Anyone use them for concealed carry? Seems like a good idea for a BUG since it would be on the opposite side of the primary firearm, but I have no experience with shoulder holsters. What say ye?
Anyone use them for concealed carry? Seems like a good idea for a BUG since it would be on the opposite side of the primary firearm, but I have no experience with shoulder holsters. What say ye?
Mixed bag. vertical or horizontal carry?
I've done both. Neither is fast but it does keep the waistline clear if that's important and have drawbacks, especially in re flagging.
That being said, I am looking at one for my 2.5" s&w 66.
I like the horizontal shoulder holster with two mag pouches on the opposite side With thumb released strap Don’t recall manufacturer at the moment , have had this rig for 40 yrs , carried it extensively for quite a while . Very comfortable and hides well Still wear it when hiking A few years ago I bought a cross draw shoulder rig for revolver , like it really well too , but not as discreet. Vertical’s are ok , but horizontal just seems more natural to draw to me My two cents Kenneth
I like the horizontal shoulder holster with two mag pouches on the opposite side With thumb released strap Don’t recall manufacturer at the moment , have had this rig for 40 yrs , carried it extensively for quite a while . Very comfortable and hides well Still wear it when hiking A few years ago I bought a cross draw shoulder rig for revolver , like it really well too , but not as discreet. Vertical’s are ok , but horizontal just seems more natural to draw to me My two cents Kenneth
You're also walking around pointing a loaded gun at everyone behind you. Just food for thought. Depending on action and carry condition etc etc etc
I like the horizontal shoulder holster with two mag pouches on the opposite side With thumb released strap Don’t recall manufacturer at the moment , have had this rig for 40 yrs , carried it extensively for quite a while . Very comfortable and hides well Still wear it when hiking A few years ago I bought a cross draw shoulder rig for revolver , like it really well too , but not as discreet. Vertical’s are ok , but horizontal just seems more natural to draw to me My two cents Kenneth
You're also walking around pointing a loaded gun at everyone behind you. Just food for thought. Depending on action and carry condition etc etc etc
For those who asked, it would be for a backup gun (revolver). My primary carry would still be on my belt, strong side. This would be in addition to, not in lieu of. I carry a BUG along with my primary carry, but I am looking to relocate it to somewhere more easily accessible on my body.
Boot guns are hard to access in most circumstances.
I like the horizontal shoulder holster with two mag pouches on the opposite side With thumb released strap Don’t recall manufacturer at the moment , have had this rig for 40 yrs , carried it extensively for quite a while . Very comfortable and hides well Still wear it when hiking A few years ago I bought a cross draw shoulder rig for revolver , like it really well too , but not as discreet. Vertical’s are ok , but horizontal just seems more natural to draw to me My two cents Kenneth
You're also walking around pointing a loaded gun at everyone behind you. Just food for thought. Depending on action and carry condition etc etc etc
It won’t go off till I pull the trigger .
And when does your finger first touch the trigger? On the draw? After acquiring a sight picture? Some time in between? Do you practice drawing from that holster with a cover shirt or jacket? I'm not being a dick. Serious question.
Thank you for answering the full and complete question I asked. I would be remiss in not thanking you for your well thought out statement.
Take note of the fact that you do not see pros using them.
Every once in a while, you will see some LEO or whomever with one, but if you dig further you will find that they really don't know what they are doing and are going for "the look" over a practical means to deploy the handgun in a fast and safe manner. In 30 years of carrying a gun for a living, I knew of exactly ZERO guys who I would consider experienced professionals who chose a shoulder holster as their primary means to carry a handgun. In very specific situations/scenarios, they could prove to be useful, but those were few and far between. As a general means of carry, they were less than ideal as compared to a traditional belt holster, along with a mag pouch and good belt.
In drawing from a shoulder holster, a major problem always was that it was quite difficult not to end up pointing the handgun at people you did not intend to. In many/most firearms courses, shoulder holsters simply were not allowed. Plus trying to re-secure the handgun in a fast and safe manner (which is actually very important) is more difficult with a shoulder rig.
