Decent shoulder holster?

[crazyjennyblack]

I'd like to carry in a shoulder holster. I've bought a couple and been disappointed. I'm fairly slender, so a lot of guns stick out like a sore thumb. I'm looking to carry a 1911, Tokarev, or 4" K frame Smith and Wesson. I'd like a quality holster where the straps don't show in front (ie. no WW2 military airman style) and I'd like not to spend a fortune (keep it under $75).

Most recently, I bought a no-name holster for the Smith. The thing had so much bulky padding it must have added 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch to the width of the gun. Totally unacceptable and unusable. I like nylon holsters because of the flexibility, but I wonder if leather would do a better job.

I also bought a holster a couple of years ago for a Tokarev. Same thing - way too much padding. I ended up disassembling it and using it for a beside-the-bed holster. It was too thick for any real work.

I know this stuff is possible, but so many holsters are built for men who are 6 feet tall or taller, with broad shoulders. Does anyone make holsters for shorter skinnier people?

 

[JTQ]

Shoulder holsters are pretty expensive simply by design. They are usually the equivalent of a belt, holster, and mag pouch. Nylon is also not usually a good choice for holster material.

High Noon has an economy version of their shoulder holster http://www.highnoonholsters.com/store/shoulder-rigs/under-armor-2/

As a point of reference, here are some of the more popular shoulder holsters

Alessi Bodyguard http://www.alessigunholsters.com/alessi-holsters-bodyguard-holster-colt-guns/

Mitch Rosen Stylemaster http://www.mitchrosen.com/products/holsters/shoulder-holsters/

Kramer http://www.kramerleather.com/productDetail.cfm?productID=24&categoryID=27

Andrews Monarch Rig http://www.andrewsleather.com/monarch.htm

 

[crazyjennyblack]

JTQ, those are some good looking holsters. Perhaps I should mention that I'm specifically looking for a holster that holds the gun in a "muzzle down" position. So many holsters, including all the links you gave, have the gun in a "muzzle to the rear" position. They don't seem to hide as well that way.

My trouble with fit has been this - nothing seems to want to tuck in close to my body. Straps don't tighten far enough, materials are to thick, guns hang too low under the armpit instead of tucking higher up, and 90% of holsters seem to have the muzzle pointing back instead of down. Why is this?

 

[Upstater]

I would suggest Galco Miami classic. It was designed around the 1911 and holster only components can be purchased separately for other handguns.

 

[ROAshooter]

Make your own....I adapted one of my favorite belt holsters into a shoulder rig...it has many options...from cross chest...to tight up under the arm..with strap crossing back of shoulder and cliping to belt on opposite side....or as I use it....across back and then across as a belt


tried up loading pics...from previous post about this...but failed....look for "recycled" post

 

[JTQ]

Andrews also has their vertical "Springbreak" http://www.andrewsleather.com/springbreak.htm

 

[Captain O]

Ted Blocker Holsters
9438 SW Tigard St.
Tigard, OR 97223
(603) 670-7972

Makers of the original "Lifeline" holster (The original shoulder holster of "Miami Vice" fame before Galco stuck their nose into it).

www.tedblockerholsters.com

I have known his work for many years. He's been in the custom holstermaking business since 1972.

You won't be disappointed.

 

[chicharrones]

Most recently, I bought a no-name holster for the Smith. The thing had so much bulky padding it must have added 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch to the width of the gun. Totally unacceptable and unusable. I like nylon holsters because of the flexibility, but I wonder if leather would do a better job.

I believe you're going to have to go to leather due to the thickness issue.

My trouble with fit has been this - nothing seems to want to tuck in close to my body. Straps don't tighten far enough, materials are to thick, guns hang too low under the armpit instead of tucking higher up, and 90% of holsters seem to have the muzzle pointing back instead of down. Why is this?

My belief is the muzzle is pointing back so that the grip is pointing forward, for draw reasons. Also, with a rearward facing muzzle you can usually get a gun all the way up in your armpit and have plenty of room above the belt line.

However, like you mention a horizontal gun is harder to cover in some clothing. Especially suit jackets. You'll probably have to move a size up in a suit jacket, where a looser fitting cool weather jacket fits right over.

I have a DeSantis New York Undercover that fits my Glock and CZ75 compact sized pistols. Yep, it is horizontal. The leather is decent and thin enough and you can crank the gun up into your armpit if you wish. Optics planet has many models of the entire shoulder holster rig for $100 to $150.

 

[WyoShooter1]

I've got a couple of Bianchi X15 shoulder holsters that I like. They make five different sizes in that model and it takes a bit of searching to figure out which would fit your gun best.

It's a vertical, muzzle down type carry and is a breakfront style holster so you can pull the gun out straight forward instead of having to lift it up to get out of the holster. A little more expensive than your budget but worth it I think.

http://www.opticsplanet.com/bianchi-x15-shoulder-holster-plain-tan-left-hand-12363.html

Ed

 

[JTQ]

How about John Bianchi's new company Frontier Leather's version now called the X-10 http://www.frontiergunleather.com/i...-Shoulder-Holster/p/18663308/category=6293043

 

[GRIZ22]

JTQ, John Bianchi died about 15 years ago. The Frontier Leather holster link you posted is similar to the X15 which I've used for over 40 years. The X15 is still available at about half the price of the Frontier Leather rig. Google X15 and you can find them for $110 or so.

 

[JTQ]

Thanks, I didn't know he had passed away, and so long ago.

I only noticed Frontier Leather just a few years ago. Looks like Bianchi may have started it, but possibly the company didn't actively market until after his death?

About John Bianchi and Frontier Gun Leather http://www.frontiergunleather.com/index.php/about-john-bianchi-and-frontier-gun-leather

 

[slapdead]

Look at the Galco Miami Classic. I've used them since the early '90's and the fit, comfort, concealability, and ease of draw is top line.

 

[horsemen61]

Ttrl

 

[X-Rap]

For your price range I think your out of luck but the X15 and Miami Special or one of the many copies are probably your best bet.
Given your size and the guns you wish to carry the vertical is probably the better choice of the two.

 

[YankeeFlyr]

Galco +1 all the way

Used to CC in one.

 

[TRX]

My shoulder holster page:

http://dave2.freeshell.org/tech1/shoulder/holsters.htm

It will give you examples of the various types of shoulder rig.

 

[stoky]

Great compilation TRX
thanks
Another vote for Galco. I don't have one of their shoulder holsters, but I have some slings and OWB holsters from them and they're excellent.
Bianchi, OTOH, customer service is WORTHLESS.

 

[entropy]

If you are thin, stick with a vertical model, or very short guns. I used to carry a Trooper MkIII on a Catlleman vertical, but I'm not small by any means. I have a horizontal 'universal' holster, but only use it when riding motorcycle. (Which for me is about 3-4 times a year, as I borrow a friend's.)