Shoulder holsters, what say you?

[flintknapper]

For years I have read almost nothing but bad things about shoulder holsters. I have owned and used a Galco Miami Classic for about 10 years now and wouldn't be without it.

Originally, I chose a shoulder rig because I have a bad rotator cuff (shoulder), and reaching behind my centerline (as in drawing from a strong side belt or IWB) causes me quite a bit of pain. I managed to do it for several years shooting IDPA but it didn't do my shoulder any favors.

Anyway, in the course of wearing the S-Rig ...I have discovered it to be pretty versatile. Just a few observations:

1. It is easy to put on and take off.

2. It is actually a system (not just a holster), as it has two magazine pouches, and an optional 'cuff pouch.

3. On my large frame, I can easily hide a 5" 1911 (although I carry a commander length).

4. When seated in a vehicle your weapon is easily accessed.

5. If needed, you can easily draw your weapon with your weak hand.

6. If a threat seems to be developing, you can put your hand on your weapon taking a (cross armed posture) and never alert anyone.

7. They are very quick to draw from (when properly fitted).

8. You can gain access to your weapon easily, even if there is limited space (as in a crowd).

9. After drawing your weapon, you're automatically in a close quarters retention position...and could start firing right away if necessary. A simple "push" toward your target is all that is needed for a sight picture, (this eliminates the over swing you see so often) when people draw from the "belt line".

10. In a vehicle, if I choose not to have it physically on my person, I sling it over the drivers seat in the same fashion as you would normally wear it...and the weapon hangs quite securely at the left side of the seat (covered with jacket of course).

Drawbacks:

1. Not as comfortable (extended wear) as a belt or IWB rig.

2. If you're bending over, or moving briskly, your weapon may not be in "exactly" the same place when you go to draw.

3. Most will incorporate some type of "strap" to secure the weapon, so you're subject to "strap trapping" yourself (true of any strapped holster).

4. Re-holstering one handed is difficult.

5. Requires a jacket or shirt to be worn over it.

These are just a few of my observations, I'm sure you guys have others, and I would like to hear them (good or bad).

I've just noticed that "gun writers" tend to bash S-Rigs, and rarely give a reason beyond them being uncomfortable (which I don't entirely agree with either).

What do you guys think?

[Kalrog]

I think that almost all types of holsters have a place and will be perfect for someone. I am actually looking for a good shoulder holster for a CZ97 and I really don't know what to look for. I know I could get an inexpensive one, but it probably wouldn't work as well as some of the higher dollar ones. The problem is I don't know what are good features and what are just profit for the manufacturer. I had a learning curve on belt holsters as well, but those are about half the cost of the shoulder rigs that I have seen.

[HighVelocity]

4. When seated in a vehicle your weapon is easily accessed.

THis is the big advantage to a shoulder holster for me. When I'm on a long road trip it makes it so much more comfortable than if I were sitting on the gun (iwb @ 4:00).

[Kalrog]

What? No company or feature suggestions from HV? I was half guessing you might have one for sale...

[HighVelocity]

What? No company or feature suggestions from HV? I was half guessing you might have one for sale...

hehe, nope. I actually just bought a new Miami Classic to replace my old one that wouldn't hold the gun securely anymore because it was all stretched out. I got a black one this time.

[longtooth]

Keep talking guys. I am learning too. My only thought before I have a basket full of facts & oppinions is that a vest probably would not cover proper & a coat is way too hot for me. (and out of character) I struggle w/ the vest some when it is hot. Shoulder rig under a polo shirt seems hard to access & a print problem if you are not as big as flintknapper. What kind of shirt do you use as cover, flintknapper?

[eagleeye]

I just got a Kangaroo holster for many of the reasons mentioned. I drive many hours a day. Today is the first day wearing it. Comfort is not bad at all, w/G-33. Wearing a t-shirt tucked. I don't think anyony one know it was there unless I got a real good hug. My only concern is quick access, but it's better than no access.

mw

[Scott Murray]

When I was in the Air Force, years ago, my personal weapon was a snub nose .38, carried in a leather shoulder harness. We didn't practice drawing from the holster, and didn't actually carry that often. But when we did, it felt natural. I liked it.

When I first got my CHL, I got an Uncle Mike's synthetic shoulder holster, to carry a 4" .38. It was fairly comfortable to wear, but I had several problems with it, in addition to the ones that have already been mentioned:

- The thumb would tend to snag in my breast pocket when drawing (this hadn't been a problem with a flight suit).

- The velcro retention strap was awkard to disengage.

- The holster covered too much of the pistol. It was hard to get a good grip before drawing.

The last two problems were probably due to the design of that particular holster, rather than shoulder holsters in general.

I understand it's very easy to sweep your arm or other people when drawing. I've heard of those kind of accidents. Because of this IDPA, and other action shooting sports, classes, and ranges won't let you use a shoulder harness. So it might be harder (and less safe) to get good practice with the rig.

I agree that the shoulder harness is an excellent choice when you're sitting in a vehicle, and wearing a cover garment anyway.


Scott

[flintknapper]

What? No company or feature suggestions from HV? I was half guessing you might have one for sale...

hehe, nope. I actually just bought a new Miami Classic to replace my old one that wouldn't hold the gun securely anymore because it was all stretched out. I got a black one this time.