They may look cool, especially when you are posing in front of the mirror, doing your best Don Johnson imitation, but after about 14 hours of wearing one, with it screwing up your shirt, and making everything look like crap, and you constantly having to take your jacket off to readjust your shirt, before you meet with anyone, such as bosses, judges, the AUSA to get a warrant, whatever, eventually you realize that they just suck. They end up getting tossed on a shelf in a closet or sold.
Bottom line is that you should save your money. Take note of the fact that you don't see pros wearing them, and that is what even the FBI can figure out is called a clue..
THE CHAIR IS AGAINST THE WALL.
The Tikka T3 in .308 Winchester is the Glock 19 of the rifle world.
I love a shoulder holster when I'm carrying a larger firearm because of my back problems. A shoulder holsters seems to distribute the weight much better than carrying on my belt. But it is really only feasible for winter carry or open carry. I don't mind open carry but I will never open carry when I'm with my family. Only when I'm by myself. So, that really limits me to when I can use my shoulder holster. Outside in the cold or when all hell breaks lose!
A 380 in my pocket is better than a 45 in my truck!
Violence may not be the best option... but it's still an option.
"Be polite, be professional, but have a plan to kill everybody you meet." General James Mad Dog Mattis
Thank you for answering the full and complete question I asked. I would be remiss in not thanking you for your well thought out statement.
Take note of the fact that you do not see pros using them.
Every once in a while, you will see some LEO or whomever with one, but if you dig further you will find that they really don't know what they are doing and are going for "the look" over a practical means to deploy the handgun in a fast and safe manner. In 30 years of carrying a gun for a living, I knew of exactly ZERO guys who I would consider experienced professionals who chose a shoulder holster as their primary means to carry a handgun. In very specific situations/scenarios, they could prove to be useful, but those were few and far between. As a general means of carry, they were less than ideal as compared to a traditional belt holster, along with a mag pouch and good belt.
In drawing from a shoulder holster, a major problem always was that it was quite difficult not to end up pointing the handgun at people you did not intend to. In many/most firearms courses, shoulder holsters simply were not allowed. Plus trying to re-secure the handgun in a fast and safe manner (which is actually very important) is more difficult with a shoulder rig.
They may look cool, especially when you are posing in front of the mirror, doing your best Don Johnson imitation, but after about 14 hours of wearing one, with it screwing up your shirt, and making everything look like crap, and you constantly having to take your jacket off to readjust your shirt, before you meet with anyone, such as bosses, judges, the AUSA to get a warrant, whatever, eventually you realize that they just suck. They end up getting tossed on a shelf in a closet or sold.
Bottom line is that you should save your money. Take note of the fact that you don't see pros wearing them, and that is what even the FBI can figure out is called a clue..
This is a fantastic response, and exactly the kind of feedback I am looking for.
I am looking to relocate my BUG from my ankle to somewhere that is more accessible quickly. That is the end goal. I probably should have stayed that in my initial post, but here we are.
ETA: I see a few shoulder holsters here and there, but most of them are not PD, they are Sheriff's Deputys, which have a different function and standard than PD. That's what got my wheels turning on this subject.
Never had a problem with finger on trigger as holster always covered it till it cleared the holster and finger went into trigger guard as it came to arm Yes , I practiced quite a bit , quite a bit while being physically stressed I never had a problem with having to make adjustments to clothing either , I suppose it would make a difference in what type you carried I too like the small of the back holsters , but am very comfortable with this shoulder rig I like the mag pouches on opposite side for quick use if needed but it also helps balancing the wieght of shoulder rig to the point that I often didn’t strap the belt loops Yes usually tried to wear clothing that gave me quick access Won’t argue that a belt rig isn’t quicker Kenneth
I like the horizontal shoulder holster with two mag pouches on the opposite side With thumb released strap Don’t recall manufacturer at the moment , have had this rig for 40 yrs , carried it extensively for quite a while . Very comfortable and hides well Still wear it when hiking A few years ago I bought a cross draw shoulder rig for revolver , like it really well too , but not as discreet. Vertical’s are ok , but horizontal just seems more natural to draw to me My two cents Kenneth
You're also walking around pointing a loaded gun at everyone behind you. Just food for thought. Depending on action and carry condition etc etc etc
How many people have you heard of that were accidentally shot by someone with a shoulder holster? I recall maaaybe reading about one such scenario maybe 40 years ago, but I personally believe it's really an overblown worry. Not that it can't happen - just highly unlikely.
