Why aren't shoulder holsters more popular?

[Corpral_Agarn]

The short answer is ( at least in part) that men simply don't wear jackets like they did in bygone eras.

While I would agree that this is certainly relevant to why there are not more popular ("who's the guy with the jacket? its 105 degrees out here!"; "is that a vest? That dude is packing."), I think that many people do not like shoulder rigs for different reasons.

Shoulder rigs have advantages and drawbacks same as any other style of carry. They excel in seated positions. They free up your belt for other things. If you have back problems it may be your only option.

I you are skinny, forget about a shoulder rig. You will be uncomfortable and printing all day. (Skinny guy checking in).

I do not enjoy running with a shoulder rig on (exception would be tanker style rig). I don't like that I cannot take my jacket off, once I have it on. I don't like that the gun is facing the proper way for someone in front of me to grab it.

I prefer IWB at about 4 oclock. It is worn for at least 11 hours/day and I sit/stand quite a bit. The draw allows me to protect my firearm and is a more natural draw. For my use, it has more relevant advantages over the shoulder rig.

Other than that, they are fine. if they work for you, roll with it. There are so many holster options out there because many styles/methods work.

 

[Chain Smoker]

Chain,

Should holsters, at least for CCW, require a coat. And worn 10 hrs a day.. Well they are not comfortable.

Deaf

I wear one all day on my every day off from work, and it never bothers me. These days, I carry my Colt trooper vertically in a Bianchi X15 holster. It conceals wonderfully under a denim trucker jacket, and a breathable outer layer like that won't kill me even if it is 95 degrees out.

 

[Chain Smoker]

The short answer is ( at least in part) that men simply don't wear jackets like they did in bygone eras.

I've noticed this as well. For me personally, I feel "incomplete" if I go out in public without some sort of outerwear. In summer, I wear a very breathable denim trucker jacket, or at least a unbuttoned button-down overshirt, and do so even if I am not wearing a shoulder holster. I do not know why I am like that.

 

[Mainsail]

I've noticed this as well. For me personally, I feel "incomplete" if I go out in public without some sort of outerwear. In summer, I wear a very breathable denim trucker jacket, or at least a unbuttoned button-down overshirt, and do so even if I am not wearing a shoulder holster. I do not know why I am like that.

I wear the holster over a t-shirt, and cover with an unbuttoned shirt. The wind will catch it from time to time but no drama.

 

[Chain Smoker]

What I really want to know is: does anyone actually conceal full-sized guns on hip holsters on a regular basis here?

I really just don't see how it would be possible to hide a 1911-size weapon on your hip without suffering either extreme discomfort when seated, or severe printing. I've tried so many ways to do it and it just never works. I'm talking years of experimenting with all manner of bizarre leg-strap contraptions and whatnot.

 

[Mainsail]

What I really want to know is: does anyone actually conceal full-sized guns on hip holsters on a regular basis here?

I really just don't see how it would be possible to hide a 1911-size weapon on your hip without suffering either extreme discomfort when seated, or severe printing. I've tried so many ways to do it and it just never works. I'm talking years of experimenting with all manner of bizarre leg-strap contraptions and whatnot.

I carry a Sig 1911 Nightmare carry or a S&W 1076 daily, usually OWB in a pancake holster, occasionally the 1911 in the shoulder holster. Either gun in the OWB holster is very comfortable if you have good gear.

Printing is a non-issue here. Most of us don't care if we're showing a bulge or printing. My CPL only provides the extra option of concealed for carry, it doesn't require undetectability (or even concealment).

 

[jmorris]

I live in TX, a shoulder holster is ok for a month or so out of the year, if I am trying to conceal it.

IWB on the side or at the SOB can be done with a fairly large pistol in shorts covered by a T shirt.

With phone on one side and leatherman on the other, "printing" is not an issue.

 

[HexHead]

Not as popular as they used to be because gentlemen don't wear coat & tie with their fedora every day anymore.

 

[jad0110]

Draw speed and the fact that you're crossing a lot of your own veins and arteries while drawing from a shoulder holster are two big arguments against them

That to me is the single biggest drawback of a shoulder holster, and why I've never tried one.

The class I took to get my carry license started banning them for the shooting portion of the class, back in '05, when a student had a negligent discharge when drawing from one of the horizontal types. The instructor said he heard the crack and felt the shock wave of the 9mm pass inches from his right ear .

What I really want to know is: does anyone actually conceal full-sized guns on hip holsters on a regular basis here?

