Shoulder holster for the winter

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DontShootMe

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I've been seriously considering a shoulder holster to wear during the winter months. I've done a few searches, and found out a lot about them.

Now I'd like your input/comments/answers to these questions:

The ones with the gun in the horizontal position seem to make the most sense to me.

Are the tie-downs for your pants really necessary?

Should I get one that holds both my primary and bug?

What's the deal with the inexpensive ones that have straps that look like a high schoolers backpack straps?

For those of you who already wear them, just how comfortable are they during extended wear (such as 8-9 hours)

If you're wearing the SH, and you lean forward, does the gun swing out somemtimes?

Do you have to keep your jacket/coat zipped/buttoned?

How much should I expect to spend on a good one?

Thanks for your help!

-DontShootMe
 
I've been experimenting with shoulder carry for a little while, specifically for winter wear.

The horizontal position conceals better with a short jacket.

Tie-downs for your pants aren't necessary.

Should I get one that holds both my primary and bug?
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That depends on your personality and preferences. I prefer to have my bug on another part of my body and use the off side of the SH for ammo.

What's the deal with the inexpensive ones that have straps that look like a high schoolers backpack straps?
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I have no idea.

A good shoulder holster is reasonably comfortable during extended wear, but they are noticeably less comfortable than a strong side OWB for the same period.

If you're wearing the SH, and you lean forward, does the gun swing out sometimes?
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Yes, the same rules apply for a SH as for other forms of carry. If you have to pick something up, don't bend forward from the waist, bend your knees and lower your body.

Do you have to keep your jacket/coat zipped/buttoned?
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Partially, as in, about half way.

How much should I expect to spend on a good one?
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That depends on you. Mitch Rosen's Express Line is comfortable and reasonably priced, and eBay can be a good source of gunleather.

Regards,
 
Don't myself care too much for horizontal......... prefer the benefits of the vertical alignment of piece with arm. This rig I use with P series is Bianchi (X 15) and a front break .. retention is excellent and yet draw is very swift and easy using right technique.

Butt can protrude forward a bit if bending wrong but overall ... this is my near ultimate for winter carry ........ just the irritation of creaking leather!

p95_shorig_s.jpg



Edit to add ... cost? Not sure cos this was one of four I got off GunBroker ages ago..... all used. I'd guess this one would be around $75 maybe...... perhaps a tad more.

Jacket, shirt .. done up or not? I rarely wear a heavy coat but even with jus shirt ... invariably open ...
 
I just bought a Miami classic with a two mag pouch on the off side for long trips, and it is without a doubt more comfortable than any hip holster that I have so far for long stretches behind the wheel.

I have tried my Government, Commander and Officers models in it and its so far very comfortable and readily accessible to me. I tried an Uncle Mikes vertical carry and it wasn't nearly as comfortable (narrow straps), but the Bianchi X-15 is another good one if you like the vertical carry.

I have been wanting to get a good shoulder holster for a while now, primarily for rifle hunting backup which won't be in the way while I stand hunt.
 
IMHO:

The ones with the gun in the horizontal position seem to make the most sense to me.

If it's a short gun.


Are the tie-downs for your pants really necessary?

If it's a vertical holster.

Should I get one that holds both my primary and bug?

No.

What's the deal with the inexpensive ones that have straps that look like a high schoolers backpack straps?

:barf:

For those of you who already wear them, just how comfortable are they during extended wear (such as 8-9 hours)

A good one is very comfy.

If you're wearing the SH, and you lean forward, does the gun swing out somemtimes?

If you didn't buy the belt tie down.

Do you have to keep your jacket/coat zipped/buttoned?

Yes, at least partly.

How much should I expect to spend on a good one?

At least $50, probably closer to $100. I like the Galco leather and Bianchi nylon ones.
 
"The ones with the gun in the horizontal position seem to make the most sense to me."

That's a personal choice, but I MUCH prefer the horizontal carry shoulder holsters.

Are the tie-downs for your pants really necessary?

