WHO makes a really comfortable shoulder holster for a full size steel 1911 or Hi-Power?

Have a Bianchi X15 (I think?) Its OK for wearing for short periods, but makes my neck sore after a few hours.

I've probably had this holster for 40 years. Is there something better now days?

Thanks!

Maybe the X style harness like Galco makes, but maybe another maker that makes it that as well?

Don't know that's going on with Galco lately but their prices a through the roof. Vertical SH's don't seem to be extremely popular & I see some great deals on lightly used ones on Ebay.

Just read over 20 pages of reviews on the Miami classic by Galco.

People seem to like this one very well, and they are very comfortable.

Anyone here have one they use personally?

Over $300. But it sounds like "you get what you pay for"

Thanks for any feedback! Virgil B.

In my experience, the Galco Miami Classic shoulder rig is indeed comfortable for carrying a 1911 and two mags. However, because it carries the pistol horizontally, unless you’re a particularly large fellow, the protruding muzzle will require a thoughtful choice of covering garment. The Miami Classic is at its best with revolvers, which it carries more muzzle high (I have them for my 3” J-, K-, and L-Frame revolvers).

For me, the better shoulder holster for the 1911 has been the (discontinued) Bianchi #13 Scorpio shoulder holster rig, which carries the pistol at a sufficiently muzzle-high angle that a loose shirt offers reasonable concealment, it comes (sorry, came) with a superior mag carrier, and is equally comfortable too.

AND,


… you could be into it for about half the cost of a new Galco.


Here’s my Bianchi #13 rig:



Here’s my other Bianchi #13 1911 holster component, mickey-moused to an old Safariland Model 7 shoulder harnesses:


Under a Hawaiian shirt, even I hardly notice it’s there.

I get 20% discount emails from Galco probably weekly, maybe more often. Probably just have to sign up on their website.

Exchipy;

That's good information!

I never thought about the barrel poking out the back of my cloths.

I'm 5'9" and 200+ lbs. So am thinking with the proper clothing I "should" be "thick" enough to OK.

I like the idea of the X design to support the weight better, plus the strap won't ride up my neck like the X 15.

Too bad the Scorpio has been discontinued!

Gotta think this through before I decide.

Thanks for the ideas! Virgil B.

I’m 5’9”, currently 188 pounds, and it’s not enough to properly conceal a 1911 in a Galco Miami Classic.

The Galco shoulder harness X design is most excellent, can be easily mated with Bianchi #13 holster and mag pouch components, but can cause some discomfort as load weight increases (as with hi-cap guns and mags). On the other hand, for good weight distribution, Southeast Asian farmers, and others like them, have for centuries relied upon the yoke design for carrying unbelievably heavy loads with relative ease.

There’s no reason it’s gotta be new (mine were both acquired 2nd hand). The eBay info, pictured above, is from this morning.

I am quite happy with this vertical carry Galco.

Idaho Shooter;

That's a good looking set up!

It looks like it would be just as comfortable as the Miami Classic.

Will check these out also.

Virgil B.

I just checked out the vertical Galco holster.

It isn't listed for a Springfield SA-35 or Browning Hi-Power.

I'm thinking the one for a 5" 1911 should work?

Also, looks like there's enough adjustments in the Miami Classic to tilt the butt down, thus concealing the muzzle better?

Thanks for any feedback! Virgil B.

Have three Miami Classics here. 44mag, G20, and J frame. Used the G20 one for elk hunter for years. It's no doubt comfortable, even under backpack straps. However, I didn't like the muzzle pointing at everyone behind me, and also found access to the pistol in a hurried situation wasn't possible. I usually had some jacket or outer layer that covered the holster and required opening before reaching for the gun. In a true defensive situation requiring immediate need, the holster didn't work. It was slow and cumbersome at best.

The pistol I'm packing is a Springfield SA-35, a copy of the Browning Hi-Power.

A little shorter than a 5" 1911, so it won't poke out the back of a Miami classic quite as much as the full size 1911.

Been packing it in a Milt Sparks Summer Special IWB for a 1911, but it was getting to be too much weight on my belt,

With a Colt Detective Special in a cross draw holster as a back up on the other side.

Transferring the weight of the SA-35 to my shoulders will balance things out better.

Thanks for the feedback! Virgil B.

Well, I went ahead and ordered the Galco Miami Classic for my Springfield SA-35

Got it through Midway for $225. with free shipping.

Sure hope it works as well as it's claimed to, and is as comfortable.

Thanks again for all the GREAT feedback! Virgil B.

Look at frontiergunleather.com - it is John Bianchi's shop in Palm Desert, CA.

