Shoulder holsters, what say you?

[Kalrog]

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

Agreed. But paying the extra cost for a bad one just doesn't make any sense. I have (and will continue to) pay for quality, but I still like getting suggestions from those more experienced than myself. Why make my own mistakes when I can learn from the mistakes of others?


And a couple more questions... I do routinely have to do some fairly active things - playing rough with the kids comes to mind. I am assuming that the tie downs would be a good idea in that case? And does anyone know who makes a shoulder holster for a CA97? I am pretty sure that High Noon does, but other options are appreciated.

[flintknapper]

And a couple more questions... I do routinely have to do some fairly active things - playing rough with the kids comes to mind. I am assuming that the tie downs would be a good idea in that case?

I have never used the tie downs on mine. I am fairly thick through the shoulders and chest so the straps make good contact and support the rig fairly well. Bending over is the only thing that allows the pistol to drop away from the body, and even then... not much.

I can see how it could present a problem though if: You are slight of build, and wore the rig with the straps adjusted too long. In such a case....tie downs would definitely help.

What I have found over the years is this: You want to have the straps adjusted so that you just have enough room to easily get your arms through the straps. The method I use is to "swing" the rig from in front of me, around my right side while letting my arms enter the straps, much the same way you would slip into a jacket. It stays put better than most people would imagine, even when running.

Having said that, I believe shoulder rigs are best utilized by those who need to be seated a good portion of their day, or need easy access to their weapon with either hand.

I'm sure there are some out there that are of poor quality and design...that would make "carrying" pure misery. I like my Miami Classic, but it might not be the best one for everybody.

[txinvestigator]

Without getting too much into the tactical considerations of shoulder holster carry, I will say that a quality holster is important. Proper fit and adjustment are critical.

I only use one when involved in a Personal Protection assignment and I am driving. I still wear a second gun at my primary carry position for use when outside of the vehicle.

I train MUCH more heavily from my primary carry position, so I know that is where I will reach in a fast developing violent situation.

[flintknapper]

I train MUCH more heavily from my primary carry position, so I know that is where I will reach in a fast developing violent situation.

This is a fine point you make, and a good reason for everyone to decide where they are going to carry, and then stick to it. The same holds true for the "type" pistol you carry.

I know a few people who belong to the "gun of the month" club.

Because they own several different types of pistols...they feel compelled to carry them at one time or another. While this may not seem like a problem, consider this: If you primarily carry and shoot a 1911...and have developed "muscle memory" to the degree that you disengage the thumb safety (down) without thought, and then switch to another pistol that requires you to thumb the safety (up), it could well cost you your life. The few seconds it takes you to realize your mistake...might put you behind the eight ball.

The same holds true for carrying in different spots. I shot IDPA regularly for a couple of years, and used a strong side belt rig. After my shoulder got so bad I had to quit....I went back to my shoulder rig....and now shoot at my own place. Well, the first few times out, as soon as I heard the "beep" from the timer...I instinctively reached for my strong side. Nothing there!

Something to consider.

Thank you for bringing this up.