I've never felt them to be necessary.

Should I get one that holds both my primary and bug?

Personal decision that's up to you.

What's the deal with the inexpensive ones that have straps that look like a high schoolers backpack straps?

Huh? What, padded? Or narrow nylon?

What you want are WIDE rough leather straps that go over top of the shoulders and around the back. Wide straps distribute the load, help hold the gun and holster stable, and promote long-term comfort.

For those of you who already wear them, just how comfortable are they during extended wear (such as 8-9 hours)

As I said, you want WIDE straps. Narrow generally is a lot less comfortable for long term wear.

I've worn a 4" Model 19, or a P7M13 with a full spare magazine, for upwards 15 hours before with no discomfort at all.

Now that colder weather is here again, I'm carrying both a 2.5" Model 19 and a P7M8 regularly. Often, when I get home, I simply don't bother to take the holster off if I'm planning on going back out in less than 2 or 3 hours.

If you're wearing the SH, and you lean forward, does the gun swing out somemtimes?

Yeah, that can happen. Simply clamp the gun to your side with your arm before you lean.

Do you have to keep your jacket/coat zipped/buttoned?

Nope. As long as you watch your fields of movement, the same as if you were wearing a hip holster, so that your coat doesn't gape or get caught. I rarely zip my jacket when I'm walking the dogs.

How much should I expect to spend on a good one?

Budget at least $100.

Get in touch with Nelson Leather. They make very nice, and reasonably priced, holsters.
 
"but they are noticeably less comfortable than a strong side OWB for the same period."

For you, maybe. Not for me. Comfort becomes an issue within 30 minutes of having anything heavier than an S&W Airweight on my hip.

I dislike having a gun on my hip, and I HATE with a passion having an IWB holster.
 
Here's some input from a 30 year custom holster maker:

You get pretty much what you pay for. Buy a cheap holster, and it won't last, may allow the gun to fall out of the holster, may have poorly designed straps that "print", will rub off onto your clothes, and may be awkward and slow to draw.

You don't NEED a support to the belt, but if you don't the off-side strap may ride up into the arm pit and be uncomfortable. You can help prevent this by balancing the rig with off side ammo carriers.

The horizontal draw is the most natural and doesn't require "breaking" your wrist to grab the gun.

Most vertical holsters either have straps that interfere with grasping the butt in a shooting grip, or allow the butt to stick out like a sore thumb.

In fairness, the horizontal can print REAL bad from the rear if the barrel is too long, or the coat stretches tight across the back.

Comfort is subjective. However, wear one long enough, and you get used to it. (You wife got used to wearing a bra, didn't she?)

For available models and pricing check the catalogs most gun dealers have behind their counters.

Most any of the top makers offer top quality rigs. Stay away from the cheaper stuff.

When you get a rig, put it on and wear it around the house for a few days.
This will break it (and you) in.

PRACTICE YOUR DRAW, with the coat on. You will have a tendency to "sweep" the gun PAST the target so learn how to reduce sweeping movement.

Keep your finger OFF the trigger until the gun is on target. The gun will cross your body during the draw.
 
"In fairness, the horizontal can print REAL bad from the rear if the barrel is too long, or the coat stretches tight across the back."

Sounds like what happens with a hip holster and the grip on a lot of guns...

Friend of mine, a cop, and I are sitting in on a meeting a few weeks ago. He leans to one side and there it is, a BEAUTIFUL print of the grip and butt of the Walther PPK he's carrying...
 
I definitely prefer horizontal. But remember, if you wear a horizontal holster you will be "pointing" at whoever is behind you. I was taking a walk and a loved one was walking behind me. I realized that the barrel was pointed right at them.

This should not be of any concern. - Just felt strange until I got used to it.

Also, I may be the only one here who likes tie-downs. I don't use them 100% of the time but it's close. I like the feeling that if I lean forward the gun doesn't lean forward as bad. And if I am jostled around, the gun is more stable. I would at least want them as an option.

