Everyday Carry
By Robb Manning
Alternate Carry Methods: Shoulder Holsters
When concealed carry first entered my thinking, it was the mid-90s, and I was on a James Bond kick. Sean Connery looked pretty cool to me, pulling his Walther PPK from his shoulder holster. At the time, though, I wasn’t going to be doing any concealed carry -- I was stationed in California, that it wasn’t going to happen. Besides, spending most of my time on base didn’t really make it a necessity. Still, that shoulder rig looked pretty sweet.
A lot of concealed carry permit holders-- myself included -- are stuck in the traditional strong-side belt holster carry, either outside the waste band (OWB) or inside the waste band (IWB). For most occasions, and with modern thinking and techniques, this is the best way. But it’s not the only way. And it’s not always the best way. In years gone by, it was fashionable and practical to carry using a shoulder holster. Shoulder holsters do still have their place. Here are three situations in which a shoulder holster could be exactly what the doctor ordered:
For people who spend a lot of time sitting (driving or in a chair). Most belt carry holsters and pistols will be felt at some point, as you sit. Either on your back, side, or the muzzle will hit the chair -- if the pistol is long or the holster rides low -- pushing up on the belt. A shoulder holster doesn’t do this, and is for more comfortable. For the right handed driver, the holster is on the left side, which means when you draw to engage a threat out of the driver’s side window, there is no danger of sweeping your legs with the muzzle as you bring it up.
For people who live in cold weather climates. When wearing a heavy, bulky winter coat, it can be difficult to lift it up smoothly and quickly to access a belt holster. It becomes more of a problem when you put on snow pants -- most won’t stretch far enough to cover a handgun in a belt holster, and those that do print a bulge so large it looks suspicious. A shoulder holster alleviates this issue. The handgun can be accessed quickly and smoothly. If you know you’re going to be taking the coat off at some point, wear a sport coat or a concealed carry vest over the shoulder rig.
 |
| “Drawing with a winter Coat on” |
For females. Women tend to have shorter, narrower torsos, with wider hips. I’ve seen female police officers with wide hips, and with a belt holster, the butt of the handgun canted inward, digging into their sides. It didn’t look all that comfortable, and also didn’t appear to facilitate a quick, smooth draw process. They of course didn’t have a choice in the mode of carry -- but a civilian does have a choice, and a shoulder holster might be a more comfortable and practical choice.
Shoulder holsters are not for everyone, however. Some males will have a hard time using one -- particular those that are wide shouldered or barrel chested. I fall into the former category, and it’s just too long of a reach across my front to adequately reach the handgun.
Shoulder holsters come in vertical models (barrel pointed towards the ground), horizontal models (barrel pointed behind you), and models with the handgun canted somewhere between the two. This is another point to consider, and what some consider a detractor. Particularly in the horizontal models. The muzzle of the firearm will be pointed behind you, and this you will be fanning the muzzle of a loaded weapon at anyone who is behind you. Take that into consideration when considering this model.
One company that makes excellent shoulder holsters is Deep Conceal, LLC. They make soft holsters from cotton that I like because they aren’t bulky and are easy to conceal. I own two of them; the Universal Harness and the Ultra Model, and would recommend either. The Universal model has interchangeable holster pockets for ultra and compact handguns, derringers, and spare magazines. The Ultra Model is for Semi-Autos and Revolvers 4”-7” in length. MSRP: (Ultra) $43.95, (Universal) $25.95.
For Video review of these products, go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YfWnzf1rEqc
Resources:
The Gun Digest Book of Concealed Carry. By Massad Ayoob
www.deepconceal.com