Shoulder holsters

Kalrog · Post by **Kalrog** » Sat Jul 29, 2006 10:09 pm

Due to one of my other hobbies (running insanely long distances) my insides get a bit jostled and I have decided that wearing on a belt holster isn't the best idea. That means that I am currently limited to my S&W 642 in a pocket or ankle holster. What I would really like to be able to do is switch back to carrying my 1911 (Para Ord C7-45 w/ 3.5" barrell) but I think the only way I will be able to do that is going to be in a shoulder holster. I have already learned the value of a good holster so I wanted to get some advice in this area prior to taking the plunge.

1) Does anyone have any experience with specific models that you have liked or not liked?

2) My LGS stocks the Passport brand and they seem very adjustable, but they are nylon and not form fitted to the individual gun. Thoughts? This means less expense if it is a quality product.

3) Gun only or gun + mag pouch to offset the weight?

flintknapper · Post by **flintknapper** » Sat Jul 29, 2006 11:26 pm

While I am an ardent defender of shoulder rigs (for some people under certain conditions), I can't recommend one for a "runner".

Running short distances with a "good" shoulder holster will not present any real problems. Running long distances...may be another matter.

For most people... "running" is going to involve a lot of upper body movement. I think you will find it difficult to keep a shoulder holster from chaffing you under these conditions, and I doubt even a "good" one would stay in place.

Just my .02

KBCraig · Post by **KBCraig** » Sun Jul 30, 2006 1:09 am

flintknapper wrote:For most people... "running" is going to involve a lot of upper body movement.

Perhaps for "most people", but a serious runner (one who runs "insanely long distances"), learns to conserve and limit upper body movement. Arms make only the smallest needed motion to maintain balance.

I used to be an "insane" runner, running 30-40 miles per week (typically 3+/10/3+/10/3+/5+)... 70 pounds or so ago.

Man. I really need to hit that treadmill in the corner that my wife begged for for Christmas... and hasn't used since January.

Kevin

KBCraig · Post by **KBCraig** » Sun Jul 30, 2006 1:29 am

Oh, but back to shoulder holsters...

I've been pondering the idea of a shoulder holster as a good "middle of the night" rig.

We sleep either nekkid, or next-to. I subscribe to the theory that when responding to night-time alarms, you should grab gun and phone simultaneously, and hit 9-1-1. But if you should have to confront a threat, your options are limited if you have no pockets, nor so much as as a waistband.

And since it's during the hours of darkness, if you've got a phone in one hand, pistol in the other, what do you do with your flashlight?

I've been thinking that a good alternative for nightly pistol access would be a shoulder holster, or possibly a tactical vest with a holster.

Can you imagine being a burglar, confronted by a man wearing nothing but a mesh vest, with pistol and flashlight in hand?

(And cell phone connected to the dispatcher tucked into a breast pocket, of course!)

Man... maybe I shouldn't post so late at night.

Kevin

j1132s · Post by **j1132s** » Sun Jul 30, 2006 2:16 am

Would you consider a fanny pack? Wear it on the back and tight, it shouldn't give much movement at all while you are running. Also, it'll be on the least moved area of your body which means it'll give you the least rotational mass (can't remember my physics too well, but I did run a long time ago).

I can see your sweat a lot w/ a shoulder rig and a shirt covering it when running. I just can't picture myself doing that (actually I can't picture myself running at all in Texas heat :)

Cosmo 9 · Post by **Cosmo 9** » Sun Jul 30, 2006 10:05 am

Kalrog did you want the holster for when you are running or just because you can't wear a belt? I've seen a band for runners that rides at chest level. I don't know about concealment but it may be a option.

Kalrog · Post by **Kalrog** » Sun Jul 30, 2006 2:07 pm

Cosmo 9 wrote:Kalrog did you want the holster for when you are running or just because you can't wear a belt?

I asked this question on another forum and there was the same confusion so I guess I should have worded the question better. I am looking for a shoulder holster for EDC, not one to use while I am running - I have that taken care of already. I want something that I can use for wearing to the office over a t-shirt and under a cover garment.

The fanny pack is OUT. Any extra weight on the waist / belt is a bad idea for me right now. In fact, I think it was wearing a fanny pack (water holder) that accelerated the problems I am having right now.

And when I say insane distances... I don't think twice about going out for a 5 hour run - if the kids are taken care of, I go. Mostly trails now, and I have completed 1 ultra marathon already this year (along with 5 other marathon and shorter races).

longtooth · Post by **longtooth** » Sun Jul 30, 2006 2:10 pm

j1132s wrote: (actually I can't picture myself running at all in Texas heat :)

Or winter cold. Running is too hard work after 50. Or way before too.

