Shoulder holsters, who uses them?

[kthomk]

How many of you use a shoulder rig for concealed carry??

 

[huntershooter]

I do whem weather permits a jacket/coat.

 

[possum]

i don't yet, but i have a pretty good inclination that i will be getting one for christmas, and then I sure will carry with a shoulder holster rig, like was said above when the temp premits.

 

[MrTwigg]

I have a cheap heavy nylon one from E-bay I bought for my Glock 22. I like the idea of a shoulder holster, but not the one I have. The only one I found (at the time) had a vertical carry. If I continue with shoulder holsters I'll spring for a horizontal carry position and go for a good quality leather one.

Problem is, they aren't all that popular in the local shops so there's not much to try. I'm a large, tall man so getting pants wide enough for an IWB and long enough to reach all the way down to my shoes is a bit of a problem.

Glaco has a couple if nice SH's and so does Andrews leathers.

http://www.usgalco.com/HolsterT2.asp
http://www.andrewsleather.com/

 

[Handgun Midas]

I've got a Galco model for my P345.
Overall I feel it is more comfortable, but I don't see myself pulling off a quick-draw with it under a coat,
and I'm already pretty fast with a kydex OWB.

 

[st_albert]

I use a Fist vertical shoulder holster with my compact 1911. Just from least-motion considerations, it will never be as fast as a strong-side IWB or OWB (if you're standing), but in many circumstances it is more comfortable and more flexible. It has its place.

Albert

 

[Curare]

Crockett

 

[enfield]

I'm wearing a Galco right now.

 

[Johnny Guest]

Occasionally

I have a Galco Miami Classic I frequently wear during cool weather, usually with a Commander. It is very handy while hunting, when I want to carry a full size, full weight Government Model. I have an additional mag pouch for double stack magazines, and the same holster accomodated my Browning Hi Power. I seldom use the latter combo, but that's a matter of personal preference for the 1911-type, rather than suitability of the leather.

I also have an older model Galco vertical holster. I got it in a gun deal, and it is surprisingly comfortable. I find it interesting that Galco has revived this design, largely for sale to law enforcement aircrew and rescue personnel who spend time in hospitals and such. The up-and-down orientation keeps others from looking down the pistol muzzle while the wearer is facing away from the observer. See their page here.

I also have very lightweight shoulder rig I use with an alloy .38 for wear beneath loose shirts. Since retirement, I don't often feel the need for a big automatic with two extra magazines. So call me untactical.

Best,
Johnny

 

[Cocked & Locked]

I like to do so in the cooler months when cloting options allow it...got this one on now.

 

[Dirty Bob]

I have a Ken Null SMZ for my Makarov. Not quick, but it conceals well and is a fantastic design. I've carried it tucked under a short-sleeved, button-front shirt on several occasions, but access that way is very slow. It's different from most other shoulder holsters in how easy it is to conceal. I see it as being a superlative driving holster, under a light jacket or untucked shirt. My review -- which appeared in ModernSurvival.net and is posted with their permission -- is attached.

Best wishes,
Dirty Bob

 

[Dirty Bob]

C&L: That's a beautiful pic! Is that a Miami Classic?

Regards,
Dirty Bob

 

[Mad Magyar]

"I do when weather permits a jacket/coat."
Same here, on occasion like to holster my K-frame wheelgun..

 

[Big Gay Al]

I have an old Jackass rig, now called the Galco Miami classic for my PT92AFS. I use it sometimes, like everyone else, when weather permits.

This picture isn't the best, (taken with webcam) but you can see the holster, mostly.

 

[NineseveN]

http://neardeathexperiments.com/smf/index.php?topic=872.0

I do...between that and my Comp-Tac C-T.A.C., I'm good to go for almost any occassion.

 

[Steven1281]

Galco here too. Very comfortable and well made in my opinion.

 

[VMIRat1995]

I would, Don Johnson-style...with a Bren Ten!!

How cool is that?

Shoes...no socks. Linen suit and a pastel t-shirt!

Coooooooooooooooooooooooool!!!!!

 

[Cocked & Locked]

C&L: That's a beautiful pic! Is that a Miami Classic?

thanks! No, it's made by Gun Leather Ltd., Fort Worth texas.

I've also got an old original Jackass shoulder holster that I carry a 2.5" S&W model 19 .357 in...when I'm in a revolver mood.

 

[Richard]

I own three shoulder rigs but I do not use any of them. Why? I find a good IWB holster works better for me. Regards, Richard

 

[Texfire]

I have a Galco Miami Classic for my K9. Now that it's finally getting cool enough to wear a second layer I'll probably be wearing it more.

Tex

 

[MM]

I have one that fits all 1911 pattern guns, usually use it with my FN Hi-Power, very comfortable, and like most, I use it more frequently during the winter.
I have found that it works better with the belt anchors/stays/straps on each side--just seems to keep it from sagging on the weapon side. While it might look confusing and a tangled mess when you first pick it up, it sorts itself out easily while donning.
SatCong

 

[BullfrogKen]

I'm kinda enamoured of this one by Rusty Sherrick:

Patrick Johnakin Brown Shoe Corp. Muzzle Up Shoulder Holster

Its a method I won't use much, but it gets weight off my abdomen and belly when I'm ill.

 

[PaulBk]

More and more as time passes...

-PB

 

[AK103K]

I use them mostly in the winter with smaller, back up guns. The Galco Executive is my favorite. I did just pick up one of the Null SMZ's a little while back, but havent really had a chance to play with it yet. Its supposed to be for a J frame Smith, but also seems to work with my larger SIG's.

A P230 or J frame in the Executive is fairly comfortable and concealable. I like not having to deal with retaining straps. Its a small, simple design that for some reason, costs more than any other Galco makes.

The biggest problem I find with the shoulder holsters, even many of the bare minimum holsters, is they really dont conceal as well as I'd like, and I find them about the easiest to spot on other people.

I like them better with a pull over sweatshirt, or one with a half zip front. I like them least with a coat that is open. The straps always tend to be a giveaway to some extent, be it across the back when you reach forward, or showing at the collar when they ride up.(this is worse with a plain sweatshirt that doesnt have a collar) You also have to watch for the "forward swing" with some of them, open coat or not.

I also find them to be tiring after you wear them for an extended period of time, even with a smaller pistol. They do have their place, but for me, they really are not the best choice for everyday wear.

 

[Big Gay Al]

Here's a better pic of my Jackass.


Both it and the pistol are 14+ years old.