Shoulder holster recommendation

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coltjeeper

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Hello everyone,

I need some opinions on a shoulder holster. Either vertical or horizontal. What do you prefer either through experience or reputation. Personally I've heard alot of good about several brands and models. But I think I'm mostly going to look at the Galco Miami Classic or Bianchi X15. Please don't limit your comments to just these two, anything you know of would be appreciated.

It will be used for my Beretta 92FS mostly, but I may get one for my 1911s also.

One thing to remember....I do prefer belt holsters mosltly, particularly IWB. But I have had TWO abdominal hernia surgeries and won't be carrying the way I normally do anytime soon. Plus the shoulder holster will come in handy during the winter time with a jacket.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
 
I had a Galco Miami Classic and could not make the thing comfortable nor was it easy to draw from--the leather seemed too soft.

I used a Mitch Rosen sholder holster when I attended a SIGARMS Academy course and it was great--very comfortable and easy to draw from. Big disadvantage is the cost--last time I looked it was around $300. If I ever get a shoulder holster it will be one of Mitch Rosen's.........
 
I use the Miami Classic for my S&W 5906 and it works very well. It does take some adjusting to get it to fit properly and even then, getting use to the weight on the shoulder also takes some time. I had to punch holes in the straps to get the angle I wanted on the horizontal holster. Due to the heat in Florida, I rarely wear a jacket. The Miami Classic can be hidden by wearing a tshirt under and an oversized shirt over it.


(Edited to correct typing booboo)
 
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I have been using a cheap "Uncle Mike's" shoulder holster for a while and like it a lot. (I know it's cheap and nylon but it seems to work for me!)

Anyway, I wanted a vertical rig but settled for a horizontal at the time because they had one in stock. What I found out is that I prefer the horizontal over the vertical. It seems more natural to attain a firing grip and I seem to be able to draw and acquire the target a little faster with the horizontal.

Only bad thing that I see if that the gun always points straight behind you. That seems to disturb some people (even I am not crazy about that when I have my family walking behind me!).

YMMV

Logistar

(I wish there was a place locally that sold leather holsters.)
 
A few months ago, when my back really started acting up, I just couldn't wear my regular IWB holster. It exacerbated the pain I already was experiencing in the hip, lower back, etc.

I bought a Miami Classic here on THR. At first it felt very uncomfortable, but now it's the most comfortable holster I own. It's even more comfortable than the OWB holsters I have.

The downside, of course, is that it's much harder to conceal. I have to wear it under a vest and sportcoat.

Now that the warm weather has arrived, it's back to the IWB.

For me, as a 1911 carrier, the problem is both the barrel length and the grip length. The shoulder rig makes the barrel length harder to conceal, while the IWB makes the grip length harder to conceal.

I'd carry a .25, but I don't often get attacked by mice.
 
Some things to consider:

A full-sized handgun doesn't conceal easily in a horizontal rig because of the +4 inch barrel - it easily protrudes past the curve of your back, printing plainly. If you have the chest girth to have that not be an issue, then clothing considerations come into play.

A vertical rig conceals wonderfully and delivers a reasonably easy draw if one is not short in the torso.

I have yet to obtain one to try personally, but the FOBUs shoulder system holds promise as the holster itself is infinitely adjustable for carry angle (provided one reads the holster instructions and masters the draw technique), and is affordable.

I have no complaint with Galco shoulder rigs (I have an SS II that carries my G21, and Miami Classics for both Susan and my 1911's - they are clean, easy one-handed draws {likewise for the MC rig that carries my HK}). To be assurred of a good rig, whenever possible, inspect it before purchase at a stocking dealer.

Summer carry with a shoulder rig takes a little wardrobe accomodation, but is easy enough in all but the warmest/muggiest of areas. As an example, when it has reached the upper 90's down in Denver, I have no trouble carrying with a very light tee and a long-sleeved light canvas jacket and a hat - it's drawn no undue attention whatsoever as more and more people are concerned about excess sun. . . (and keeping a small bottle of strong sun block, to be casually used when in a fixed environment {restaurant/store/mall or public transportation} is an effortless misdirection).

Good luck!

Trisha
 
a horizontal rig because of the +4 inch barrel - it easily protrudes past the curve of your back, printing plainly.
Click to expand...

Yea, but the 30 rnd magazine in my 5906 sticks out the front with a vertical holster. :)

Seriously though, just because it's horizontal doesn't mean it has to be perfectly level. With a little experimentation, you can get a slight angle (barrel downward in my preference) and minimize the chance of printing.

If you are like most of us, you will acquire a box of "like new" holsters that just didn't work out and now sits in the closet.
 
Coltjeeper- Two words: Alessi leather. I have used one since 1980 for a LTW Commander. There is no better at any price. Ask Lou about the old magnetic strips in the mag pouch. :D
 
when I was younger...

... and carried, I used an Eagle Industries "angle draw" horizontal. Holds the gun fairly tightly against the armpit, with the butt angled downward. Never had any trouble with print (carried a Colt Officer's), and was fairly comfortable. Now, it hangs in the closet holding the USP 40c (right next to the shotgun). But wouldn't have too many worries about using it again (if we ever get CCW in this gods-forsaken state)...
 
Another "vote" for Uncle Mikes!

While they might not be the most elegant of shoulder holsters they are comfortable and darn near infinitely adjustable. So, you can adjust them so they are comfortable to wear. I've tried both vertical and horizontal. Just like the way the vertical lies and fits under a light jacket. I've found that there is much less "printing" caused by the vertical as well. The gun grip does not stick out as much. FWIW. Good shooting;)
 
Sam Andrews' Monarch shoulder rig is about the best on the market today. The Monarch will carry the biggest handgun, and indeed, he can supply a variation that has the hand gun on one side, and a PG 14 inch Pump Shottie on the other.

Last time I bought a Monarch, the price was $145.00. Sam is a fine human being on top of being a first class leather man.

www.andrewsleather.com

386-462-056
 
I was thinking about getting a shoulder holster too.
I heard that they are more comfortable when you wear the spar mags on the opposite side.
How much more comfortable?
Is this a necessity?
DBR, which one did you get for your 27?
 
I heard that they are more comfortable when you wear the spar mags on the opposite side.
Click to expand...
It depends on how heavy your gun is. The heavier the gun the better it feels to have some weight on the other side to "balance it out". I see no reason not to wear 2 mags on the off-side. - I am only carrying one right now but I am trying to modify it to make it two.

Logistar
 
B_Scott - All of the shoulder holsters I use have ammo on the off side. The holster I referenced carrys a Glock 27 on the left for right hand draw and an extended hicap G22 mag and an Emerson mini commander knife on the right (off) side. This balances pretty well. My experience with shoulder holsters has convinced me, that for me at least, I want an "X" type harness and the holster has to be worn as high under the arm as possible without cutting off the circulation when the arms are at the sides. The front strap needs to be adjusted so the harness junction stays fairly high on the back without hitting the back of the neck. The back straps control the angle of the gun and the fore and aft placement. The front straps control the height of the gun under the arm. The benefit of the kydex holster is the absolute minimum bulk and the positive self retention.

Hope this helps
 
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