Cosmo 9 · Post by **Cosmo 9** » Sun Jul 30, 2006 4:24 pm

I thought that's what you were asking. I to must go beltless (doctors orders) I like the look of the GALCO MIAMI CLASSIC. I don't know how much cover garmet you would need to stay concealed, just my .02 cents.

flintknapper · Post by **flintknapper** » Sun Jul 30, 2006 4:30 pm

Kalrog wrote:
Cosmo 9 wrote:Kalrog did you want the holster for when you are running or just because you can't wear a belt?
I asked this question on another forum and there was the same confusion so I guess I should have worded the question better. I am looking for a shoulder holster for EDC, not one to use while I am running - I have that taken care of already. I want something that I can use for wearing to the office over a t-shirt and under a cover garment.

O.K., something for "everyday carry" is altogether different.

This has been my mode of carry for about 10 years now.

I would highly recommend a holster "boned/formed" specifically for the pistol you want to carry. You don't want any "slop" in a shoulder rig.

Definitely, offset the weight of the pistol with extra ammo on the other side. I carry one spare mag. (13 rds.) and tactical flashlight on the opposite side from my pistol.

There are several manufacturers of good quality shoulder holsters out there. I have enjoyed my Galco Miami Classic, it has held up well, but is by no means the only good one available. I would also suggest horizontal carry.

If you have any concerns about "covering" yourself while drawing, or anything else, just let me know. There exists a plethora of myths about cross-draw holsters (shoulder holsters in-particular). Most are just plain untrue or have very simple solutions IMO.

40FIVER · Post by **40FIVER** » Sun Jul 30, 2006 7:20 pm

I'm also considering other carry options other than the standard IWB between 3 and 5 o'clock. Any good info on shoulder holsters from you guys who have worn them is welcome. I carry a 1911 commander and am rather small in size: 5'8", 140 lbs. It seems a horiz rig would be sticking out the back and a vertical rig would hang below my waist.

I don't want to hijack this thread about shoulder rigs so will maybe start a different one about crossdraw, another method I am seriously considering.

Kalrog · Post by **Kalrog** » Sun Jul 30, 2006 8:38 pm

flintknapper wrote:I would highly recommend a holster "boned/formed" specifically for the pistol you want to carry. You don't want any "slop" in a shoulder rig.

What about something made with an open back for different barrell lengths? Say a 3.5" 1911 all the way through a 5"? I have that in an IWB holster and it is a great idea that I would like to carry through for as many things as I can. That way I can get a new gun and not have to worry about all of the extras that go with it...

flintknapper · Post by **flintknapper** » Sun Jul 30, 2006 9:27 pm

Kalrog wrote:
flintknapper wrote:I would highly recommend a holster "boned/formed" specifically for the pistol you want to carry. You don't want any "slop" in a shoulder rig.
What about something made with an open back for different barrell lengths? Say a 3.5" 1911 all the way through a 5"? I have that in an IWB holster and it is a great idea that I would like to carry through for as many things as I can. That way I can get a new gun and not have to worry about all of the extras that go with it...

I don't know of very many that aren't already that way (open back). Most of the horizontal rigs accommodate several slide/barrel lengths, but are not "generic" in the sense that they are "boned" to fit the profile of the slide and frame. Stay away from the (fits most medium size autos) type holsters. They will allow most autos to be carried, but won't fit any of them well.

The one I have will fit the frame/slide of any 1911 pattern pistol (single or double stack) and you can carry any 1911 from a 3" to 5" barreled gun in it. The important part is that it fits the frame.

http://www.usgalco.com/Marketing/Miami.htm

Some people balk at the cost of a good shoulder rig (about $160.00), failing to realize that they are getting a whole "system".

Basically, you get the holster, two mag. pouches and the strap which takes the place of a belt for some other holsters. So, unless you're comparing it to an IWB, then its actually a pretty good deal IMO.

You can get in and out of a shoulder rig quickly (ask Longtooth).

You'll find some excellent deals on slightly used shoulder rigs on e-bay.

I've seen a few Miami Classics go for $90.00-$120.00

longtooth · Post by **longtooth** » Sun Jul 30, 2006 10:45 pm

Since my name has been called I will jump in. One of the days we shot together I was really looking at his Miami very closely. I will still buy one when I run across a good used deal. I will only need it for some special occasions so I want as good a deal on it as I can find. You can get in it & out very easy after just a little practice. Personal opppinion, I believe shoulder carry is easier to protect from takaway than strong side & easier to draw under attack. Harder to have to dress around. Coat, Jacket, or heavy cover shirt is a must & it can never come off.
My 2cents & some think it worth about half that. But not Flint on this one.

Kalrog · Post by **Kalrog** » Mon Jul 31, 2006 6:33 am

How heavy does the cover garment need to be to conceal it? My thought was that if it would conceal an IWB, then it would be enough to conceal a shoulder holster. Might not be able to draw fast unless it was a button down, but that concealment wouldn't be much of an issue.