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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

What part of the state are you in? If around Houston you could test drive mine - an Andrews Monarch.

I am in the DFW area. I wished I was closer because that is a good ideal.

I can't personally vouch for these but I too have had trouble with neck and shoulder issues and the few shoulder holsters I've tried,(I'll admit I didn't invest a huge amount of money) have never been comfortable enough to wear for extended periods of time. But I was considering one of these for times when I would be driving for extended periods of time etc.I like the idea of the center of back belt attachment, to help take the weight away from the neck area.
Maybe someone on here has tried this and may have a better evaluation.

Anyway here is the link.


http://www.perrysuspenders.com/pe18shha.html

Since you are not an open carry guy, have you considered something like this?

http://www.kangaroocarry.com/products/air-marshal3

mojo84 wrote:Since you are not an open carry guy, have you considered something like this?

http://www.kangaroocarry.com/products/air-marshal3

I have not, but I will look in to it. The only problem I might have is I am so little in the "middle."

carlson1 wrote:

mojo84 wrote:Since you are not an open carry guy, have you considered something like this?

http://www.kangaroocarry.com/products/air-marshal3

I have not, but I will look in to it. The only problem I might have is I am so little in the "middle."

I haven't tried one but noticed they have sizes for us full grown men. Best wishes for your search.

I don't own a shoulder holster, but I have had an annoying time trying to find other holsters because you tend to be pretty limited shopping in local stores. Buy one of the internet and you don't get to try it on first. My only idea is that you might try gun shows. There tends to be a lot more variety, and everything is there where you can try it on. Hope this helps.

carlson1 wrote:I am in the DFW area. I wished I was closer because that is a good ideal.

What part of DFW? I'm in Westlake/Southlake area during the day and south Arlington in the evenings. I have a Galco Jackass for Glocks that you can try. I won't be able to have it available until Friday though. It's my go-to holster when I'm on road trips and it only starts to be noticeable after wearing it all day. I offset a G19 or G32 with 2 mags and it's pretty balanced.

mojo84 wrote:

carlson1 wrote:

mojo84 wrote:Since you are not an open carry guy, have you considered something like this?

http://www.kangaroocarry.com/products/air-marshal3

I have not, but I will look in to it. The only problem I might have is I am so little in the "middle."

I haven't tried one but innoticed they have sizes for us full grown men. Best wishes for your search.

You are right! I measured myself (I have lost 61lbs since Sept 1, 2015) and I don't have to buy the biggest one anymore.

It seems they are pretty easy to return so I may give this a try and their price is inexpensive. My only fear will it be like a Uncle Mike's when it arrives. I will give an update when it shows up.

MustangGlocker wrote:

carlson1 wrote:I am in the DFW area. I wished I was closer because that is a good ideal.

What part of DFW? I'm in Westlake/Southlake area during the day and south Arlington in the evenings. I have a Galco Jackass for Glocks that you can try. I won't be able to have it available until Friday though. It's my go-to holster when I'm on road trips and it only starts to be noticeable after wearing it all day. I offset a G19 or G32 with 2 mags and it's pretty balanced.

Sent you a PM.

I carried a 2-1/2" S&W 66 for 4 yrs 4-5 days a week in an original Jackass sometimes I forgot I had it on, you do need a counter on the off side to balance it, I wish I had never sold it. if I had one for a Glock 32 I sure would use it ..

I have a Bianchi for a 5" 1911 I would sure trade for ???

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.

Thanks flintknapper for the post. I would think after 20 years of carrying in a shoulder holster I would consider you an expert. Your post is very informative and answered a lot of my questions.

I sure wished you were in DFW and there was a place to go "shopping" for quality rigs. Do you mind me asking which rig you have? I have given a lot of thought about the width of the straps thinking that would make a lot of difference in the weight.

I found one place that makes quality and custom/personalized shoulder holsters. They even request your height, weight, and the measurement from shoulder to waist. They are located in Florida. By the time I went through "just playing" with their choices and mind you no exotic leather and just choosing the basic default the total was $545.32.
I love my marriage to much for that. I abhor "cheap" quality holsters. I believe you get what you pay for, but I would have to take out a mortgage.

Any suggestions on holster makers is appreciated. Thank you again for the post.

Thank everyone for your suggestions so far.

Carl

Carl,

I carry in a Galco Miami Classic (horizontal). You can buy them immediately right off the shelf. It works well enough for me, but there are a lot of good rigs out there to choose from. A very popular (and excellent product) is the Andrews Monarch. If I ever manage to wear out my Galco...I will likely get a Monarch. But shop around and compare.