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Shoulder Holsters for Concealed Carry: Boom or Burden?

Talyn

Talyn

Emissary
Founding Member
For concealed carry, belt holsters remain the most popular choice. Such a holster worn either inside or outside the waistband affords the user the most efficient draw stroke. And they can be very low profile with the right covering garment.

www.athlonoutdoors.com

Shoulder Holsters for Concealed Carry: Boon or Burden?

For concealed carry, belt holsters remain the most popular choice. Such a holster worn either inside or outside the waistband
www.athlonoutdoors.com www.athlonoutdoors.com

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Good and balanced article.

I generally default to strong side hip carry, but. Shoulder holsters have their place. My first use of one for duty was in a foreign country where we had no SOFA agreement. I worked armed forces patrol off base. The local police didn't care if we were armed as long as the guns were not visible so we carried our Model 15's in shoulder holsters under the BDU blouse.

As an Air Force agent in plain clothes we had the option of holsters and shoulder holsters were pretty popular in the 70's and 80's. I found them especially useful when driving the limo or at a seated entry point on protection details. I liked the vertical breakfront style when we had M9's but preferred the horizontal rig after we were issued the M11. I think every agent has at least one shoulder rig in their kit. I have a rig that has a carrier on the off side that carried magazines, a surefire light, and handcuffs. When you strap it to your belt on both sides it is a pretty secure setup.

I also have a vertical rig for a N frame revolver that I have found useful for hunting applications but don't use it much any more since starting to carry the 10mm SIG in a belt holster. It is good to have options.
 
I usually carry in a belt holster, but…for long drives, I very much prefer a shoulder holster; it’s a lot more comfortable, and a lot easier to access when seated…which is why she I se a movie, I’m wearing a shoulder holster.

It’s also preferred under a longer winter jacket.
 
I wore a cheap shoulder rig when I rode a motorcycle into South Phoenix for work. Not sure where it ended up, but it served its purpose back then. Honestly, I had a greater risk from ladders, furniture and tires on the freeway than a gang banger in the hood. It takes a while for your brain register exactly what object you dodged as you are traveling 75 mph. I also had a few stoppies that raised my blood pressure. Back to the topic, SH work well, but waist and pocket carry work for me now.
 
youngolddude said:
I wore a cheap shoulder rig when I rode a motorcycle into South Phoenix for work. Not sure where it ended up, but it served its purpose back then. Honestly, I had a greater risk from ladders, furniture and tires on the freeway than a gang banger in the hood. It takes a while for your brain register exactly what object you dodged as you are traveling 75 mph. I also had a few stoppies that raised my blood pressure. Back to the topic, SH work well, but waist and pocket carry work for me now.
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Depending on when you were in S. PHX, I was there in the early 60s, when things were a bit interesting! More to th3 point. As a P.I., especially doing executive protection, I tended to use shoulder holsters. My usual was a MnuteMan holster, which allowed the use of different pistols. Back then, I tended to carry a 5904 or a Sigma 40. Actually I still use the Sigma, but include a CZ-40 and CZ-83. I recently found a couple of extra holsters which I will convert to other pistols. As mentioned, I still use the holster set and find it very useful when using a coat or even heavy shirt…
 
I dont think there is any better shoulder holster currently available than the Miami Classic and a few copies (MASC for one). I really like the Alessi for the 1911s because they had a snap through the trigger guard, so you just pulled the gun "breaking" the pull through snap.

I guess it depends what youre doing. When I did close protection details and dress was suit and tie or even a tux, I could stand against a wall with my arms crossed, looking like I was bored; but my hand was on the gun. Also I can hang the rig on the bed post and have the gun and 3 mags ready in a flash.
 
PieterCoetzee said:
I dont think there is any better shoulder holster currently available than the Miami Classic and a few copies (MASC for one). I really like the Alessi for the 1911s because they had a snap through the trigger guard, so you just pulled the gun "breaking" the pull through snap.

I guess it depends what youre doing. When I did close protection details and dress was suit and tie or even a tux, I could stand against a wall with my arms crossed, looking like I was bored; but my hand was on the gun. Also I can hang the rig on the bed post and have the gun and 3 mags ready in a flash.
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Sounds familiar
 
HayesGreener said:
Good and balanced article.

I generally default to strong side hip carry, but. Shoulder holsters have their place. My first use of one for duty was in a foreign country where we had no SOFA agreement. I worked armed forces patrol off base. The local police didn't care if we were armed as long as the guns were not visible so we carried our Model 15's in shoulder holsters under the BDU blouse.

As an Air Force agent in plain clothes we had the option of holsters and shoulder holsters were pretty popular in the 70's and 80's. I found them especially useful when driving the limo or at a seated entry point on protection details. I liked the vertical breakfront style when we had M9's but preferred the horizontal rig after we were issued the M11. I think every agent has at least one shoulder rig in their kit. I have a rig that has a carrier on the off side that carried magazines, a surefire light, and handcuffs. When you strap it to your belt on both sides it is a pretty secure setup.

I also have a vertical rig for a N frame revolver that I have found useful for hunting applications but don't use it much any more since starting to carry the 10mm SIG in a belt holster. It is good to have options.
Click to expand...
Great points.
 
HansGruber said:
I usually carry in a belt holster, but…for long drives, I very much prefer a shoulder holster; it’s a lot more comfortable, and a lot easier to access when seated…which is why she I se a movie, I’m wearing a shoulder holster.

It’s also preferred under a longer winter jacket.
Click to expand...
Hadn't really thought about for long drives. Great idea if I need to hide it. I keep mine in the center console beside me or in the door compartment. Indoors and seated...yes, another great use. Seems I need to order me a shoulder holster!
 


I own one shoulder holster. I bought it because I tore my right rotator cuff and I couldn't draw from my hip.

By the time the shoulder holster got to me almost a year later my arm was healed enough that I didn't really need it.
 
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