Should I get belt holster or shoulder rig?

[steveracer]

For bumming around the house, I prefer a paddle holster, open-top, strong side, no cant.
For CCW I like a pancake holster with 10% cant. I detest shoulder holsters, but I have one for long car rides.

 

[mljdeckard]

steveracer reminded me of something. When you're driving, a shoulder holster gives the best access.

 

[X-Rap]

I don't currently use a shoulder rig for concealed carry but have one like this on my list
http://www.epsaddlery.com/pc-146-23-spyder-shoulder-system-complete-rig.aspx
I have worn a heavy tool belt for much of my life and discovered good solid suspenders take a lot of the load so the harness probably won't be much of a problem besides I can carry a G19 comfortably in one of those T shirt holsters all day without discomfort.
I wouldn't look at it as the end all method of carry but it would have its benefits during the winter or while driving. In the winter I seldom have a jacket sipped up tight but more often half way up so belt carry is impeded but a shoulder holster would still be pretty easy to get to.

 

[cpt-t]

Belt holster vs shoulder rig

DefiantDad : I am defferent from most because I prefer the shoulder rig vs the belt rig. I never liked any more stuff than was absloutly necessary, tried around my waist. I used a shoulder rig the first time in VIET NAM in the 60`s and I have liked them every since. To me a shoulder rig is very comfortable. I really like the Bianchi X-15 shoulder rig and have several of them. I find this shoulder rig doesn`t get in my way, and distributes the weight of even my old 7 1/2 inch Blackhawk 45 LC, or Super Blackhawlk 44 mag to the point I do not get even a sore shoulder, after hunting or just carring all day. A lighter smaller gun in this rig and I forget I even have it on. Good luck to you you: ken

 

[basicblur]

I'd start with a belt holster first - there are a number of folks that are moving away from shoulder holsters for various reasons, but the Hollywood force is strong, grasshopper!
I also defy 'conventional 'Net wisdom' and prefer retention straps on 'bout all my holsters.

'Course, you remember the four rules of gun safety?
How's that shoulder holster of your choice going to square with those rules?!
I once had a shoulder holster for a 6" Python years ago, but it held the gun vertically, barrel down, but I don't see many of those for semi-autos advertised.

I have a real problem with shoulder rigs that point to the rear (you want that person in front of you in the checkout line?), and if it holds the gun barrel up, you run the risk of an AD/ND severing your subclavian artery, and there is no outside pressure point for hemmorage control of a severed subclavian - so, you shoot yourself, you bleed out!

If I were you, I'd invest a little money in The Gun Digest Book of Concealed Carry - the info you're going to get on the 'Net is like a box of chocolates, and folks just don't seem to have the ability (or desire) to weigh the pros / cons of their choices.

For reasonably priced (discounted at Optics Planet and eBay vendors), quality holsters that you won't have to wait three months for, I've had good luck with various DeSantis rigs.
Something like their Thumb Break Scabbard gives you options (strong side or crossdraw) and a retention strap.

And as others have no doubt already told you...go ahead and get yourself a holster box! :banghead:

 

[DefiantDad]

Thanks for all your great responses. I really hate it but you guys are probably going to be right about that holster box. Again, I really do not want to go there! Got enough other stuff to pay for these days... Oh, decisions decisions. And if my wife ever finds out there is a thing called a holster box (and with many holsters inside)... oh boy... (50% joking 50% pretty serious when I say that!).

 

[DefiantDad]

basicblur - the good news I just found out is that I can borrow that book for free with the Amazon Prime subscription I have, so I will check that out definitely. Looks like it's written by ole' Mas.