.38 Special
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I've been thinking about shoulder holsters for EDC with a subcompact auto. I have essentially no experience with them and would like to hear from people who do, both good and bad.
Opinions wanted: shoulder holsters
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Good if one is seated at a desk, motorcycle, or automobile for extended periods.
The draw is somewhat slow and demands a degree of athleticism and flexibility.
Use care with retention. You don’t wish to see firearm skittering across the asphalt!
The draw is somewhat slow and demands a degree of athleticism and flexibility.
Use care with retention. You don’t wish to see firearm skittering across the asphalt!
Armored farmer
Member
Excellent concealment.
Pretty good in winter when you're wearing a heavy coat that makes iwb or owb inconvenient.
It is pretty lopsided with my 1911 as far as weight distribution.
I don't like horizontal carry....I can't bear the thought of my gun leveled at a loved one sitting behind me......I just won't do it.
If I were toting a subcompact...I would opt for pocket carry before I tried a shoulder rig.
Just a few free thoughts.
Pretty good in winter when you're wearing a heavy coat that makes iwb or owb inconvenient.
It is pretty lopsided with my 1911 as far as weight distribution.
I don't like horizontal carry....I can't bear the thought of my gun leveled at a loved one sitting behind me......I just won't do it.
If I were toting a subcompact...I would opt for pocket carry before I tried a shoulder rig.
Just a few free thoughts.
Wonderful way of carrying, especially with a fedora. LOL
I don’t know where the athleticism comes into play, but as someone with one complete reverse joint shoulder replacement I find it a very comfortable way to carry even with 85% of my range of motion. I carry a j frame or g42 in an Andrews Solo rig or Kirkpatrick Detective shoulder holster. I have thumb breaks or tension on my holsters never had one, or heard of one, dropping out pistols like some claim. Guess they used the old cheap nylon ones from Wally World, so I guess it could happen.
I will saying this, because someone read it on the internet by their favorite tattooed flannel wearing ex SOCOM trainer, it’s a safe way to carry. No, you are not putting everyone around you in danger. Yes, you will be “muzzling” people around you when you draw but I’m sure that if you have to draw there\ is a bad guy REALLY putting someone in danger around you! Never heard of “J Frame ArmPit,” accidents like I have heard of Glock Leg, from old LEOs that carried that way. LOL As for muzzling everyone while wearing it, never heard of one going off and shooting someone behind you like the internet stories parrot. I guess my quality holsters don’t give me any worry. Some folks need things to worry about, so to each there own.
I don’t know where the athleticism comes into play, but as someone with one complete reverse joint shoulder replacement I find it a very comfortable way to carry even with 85% of my range of motion. I carry a j frame or g42 in an Andrews Solo rig or Kirkpatrick Detective shoulder holster. I have thumb breaks or tension on my holsters never had one, or heard of one, dropping out pistols like some claim. Guess they used the old cheap nylon ones from Wally World, so I guess it could happen.
I will saying this, because someone read it on the internet by their favorite tattooed flannel wearing ex SOCOM trainer, it’s a safe way to carry. No, you are not putting everyone around you in danger. Yes, you will be “muzzling” people around you when you draw but I’m sure that if you have to draw there\ is a bad guy REALLY putting someone in danger around you! Never heard of “J Frame ArmPit,” accidents like I have heard of Glock Leg, from old LEOs that carried that way. LOL As for muzzling everyone while wearing it, never heard of one going off and shooting someone behind you like the internet stories parrot. I guess my quality holsters don’t give me any worry. Some folks need things to worry about, so to each there own.
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Ohen Cepel
Member
It has its place. With a quality holster and some weight on the off side, it can be comfortable.
They are not inexpensive as there is a bit of leather/material going on with it all. Takes some time to get them adjusted just right, but then, they are usually set and good to go.
I think with a light weight compact they would be more forgiving than with something heavy in it like a full size Beretta and 40rds on the off side.
They are not inexpensive as there is a bit of leather/material going on with it all. Takes some time to get them adjusted just right, but then, they are usually set and good to go.
I think with a light weight compact they would be more forgiving than with something heavy in it like a full size Beretta and 40rds on the off side.
buck460XVR
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I find it's the best way for me to carry a full size 1911 all day....comfortably. Mine has excellent retention, wide shoulder straps and also carries two spare mags. I also have one for my J-Frame.