Anyone use them for concealed carry? Seems like a good idea for a BUG since it would be on the opposite side of the primary firearm, but I have no experience with shoulder holsters. What say ye?
I have a shoulder holster I carry a Colt Diamondback in. It fits over the left shoulder for a right hand draw. I typically wear it when I go to a movie theater or into Des Moines. I have one for a 7 1/2' Blackhawk as well. It's pretty bulky and don't wear it much. Out hunting and that's about it.
kwg
I have one for a 6" Python as well. It's been so long since I wore it I forgot about it. A Safariland I got back int he 1970's.
kwg
Last edited by kwg020; 11/29/23.
For liberals and anarchists, power and control is opium, selling envy is the fastest and easiest way to get it. TRR. American conservative. Never trust a white liberal. Malcom X Current NRA member.
I like the horizontal shoulder holster with two mag pouches on the opposite side With thumb released strap Don’t recall manufacturer at the moment , have had this rig for 40 yrs , carried it extensively for quite a while . Very comfortable and hides well Still wear it when hiking A few years ago I bought a cross draw shoulder rig for revolver , like it really well too , but not as discreet. Vertical’s are ok , but horizontal just seems more natural to draw to me My two cents Kenneth
You're also walking around pointing a loaded gun at everyone behind you. Just food for thought. Depending on action and carry condition etc etc etc
How many people have you heard of that were accidentally shot by someone with a shoulder holster? I recall maaaybe reading about one such scenario maybe 40 years ago, but I personally believe it's really an overblown worry. Not that it can't happen - just highly unlikely.
If you dig it then rock it. Lots of reasons not to, but we all make our own decisions.
From the moment you grab the gun you are flagging everyone on that side of you before you get it on target.
Anyone use them for concealed carry? Seems like a good idea for a BUG since it would be on the opposite side of the primary firearm, but I have no experience with shoulder holsters. What say ye?
I've been using one for about 40 years. Started with one made by a custom holster maker in downtown Los Angeles, for my S&W Combat Masterpiece. Later bought another for my S&W 57 .41 Mag, 6" bbl. That one also doubles well for my Ruger N.M. Blackhawk .45 Colt, 4 5/8 bbl. The man who made those made a whole lot of holsters of various persuasions, for LAPD police officers and L.A. Deputy Sheriffs for undercover and off duty carry. They were very good quality, functional, comfortable, and very concealable. He died about 25 years ago.
I also have an Alessi shoulder holster I really like, for my S&W 669 9mm. Alessi is still in business I think.
Good luck.
L.W.
"Always go straight forward, and if you meet the devil, cut him in two and go between the pieces." (William Sturgis, clipper ship captain, 1830s.)
I have a shoulder holster that I have used while riding my tractor. Carrying on my hip is very uncomfortable when bush hogging or working on the tractor. Using a chest or shoulder holster works much better for me. Any other time I carry on my belt.
i have an "Original" Dirty Harry shoulder holster from CATHEY ENTERPRISES INC. in Tx, custom made for my 8" Colt Python... it is very comfortable once you get it on... fast and natural draw... conceals fairly well under a long shirt, jacket or coat also...
I like the horizontal shoulder holster with two mag pouches on the opposite side With thumb released strap Don’t recall manufacturer at the moment , have had this rig for 40 yrs , carried it extensively for quite a while . Very comfortable and hides well
Kenneth
I use the same, carry a Glock 36. 2 mags on opposite side adds balance. Mine is Galco. I just hate the weight of a belt carry on my waste.
Did you ever slip and fall with a small of back carry? That has ramifications for the spine. If you carry cuffs it probably was in a warning at the academy. Please think it out before you carry that way. RZ.
Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy. Its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery. Winston Churchill.
Anyone use them for concealed carry? Seems like a good idea for a BUG since it would be on the opposite side of the primary firearm, but I have no experience with shoulder holsters. What say ye?
There is zero advantage to one.
And good luck getting reps on a typical range.
They do have some utility in the field, backpacking, ATVs etc.
Originally Posted by Geno67
Trump being classless,tasteless and clueless as usual.
Originally Posted by Judman
Sorry, trump is a no tax payin pile of shiit.
