Should I get a Shoulder Holster?

[ZombiesAhead]

Do you guys like shoulder holsters? All I have right now for my CZ-75 SP01 is a cheap Fobus paddle holster. This is not working well because the gun is too heavy for a paddle holster it seems. I also want something with better retention as the weight of the CZ seems too much for the strapless retention system of the Fobus. I am thinking about a shoulder holster from El Paso or Galco.

I live in an area where it is quite cold over half the year. Can you conceal a shoulder holster under a zip-up sweatshirt? Would you wear one on a motorcycle?

 

[Isher]

Well, yeah, you can.

Including chest waders,

Let alone moto's.

Depends on what you want to do.

I'm not a big fan of belt guns,

Inside or outside, for CCW

Needless to say.

Just my way........

isher

 

[dmazur]

I have an Uncle Mike's with the adjustable retention strap. I like this because it lets you decide (rather than the manufacturer) how you are going to carry. (In other words, you can adjust the strap to fit behind the hammer for Condition 3 carry, or perhaps across the grip safety for Condition 1 carry.)

I find it very difficult to conceal under anything except a heavy winter coat, like a down jacket. It "prints" under lighter jackets, sweatshirts, etc.

Of course, I'm trying to conceal a 1911 Commander, so this isn't an easy task unless you are a very large person. (There's a reason why James Bond was kitted out with a PPK... )

There are many tactical reasons why shoulder holsters are a bad idea. I think the two main objections are that draw time is longer than other types, and your assailant can easily pin your arm against you in a "hug", preventing you from completing the draw. Some are concerned that you are going to "sweep" your arm with the muzzle as you draw, but if you train properly with disengaging the safety at the correct time this isn't an issue. (For 1911's)

So, I have a shoulder holster but I rarely use it. I find a properly designed OWB holster with a stiff leather belt provides support and concealment. I even got used to carrying 39oz of steel around all day...well, almost.

 

[MICHAEL T]

I never found one comfortable Get a good leather holster and proper belt . A proper rig will allow you carry in comfort and secure. I carry a 1911 most days . On my bike I carry a 380 IWB .

 

[CWL]

The biggest problem with shoulder-holsters is that the gun muzzle has to sweep 90 degrees or more before you can bring a gun on-target.

Most people carry at waistband for a reason, it's more comfortable and easy to access. Sounds to me like you just need a better gun belt and a better holster for OWB/IWB carry.

 

[Funderb]

The biggest problem with shoulder-holsters is that the gun muzzle has to sweep 90 degrees or more before you can bring a gun on-target.

more like 180deg, but you have the right idea.

The best way to go shoulder holster is probably vertical, I don't know how many companies make good Vert shoulder holsters, but you could look around.

 

[CSA 357]

I have never found one that fits me, im kinna big 6 4" 270# and they kill me if wear one for any time, i did have one for a snub k frame thatwasnt bad

 

[Ron James]

In my younger days I tried several quality shoulder holsters. Now I have only one for a scoped .44 for over the chest carry. Shoulder holsters are great for the movies as for as I'm concerned. JMO

 

[Gatofeo]

I have a 30-year-old Safariland shoulder holster that holds a 6-inch revolver vertically. I've worn it quite a bit but never worn it out. It cost me a pretty penny back in 1979 but it's been worth every penny.
I don't believe that Safariland makes it anymore.
For my Browning Hi-Power, I use a recently purchased X-15 shoulder holster made by Bianchi. It carries the Browning horizontally, which I don't like as much.
I don't much care for belt holsters because they require a great deal of effort to get the gun out if you're sitting down, as in your car or in a restaurant.
I know ... I know ... you shouldn't be shooting from your car or in a restaurant, but I work on the premise of Never say Never.
I was in a crowded restaurant in 1980 when a robber walked in, waved a Ruger .44 Magnum around, and loudly told everyone to freeze, that all he wanted was the money.
I had a Ruger Security 6 .357 Magnum in my Safariland shoulder holster -- and I did what the man said (so did everyone else).
He got the money and fled back out the door.
It would have been foolish of me to engage in a gun battle with him in a crowded restaurant, especially since his was out and cocked, and mine required at least two seconds to get operational.
Discretion is the better part of valor.
This time of year, when a coat or jacket hides it well, I prefer a shoulder holster.
If you're a fat ol' cat like me, you'll also like a shoulder holster because the darned gun isn't pressing itself into the tender skin around your waist.
I never found waistband carry comfortable.
Ankle holsters are hard to get to in a hurry if you're fat or hindered by older age.
A well-made shoulder holster is comfortable, easily accessed and secure.
Just a few weeks ago, a guy here in Utah went into a toilet stall and dropped his pants. His .40-caliber pistol fell from his waistband, hit the floor and discharged a round right into the porcelain potty!
A shoulder holster is still secure, even with your pants around your ankles.

There are a bunch of cheap shoulder holsters out there that are inexpensive and uncomfortable. Buy quality. It will last all your life and you won't regret the extra money spent.

 

[thebaldguy]

You either like them or you don't. I like them as they are more comfortable when sitting down, and if you wear a jacket, coat, or fleece it can hide it well. Try it on and look in the mirror as some are better than others.

Maybe you want to try a cheaper Uncle Mike's brand first to see if you like shoulder carry or not.

 

[NG VI]

Don't know about shoulder holsters, but your problems sound like a belt problem more than anything. Also you might want to try out a different holster, I have a Fobus somewhere, and it is what it is, but there is a reason I went back to the drawing board and bought something else. Honestly you may save money by jumping straight to $40-80 holsters, they tend to work much better than the sub-$40 crowd and you will find one that feels *right* easier.


Everyone goes through a phase of buying inexpensive holsters trying to find one that feels perfect, and most of us end up just plunking down the money we had been reluctant to at first on a higher class of holsters anyway.

 

[moooose102]

i had one for my s&w 686 (357 mag), but to be honest, i never really cared for it. at the time, i was around 300 pounds, it fit ok, but it just seemed so heavy. of course to balance it, i was carrying a bunch of ammo in the other side, it was just to much pressure on my shoulders for me to be comfortable.

 

[Hhrshooter]

I hunt and fish alot so carrying in a shoulder holster is good for that. I tried for years on and off trying out shoulder holsters for carry everyday and it just didn't work for me. IWB is the best I have found to carry concealed. Just my opinion and Good Luck in your search.
Dave

 

[ZombiesAhead]

I think I'm going to skip the shoulder holster for now.

Anyway, the problem with the Fobus is not a belt issue but the fact that Fobus claimed that their Sig Pro holster was compatible with the CZ-75 SP-01. In fact, it seems that it is not 100% compatible. For the record.