I really just don't see how it would be possible to hide a 1911-size weapon on your hip without suffering either extreme discomfort when seated, or severe printing. I've tried so many ways to do it and it just never works. I'm talking years of experimenting with all manner of bizarre leg-strap contraptions and whatnot.

Yes, all the time. The smallest gun a carry IWB is a S&W Model 66 2.5". The largest is a 4" S&W Model 28 (N Frame), also carried IWB. In between are a 4" S&W Model 19 and a 5" 1911.

The single most important piece of gear is a stiff gun belt. I can say with near certainty that carrying a full sized handgun with a cheap, floppy $10 special from Wal-Mart just won't work. I found a 1.5" wide belt from thebeltman.net works the best for me. They cost around $80, but they are worth every penny. They hold up well too, I've had mine since 2007. I figure I can get a another 2 to 3 years out of it at least.

Next is the holster. My personal preference is for leather. For the 1911, my favorite is the Gary Brommeland Max Con V. Fantastic holster, google it. They aren't as well known as others makes, but they are very well regarded.

I also really like the Milt Sparks Versa Max II, also an IWB type holster. I have one for my 4" Model 28. I also have a few FIST #20 IWB holsters that work almost as well and cost a little less.

Though the N Frame does get a little tiresome after 12 hours, the others are quite fine. The 1911 is probably the most comfortable since it is pretty thin, while the 2.5" 66 is the easiest to hide with its round butt frame and S&W magna wood stocks.

If the gun/holster aren't positioned right, they can be painful. You just have to play around and experiment with the positioning. 2:30 seems to be the best for me.

For the car, I modified a cheap nylon holster (turned the belt clip 90 degrees) and attached it to the lap portion of the seat belt while driving, making a cross draw of sorts. At my friend's farm, I practice drawing seated (in a chair, not my car, LOL) with my right/strong hand while putting my left hand on my right shoulder so I don't sweep myself. Works very well for me.


1911, beltman belt, Gary Brommeland Max Con V Holster:

And for the record, I am 6'7" and about 200 lbs.











2.5" S&W Model 66, FIST #20 IWB:

 

[khegglie]

bravo

Aaaaaannnnd jad0110 makes a pistol disappear.

that's a nice rig.

Does it print at all when you stoop forward?
Doesn't look like it would the way you have the cant set up.

 

[RustyShackelford]

shoulder holsters ...

As posted, a well made rig can help distribute the weight(balance) for a handgun & 2 loaded pistol magazines or extra rounds(revolvers).
With a proper fit and a quality holster you can pack a gun for 8, 10,12 + hours at a time.

I haven't used any shoulder holsters since the early 2000s. I live in a climate that rarely requires jackets or coats-parka.
I'd buy a horizontal style shoulder holster if I wanted a new one. I was considering a High Holsters Skin Tite material holster for my big Glock 21 .45acp gen 04. It has wide straps and a special synthetic material that resists scuffs, marks, wear.
Many gunners and CCW holders who pack shoulder holsters keep a BUG or 2nd gun on their belt. If they can't access the shoulder holster gun then they can quickly use the 2nd gun.

 

[Sam1911]

What I really want to know is: does anyone actually conceal full-sized guns on hip holsters on a regular basis here?

I really just don't see how it would be possible to hide a 1911-size weapon on your hip without suffering either extreme discomfort when seated, or severe printing. I've tried so many ways to do it and it just never works. I'm talking years of experimenting with all manner of bizarre leg-strap contraptions and whatnot.

Can't imagine why it has been so much difficulty.

A 5" 1911 is about all I ever carry except on match days. And my most comfortable rig is this one:

Here's a thread with "action" shots of how it works. http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=743797

The gun, in the holster: (Now you see it...)

Open the belt and pants, tuck the shirt in, and...now you don't!

 

[BlindJustice]

Chain Smoker - why don't you state what kinda holsters you are using

Ever seen/tried the Lou Alessi Field Master Shoulder Holster?
holds the full size with muzzle down, vertical and the opposite
side is full leather for equal support. instead of some with elastic
for the off shoulder

I have a mIlt Sparks Summer Special 2 IWB no problem carrying
concealed Commander or Range Officer Compact.

Randall

 

[Derry 1946]

I wear a jacket almost always. I have had good results with a Colt DS or J-frame in a Desantis Nemesis carried in the jacket's inside breast pocket. I had the tailor make large reinforced pockets. It can easily be switched to front pocket if need be. I reserve the shoulder holster to occasions calling for a tuxedo or other very tailored togs, when I'm sure the jacket will stay on. It's pretty rare.

 

[jad0110]

that's a nice rig.

Does it print at all when you stoop forward?
Doesn't look like it would the way you have the cant set up.