Originally Posted by KSMITH
My young wife decided to play the field and had moved several dudes into my house
My $.02.............I prefer to carry my BUG on my offside, preferably on my hip, or in an IWB holster. Sometimes a coat pocket as well. Depends upon the situation and clothing requirements. The reason I do this is simply because I can then access it with my off hand in a situation that I need a BUG.
If your strongside hand/arm is busy grappling with an assailant/dog/critter etc., it's not feasible to try and reach your BUG with it now is it? A friend of mine (whom has already replied on this page) coined the term "Ear, nose and throat" gun and I realized he was correct in that most instances of needing a BUG would fit perfectly in that scenario.
I have shoulder holsters that I've used in the past for outdoors activities and still have gravitated away from them . I now prefer one of several chest type holster available as they keep my weapon more readily accessible and out of the way while riding ATV's, vehicles, and hiking.
I would NEVER wear a regular shoulder holster (ie. Galco Miami Classic) with intent to carry my BUG that I may need in an emergency.
I bought an inexpensive model for carrying a 1911 when hunting, just could not get used to it, a Kenai chest holster is what I wear now with a G20. The shoulder holsters just don't feel natural to me, plus despite anyone's mad skills you really are sweeping a gun across the crowd when you pull it. A BU 380 in your pocket might be a better thought.
Thank you for answering the full and complete question I asked. I would be remiss in not thanking you for your well thought out statement.
Take note of the fact that you do not see pros using them.
Every once in a while, you will see some LEO or whomever with one, but if you dig further you will find that they really don't know what they are doing and are going for "the look" over a practical means to deploy the handgun in a fast and safe manner. In 30 years of carrying a gun for a living, I knew of exactly ZERO guys who I would consider experienced professionals who chose a shoulder holster as their primary means to carry a handgun. In very specific situations/scenarios, they could prove to be useful, but those were few and far between. As a general means of carry, they were less than ideal as compared to a traditional belt holster, along with a mag pouch and good belt.
In drawing from a shoulder holster, a major problem always was that it was quite difficult not to end up pointing the handgun at people you did not intend to. In many/most firearms courses, shoulder holsters simply were not allowed. Plus trying to re-secure the handgun in a fast and safe manner (which is actually very important) is more difficult with a shoulder rig.
They may look cool, especially when you are posing in front of the mirror, doing your best Don Johnson imitation, but after about 14 hours of wearing one, with it screwing up your shirt, and making everything look like crap, and you constantly having to take your jacket off to readjust your shirt, before you meet with anyone, such as bosses, judges, the AUSA to get a warrant, whatever, eventually you realize that they just suck. They end up getting tossed on a shelf in a closet or sold.
Bottom line is that you should save your money. Take note of the fact that you don't see pros wearing them, and that is what even the FBI can figure out is called a clue..
About the only thing I can add to this is that one should never use a holster that requires two hands to get the gun back into it, and especially one where you'll likely end up pointing the gun at yourself in some way. Years ago I knew of a guy who fatally shot himself at the range due to the combined factors using a shoulder holster and having a postural-instability negligent discharge while trying to re-holster.
I learned a long time ago there are many situations where one must have the ability to get the gun back into the holster as quickly as it comes out. It's amazing how many absolute junk holsters people are willing to put up with. Shoulder holsters have some very limited applications, and I've used them a fair bit, but they are generally not the best idea.
Thank you for answering the full and complete question I asked. I would be remiss in not thanking you for your well thought out statement.
Take note of the fact that you do not see pros using them.
Every once in a while, you will see some LEO or whomever with one, but if you dig further you will find that they really don't know what they are doing and are going for "the look" over a practical means to deploy the handgun in a fast and safe manner. In 30 years of carrying a gun for a living, I knew of exactly ZERO guys who I would consider experienced professionals who chose a shoulder holster as their primary means to carry a handgun. In very specific situations/scenarios, they could prove to be useful, but those were few and far between. As a general means of carry, they were less than ideal as compared to a traditional belt holster, along with a mag pouch and good belt.
In drawing from a shoulder holster, a major problem always was that it was quite difficult not to end up pointing the handgun at people you did not intend to. In many/most firearms courses, shoulder holsters simply were not allowed. Plus trying to re-secure the handgun in a fast and safe manner (which is actually very important) is more difficult with a shoulder rig.
