Why aren't shoulder holsters more popular?

[alexander45]

I don't like that the gun is facing the proper way for someone in front of me to grab it.*

considering that while on your hip it's facing the proper direction for some one BEHIND YOU to grab it like say in line at a atm, bank, gas station, any place with a line, or hell just sneaking up to steal your weapon while your talking with some one I find this forever hilarious

 

[JTQ]

alexander45 wrote,
considering that while on your hip it's facing the proper direction for some one BEHIND YOU to grab it like say in line at a atm, bank, gas station, any place with a line, or hell just sneaking up to steal your weapon while your talking with some one I find this forever hilarious

Probably pretty easy to do with a straight drop kydex holster without active retention. It's a lot harder to do with a leather holster with FBI cant.

 

[Mainsail]

Probably pretty easy to do with a straight drop kydex holster without active retention. It's a lot harder to do with a leather holster with FBI cant.

I can testify that it's very difficult to remove a gun as you describe.

Waaaaay back when OC was, shall we say, discouraged, I had a particularly obstinate police officer attempt to disarm me. The gun was a Sig P239 in a High Noon open-top pancake holster- so no retention other than the grip of the leather on the gun. Because of the forward cant of the holster, it requires the disarmer (new word) to pull up and forward, all while their arm is almost fully extended. He wasn't strong enough.

Most arms are not strong in that motion- extended and pulling up and forward.

 

[JTQ]

I suspect you'd also have to be significantly taller than the person you're disarming to have the leverage to do it.

Your experience is with a little P239, now if alexander45 could imagine (or experiment) how hard it would be pulling a 5" 1911 out of an FBI canted holster from behind.

 

[strambo]

I routinely carry a Sig P226 in a Comp-Tac M-TAC IWB holster with a good leather 1.5" gun belt. I'm 5'10" 190 lbs, Not a big deal. Of course a smaller and lighter gun would be more comfortable, but I don't experience anything like the OP is describing.

 

[Hullraiser]

I've got a cpl shoulder rigs, but only use when carting the Blackhawks 44 mag. It'd pull my pants down to my knees

 

[oldbear]

I think shoulder holsters got somewhat of a bad rap with all the 1970's and 80's T.V. cop shows.

I use an inverted shoulder holster for a 2 1/2" M-66 when I want deep concealment. My style is to ware a undershirt, put holster on, then put on my regular shirt, either a standard button front placket style, or pullover "polo" style shirt. As I tuck my shirt in to my trousers, this is far from an easy draw style, but unless you have your hands on me, 99% of folks will never suspect I'm carrying a weapon.

 

[horsemen61]

tagg

 

[MICHAEL T]

Jackets and shoulder holsters went out of style. When Miami Vice went off the Air
I much prefer my 1911 IWB where I can reach quicker .

 

[Drail]

But when seated in a vehicle with a seat belt buckle jammed against your gun on your hip and a seat back blocking your arm a shoulder rig or a crossdraw rig makes life much easier. I also prefer strong side carry for rapid drawing - but only when I am not in a vehicle. I drove limos for a few years and a crossdraw rig was the best solution I could find. More comfortable - easier to get to in or out of the driver's seat - and not in the way. As far as guarding against a gun snatch from the front OR the rear - you should be aware of that all of the time if anyone gets close enough to try it. At least from the front you have a better chance of seeing it happening. Maintain your personal space and watch their hands.

 

[ku4hx]

I like 'em; have several. But then I'm a Frank Cannon kind of guy.

 

[JTQ]

But then I'm a Frank Cannon kind of guy.

You know they cancelled Cannon when Ford downsized the Lincoln Continental, and William Conrad couldn't get in an out of the car. I'm kidding, but the timeline was pretty close which makes me wonder.

 

[exbrit49]

Make mine a shoulder holster

Having worn Shoulder holsters for well over 30 years, it is still my holster of choice. Spring, Fall Winter its pretty much 100% shoulder holster, I carry everything from the puny .380 to the Black-hawk. A lot depends on the temperature and what I am wearing. I find the shoulder rig comfortable and have not problems at all.
If its really warm and I have just a tee shirt and shorts, I go to pocket carry.
Again it comes down to personal reference but I beleive more would find it a comfortable form of carry if they give it a try. Yes I have tried in and out of WB styles and I dont find them comfortable at all
But that's just me

 

[Drail]

Hoosier. Of course with a handle like "exbrit" somehow I don't reckon you is a natural born Hoosier.

 

[exbrit49]

Very observant Drail! Yep lived here for more years than I lived in the UK. Still love it over there but have become more Americanized than I realized. Went back to live for a while but wow missed the shooting sports and the outdoor life. I get back about once a year and really enjoy the trips, but after a few weeks I'm ready to head home to the USA.
Became a US citizen many years ago and no regrets.
Lots of changes since I first came over here, not all good. The USA has been good to me and it's still one of the best places in the world to live.

 

[buck460XVR]

I regularly carry my 1911 in a shoulder rig. Most of the time it's open carry such as hiking, yard/farm work, running to the hardware store, fishing, etc. It also works well for me when driving and riding motorcycle where hip carry is a pain. I also use it for concealed carry when I wear something like a seatshirt/jacket that can cover it. I've found I can carry the full size 1911 comfortably all day without getting tired or the gun getting in my way. Many times I combine my shoulder OC carry while ankle carrying my concealed 637. I also carry IWB, OWB and pocket depending on the scenario, the gun and the weather. For hunting with my handguns, I carry several different ways also. I like having the right tool for the job. Besides, variety is the spice of life.

 

[Drail]

Exbrit - I am so proud that you have become "Americanized". Welcome to the asylum. You can check in any time you want - but you can never leave...." Indiana is a trip, ain't it? I lived there for 17 years and just moved to another State. Back to the TOPIC! I just wanted to add that it is my belief that there is probably a greater chance of someone seeing your gun and then deciding to grab it from the front since they can see inside your jacket to some extent. A sidearm that is covered by a jacket and viewed from the rear is harder for most guys to detect (LEOs excepted) - whether shoulder or belt rig. I really hate turning my back to people I don't know (whether carrying or not).