Shoulder Holster?

[jeepster09]

Anyone use a shoulder holster? I am thinking of trying one for cold weather use with my Sig P226. I do carry it IWB, but it is on the large size for that.

[jeepster09]

One with rail and one without.

[Bawanna]

I used to wear a shoulder holster all the time but for some reason it started messing with with my should and neck. After a few hours my head didn't want to turn anymore.
Maybe I was turning wuss at that point, don't know. Might be ok with a lighter gun. Was carrying a 1911 with two mags on the off side.
Back in my hunting days I carried a Ruger 44 mag in the shoulder rig, but vertical and attached at the belt which helped support it. I had padding added to the shoulder area.
For awhile I went cowboy rig. That's probably the worst thing about being stuck in a chair, can't wear a cowboy belt and holster. I really liked those.

[dao]

How about a cross draw Colonel? I use them quite often when in the car. And for smaller guns especially they work quite well.

I have some shoulder holsters but since I broke my collarbone and having it heal with a gnarly bump right were the strap rides I can't wear them anymore. I do have a chest holster I wear while out on my bike. I had the guy make it so that I can wear it off the right shoulder, yet still with a right hand draw. I put my Sig P938 in it most of the time but it will hold most small holsters so it would be a simple matter to set it up for another gun.

If you look closely at this picture you can see where my collarbone is sticking up on my left side, at about the same level as the front of my neck. I broke it at both ends back on 2009. It didn't heal well, and does cause me to have neck pain now, just like you're describing. Doctor said back then that at some point I might have to have it addressed for that very reason.

The DeSantis mini scabbard holsters slide right onto the retaining strap on this, but any holster with a single belt slot would likely work.

[yqtszhj]

How about a cross draw Colonel? I use them quite often when in the car. And for smaller guns especially they work quite well.

I have some shoulder holsters but since I broke my collarbone and having it heal with a gnarly bump right were the strap rides I can't wear them anymore. I do have a chest holster I wear while out on my bike. I had the guy make it so that I can wear it off the right shoulder, yet still with a right hand draw. I put my Sig P938 in it most of the time but it will hold most small holsters so it would be a simple matter to set it up for another gun.

If you look closely at this picture you can see where my collarbone is sticking up on my left side, at about the same level as the front of my neck. I broke it at both ends back on 2009. It didn't heal well, and does cause me to have neck pain now, just like you're describing. Doctor said back then that at some point I might have to have it addressed for that very reason.

The DeSantis mini scabbard holsters slide right onto the retaining strap on this, but any holster with a single belt slot would likely work.

I like that carry rig.

[Bawanna]

When I first started carrying a gun it was almost always cross draw. I worked in a tool warehouse where as usual I wasn't allowed to carry. Cross draw made it so I could tell right off if I was printing, plus it kept the gun out of my way handling stuff. I moved it around some everywhere from about 7 oclock to 11. Everyone there knew I had it, general manager often times joked around and patted me down, but he never caught it, always in front or behind it. He's just say good boy and walk away.
It was a big warehouse with a small customer showroom. Customers had to be with a salesman to go in the warehouse but still had considerable shoplift attempts.
Funny thing, no guns allowed but every time there was a questionable situation, they'd call me to where it was happening. Me and the general manager chased one guy about 3 blocks and caught him. I'm sure he took very expensive Ingersoll Rand air tools but manager didn't call police and wouldn't let me pat him down. I found the empty boxes later.

[dao]

I like that carry rig.

I only use it on my bike. That's about the only time I have a jacket on that's zipped all the way up, and it stays that way until I take it off. But if I still went into the woods I wouldn't hesitate to use it, or another like it for a larger pistol. Chest carrying is about as comfortable and handy as it gets.

[dao]

Seems like your chair could offer a stable and ideal platform for mounting a holster Colonel. Maybe down along the left hand side (inside the armrest and next to you) so you could crossdraw from it? Alternatively, they make holsters for car seats now that anchor to the seat and hang down in front of it. I made one for my truck. If you have a way to anchor one to the back of your seat and want to send me some measurements I'd be happy to make one for you. I have mil-spec 1000 denier cordura that I used for the one in my truck. You sit on the part that's under you and there are pouches in the front that hang down between and behind your knees to hold your gun. I tie mine around the seat where the back meets the bottom to keep it in place. On mine I also have a flap that covers just the top of the pouches but is easily moved aside if I need to grab the gun. I'm sure we could come up with one to hold your CBob if you wanted.

