Thoughts About Shoulder Holsters

  

Source: "Concealed Carry: Pros & Cons of Shoulder Carry"

One of Greg Ellifritz's "Weekend Knowledge Dump" posts linked to an article entitled "The Best Guide to Shoulder Holsters for Dummies" at Firearm News. It caught my attention in particular because of my experience using shoulder holsters. Maybe there is a longer "subscription only" version of the article, but I didn't find the article to be much of a guide on shoulder holsters. I have a lot of respect for the author, Will Dabbs, but he spends too much time on his pastiche of James Bond and too little discussing shoulder holsters.

    Mostly thanks to the generosity of Craft Holsters, I've tested and posted several reviews of shoulder holsters over the years:

• Review of Craft Holsters' Shoulder Holster System With Mag Pouch 
• A Year And Half On: Thoughts On My Vega Shoulder Holster 
• Quick Look: Galco Classic Lite 2.0 Shoulder System 
• Review of Falco's Vertical Roto Shoulder Holster With Double Magazine Pouch 
• Another Shoulder Holster Review 

    Chest holsters are generally lumped together with shoulder holsters. In that regard, I've also used Hill People Gear's Kit Bag, a small pouch style bag that rides on your chest and is designed to carry a handgun (see my review here). And I've used the Kenai chest holster system from Gunfighters Inc. which I briefly discuss in my post on "Carrying a Handgun While Hunting or Hiking".  

    Chest holsters are not intended for concealment as much as to give ready access to a handgun for the outdoorsman without the pistol getting in the way of other gear or pouches. Hunters like them because the gun is up front and isn't going to interfere with carrying a rifle over your shoulder. Fishermen like them because they keep the handgun up out of the water (especially if you are wading into the water). And while the Hill People Gear's kit bag does a good job of concealing a firearm, it too is primarily intended for the convenience of the outdoorsman (although a small kit bag paired with a smaller handgun would probably work quite well for a bicyclist or jogger wanting to carry concealed). So, from this point on, I will be discussing shoulder holsters intended for daily concealed carry.

Vertical Versus Horizontal Versus Angled

     There are different ways to categorize shoulder holsters. For one, you can distinguish between holster designs by the orientation in which it holds the firearm: vertical, horizontal, or angled.   

Dirty Harry’s iconic vertical shoulder holster as seen in Magnum Force. Notice how low the weapon hangs in order to allow for easy access. (Source: "Photo Essay: Lawmen, Actors, and Gunleather")

     Vertical shoulder holsters, as the name suggests, hold the pistol in a vertical orientation, the barrel pointing downward toward ground. This type of shoulder holster works best for concealing handguns with long barrels. For instance, my impetus to try out the vertical roto shoulder holster was to have a concealed carry holster for a Glock 34. (The "roto" part of the name is because, unlike most vertical shoulder holsters, the holster is designed so that when you unsnap the retaining strap, the holster can be rotated into an almost horizontal position making it easier to draw the weapon). Some of you may be old enough to remember a television show from the 1980s called "Spencer for Hire" where one of the characters, "Hawk," often used a vertical shoulder holster to conceal a long barrel Colt Python revolver.  

    You will also see a lot of older holster designs use this even for smaller pistols because the holster could be made without a retention strap: essentially the holster was a "bag" made of leather or fabric to hold the firearm (see the photo of the early James Bond holster, further below, as an example).  

Fans of the old Miami Vice television series from the 1980s will instantly recognize the iconic horizontal Galco shoulder holster (then known as the Jackass Rig and now, in a modified form, as the Miami Classic) with the counterbalancing magazine pouches. (Source) Most horizontal shoulder holsters made today are based on this design. There is an interesting story about how Don Johnson's character wound up with the Galco holster: "Galco Miami Classic Holster History"

    The horizontal shoulder holster, as the name suggests, carries the pistol in position where the barrel is horizontal relative to the ground, typically tucked under the off-side arm. The advantages to a horizontal shoulder holster is that it can be carried higher on the side making it more concealable, and it is typically quicker or easier to draw the weapon than with a vertical holster. The disadvantages are that it is limited to handguns with a short or medium length barrel, and it relies mostly on a safety strap to keep the weapon in place (at least in standard materials like leather or nylon). Meaning that if that strap comes undone for some reason, your weapon is likely to fall out. It is for that reason that I do not wear a horizontal shoulder holster in conjunction with suspenders--on a few occasions, the suspender caught on the safety strap and snapped it open, allowing the pistol to come loose. 

