Shoulder Holsters
For concealed carry, shoulder holsters keep everything together and are good for grab and go. Women in particular like this carry system because it fits their bodies efficiently. Women tend to be higher in the hip than men, which can make waist carry uncomfortable. If you spend long periods of time sitting at a desk, or in your vehicle (truck drivers, pilots) shoulder holsters keep your handgun accessible but hidden, and are comfortable enough for all-day carry.
There are three main styles of shoulder holsters—horizontal, vertical and angled—each named for how the gun is held under the shoulder. The vertical rig, where the muzzle is pointed down, is probably the slowest on the draw, but it allows for you to carry a larger gun. The horizontal shoulder holster lends itself to a faster draw than the vertical holster, but it's only ideal for shorter barreled guns to avoid muzzle printing through the back of the cover garment. The angled shoulder holster also lends itself to a faster draw, but if you have a broad chest, you might have a difficult time obtaining a firm grasp on the gun’s handle. Keep in mind that if the handgun is situated horizontally or angled for a faster draw, the gun is technically pointed at anyone who is behind you.
There are three main styles of shoulder holsters—horizontal, vertical and angled—each named for how the gun is held under the shoulder. The vertical rig, where the muzzle is pointed down, is probably the slowest on the draw, but it allows for you to carry a larger gun. The horizontal shoulder holster lends itself to a faster draw than the vertical holster, but it's only ideal for shorter barreled guns to avoid muzzle printing through the back of the cover garment. The angled shoulder holster also lends itself to a faster draw, but if you have a broad chest, you might have a difficult time obtaining a firm grasp on the gun’s handle. Keep in mind that if the handgun is situated horizontally or angled for a faster draw, the gun is technically pointed at anyone who is behind you.
Deluxe Vertical Shoulder Holster
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The UTG Deluxe Vertical Shoulder Holster features an innovative design for fully equipped pistols and MP submachine guns. Made of a premium synthetic material with reinforced thread stitching and double-edge stitching at pressure points for durability, this holster is fully adjustable with Velcro straps attached to web belt for holster/pouch tension. Barrel length is not an issue— adjust the holster for how deep into it you want your pistol to go, and adjust for width, too. The well-padded shoulder harness offers maximum comfort and the modular design with reversible thumb break system enables ambidextrous use.
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Deluxe Horizontal Shoulder Holster
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This black, universal horizontal shoulder holster has a modular design for both left- and right-handed users, padded shoulder, and two magazine pouches. Its universal design fits most popular pistols and revolvers, and the holsters' soft lining protects your firearm's finish. All components are fully adjustable for a custom fit, and Velcro straps attach to a web belt for optimum holster and pouch tension. Wide triangular shoulder pads provide great stability and comfort. This is a tactical holster, so there is not only a thumb break but some Velcro to get through before the gun comes out, but it can still be done in one movement with one hand. Materials are thin and low profile so that your firearm can easily be concealed under clothing.
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Condor Tactical Universal Shoulder Holster
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Shoulder holsters have been around for about as long as the idea of concealing a gun and remain a practical carry option. Now you can carry your pistol and spare mags in comfort with the Condor Universal Shoulder Holster. Distributes the weight of your firearm well, and adjusts easily. Magazines fit snugly and securely like the pockets were made just for them. Great quality for an inexpensive shoulder holster!
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Fobus SHR2 Ambidextrous Shoulder Harness
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Simplicity is the key. Fobus got it right with this low cost harness, which accommodates the "Roto" family of attachments. It's simple yet effective. Fobus has a huge selection of custom fit roto holsters. If you have a Fobus roto holster (including accessories) you can attach it to this shoulder harness and it will never become obsolete. The Fobus "roto" type holster for your particular gun (roto belt or roto paddle holster) attaches to the holster by unscrewing the holster either from the paddle or the belt attachment and screwing it on to the plastic under-arm panel on the shoulder holster. Choose the angle at which you want to mount it - from vertical to horizontal.
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Uncle Mike's Law Enforcement Shoulder Holster
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Uncle Mike's has done a great job for the price! At Uncle Mike's carrying your guns and gear has been the focus for 66 years. For everyday wear, this Law Enforcement Kodra Nylon Pro-Pak Vertical Shoulder Holster is ergonomically designed, simple, lightweight and super tough. Pro-Pak holsters lie flat against your body, making them an excellent choice for use under jackets. Because the onside holstering is constructed using a relatively short (but adjustable) strap the gun tucks nicely under the inside of the arm and makes you appear much more streamline when wearing a jacket (plus it's comfortable). Gun is pretty stable and will not flip or turn.
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Gould & Goodrich Gold Line Shoulder Holster
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Gould & Goodrich built its reputation for excellence by providing innovative, top quality products. This horizontal style Gold Line Shoulder Holster is no exception. Fully adjustable for comfort, with a back swivel to help straps lay flat for good concealment. Double ammunition carrier. Black non-glare hardware. Gold Line... the finest genuine leather holsters in the world made with precision engineering. Can be hidden under a thicker jacket or winter coat. Respect, Excellence, Integrity and Leadership are the core values at Gould & Goodrich. You'll notice the difference!
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How to Choose a Shoulder Holster for Concealed Carry
Once you have made the decision to carry a concealed handgun, you then need to decide what type of holster you want for it. Shoulder holsters are very common, available in different materials, and offer several styles. This style of holster is suspended from straps that wrap round a person's shoulder or shoulders so that the handgun is positioned underneath a person's armpit, on either their left or right hand side, so that it will be easily accessible in an emergency. As with any type of concealed carry holster, there are both pros and cons.