[Bawanna]

I've hung guns on the chair and in my little front and back packs but I decided if a situation came where I had to get out of the chair, I want the gun to go with me, not stay behind with the chair.
When I was a walking carpenter I had a 3rd nail bag hanging at 6 oclock with a flap over it. I kept my 1911 in that pouch. Kept the saw dust out but was easily reachable. When I took off the belt it went into a cross draw position. Guess I was kind of obsessed with keeping a gun handy. I used to put the gun in a double zip lock back in the shower till the wife pointed out I couldn't hear a grenade go off without my hearing aid, after that it seemed rather pointless.

[dao]

I've hung guns on the chair and in my little front and back packs but I decided if a situation came where I had to get out of the chair, I want the gun to go with me, not stay behind with the chair.
When I was a walking carpenter I had a 3rd nail bag hanging at 6 oclock with a flap over it. I kept my 1911 in that pouch. Kept the saw dust out but was easily reachable. When I took off the belt it went into a cross draw position. Guess I was kind of obsessed with keeping a gun handy. I used to put the gun in a double zip lock back in the shower till the wife pointed out I couldn't hear a grenade go off without my hearing aid, after that it seemed rather pointless.

I'm closing in you fast on that Colonel.

[jeepster09]

Well a chest rig does not look very concealable. Looks good as an option while driving though.

[kenemoore]

I have often thought of purchasing a shoulder rig, but in my old age, my gut has grown. Not sure, an old fat fart, could reach across his belly to grab a gun.
Any fat boy shoulder wearers out there? Inquiring minds want to know.

[kenemoore]

I have often thought of purchasing a shoulder rig, but in my old age, my gut has grown. Not sure, an old fat fart, could reach across his belly to grab a gun.
Any fat boy shoulder wearers out there? Inquiring minds want to know.

[rumblemonkey]

I like a Galco, the PM9 hides very well. The more expensive Miami vice models seem nice, so I got the cheaper lite version from them. Liked it so much I got ones for other models and versions. Take your time before cutting the straps, adjust it a bunch before you find where it is perfect! It rides higher up above any 6-pack or keg you may be sporting. Button up shirt with an undershirt works well.

[ripley16]

I've used several shoulder rigs of a couple different brands over the years. I think Galco is one of the best quality for the price and offers a wide variety. The Miami Classic and the streamlined Half Harness are my favorites. I quickly came to realize that smaller, lighter guns were the only way to carry all day with any hope of comfort. Large guns are actually hard to keep from printing IMHO unless worn low and near the belt line. Smaller guns can go higher.

Whatever you get, I'd advise getting a rig with a large amount of support on the carry side, add a tie-down to keep it from bouncing around on your ribs and take the time to fit it properly, (which can take some experimenting). Go in knowing that most holsters fit quite snuggly and may require a firm yank to unholster. That said quality leather is a must. Horse hide if possible.

The best I've ever bought is the Galco Executive, which I gave to my brother. Of course, Galco dropped the Executive and I'm out of luck. At least he's a good brother.

Good luck with your hunt.

[Scott321]

I use a shoulder holster occasionally (Galco Classic Lite for the Kahr CW45, Galco Miami Classic for a S&W M2.040 FS). I changed out both shoulder straps for ultra-wide Galco shoulder straps (worth their weight in gold IMO). It takes one to two weeks of wearing for the straps to mold to the body. I also replaced the single mag carrier on the Classic Lite with a double mag carrier.

Pros: When adjusted to sit the firearm/mags up high by the armpits, it doesn't need a belt tie down and is very secure. Easily accessible when driving. Does not hinder more intensive activities like working on your back under vehicles or print when picking up gravel/soil/salt bags or the like. Can use mag holders for other gear, e.g. flashlight. With practice, one can put the holster on in a few seconds.

Downsides: Muzzle sweeps in horizontal position. Needs a heavy, thick winter coat to eliminate printing. Even with a thick, baggy, zippered sweater (or form fitting jacket) it looks like I'm carrying a paperback book under each arm.

[Charlie98]

I've got an Alessi shoulder rig for both my 1911, and my Kahrs. Sadly, shortly after I received this holster, Alessi went out of business. I had to wait nearly 9 months for this holster, but it was worth it. It is very similar to the Galco Miami Classic.

I will wear it when I'm traveling... where the seat belt and possibly a coat could hinder access to my pistol, it's much easier to just have my jacket partially unzipped while driving and be able to access my pistol without having to lurch around... and drawing from the holster puts the weapon immediately on the threat (assuming I'm seated and there is someone at the driver's window, etc. I don't wear it any other time... even the relatively light weight of the Kahr starts to tax my neck and shoulders after a while, and after 18 hours in the saddle, driving Texas to Nevada, it feels like it weighs 100#'s.

https://i.imgur.com/YyLdClyl.jpg?1

[yqtszhj]

All this shoulder holster talk has me thinking about a Miami classic rig I bought more than 10 years ago and never warmed up to it. I have a 1911 holster and a CM9 holster for it. Found with a little stretching the Sig p365 fits the cm9 holster. I’m going have to try this again since it’s getting cooler outside and as I’m getting older waist carry just ain’t as comfortable as it used to be.