Hugger-4641
Member
I find it's actually more comfortable to draw from shoulder rig, especially if you are sitting. If it's a small auto, a belly holster is also a good option for me. With it carried high and rotated so the pistol is under my arm, the draw position is almost identical to a shoulder rig. Either way, my pistol is almost vertical, so I'm not flagging anyone behind me unless I bend over.
Ever go upstairs while wearing a pistol holstered on your belt when your loved ones are downstairs?
entropy
Member
I have two; one my son gave me that is old and took many applications of mink oil to get it supple again. My 1911 fits in it nicely, but I really haven't used it, except to set it up and test it.
The other is adjustable horizontal one I bought at a gun show many years ago. I set it so the angle is closer to a Berns-Martin instead of horizontal. I only wear this one while riding motorcycles, which might be once or twice a year.
Back in the day I had a Cattle Baron vertical holster for the 6" Trooper, I was able to carry it under a field jacket easily.
The other is adjustable horizontal one I bought at a gun show many years ago. I set it so the angle is closer to a Berns-Martin instead of horizontal. I only wear this one while riding motorcycles, which might be once or twice a year.
Back in the day I had a Cattle Baron vertical holster for the 6" Trooper, I was able to carry it under a field jacket easily.
trackskippy
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Ive always found a shoulder holster to be the hardest to conceal and easiest to spot on others.
Unless you wear a very heavy cover garment (and even if you do), the straps usually show through at the back, especially if you lean forward or pull your hands and arms forward and stretch the material tight across your back.
You need to watch that the straps dont show at the collar, and you generally need to wear something that is closed at the front and depending on the type, you need to watch for "swing out" if you dont secure the holster and keep the cover garment closed.
Biggest downside is, if you arent careful with your choices, and dont dress in layers, you cant take your cover garment off, and that may become a problem.
I always found them to be uncomfortable, especially if youre the least bit physically active. The gun and reloads constantly beat you up as you move. They start to wear on you in pretty short order, especially with heavier guns. I always felt "tired" at the end of the day when using one.
If you want a rear treat, try and run with one on.
You also need to understand the draw, and what to do with your off arm as you do, otherwise youre pointing the gun at yourself as you draw.
I never bought into them being a danger to others any more than any other method, but some people do get a little crazy about things. If you dont figure out the draw, and have that down, they will likely be more of a danger to you than anyone else.
Unless you wear a very heavy cover garment (and even if you do), the straps usually show through at the back, especially if you lean forward or pull your hands and arms forward and stretch the material tight across your back.
You need to watch that the straps dont show at the collar, and you generally need to wear something that is closed at the front and depending on the type, you need to watch for "swing out" if you dont secure the holster and keep the cover garment closed.
Biggest downside is, if you arent careful with your choices, and dont dress in layers, you cant take your cover garment off, and that may become a problem.
I always found them to be uncomfortable, especially if youre the least bit physically active. The gun and reloads constantly beat you up as you move. They start to wear on you in pretty short order, especially with heavier guns. I always felt "tired" at the end of the day when using one.
If you want a rear treat, try and run with one on.
You also need to understand the draw, and what to do with your off arm as you do, otherwise youre pointing the gun at yourself as you draw.
I never bought into them being a danger to others any more than any other method, but some people do get a little crazy about things. If you dont figure out the draw, and have that down, they will likely be more of a danger to you than anyone else.
FL-NC
Member
Not a fan of them 99% of the time. No one sits in a car more than cops, and they carry their guns on their belts on the strong side. I don't even think detectives or undercover types carry them any more. Any presentation that requires you to reach across your body isn't going to be efficient in speed. The only one I own/use is an old leather mil tanker holster that I sometimes carry when I'm hunting with a 1911. The main reason I use it is my tree stand harness holds it all in snug, and I don't have to worry about the pistol/holster making noise hitting the metal seat part of the ladder stand when I move around. I'm not very concerned with needing to rapidly draw a handgun for defensive use in the woods in a tree stand.
entropy
Member
Ive always found a shoulder holster to be the hardest to conceal and easiest to spot on others.
Unless you wear a very heavy cover garment (and even if you do), the straps usually show through at the back, especially if you lean forward or pull your hands and arms forward and stretch the material tight across your back.
You need to watch that the straps dont show at the collar, and you generally need to wear something that is closed at the front and depending on the type, you need to watch for "swing out" if you dont secure the holster and keep the cover garment closed.
Biggest downside is, if you arent careful with your choices, and dont dress in layers, you cant take your cover garment off, and that may become a problem.