Thank you!

It doesn't usually print at all, unless I bend and twist to my left at the same time and I'm wearing shirt that is a solid color. But I don't think anyone would ever notice, except perhaps a fellow gun toter.

 

[gun_with_a_view]

Perhaps the decline in shoulder holsters is partly due to the growth of PPC (private parts carry).

 

[Derry 1946]

Not as popular as they used to be because gentlemen don't wear coat & tie with their fedora every day anymore.

Funny! I wear a coat and tie with my fedora practically every day, and have for many years.

 

[JTQ]

Chain Smoker wrote,
I really just don't see how it would be possible to hide a 1911-size weapon on your hip without suffering either extreme discomfort when seated, or severe printing. I've tried so many ways to do it and it just never works. I'm talking years of experimenting with all manner of bizarre leg-strap contraptions and whatnot.

With your belt holsters, have you used a real gun belt?

 

[Corpral_Agarn]

What I really want to know is: does anyone actually conceal full-sized guns on hip holsters on a regular basis here?

I really just don't see how it would be possible to hide a 1911-size weapon on your hip without suffering either extreme discomfort when seated, or severe printing. I've tried so many ways to do it and it just never works. I'm talking years of experimenting with all manner of bizarre leg-strap contraptions and whatnot.

I am 5' 8" and 130 pounds. I used to carry a fullsize Sig P226 everyday under a polo. Occasionally I still do. Holster cant and a solid belt are where it is at.

oh, and I don't bend over anymore. I squat. Full size guns are very doable.

 

[Drail]

If you are crossing a lot of veins and arteries when drawing from a shoulder holster - then your technique is the problem - not the rig. It is just as easy to cross your body when drawing from a belt holster as well if you don't think about what you're doing. It is true though that you must give up a little bit of speed with a shoulder rig and a bad guy who is facing you and very close can snatch it out awfully quickly and easily if you're not ready for it. If someone suddenly gets in your face while wearing a shoulder rig - turn away or back up like your life depended on it.

 

[Archie]

Hard to pin down exactly, but I suspect a combination of points already covered.

One. Change in 'fashion'. Men do not dress up as in the past. In PDSR California (from whence I escaped five years ago) 'dressed up' means the tee shirt and shorts one is wearing has no big holes and have been cleaned in the past week. I currently live in Nebraska; summer day time temperatures run about 85-95 degrees F. A bit rough for jacket and tie dress. (Which is my default.)

Two. The 'experts' frown up on them. Mostly from fear of unintended discharge on the range. In reality - like in a mall or on main street - there is NO 'safe direction' or 'down range'. In point of fact, shoulder rigs can be very discreet and helpful for carrying a serious size sidearm. All the arguments against them are also valid against most other holsters.

Carry a full size sidearm? The current attitude is "only small guns" can be carried concealed. May I suggest that popular opinion is not binding on one's own decision? I carry a Colt Commander, pretty much all the time.

May I also suggest that everyone do their own thinking?

 

[Drail]

Sadly the concept of doing your own thinking has fallen out of style - just like carrying anything but a "micro" pocket pistol. Most Americans today just want to be like everybody else. This is why "polls" and the Book of Face are so popular. It's so much easier.

 

[Sam1911]

There is indeed a lot of herd-following in the human species. Not a new phenomenon by any stretch.

However, that is not necessarily a bad thing (otherwise we'd all each still invent our own wheel), and it dovetails well with the concept of the marketplace of ideas, or survival of the fittest, which says a few billion people try things and eventually the "herd" will distill out what works the bestest for the mostest -- or more commonly, will come up with a hierarchy of best practices in which the top choice is far more popular than each runner-up.

Why do most gun carriers use a strong-side holster on the belt? Because so far that's worked best for the most in millions of daily tests performed by thousands upon thousands of users. Doesn't mean that's the perfect answer for every person or every situation.

But when the question is "why aren't shoulder holsters more popular?" we can answer that with perfect truth and give the handful of reasons why many users have not chosen that option.

 

[Sheepdog1968]

After I get the CCW I will be getting a Lou Alessi shoulder holster that has the barrel pointing towards the floor. Six months out of the year or more I wear a sweat shirt. I think the should holster will be very comfortable when my wife and I go out to the movies or for long road trips I like to take. Also when I go hunting I think I will like it. I already have a Milt Sparks IWB. In fact, I may wear both at the same time. Louis Awerbuck convinced me having two guns on ones person is a good idea.

 

[alexander45]

Crap ones or poorly ajusted ones are very very uncomfortable it's also a expensive set up