YMMV

Logistar
 
Yeah, the tie-down .. well I didn't mention earlier but my Bianchi X-15 .. has a belt loop ... and I use it .... ALWAYS ........ once all lengths and tensions are set up right it does guarantee that the whole deal does not .. and cannot .. swing forward .. rather important IMO!

I only have to watch for excessive ''shirt gape'' ..... and would add too .. despite one or two mentions re awkwardness, the draw from this front break rig is sweet ... no gymnastics with hand or wrist .. just reach in .... grab ... pull forward and ,.... it's there.

There will tho naturally, always be the two camps .. vertical and horizontal ... it's entirely as ever ''what works for you''!:)
 
Just my $.02, but the choice between horizontal and vertical shoulder holsters often will depend on the size of the gun being carried and the size of the person carrying it. A six-inch model 28 pretty much means a vertical while a two inch chief is fine in a horizontal. Also. if you are 6'5'' and wear a size 48 suit as opposed to 5'6" and wear a size 38, the same will often apply.
 
A shoulder holster that looks intriguing is the Safariland #1090 "Gun Quick". It has an adjustable plastic nose cap into which the gun muzzle fits, then a plastic-coated spring, wrapped around the grip tang or hammer, holds the gun in. The design also allows one-handed reholstering. It is not for use with 1911-style pistols, as the spring would disengage the grip safety. For small revolvers and automatics, Ken Null makes two models of upside-down shoulder holsters from a thin plastic. www.klnullholsters.com
 
"I always thought that a "Bernse - Martin" type holster like the Null would be a GREAT way to carry a gun.

Then I got to try one.

I absolutely HATED it."






I haven't tried it at all, so you have more experience than I. ;) I posted them as possible alternatives.
 
I gotta agree with Mike re: IWB carry.
I'm 6'3" and 224 lbs with a middle age gut. IWB carry hurts and after a little "incident" I saw, I don't want a pistol pointed at my "parts".
I've got an "Air Crew" type holster that feels good for medium to large autos, but there's a strap that goes across my chest. I've also got a cheap Uncle Mike's that works OK for an AirLite. I reckon I'll put some money into a good shoulder holster when I settle on the "larger" gun I want to tote around.

KR
 
I have worn a variety of shoulder holsters ---

and I'll echo the sentiment - always buy quality. FWIW I have alwalys felt that the belt loops or tie downs were really part of the shoulder holster rig so have always used them. Just more secure that way. One thing I have never really solved is what to do when I want to carry concealed and want to take my coat/jacket off? Then what? Sure would like to hear what you shoulder holster users do. Good shooting;)
 
One thing I have never really solved is what to do when I want to carry concealed and want to take my coat/jacket off? Then what?
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Dairycreek .. I cannot think of an answer ... apart from having to slip outa the rig and put it in vehicle perhaps.

I try and plan my trips out around the rig I am using, the clothes I am wearing . and what I might have to shed later. I get too hot too easy and sometimes my outer layer is way too much for comfort but .. if I can, I'll have alternatives .... maybe even resort to fanny pack and a smaller piece . or pocket maybe but ... the sho rig ... never easy with shedding clothes!
 
"Jackass or Miami????"

If I were buying it?

Neither.

My experience with the Miami Classic is not so.... classic.

The shoulder straps aren't nearly wide enough to promote long-term wear comfort, especially with a gun that's more than 25 ounces.


Take a look at Nelson.

http://www.nelsonleather.com/shoulder1.htm

Picture third from the left, top row?

THAT's the kind of shoulder harness that promotes long term wear comfort.

Nelsons are also a bit more reasonably priced than a Miami.

My next holster purchase is going to be a Nelson for my High Power.
 
I too thought the Nelson looked very comfortable but ... it is in fact very similar indeed, to my x-15 Bianchi .... the one nuisance with which is ........ the elastic strap where it goes over behind my neck ... always tends to want to ride up ... mostly with a T-shirt, but it is mildly irritating.
 
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