They may look cool, especially when you are posing in front of the mirror, doing your best Don Johnson imitation, but after about 14 hours of wearing one, with it screwing up your shirt, and making everything look like crap, and you constantly having to take your jacket off to readjust your shirt, before you meet with anyone, such as bosses, judges, the AUSA to get a warrant, whatever, eventually you realize that they just suck. They end up getting tossed on a shelf in a closet or sold.
Bottom line is that you should save your money. Take note of the fact that you don't see pros wearing them, and that is what even the FBI can figure out is called a clue..
Back in the 80s when I was an LEO, when off duty I carried a model 13 IWB or OWB. Later when I was a prosecutor, I carried a Glock 19 OWB, under my suit jacket. I was elected to the trial court bench in 1996. My chairs in the courtrooms (four counties) all had armrests. Wearing a zippered robe, sitting in a chair with armrests is not conducive to drawing from a waist holster. Went with a Galco shoulder holster as the quickest way to access a handgun while on the bench. Left hand unzip the robe a bit while right hand goes inside the robe to draw the handgun. Carried the Glock 19 that way for 20 years at work. When not at work, I always carried IWB or OWB depending on what I was wearing. Since retiring, I've never worn the shoulder holster.
I agree that shoulder holsters have a very limited utility, but there are situations where they can be a good option.
I have a couple of the Bianchi x15. Yes they are a pain but I’m stuck with appendix, chest or a shoulder rig. Any pressure past two clock fires muscles that will stop my forward progress. Kind of a bad surgery, tried to fix it but the damage was done. Chasing an idiot one night while wearing a Jackass shoulder rig. Running as hard as I could, I thought the 1911 was bouncing quite a bit. Reached over with my right hand and presto! A1911 appeared in my hand. Went back a Bruce Nelson as I got home. The X15 is useful for hunting but not much else.
Have an x-15 for a 29-3 6" and a x-2100 for a 8 3/8 629 for hunting use. Some guys got enuf ass and slim waistline to use belt holsters with effectiness and confidence, good for them. I'll keep my long barreled N frames in those Bianches and they work good for me as they are not my ccw guns used daily. You have to do what works for YOU, like everything else in life. One size fits all is bullchit concept. No I am not an Leo and only speak for myself...mb
Last edited by Magnum_Bob; 11/30/23.
" Cheapest velocity in the world comes from a long barrel and I sure do like them. MB "
About the only thing I can add to this is that one should never use a holster that requires two hands to get the gun back into it, and especially one where you'll likely end up pointing the gun at yourself in some way. Years ago I knew of a guy who fatally shot himself at the range due to the combined factors using a shoulder holster and having a postural-instability negligent discharge while trying to re-holster.
I learned a long time ago there are many situations where one must have the ability to get the gun back into the holster as quickly as it comes out. It's amazing how many absolute junk holsters people are willing to put up with. Shoulder holsters have some very limited applications, and I've used them a fair bit, but they are generally not the best idea.
Are you referring to duty belts and holsters?
Because any holster on your belt is going to require two hands to reholster if you're shirt covers the holster.
Originally Posted by Geno67
Trump being classless,tasteless and clueless as usual.
Originally Posted by Judman
Sorry, trump is a no tax payin pile of shiit.
Originally Posted by KSMITH
My young wife decided to play the field and had moved several dudes into my house
Very comfortable, and you can carry any side, appendix, whatever. Just as they claim, it accommodates almost anything, even my S&W 5.7 w/optic. An adjustable velcro retaining strap is included if the particular gun you’re carrying doesn’t fit as tight as you like. The design of the retaining strap isn’t perfect, but among the handguns I tried, only my 3” M63 seemed to need it. Obviously using this, just like any other holster, requires care, some thought, and practice for safe, effective use.
I’ve only worn it over an undershirt so far, above my beltline, and directly in front or weak side under my arm. It’s easy to slide it around from the side to the front for easy access in the car.
One reviewer complained about being scratched by the velcro hooks, but he’s pretty fat, and they make an extension. I’m far from bony, but I have no such issue. 60 day, money back guarantee. If you order one, be prepared to be bombarded with emails about other stuff they sell, but unsubscribing actually works with them.