[Bawanna]

I've got an Alessi shoulder rig for both my 1911, and my Kahrs. Sadly, shortly after I received this holster, Alessi went out of business. I had to wait nearly 9 months for this holster, but it was worth it. It is very similar to the Galco Miami Classic.

I will wear it when I'm traveling... where the seat belt and possibly a coat could hinder access to my pistol, it's much easier to just have my jacket partially unzipped while driving and be able to access my pistol without having to lurch around... and drawing from the holster puts the weapon immediately on the threat (assuming I'm seated and there is someone at the driver's window, etc. I don't wear it any other time... even the relatively light weight of the Kahr starts to tax my neck and shoulders after a while, and after 18 hours in the saddle, driving Texas to Nevada, it feels like it weighs 100#'s.

https://i.imgur.com/YyLdClyl.jpg?1

What got me was the neck and shoulders thing you mention. I used to carry all the time in the Galco (1911) but it got to where after a little bit I'd be nearly paralyzed from the neck up. Wait, that explains alot huh? I liked it but even with the wide strap it just got to my neck. Used to where a vertical shoulder rig with my 44 mag back in my hunting days. Had some padding sewn into the shoulder piece. That worked ok as it was supported at the belt as well. Not practical for everyday carry of course.

[K75RT]

Back many years ago I carried a S&W Model 19 in a Safariland vertical shoulder holster, it was what was recommended while working plain clothes court duty. It concealed the M19 quite well was reasonably comfortable but as others have stated the weight did lend a factor of fatigue especially in the neck area. We had to wear a sport jacket and were required to carry a minimum of 2 reloads. I wore a Bianchi horizontal shoulder holster when doing prisoner transportation, it was very comfortable as I was carrying a 1911 at that time. One of the most comfortable shoulder holster I have ever worn was an upside down
clamshell affair that retained the 3" S&W Model 65 elastically, it worked great was light and quick to get into action. We were eventually banned from using shoulder holsters as there were gun safety rules that were violated and that is how it goes.

[yqtszhj]

All this shoulder holster talk has me thinking about a Miami classic rig I bought more than 10 years ago and never warmed up to it. I have a 1911 holster and a CM9 holster for it. Found with a little stretching the Sig p365 fits the cm9 holster. I’m going have to try this again since it’s getting cooler outside and as I’m getting older waist carry just ain’t as comfortable as it used to be.

Update to my previous post. Since it’s been cool enough for a cover garment I’ve wore the shoulder rig I have carrying the Sig 365xl. Works well and I can get used to it. One thing I’ve figured out for me is I don’t like carrying reload mags on the other side. Seems that adding that additional weight makes it more uncomfortable. Just the Pistol with 12 or 15 rounds carrys good.

[Charlie98]

For all you guys that carry a C-series or P-series pistol, and are getting a holster... If you get a holster intended for the CW9, the PM9/CM9 fits in it as well. All of my Kahr holsters are for the CW9, but I use them interchangeably with my CM/PM9's when I carry those instead. If you get a holster sized for the CM/PM9, you are stuck with that length pistol.

[Scott321]

Update to my previous post. Since it’s been cool enough for a cover garment I’ve wore the shoulder rig I have carrying the Sig 365xl. Works well and I can get used to it. One thing I’ve figured out for me is I don’t like carrying reload mags on the other side. Seems that adding that additional weight makes it more uncomfortable. Just the Pistol with 12 or 15 rounds carrys good.

I just wanted to reiterate...

I used to use Galco shoulder holsters in the winter everyday. With the original straps it dead wear on my shoulders, however the 2.5" made a huge difference. I only stopped because I started to have duties that required me to have my jacket off. For me, the trick is to follow these three steps:

1. 2.5" shoulder straps from Galco: Galco 2.5"wide harness for system
(https://www.galcogunleather.com/2-5-wide-harness-for-system_8_445_1580.html)
2. Keep firearm and magazine holders up high under armpits

3. After wearing for 10+ days readjust the straps, as they will sag as they conform to your body. This adds to the comfort but requires a secondary fitting.

I liked the system I used for the CW45 so much, I replicated it for my S&W M2.0 40 full size plus reloads.

[yqtszhj]

Thanks, I’m gonna have to look at that harness.

[HSparrow]

I made a few holsters for the .500S&W BFR. One is a western rig with cartage belt, the other is a LH belt type, and the other is a shoulder rig.

[jg rider]

I use an MASC rig in the winter for my K9

https://mascholster.com/products/horizontal-suede-leather-shoulder-holster-with-single-magazine-carrier-ka-1050n-hidiv?variant=40641249738886

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