I’m thinking about getting me a shoulder holster to carry a S&W Shield 45. Any of you folks use a shoulder holster?

I’ve been using one the past few months. A strong side holster hurts my hip as of late. It takes a little getting used to and some practice, but I’m getting there.
I’m carrying a G23 in a Miami Classic w/ the belt tie downs. The rig also makes a pretty good set of suspenders.

I use one if I'm going to be sitting for longer periods of time or where a hip holster is harder to get to. - driving, movie theater, or lots of classes.

Galco's Miami Classic is the most comfortable I've tried. I'd suggest NOT trying Tagua's. their leather is super stiff. It probably would break in just fine, but it wasn't comfortable to me. Galco's was good right out of the box and more easily adjusted. I'm sure there are other good ones out there. I've forgotten the couple others I tried before sticking with the Miami Classic.

I've used them for many years as I would be in and out of cars.
Not so keen on the horizontal design vs. vertical for one simple reason... with the horizontal design you muzzle sweet anyone in the back seat while driving.
There are some sweet horizontal designs out there if this isn't a concern.

Check out Mitch Rosen's catalog, quality equipment.

I think they're good to have as an option, just like any other tool in the toolbox. I happen to use mine primarily when I am on the bike. With the gear I use, for me it is the best option.

quote:

Originally posted by Rinehart:
... with the horizontal design you muzzle sweet anyone in the back seat while driving.

No, you don't. It's holstered.

I’ve had an Alessi “Bodyguard” horizontal shoulder rig for a couple of years. Very happy with it – wide harness straps over the shoulder for comfort. The pistol doesn’t dangle when I lean forward. Pouch for two mags on the offside. An excellent way to carry when wearing a jacket – especially when driving.

One thing I liked about shoulder holsters had to do with retention (which of course completely depends on the holster no matter what type).

I did a defensive course in 2014 and we had a shoot in winter in the tundra of Western NY.
I was the only person there not directly LEO and many of the folks came in with IWB and other belt type holsters. From the appearance these were all well-broken in holsters and therefore you would expect reliable designs.

They had just plowed the range with a tractor and to get to the back you had to climb over a few sizeable snow mounds.

I thought it was interesting that while doing this about three people either had their pistols pop out of non-retention-positive belt holsters or had the entire holster pop off their belt and auger into the snow. (Obviously these were clip attach vs. closed loop type holsters).

This occurrence was not lost on me- if you have to move fast, run or do any kind of activity you need a holster that will not only give you good retention for your firearm but also stay attached...

I’ve been using one of these with a Shield 9mm for years.
www.kangaroocarry.com

I've got one from Ritchie Leather that gets regular use and have been very happy with it. I think Alessi and Ritchie are about the same and would recommend either.

Ritchie is the old Alessi company.

I advise against using a shoulder rig.

1- It often presents the weapon to an assailant in manner that is easier for them to grab.

2- On the range absolutely no one will want to be anywhere behind you as you draw and reholster. Your RSO will hate seeing that rig.

3- Unless you are very careful about how you draw and reholster, you will sweep the person on your weak side. No one will want to be next to you on the range. Again, your RSO will hate you.

4- Unless it's 1986, and your name is Sonny Crockett, you don't look nearly as cool as you think you do.

Shoulder holsters have their place for some very specialized applications, but for 99.9% of the people carrying a handgun they are a poor choice.

when I was a rookie, at my first LE job, they were allowed,and I tried several. i learned it is unlikely when under stress to perform, quals (for cops), or an actual defensive situation (everyone), that you will do the proper draw. It's unnatural and takes extra time. Most folks will just sweep the weak side to use a natural, and therefore quicker and smoother, draw. VERY unsafe for anyone in the 180 degree arc on your weak side though, which is why I abandoned the idea. I won't stand behind or weak side of anyone wearing a shoulder holster on the range, or when on duty. My first supervisor at that job used a shoulder rig, and I told him all the same things, and tried as much as possible not to shoot quals when he did, and insisted on being on his strong side of i couldn't avoid being on the range with him.

quote:

Originally posted by sunburn:
Ritchie is the old Alessi company.

Skip Ritchie was Lou Alessi's old apprentice/partner who spun off his own separate business. He does excellent quality work. http://www.ritchieholsters.com/

But Alessi Holsters is still around, run by Lou's daughter and some of his long-time staff, and still putting out quality holsters. http://www.alessigunholsters.com/

Is a shoulder rig handy while in the driver's seat of a car? I've never considered one, but that's the one place they may be useful.

quote:

Originally posted by Sigmund:
Is a shoulder rig handy while in the driver's seat of a car? I've never considered one, but that's the one place they may be useful.

That's why I used them occasionally when traveling around a lot while wearing suits.
Please let me hear someone say that a IWB holster is actually comfortable during a car ride.

(I usually hear people say "oh, I just take it off in the car"...)

But DMF is correct about the draw concerns from a shoulder rig- Not just safety- also speed and acquisition...
I had a range master tell me once it can cost you as much as three seconds vs. a belt-related holster.

quote:

Originally posted by Rinehart
Please let me hear someone say that a IWB holster is actually comfortable during a car ride.

(I usually hear people say "oh, I just take it off in the car"...)

Unless I'm sitting in something with really stiff high end sests my IWB doesn't cause me any issues. G26 in an R Grizzle.

Shoulder holsters are good for driving and other activities where the belt area isn't available. They are a tool, use them as such.

I prefer a shoulder rig if I'm out and about during the winter months wearing heavy coats or longer parkas. I find presentation to be faster in those cases.

The Miami Classic is what my P228 rides in.

-Rob

Question for folks that wear them daily:

How well do they conceal in slacks and a loose fitting polo? I realize that I will have to pull my shirt up to grab the weapon, but I don't ever tuck my shirt in.

quote:

Originally posted by rockchalk06:
Question for folks that wear them daily:

How well do they conceal in slacks and a loose fitting polo? I realize that I will have to pull my shirt up to grab the weapon, but I don't ever tuck my shirt in.

Interesting; I've never heard of anyone wearing a shoulder holster under a shirt.

There are videos of bra holsters, and that could give you some idea of what it'd be like to draw from comparable concealment.

Probably not much different than those shirt holsters except most folks wear them with button downs, especially snap buttons.