An example of an angled shoulder holster (source)

 

    There are also holsters that are hybrids between horizontal and vertical. I've already mentioned that the vertical holster I have is a "roto-holster" design that carries the weapon vertically, but when the retaining strap is released, the holster can rotate and be drawn like from a horizontal holster. There are also holsters that carry the pistol at an angle (typically around 45 degrees) although whether the barrel is pointing upward or downward seems to vary by design. I have not used an angled holster, but they appear to offer some compromise in being better at concealing larger weapons than a horizontal holster, but easier to draw from than a vertical shoulder holster.  I would note that most horizontal shoulder holsters can be adjusted so that the weapon and holster sits at an angle if you prefer, although probably not as steep an angle as a shoulder holster system designed for angled carry. 

Basic Types Of Harnesses

     The other primary distinguishing feature between shoulder holsters is the design or layout of the harness.  A lot of older designs use a single shoulder harness making use of a strap that goes over the shoulder and holds the holster, and a smaller strap or loop that goes around the opposite shoulder and behind the back/neck to hold the whole thing in place. I don't have any experience with this style of harness, but it is my understanding that this style is less comfortable, particularly with heavier pistols. 

This is a vertical shoulder holster modeled off the one used in the early James Bond films (it lacks the tie down on the holster that would have connected it to a button sewn in the trouser waistband). The undyed leather portion would have gone over the left shoulder, and the white strap would have gone across the back and around the right shoulder. (Source)

  

A back view of the single shoulder harness--notice that the smaller strap passing across the back and behind the neck and around the opposite shoulder (Source)

     The other design--and probably the most common today--is the cross-shoulder harness system. The harness in this design forms an an X in the middle of the back between the shoulders, with separate loops on each side that go around the respective shoulders and hold a holster on one side and, typically, a magazine pouch or speed loader pouch on the other side (although I've seen some offered with double holsters so you can carry two firearms). This design better balances the weight and typically offers a wider strap across both shoulders than is standard with the single shoulder harness. 

An illustration showing the cross-shoulder harness. You will see how the straps are all connected with a central piece (circular in this illustration but typically square with rivets or snaps securing that strap. It is important that the straps be able to rotate around its rivet or strap to get the best fit and comfort--otherwise, the strap can bunched up. (Source: "How To Wear A Shoulder Holster").

 "Testing" A Shoulder Harness

     Some people don't like shoulder harnesses, finding them uncomfortable to wear. Greg Ellifritz mentions this almost any time the subject of shoulder holsters come up. Part of the discomfort some people have may just come down to the distribution of the weight (for instance, Don Johnson almost gave up on shoulder holsters--he initially was using a single shoulder harness in Miami Vice-when Galco showed up with the Jackass Rig). For some it might just be a matter of getting the harness properly adjusted, which can take some trial and error. But I suspect a lot of it is the constant pressure on the shoulders (I'm sure the ladies can empathize with this). 

    The best way to determine whether you can tolerate a shoulder holster would be to test one or two different models. Unfortunately, shoulder holsters are expensive--$250 to $350 depending on the model and manufacturer seems typical for a quality rig. Too expensive to buy one just to try and then throw in your box or drawer of holsters if it doesn't work out. If you can't borrow one, my suggestion is to buy an inexpensive pair of suspenders (Perry makes ones that clip onto belts so you don't need to add buttons to your slacks) and wear them for a week or two. If you can tolerate the suspenders, you can probably tolerate a shoulder holster. 

Putting On A Shoulder Holster

     With my first shoulder holster, one of the puzzling aspects was how to put one on. What I quickly learned was to approach it like putting on a pull over shirt: hold up a loop with your opposite hand, slide your arm through the loop (like sliding your arm into the sleeve) and get it up on your shoulder, then do the same with the opposite side. Trying to put it on like a backpack--sliding your arms through both loops at the same time--doesn't work because properly adjusted loops won't be loose enough for this work.

Reasons For Using A Shoulder Holster

     Shoulder holsters are not for everyone or every situation. For one thing, in order to conceal the holster and weapon, some type of cover garment must be worn. Typically this will be some sort of unbuttoned sports jacket, blazer, or suit coat, but any type of jacket or coat will do. I've also used loose fitting cardigan sweaters in the winter or an unbuttoned loose shirt (e.g., a Hawaiian style shirt worn loosely over a T-shirt). The main thing is that you have a cover garment that can be opened far enough to make it easy to draw the pistol from the holster. 

    But if you normally wear a cover garment, a shoulder holster may be worth trying because, in my opinion at least, it conceals better than a firearm worn at the waist. It generally won't show if the cover garment is accidentally lifted or the bottom corner pulled back. Someone casually bumping up against your waist or hip, as is commonly used to see if there is a weapon concealed at waist level, probably won't reveal a shoulder holster. 

