carlson1 wrote:In 1986 I hurt my back for the first time making an arrest. In 1991 I hurt it again on the job. Finally in 1992 I had my first back surgery. My back has debilitated me now for about 85% of time. It has come to my mind on many occasions that the gun belt worn in my other life and now carrying daily on my right hip has probably caused a lot of my problems.
It is to the point now that I have downsized pistols, pocket carried, and even carried off my body (which I despise). I am considering a shoulder holster now, but I have some concerns.
The price of should holsters compared to leather belt holsters are - well - $$$$$ I can't have a closet of shoulder holsters so I know before I buy I have to limit myself to one pistol which is as bad as asking my wife just to use one purse. I do not know of anyone who has a buy it, try it, don't like you can return it with a no questions asked policy. I like quality holsters and the ones I have researched are like all quality holsters they take months and money. I am not a open carry man so it has to be able to lay flat against my body. Is there a maker who makes the should holsters that want flop around like a fish out of water?
The last concern is I also have a neck injury from College ball that has caused bad posture and pain a lot of the time. So does the should holster place a lot of stress on the neck area or are there holsters out there that distributes the weight evenly?
Thanks in advance for your advice and please give me some names of makers to further investigate.
Edit: I am not a small guy so I need a lot of leather.
Carl
Hi Carl,
I've carried (almost daily) in a shoulder rig for almost 20 years now. That doesn't make me an 'expert' but it does qualify me to comment from a position of experience.
Like you, I have a long time injury (shoulder) that would make certain types of carry, (and accessing my weapon)...awkward, painful or both. I was fortunate to discover...early on....that Shoulder Holster carry would be the best solution for MY purposes.
It might also work for you and is certainly worth looking into. You have already recognized some potential constraints and concerns, so lets explore those and see if this mode of carry could be a viable option for you.
I don't want to try to cover ALL of it in a single post, but we can break it down into a couple of subjects and get everyone's input.
Let's cover cost and comfort this go 'round.
Cost: As you've already correctly stated....any 'quality' shoulder rig will not be inexpensive. The reason for that....is that you are not buying JUST a holster. You are purchasing a unit (most) comprised of a Harness, Holster, Mag Pouch and a plethora of available accessories. If you think about it, you get quite a bit for the cost associated, but for most of us....it doesn't make sense to have 4-5 different rigs to accommodate different weapons.
What that means to you of course, is that you'll need to decide what weapon will serve you best most of the time and go with that.
These days we have so many choices that folks own and carry a variety of pistols. Personally, I don't recommend being that 'gun of the month' guy, with respect to carrying for self protection. Nor do I recommend carrying in a vast array of styles (pocket one day, IWB the next, appendix the next, ankle carry might be fun...lets try that).
Deciding on one weapon...that can be carried consistently in the same place is not a bad idea for most people, if for no other reason than your 'training' will be consistent, allowing you to perform at your best under extreme stress.
Comfort: Whether or not you can 'comfortably' carry in a shoulder rig is going to vary from person to person, but I will suggest that the two main factors are Correct Fitment and Weapon Weight.
Far and away....I see incorrect fitment be the cause for most complaints. IF you are not willing to spend some time adjusting your Shoulder Rig, don't buy one. The harness will need to be adjusted tight enough that it keeps your weapon reasonably close to your body but not so tight that it becomes difficult to get into and out of. Adjustments are then made to insure your weapon 'presents' well. The butt of the weapon needs to be in a certain place and angle (per your physique). Horizontal rigs will position differently than Vertical.
We don't want the weapon to move a lot "flop around". This is achieved by proper harness fitment and positioning the weapon high enough. Your weapon should NOT be hanging down around your waist or belt line. Tie downs are not necessary (for most) IF you adjust your rig correctly. Bending over forward will be the only time your weapon will move significantly. Some manufacturers/makers provide a 'back strap' to prevent this. Usually, its just not of much concern.
Weight: The combined weight of your weapon, ammo, spare mags, flashlight/other will to a large degree determine whether or not you will experience any discomfort in the shoulder/neck area.
Strive to keep the weight down as much as possible and 'balance' the weight enough to ensure the rig does not shift to one side. It is NOT necessary to match the weight of your weapon in order to keep the rig from shifting. Usually, a spare loaded mag (or two) and/or a flashlight is plenty to balance the rig.
Naturally, the wider the straps of the harness the more the weight is 'spread' out, but remember...it gets HOT in Texas so covering yourself in leather has a cost.
I do fine with 1"-1-1/4" straps and my pistol is VERY heavy (all stainless double stack, 45 acp with spare mags,etc). But try to keep the weight down, adjust the rig properly and I think you'll find you don't have to trade back pain for neck pain.