Many people find this type of holster both more convenient and more comfortable than wearing their handgun on their side. For instance, when you are sitting in your vehicle, waistband holsters can be somewhat uncomfortable and they can make it difficult to draw your firearm from a sitting position. Also, some people feel that a shoulder holster does a better job of concealing their handgun than a waistband holster does. Shoulder holsters don’t require a belt to suspend the holster from, they offer much easier access to your handgun from a sitting position, and they are easily accessed in tight quarters. On the other hand, some people find shoulder holsters uncomfortable because of the weight of their gun. In addition, shoulder holsters require a cross draw which requires you to reach across your body to grasp the grip of the handgun. Traditional shoulder holsters also require some sort of jacket or coat to conceal them.
Shoulder holsters can be made from molded leather or various types of heavy duty nylon. Leather has been used for handgun holsters for nearly 200 years. Leather is aesthetically pleasing, comfortable to wear, can be easily molded to fit a specific model of handgun, and is durable. However, leather is generally the most expensive option. Another material from which shoulder holsters are made is Cordura nylon. This material is far tougher and significantly less expensive than leather. Kydex is a material originally manufactured by the DuPont company. It is a thermoplastic material that is as tough as nylon and can be heated and then easily molded to precisely fit any model of handgun.
When choosing a shoulder holster, be aware of three basic styles and that each style positions the handgun differently.
The type of shoulder holster you choose should depend on both your physical stature and the size of your handgun. For example, if you have a slim body style, then a vertical shoulder holster may be the best choice, especially if you carry a full sized handgun. Why? Because it places the longest axis of the firearm vertically so that it is less likely to protrude beyond your body. However, it is more difficult to grasp the grip of your handgun when carried in either the grip up or grip down position. For this reason, horizontal shoulder holsters tend to be the most popular style. This type of shoulder holster positions the handgun such that the longest axis of the handgun is horizontal with the grip of the handgun pointing down so that it is oriented for you to be able to easily grasp the grip of the handgun to draw it from the holster. Another type of shoulder holster positions the long axis of the handgun at a 45 degree angle with the barrel or slide of the handgun angled up and the grip of the handgun angled down and back. This style of shoulder holster enables you to carry a full sized handgun in a position such that it does not protrude beyond your body but still makes it easier to grasp the grip of the handgun than a vertical carry shoulder holster does.
Another factor to consider when choosing a shoulder holster is that of balance. A loaded handgun is a somewhat heavy item and having that weight hanging from your shoulder can be uncomfortable if it is not balanced by an equal or nearly equal weight on the other side. Consequently, many shoulder holsters have a means of carrying extra ammunition on the opposite side and some of them also have a means of carrying a knife on the opposite side either along with or in place of extra ammunition. For comfort and less fatigue and muscle strain, consider balancing your shoulder holster because carrying a weight on only one side places extra stain on the muscles in your back as well as your spinal column.
Many people find this type of holster both more convenient and more comfortable than wearing their handgun on their side. For instance, when you are sitting in your vehicle, waistband holsters can be somewhat uncomfortable and they can make it difficult to draw your firearm from a sitting position. Also, some people feel that a shoulder holster does a better job of concealing their handgun than a waistband holster does. Shoulder holsters don’t require a belt to suspend the holster from, they offer much easier access to your handgun from a sitting position, and they are easily accessed in tight quarters. On the other hand, some people find shoulder holsters uncomfortable because of the weight of their gun. In addition, shoulder holsters require a cross draw which requires you to reach across your body to grasp the grip of the handgun. Traditional shoulder holsters also require some sort of jacket or coat to conceal them.
Shoulder holsters can be made from molded leather or various types of heavy duty nylon. Leather has been used for handgun holsters for nearly 200 years. Leather is aesthetically pleasing, comfortable to wear, can be easily molded to fit a specific model of handgun, and is durable. However, leather is generally the most expensive option. Another material from which shoulder holsters are made is Cordura nylon. This material is far tougher and significantly less expensive than leather. Kydex is a material originally manufactured by the DuPont company. It is a thermoplastic material that is as tough as nylon and can be heated and then easily molded to precisely fit any model of handgun.
When choosing a shoulder holster, be aware of three basic styles and that each style positions the handgun differently.
- Some position the handgun vertically with the grip of the gun either in the up or down position
- Some shoulder holsters position the handgun horizontally with the grip pointing down
- Other holsters position the handgun at a 45 degree angle with the grip angled down and back
The type of shoulder holster you choose should depend on both your physical stature and the size of your handgun. For example, if you have a slim body style, then a vertical shoulder holster may be the best choice, especially if you carry a full sized handgun. Why? Because it places the longest axis of the firearm vertically so that it is less likely to protrude beyond your body. However, it is more difficult to grasp the grip of your handgun when carried in either the grip up or grip down position. For this reason, horizontal shoulder holsters tend to be the most popular style. This type of shoulder holster positions the handgun such that the longest axis of the handgun is horizontal with the grip of the handgun pointing down so that it is oriented for you to be able to easily grasp the grip of the handgun to draw it from the holster. Another type of shoulder holster positions the long axis of the handgun at a 45 degree angle with the barrel or slide of the handgun angled up and the grip of the handgun angled down and back. This style of shoulder holster enables you to carry a full sized handgun in a position such that it does not protrude beyond your body but still makes it easier to grasp the grip of the handgun than a vertical carry shoulder holster does.
Another factor to consider when choosing a shoulder holster is that of balance. A loaded handgun is a somewhat heavy item and having that weight hanging from your shoulder can be uncomfortable if it is not balanced by an equal or nearly equal weight on the other side. Consequently, many shoulder holsters have a means of carrying extra ammunition on the opposite side and some of them also have a means of carrying a knife on the opposite side either along with or in place of extra ammunition. For comfort and less fatigue and muscle strain, consider balancing your shoulder holster because carrying a weight on only one side places extra stain on the muscles in your back as well as your spinal column.