I always found them to be uncomfortable, especially if youre the least bit physically active. The gun and reloads constantly beat you up as you move. They start to wear on you in pretty short order, especially with heavier guns. I always felt "tired" at the end of the day when using one.
If you want a rear treat, try and run with one on.
You also need to understand the draw, and what to do with your off arm as you do, otherwise youre pointing the gun at yourself as you draw.
I never bought into them being a danger to others any more than any other method, but some people do get a little crazy about things. If you dont figure out the draw, and have that down, they will likely be more of a danger to you than anyone else.
Ironically, the only time I ever had to draw was with that Trooper from that shoulder holster. A knife-wielding drunk threatened a friend I was with at a party because of his ethnicity. * My draw was quick, and, since the knife wielder dropped it during the draw, I pointed it up at the ceiling, at the ready.
I then announced we were leaving, and that it was in everyone's best interest to not call the cops. (There were a lot of underage people there, it was a Kegger.)
* The knife wielder's dad had died in Vietnam, and my friend was Taiwanese. I saw the knife wielder around town a couple of weeks later, and he asked if I'd have shot him. I told him if he'd have come at Donny with that butcher knife, I certainly would have. I then told him that Donny was Taiwanese, and they were our allies, and sent troops to Vietnam. (Donny was too young to have served in Vietnam, but that seemed to have went over this kid's head also.)
crestoncowboy
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Even getting in and out of a car with a normal iwb sweeps the passenger. Or at least the acrobatic way i have to fall in and fall out of my Mustangs and Trans ams lol.
I carried in a shoulder holster for years. It's hard on the neck and the one time I laid down a motorcycle the Beretta broke several of my ribs. The concealment is ok. Draw is a bit slower. Not a terrible option though.
Charlie98
Member
I've got a shoulder holster for my Kahrs, I usually wear it when I'm traveling because I have easier access to it when seated. I've also carried my 1911 in a shoulder holster... the weight of it after 20 hours in the seat gets a little old, even offset with 2 loaded magazines on the off-side. I never wear my shoulder holster otherwise... nothing beats a good belt holster.
Both of these holsters are Alessi's... the 1911 holster is probably 35 years old, the Kahr holster about 3 years.
Both of these holsters are Alessi's... the 1911 holster is probably 35 years old, the Kahr holster about 3 years.
Speedo66
Member
If you're up close and personal with someone, it's not too hard to stop their draw from a shoulder holster. Your arm does not have a lot of strength in that position.
Blading towards someone, with your waist holstered gun away from the threat, the draw is a lot harder to stop.
Blading towards someone, with your waist holstered gun away from the threat, the draw is a lot harder to stop.
Charlie98
Member
Theoretically, blading towards someone and drawing from a shoulder holster would be even faster, assuming you are using your offhand to block the adversary.
Having said that, I find no valid reason to pick a shoulder holster over a good belt holster... as FL-NC says... 99% of the time, and I (obviously) have them and use them. Much like the Walther PPK/s, shoulder holsters enjoy a certain amount of savoir-faire because of the likes of Dirty Harry, Miami Vice, and even something like Die Hard. FWIW, I actually had an Original Dirty Harry shoulder holster (the gen-u-wine one from Cathey Industries) to carry my 6.5" 657 in... and there probably isn't a better way to carry a big revolver than a shoulder holster, but that's not what the OP is asking.
OP
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.38 Special
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Which model are you using?
westernrover
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I tried the Glaco VHS 3.0 in the past and wasn't able to simply make it work with a carry optic. Otherwise, I might have adopted it. They have the VHS 4.0 now, but as far as I know, still no VHS holsters for revolvers with optics.
Yes, it's not lost on me that I'm part of the generation that had VHS.
The biggest drawback of the shoulder holster is that it is very rarely allowed on any kind of firing line. They're prohibited at many ranges, in most classes, prohibited in IDPA and so on. That doesn't rule it out. It's just a practical thing that has to be worked-around. Those prohibitions are not because anyone is trying to discourage their use or because they're "frowned upon" in the culture. It's just a practical issue where you can't draw from one without sweeping the person standing next to you on the line. If you don't have a private range or gravel pit to yourself, you'll have to practice drawing separate from shooting.
Yes, it's not lost on me that I'm part of the generation that had VHS.