I'll go with black when I wear out my current one too. It is not as noticeable if the wind should blow open a vest/shirt/jacket as the lighter brown color. This is not usually a problem...as the shoulder rig conceals more deeply than a belt rig (except an IWB), but every little bit helps.

Longtooth,

In the summer months I don't wear a vest because it screams (I'm carrying). You can wear a vest with a shoulder rig IF: The arm holes are not too "generously" cut, AND you adjust the holster so that it rides about elbow height. I like have mine about 4" above the elbow for comforts sake, and it also conceals better.

There are a number of "square tailed" shirts (Mexican wedding shirts, Guayberas) that can be worn over a nice T-Shirt or Polo-Shirt that fits the bill nicely for casual wear. Get a short sleeve version and wear it open over your other attire. They make them for women too, if the ladies are interested.

For cooler weather a short jacket is all that is needed, it can be cut waist length if you prefer...because your weapon is concealed much higher.

It has been mentioned that when drawing from a shoulder holster (horizontal), that it is possible to sweep your arm. This is absolutely true, but is easily remedied by raising the weak side arm as you draw. Personally, I don't bother with it. None of my weapons will discharge unless I disengage the safeties AND pull the trigger. Go to any IDPA meet and watch how many guys "Sweep/Cover" their thigh/leg/foot every time they draw. If you don't shoot weaver or modified isocolese...where the strong side leg goes to the rear upon the draw, then watch who's "really" covering themselves. Anyway, thats another discussion, and I certainly don't advocate you ever point the muzzle at yourself, but people do.

I don't think that shoulder holsters are "perfect" by any means, and they may not be suitable for some people. But, I don't think they deserve the bad "rap" some of the "experts" give them either.

Just my .02

[longtooth]

flintknapper, mine & your summer wear sound a lot alike. I wear square tail & polo too. My Mother sews real well & she will take a talored shirt & cut it square at the hip high point & hem it up. They work real good too. My vests get retired for the summer when I go to a short sleve shirt. In the summer if you are wearing long sleeves & jeans, both starched & ironed then a leather vest is just dressy. Never thought of weapon that low in a shoulder rig??? Does it flop around some or stay put OK? I totally agree w/ the sweep issue in other than shoulder rigs. Call it what you want but if you neglegently discharge from an IWB (my carry rig) before clearing holster on draw or especially at holster entry at reholster it will not be your thigh or calf that is hit. Some may laugh & call it a butt shot, but the truth is you will probably get more than that. Carry at 3:00 & it is liable to be hip & pelvis. 4:00 or further & may get tail bone & upper rectal area. Bottom line is practice until proficient & hope in the end it winds up being not needed.

[flintknapper]

. Never thought of weapon that low in a shoulder rig??? Does it flop around some or stay put OK? .

No flopping. They make belt loop tie downs but I find that they're not needed if you don't plan on running any 100 yd. dashes.
It stays put pretty well, and I have no problems drawing from it. In fact, a common question at one of our shoots is: "How did you get that gun out so fast"?

Well, I don't have as far to draw, and its a very natural motion to begin with. Hit the thumb snap, pull it across your chest, meet your support hand in the middle of chest and "push" to the target. Without a jacket, I get "draw to first shot" times right around .90 sec. From concealment, times increase to about 1.20, this assumes I do everything smoothly and don't strap trap myself.

Glad to hear you call an "ND" just what it is, (Negligent). Some people are still stuck on "accidental".

And as you say, let everyone use what is appropriate for them, practice as much as possible, and pray you never need it.


Flint.

[carlson1]

I have always wanted to wear shoulder holsters. Up until about 2001 I tried every one out there. They seemed to hurt my neck. A Doctor later found that I had a defect in my spine right at the neck. Just my opinion if you could wear one I think they would be great.

[rgoldy]

I was in the same boat with Scott Murray for some years. We had S&W with 4inch barrel to wear. Most of them were so clapped out that you might as well throw them at your attacker, but most of us intended to do more running than shooting anyway. (Security Service) I traded mine for a semi good shape .45 as soon as I could. The issue shoulder holsters were pretty uncomfortable. I think the design went back to WWII armored crews. Later we went to the survival vest type stuff that was more comfortable to wear, but you had to get it balanced or it kept slipping to one side. I pretty much gave up on shoulder holsters after that.

[flintknapper]

but you had to get it balanced or it kept slipping to one side. I pretty much gave up on shoulder holsters after that.

I can see how that could happen. Mine does not slip any, but it is properly fitted and I carry an extra mag, flashlight, and a pair of cuffs on the opposite side. It balances out real well.

They will never be as comfortable (standing) as other methods of carry are. If I didn't have a bad rotator cuff I would probably carry IWB.

I'm sure there are some poorly designed shoulder holsters out there too, and this may be where they get their bad reputation from. I have come to like my Galco though.

[P12]

Over the past few months I have started using a Galco Jackass rig.

Now that I've tinkered with it enough for it to be properly fitted it's very comfortable. I carry a comander sized 1911 9mm. If they are not balanced and properly adjusted they can be quite un-comfortable.

I have used a few nylon rigs that gave me headaches due to the pressure on the muscles at the top of my shoulders.

Paying the extra cost for a quality rig is in-despensible.