Shoulder Holsters

[MothMan]

My abdominal area is abundantly ample and wearing a stiff gun belt with a couple of pounds of ammunition and firearm can be down right uncomfortable at times. This was especially noticed when working outside and repeatedly bending to pick something up. This past summer I took to wearing my chest rig while working on my land. This allowed me to go sans belt and to wear overalls and chainsaw chaps comfortably. A chest rig is not the best CCW holster though. So the idea of a shoulder holster has been occurring to me lately. Before you tell me that a shoulder holster breaks one of the cardinal rules of firearm safety, or I'll shoot myself in my weak side arm while drawing or holstering the firearm, that presenting a firearm from a shoulder holster is slower that from a waist holster, please don't. I have done some studying about shoulder holsters and am aware of the pro and cons.
My questions to you would be more about: your experience with, problems with, preferred manufacturer, Aker and Ritchie seem to be reputable, techniques for wearing, durability. To our LEO members you might see this type of holster in use more often then I would so please chime in and offer your insight.
Thanks!

 

[dsdmmat]

Well before I got a 1911 I carried a Dan Wesson 6 in 357 in an Uncle Mikes vertical shoulder holster for years. Never had any issues with carrying or drawing it.

 

[MilesTeg]

I've wrote about this subject before with the same question as you. I work in the woods a lot in the summer time and I would love to carry my 1911 on a shoulder rig. Like you I don't worry about concealability or safety. These two issues have derailed my threads on the subject. In my opinion they are both mute but people can't let it go. The only reason I haven't started carrying this way is the expense. Every shoulder holster I find is in the +$200 range. If I ever cane upon one in the $50 range I would give it a whirl.

 

[Podmonkey]

I am probably going to get a shoulder rig too, especially if we get reciprocity passed. It's the best holster type to have while driving and it is an easy on/off holster type as well. Finally it avoids any issues when dropping a duece in a public restroom. As a trucker these pros far outweigh the cons. Kinda hard to find one for the PPQ so I'll proly have to pony up the $$ for a High Noon rig.

 

[dsdmmat]

While on flight status I carried a M10 ( 38 cal revolver) then a M9 in shoulder holsters. The Army has recently (2011) started to frown on anyone carrying in a horizontal shoulder holster rig for fear of NDs.

 

[carpediem]

I've wrote about this subject before with the same question as you. I work in the woods a lot in the summer time and I would love to carry my 1911 on a shoulder rig. Like you I don't worry about concealability or safety. These two issues have derailed my threads on the subject. In my opinion they are both mute but people can't let it go. The only reason I haven't started carrying this way is the expense. Every shoulder holster I find is in the +$200 range. If I ever cane upon one in the $50 range I would give it a whirl.

Uncle Mikes makes them, but go for the better ones. After a long day, the strap they have going across the base of the neck gets really sore. I want one like @Podmonkey posted above. I carry my 1911 and Baby Eagle in the same holster, as it isn't "fitted" to a specific gun.

 

[Podmonkey]

Uncle Mikes makes them, but go for the better ones. After a long day, the strap they have going across the base of the neck gets really sore. I want one like @Podmonkey posted above. I carry my 1911 and Baby Eagle in the same holster, as it isn't "fitted" to a specific gun.

They are expensive though, the cheapest configuration runs about $175! In horsehide it's over $250!!

 

[Podmonkey]

As far as the whole muzzle covering to the rear in a horizontal rig I figure yes it is a risk, but one that is well mitigated in a well fitted holsted with full trigger guard coverage and a retention strap. In a modern carry gun if you can't get to the trigger it can't fire.

 

[dsdmmat]

As far as the whole muzzle covering to the rear in a horizontal rig I figure yes it is a risk, but one that is well mitigated in a well fitted holsted with full trigger guard coverage and a retention strap. In a modern carry gun if you can't get to the trigger it can't fire.

Well a little common sense never stopped the military.

 

[Podmonkey]

Common sense, routinely and regularly escapes the military, to a degree an outsider would find comical.

 

[MothMan]

A firearm should never discharge itself no matter where it is at. If it does then one should think again about carrying it.

 

[dsdmmat]

A firearm should never discharge itself no matter where it is at. If it does then one should think again about carrying it.

NDs are a real problem in the military. Which is quite comical if you think about it. A "profession of Arms" can't stop shooting their weapons when they are not intending to shoot.

 

[Podmonkey]

A firearm should never discharge itself no matter where it is at. If it does then one should think again about carrying it.

Well some guns are more prone to NDS than others. The Type 94 Nambu for example.

 

[Podmonkey]

NDs are a real problem in the military. Which is quite comical if you think about it. A "profession of Arms" can't stop shooting their weapons when they are not intending to shoot.

Just the lieutenants

 

[masterswimmer]

That's the one I use. Very comfortable. It is expensive and you'll be put on a waiting list. YMMV

Link: Shoulder Holsters: Concealed Carry for Guns, Handguns, Magazines, Firearms and Pistols

 

[Podmonkey]

Sure looks purdy. Very nice. Why are Shoulder Holsters so looked down upon though? Is it just the muzzle issue? The whole "Cross draw is not tactically correct" issue? Hollywood backlash? For the reasons I list above I think they are viable enough.