The biggest drawback of the shoulder holster is that it is very rarely allowed on any kind of firing line. They're prohibited at many ranges, in most classes, prohibited in IDPA and so on. That doesn't rule it out. It's just a practical thing that has to be worked-around. Those prohibitions are not because anyone is trying to discourage their use or because they're "frowned upon" in the culture. It's just a practical issue where you can't draw from one without sweeping the person standing next to you on the line. If you don't have a private range or gravel pit to yourself, you'll have to practice drawing separate from shooting.
Not a fan of them. I was in a class once where a guy was carrying horizontally in a shoulder holster. Pretty much everyone was uncomfortable with it but it's holstered so not like anyone can do anything about it except try not to look the muzzle in the eye.
trackskippy
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Maybe the recent problems the SIG P320's seem to be having of late, puts that thought at a different level, if that's the muzzle youre looking at.
chicharrones
needs more ammo
I have a shoulder holster for use with short jackets. My jackets don't ride low enough to keep a belt gun covered when I reach up for things. I don't really wear long jackets or coats.
Yep, the muzzle points behind me when the gun is holstered.
And when I'm sitting, a pocket gun in a front pocket holster has the muzzle pointing forward. While eating dinner with the family, friends, co-workers, . . . whoever is sitting in front of me has my pocket gun pointed at them. That's the point of having a holster that covers the trigger.
Yep, the muzzle points behind me when the gun is holstered.
And when I'm sitting, a pocket gun in a front pocket holster has the muzzle pointing forward. While eating dinner with the family, friends, co-workers, . . . whoever is sitting in front of me has my pocket gun pointed at them. That's the point of having a holster that covers the trigger.
OP
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.38 Special
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Many years ago I was in line behind a cop with a shoulder holster. The muzzle of a cocked and locked .45 is surprisingly large when it's pointed at you.
FWIW, I have 3 and I've never wore any of them more than a handful of times.
I'd love it if I could wear them but I guess my arms are too short. With my bad back
and hips, sometimes I just can't carry on my hip and have to go to pocket carry
which means I can't carry my beloved P220 Combat or my 3 inch S&W model
66.
Dano
I'd love it if I could wear them but I guess my arms are too short. With my bad back
and hips, sometimes I just can't carry on my hip and have to go to pocket carry
which means I can't carry my beloved P220 Combat or my 3 inch S&W model
66.
Dano
dfariswheel
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I've used and designed and built shoulder holsters for many years.
The key is buying a good design, adjusting it correctly, and just getting used to it.
A lot of things are not particular comfortable until you break it, and yourself in. Once you get used to it it's about as comfortable as a belt holster for a heavy pistol.
In any case, Jeff Cooper said that a defense gun doesn't need to be comfortable, it needs to be comforting.
Ideally the holster needs to ride a little farther forward then most people wear them. Most people don't really adjust them correctly and the gun is too far back and the harness is up in the middle of your neck.
By adjusting the straps you can position the gun on the side of your chest muscle, not under the arm pit.
By loosening the top straps and tightening the bottom straps you can position the joint of the harness down between your shoulder blades.
This not only conceals better, it's much more comfortable.
My favorite design is a modified version of the old Stein Leather Company "Snatch" holster.
The retention straps are not a thumb break, they're a pull-through using a heavy duty Dot snap. Just grab the gun and pull it out, or "snatch it" out.
Due to the pull-through straps and the fit around the bottom of the trigger guard it doesn't fall out easily.
This is one for my S&W Model 66's.........
The key is buying a good design, adjusting it correctly, and just getting used to it.
A lot of things are not particular comfortable until you break it, and yourself in. Once you get used to it it's about as comfortable as a belt holster for a heavy pistol.
In any case, Jeff Cooper said that a defense gun doesn't need to be comfortable, it needs to be comforting.
Ideally the holster needs to ride a little farther forward then most people wear them. Most people don't really adjust them correctly and the gun is too far back and the harness is up in the middle of your neck.
By adjusting the straps you can position the gun on the side of your chest muscle, not under the arm pit.
By loosening the top straps and tightening the bottom straps you can position the joint of the harness down between your shoulder blades.
This not only conceals better, it's much more comfortable.
My favorite design is a modified version of the old Stein Leather Company "Snatch" holster.
The retention straps are not a thumb break, they're a pull-through using a heavy duty Dot snap. Just grab the gun and pull it out, or "snatch it" out.
Due to the pull-through straps and the fit around the bottom of the trigger guard it doesn't fall out easily.
This is one for my S&W Model 66's.........
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