    The primary advantage of the shoulder holster, though, is the ability to easily draw the weapon when in a seated position, even if you are seated in a car wearing a seat belt. This is because the weapon is not constricted by the pants or the seat belt or your belly as a weapon worn on the belt line would normally be.  

    Shoulder holsters often work better with winter jackets and coats than other holsters. If you can quickly unzip the top of a coat or jacket, you have access to the weapon. But a long winter jacket or coat that goes below your belt line may be much harder to scrunch up to allow access to weapon on the belt line or carried in an appendix carry method.  

    Another advantage to the shoulder holster is that you do not need to remove the weapon or holster to sit on the toilet. Something that might be important if you have to frequent a public restroom. Conversely, if you do need to remove the holster for some reason, it is easy to do so--there is no having to remove a belt. Just like it goes on similar to putting on a pull over style shirt, it comes off the same way. 

    Finally, under certain circumstances, it may be easier to surreptitiously draw a pistol from a shoulder holster than from other types of concealment. Putting your hand into your jacket to draw the weapon--particularly from a horizontal rig--can be made to look like someone reaching for their wallet or a cell phone. Or you can cross your arms in such a way that one hand can sneak inside a jacket to reach the weapon. 

Reasons You Might Not Want A Shoulder Holster 

    As noted above, a shoulder holster requires a concealing garment of some type to work--something that might not work well in hot weather, with uniforms or other types or work clothing, or if you wind up removing the covering garment (e.g., taking off your suit coat or a winter jacket once you arrive at work). And even if you have a cover garment it still may not work well with a shoulder holster. For instance, the weapon will print if you have to wear a close fitting jacket or suit coat. (It is my understanding that back in the day, FBI agents had specific tailors they would go to for adjustments to their suit coats). 

     Another problem that might crop up is with the draw. That is, you have to draw by reaching across your body. If you have limited range of motion with your shoulder joint, it may be impossible. If you are overweight, the bulk may make it more difficult to reach across. You can make the draw easier by simultaneously raising your off-hand arm while and then reaching across your body with your off-hand--basically squeezing the two shoulders together--but that makes your draw stroke more evident. 

    There are also safety issues involves since carrying and drawing from a shoulder holster--particularly the horizontal holster--may well result in the muzzle sweeping across yourself or another person. Many classes and shooting ranges will not allow you to draw from a shoulder holster, limiting your ability to practice or learn techniques. 

    As I learned through experience, you cannot mix a shoulder holster--at least the horizontal style--with suspenders, or you risk the retention strap getting caught and unsnapped.  

    And, as I mentioned earlier, some people just find that pressure and weight on the shoulders to be too uncomfortable to tolerate for hours on end. Others may not like the feeling of the straps around the shoulders or underneath the arms. 

Drawing From A Shoulder Holster

    If you are reasonably healthy and limber, drawing from a horizontal shoulder holster is as simply as reaching across your body, sliding your hand under your cover garment, getting a grip on the weapon with the fingers and using your thumb to unsnap the retention strap, closing the thumb, and pulling the weapon out and presenting it toward the target. 

    If you are overweight or have shoulder issues that reduce mobility, it may be a little more difficult. So, assuming your dominant hand is your right, and the weapon is being carried on your left, your first step is to take your left arm and raise it up so the elbow is chest high, and then reach across toward your right shoulder (or even over the top of your head) while drawing the weapon with your right hand as described above. This squeezes your shoulders together making it easier to reach the holstered weapon. If you are concerned about sweeping yourself, this method also raises your off-hand out of the way of the muzzle before you draw the weapon. If you are left handed, just reverse the hands in the instructions. 

    A vertical shoulder holster should work much the same way, but some designs may place the retention strap differently so that you may need to first unsnap the strap before obtaining a grip on the weapon. My roto-holster system, for instance, uses a retention strap that runs underneath the grip and trigger guard, meaning I have to first unsnap it with my fingers before obtaining a grip on the weapon. 

Conclusion

    I have found the shoulder holster to be a valuable addition to my concealed carry. I have moved away from it since I don't wear suit coats or sports jackets as often as I used to. But when I regularly wore such clothing, it was an extremely convenient way to carry a firearm and extra magazines, and was easy on and off should I remove my jacket at work. I also appreciated how it balanced the weight better and, for that reason, was better for my back. There is a reason that this method of carry still remains reasonably popular even with the plethora of IWB and AIWB systems available, and that it because for those that can use this carry method, it works exceedingly well.