 

[masterswimmer]

What's the best gun for everyone? Can't answer that, can you? Why? Because everyone's needs and application differ. IMO it's the same with a holster. I don't use the shoulder holster as my EDC. I use it when I wear certain clothing and the need arises for it. Is it the optimal holster? Not every day, but the days I do need it, it becomes the optimal holster.

 

[MothMan]

Sure looks purdy. Very nice. Why are Shoulder Holsters so looked down upon though? Is it just the muzzle issue? The whole "Cross draw is not tactically correct" issue? Hollywood backlash? For the reasons I list above I think they are viable enough.

I think you are correct when pointing out the muzzle issue. Most of firearm training takes place on a square range standing in line firing into a berm. In my case the person to my left would be repeatedly covered by my muzzle during the day. We get our safety training from our instructors if they don't like them the just might express that opinion.

 

[Podmonkey]

While in the holster it is what it is, I think the risk is minimal, provided the holster is a good one. During the draw one sweeps out in a downward vertical arc and rotate the gun upright during the press out. That would prevent covering ones own body or others during the draw. Proper techniques can mitigate most any risk.

 

[MilesTeg]

I'll tell you why all of my threads got dis-railed for this sort of carry..... the whole concealed carry thing in NY. Personally it's a non issue to we but people get all worked up about it. the muzzle issue is valid but if you and everyone around is aware of it, it should be a non issue. If you are at the range practicing then let people around you know and they should avoid standing behind you. I agree a ND should never happen but the truth is they do and are the fault of the welder.

 

[Phauxtoe]

Do you have a personal range For shooting a lot of places won't let you draw from a shoulder rig because of the sweep

 

[MothMan]

Do you have a personal range For shooting a lot of places won't let you draw from a shoulder rig because of the sweep

Yes have 35 acres of hillside swamp. The range I frequent doesn't allow firing from the draw. Low ready is the starting position.

 

[Phauxtoe]

Nice
so you live in New York City

( kidding that's a swamp joke )

 

[JaguarJaguarGolf]

I've been using shoulder holsters for years hiking and hunting, mostly for my 629 "5. If it's not the 629 then it's a 1911 or a Glock 20. Yes most of them are expensive. I and my family are worth every penny.

 

[masterswimmer]

That's the one I use. Very comfortable. It is expensive and you'll be put on a waiting list. YMMV

Link: Shoulder Holsters: Concealed Carry for Guns, Handguns, Magazines, Firearms and Pistols


insert

I inadvertently left out an important component of my shoulder rig.

The guy who crafts them has the retention set up as follows. The strap secures with a button snap. The strap goes across the back of the hammer. The strap only closes with the hammer in the uncocked position. There can be a round in the chamber but it cannot be secured in the cocked or ready condition. I know this is not an acceptable condition for most (me too), but this type of carry is either it or I have to leave home without carrying. All I have to do on the draw is cock the hammer as opposed to rack the slide.

 

[Podmonkey]

Why not position the strap between the hammer and slide? Not a big fan of introducing complications at time when least able to deal with them.

 

[Marine Cpl]

Early on when I first got my CCW, I tried a few shoulder rigs for my 1911 that I used to carry. I never liked the horizonal ones. That 5 inch barrel printed like mad under a thin hoodie. The vertical one's worked much better.

 

[masterswimmer]

Why not position the strap between the hammer and slide? Not a big fan of introducing complications at time when least able to deal with them.

The craftsman who makes them was very vocal about not wanting liability from someone who wasn't as proficient at the draw with finger discipline until sights on target.

 

[Podmonkey]

The craftsman who makes them was very vocal about not wanting liability from someone who wasn't as proficient at the draw with finger discipline until sights on target.

Well he can do as he pleases of course but someone shooting themself due to deficient gun handling is not his liability.

 

[Marine Cpl]

I inadvertently left out an important component of my shoulder rig.

The guy who crafts them has the retention set up as follows. The strap secures with a button snap. The strap goes across the back of the hammer. The strap only closes with the hammer in the uncocked position. There can be a round in the chamber but it cannot be secured in the cocked or ready condition. I know this is not an acceptable condition for most (me too), but this type of carry is either it or I have to leave home without carrying. All I have to do on the draw is cock the hammer as opposed to rack the slide.

The craftsman who makes them was very vocal about not wanting liability from someone who wasn't as proficient at the draw with finger discipline until sights on target.

I'd return it and never buy from him again. A 1911 is actually unsafe depending on the type you have with a round in the chamber and the hammer down. It can actually fire if something hits the hammer like the pavement on a fall or a mistake by you trying to decocking it. Some have firing pin blocks and some do not.

And why is this holster it? Why is it either this holster or leaving it at home. Get another holster from a reputable company. You aren't married to him.