I have 4 of his Vulcan holsters though saw his latest shoulder rigs on display. Web site should give you a good idea.

That’s what I thought. Didn’t turn out that way, though.

It should certainly be comfortable. And, I hope you’ll find its concealability to your liking.

If by chance you’re less than satisfied, however, you can always easily attach an appropriate Bianchi #13 holster component to the Galco shoulder harness and mag pouch. That’s what I ended up doing for my light weight S&W 3913 and its mags. My larger, heavier S&W 645, 4006 and 5906 really needed the Bianchi #13 yoke harness to adequately handle their weight, plus the weight of their loaded mags, using their own, dedicated #13 “S&W Auto” holster component, but sharing the same harness and mag pouch with my 1911s, using their #13 “45 Auto” holster component. Takes but a few seconds to swap out holster components.

Exchipy;

More good advice!

I'll buy a Bianchi #13 holster to hook on my Miami Classic harness, IF my SA-35 won't conceal well enough.
I also have a SIG P-365. It might be nice to have a #13 holster for it, for when I want to pack something lighter.

Thanks again! Virgil B.

Takes a bit more time and effort to switch holsters on the Miami Classic harness than it does on the Bianchi #13 harness, but not too much more.

I have the Miami vice for glock 19 and two mags for long time. It is ok to wear and quick to put on. As previously poster said, probably not the fastest or easiest to draw from. It'll do the job though. Although it probably isn't logical, I still don't like the muzzle pointing at people I don't want to shoot while carrying.

If I were buying a new shoulder holster, I'd be really tempted to order one from. Sam Andrew's. I have several of his other holsters and they're solid.



There are a lot of videos out there with pros, cons, tips.

Hard to beat an old Heiser 125......

Montana Shoulder Rig.

I have my brother’s original Jackass Leather Miami Classic with 1911 holster and dual mag pouches. I’ve updated with the newer model mag pouch and use it with a
Colt 1911 CCO. The 365 (std or XL) fit fine. However I added a snap on the thumbstrap to properly close on the 365.

As with any shoulder rig total concealment IME requires a loose outer garment, usually a jacket of some sort. With practice the pistol is rapidly accessible and can be discretely drawn using the body as a shield.

Definitely think the shoulder holsters are not first choice for all around concealment. I prefer one of the Milt Sparks IWBs in that role. YMMV

Been packing in a Milt Sparks Summer Special IWB for about 30 years.

It is indeed a VERY comfortable way to carry, but last few years, and the rise in crime,

I've decided to pack a Colt Detective Special as a back up. (NY reload)

This is where the extra weight on my belt gits to be too much.

I thought about the old Burns-Martin upside down shoulder holster for my Colt, but they quit making it years ago.

Virgil B.

For under or over a field jacket:

USGI Adirondack M7/M9






GR

I thought about one of those also, but didn't want to straps to show when my cover jacket was open.

Nice thing about carrying the Detective Special on my right side, it'll be quick to get at, If I can't get at my shoulder carry pistol under my left arm quickly.

Virgil B.

If you go to buy a Bianchi #13 holster, and the snap seems to you not fastening snug enough, don’t despair. It’s an easy matter to snug it up. Best to have it done at a leather or luggage shop, just to see how it’s done so you can do it yourself should you buy another #13. It’s so quick and easy, you may not even be charged for it.

Exchipy;

More good advice!

Thanks again! Virgil B.

Exchipy,
Thanks for the info on the listing on the bay. I bought the holster you showed yesterday and also another full setup that had a s&w holster on it. Will rebuild it for my Dan Wesson Vigil CCO.
I paid $40 for the holster and $40 for the complete rig. With shipping and tax I have about $95 in the setup. Will have to watch for a proper mag pouch setup for single stack 45s.

The Bianchi #13 mag pouch shown in the first eBay listing above, and in my photo, works great with single stack 9s and 45s, along with wide body mags as well, very comfortable too. I cut off the rectangular chrome rings which aren’t actually being used for harness connection, because they’re just a bother.

I have one of these for my Steyr A2 and really like it.

https://www.craftholsters.com/vertical-roto-shoulder-holster-w-double-mag-pouch

My new Miami Classic showed up.

Got it adjusted and wore it all evening yesterday.

The reviews were right! It's very comfortable.

I tried to adjust it with the barrel pointing down. Didn't work.

The straps were all "wonkie" with it adjusted this way.

It does seem to conceal my Hi-Power pretty well.

The barrel doesn't poke out the back.

Thanks again for the help and advice! Virgil B.

Sad to say, but in my opinion the “best” is no longer available. A Roy’s “Hidden Thunder” for my RedHawks and S&W N-frames is still in use and is the best shoulder holster I have ever tried.