shoulder rigs

[leutenant dan]

Im thinking about buying a nice shoulder rig, but I was adviced against them by my CWP instructor because of muzzle direction.

What do you all think?

 

[roadliner]

Well, all my rigs are of the vertical persuasion. Years ago I tried one with the horizontal holster but wasn't comfortable with the gun hanging there. Just me, but I was concerned about the safety strap releasing and having the gun fall out. Maybe that's not a real problem with that holster, but the few times I carry with a shoulder holster its the vertical type.

 

[Sunray]

Used a horizontal Uncle Mike's while in the Queen's Service with no fuss. Mind you, it was carried but never used. Not easy to get the pistol back in either.
Your instructor has a point too. Muzzle direction is why they're not allowed in the assorted shooting games.
"...concerned about the safety strap releasing..." It'd be exceedingly poorly made if it did.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

... but I was adviced against them by my CWP instructor because of muzzle direction.

Especially with one that carries the gun horizontally,there is some truth to that, but with refinements to your draw technique so you don't "sweep" everything and everyone behind you with the muzzle and strict adherence to the "keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on target" rule, the risk is minimal. Few single holsters cover every situation. Get as many as you need to ensure that your handgun is accessible to you. If a shoulder rig fits a given situation for you, by all means avail yourself of it.

 

[smithmax]

Don't worry about muzzle direction unless your gun is going to go off by itself.

 

[Geronimo45]

Meh. Many hip holsters have the muzzle pointed at your backside the entire time it's carried. Those who carry in thunderwear and similar probably have the gun pointed at femoral arteries in their legs.

 

[9mmepiphany]

I'm thinking that your CWP instructor was repeating something he was taught without really understanding the reasoning behind it. The shoulder holster can be very effective when employed in the correct situation...it is an excellent holster to use for biking (you'll need a sweatshirt)

I've tried all the major styles of shoulder holsters and found the most popular one to be the least useful...the horizontal shoulder holster is very cool, but doesn't conceal well and isn't very comfortable.

The most comfortable and fastest shoulder holster I've ever used was the Ken Null SMZ

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

I've seen pictures of horizontal shoulder rigs carried so low that they dangle and swing at nearly the wearer's waist. This is how not to do it. It needs to be carried as high under your armpit as practicable.

 

[mljdeckard]

I reflect the above sentiments. Mostly.

I use a Galco Miami Classic with my 1911, horizontally, riding high. I find it's the fastest drawing way to use a shoulder holster.

And yes, you do need to take a few precautions about how you draw. I put my left hand on my right shoulder to keep my arm out of the muzzle path as I draw and bring it around. If your weak flank has friendlies, you need to be prepared to point the muzzle straight down as you bring it around. Many ranges restrict practicing with them. I would ask to use the lane all the way to your weak side to make sure you aren't flagging anyone when you practice.