it adjusted it fit comfortable and I've worn it all day every day since. Good bug carrier.
I'd recommend it.
Cosmoline
Member
I use my custom rig all the time for my Speed Six. I ride the bike a lot so IWB or any waistband carry is a huge PINA. I realize this isn't hip or cool and won't make me look like a character in a Michael Mann movie, but it works extremely well for me. It's the perfect match for a mid size revolver.
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