Full Size 1911, Shoulder Holster

[g_one]

Hello everyone,

As the name implies, I'm looking into shoulder holsters for a full size 1911. Galco has the ultimate classic - the Miami Classic (link), but I've heard some really great things about the quality of High Noon Holsters, and they have their own shoulder offering (link).

Does anyone have any experience with these? Or any other recommendations? Before anyone goes off about wearing a full size in a shoulder rig, I'm 6'3", heavyset, and this is mostly going to be for open carry while out in the wilderness, or when I'm on the way to the range. Concealed carry would be limited to the heavy jacket months of Wisconsin winters.

 

[jim243]

Shoulder holsters are by far the most comfortable method of carring, for me at least. Not the best method for a fast draw in a self defense situation though. Most of my day is spent sitting and affords a much more comfortable perch at my desk or in the car.

There are both vertical and horizontal carries, and the one issue I had was with carring a 4 inch stainless steel 1911 was the weight and that after about 3 hours I was starting to get back pain with a horizontal carry. While a vertical carry is a little slower in drawing the pistol out it is however far better since the actual holster attaches to the belt as well as the shoulder straps and distributes the weight more evenly as well as makes the pistol more concealable.

The only issue I see with the High Noon system is that it is not attached to the belt on the holster side and your 1911 will float on your left side and constantly be shifting which will have you adjusting every 15 min or so making any CC a problem since people will notice. As an open carry that would of course be a non issue, but without the holster attached to your belt will leave you with a flopping gun getting in the way of whatever you are doing.

This is just an observation of one who uses both shoulder holsters and outside the waist band ones at a 3:00 o'clock position.
Jim

 

[huntershooter]

Look into Alessi's "Bodyguard".
Retention is via a pull through strap on trigger guard.
Best system I've found; have them for P-35, Commander length 1911 and 5" 1911.

 

[JTQ]

In spite of jim243 comments, the vast majority of posters on 1911 forums do not care for shoulder holsters. Most prefer strong side, just behind the hip carry in either IWB or OWB holsters.

I have a High Noon holster, not a shoulder holster though, and it is a fine holster. I believe High Noon makes a better product than Galco, and their price premium over their Galco competition is well justified.

Andrews Custom Leather has a few shoulder holster models. The Monarch is their best known. The traditional catalog will show cowhide holsters while the exotic catalog will have the same holsters, but they will be made of "not cow skin" that cost close to what your pistol may have cost. They are cool though.

http://www.andrewsleather.com

 

[JTQ]

If it is open carry in the woods, you may prefer a chest holster, such as the "Chesty Puller system" from Simply Rugged.

http://www.simplyrugged.com/why-i-made-the-chesty-puller-system/

 

[SharpsDressedMan]

Alessi Bodyguard. Very comfortable, and fast to draw.

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[9mmepiphany]

Another vote for the Alessi Bodyguard...although I've only used it with smaller guns like the H&K P7

 

[BSA1]

That is a easy choice...at least for a tightwad like me.

I would get a U.S. Military Tanker style holster. It places your gun at a angle on the left side of your chest. High and out of the way for woods packing or getting in and out of your tank, er truck, it would be perfect for wearing under your coat. Just unzip your coat partway and the butt of the gun is a easy reach.

Best thing is it time proven design and inexpensive. $35.00 for the M-3 and $40.00 for the M-7.

 

[mesinge2]

I have a bianchi I really like:

 

[kyletx1911]

just set my miami classic mad the adj lovin it