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My First Shoulder Holster
Posted: Wed Mar 02, 2011 5:14 pm
by pedalman
Well, I finally decided to try out a new piece of gunleather. I picked up a Galco Miami Classic for my Glocks (G19 & G22). I must say that I've come to like it.
I have a 50-mile commute to work, and it makes my sidearm much easier to reach, not to mention that I don't have a grip digging into me while driving. I have found that using a shoulder rig makes it much easier for me to disarm and secure discreetly when I arrive at work (here's hoping that concealed campus carry passes).
Re: My First Shoulder Holster
Posted: Wed Mar 02, 2011 7:39 pm
by hirundo82
One of the main advantages shoulder holsters have over belt holsters is the ability to access them easily while seated in a car. If I'm going to be driving a lot I either carry in a shoulder holster or carry a backup in an ankle holster.
Re: My First Shoulder Holster
Posted: Wed Mar 02, 2011 8:36 pm
by flintknapper
pedalman wrote:Well, I finally decided to try out a new piece of gunleather. I picked up a Galco Miami Classic for my Glocks (G19 & G22). I must say that I've come to like it.
I have a 50-mile commute to work, and it makes my sidearm much easier to reach, not to mention that I don't have a grip digging into me while driving. I have found that using a shoulder rig makes it much easier for me to disarm and secure discreetly when I arrive at work (here's hoping that concealed campus carry passes).
Yes,
most people can put on...or take off a shoulder rig quickly and easily. Occasionally.... I hear of someone having difficulty, but it makes me think it is because of physical constraints or they just need a quick lesson.
Shoulder holsters are not ideal for every situation (or person)...but it sounds like its working well for you.
Re: My First Shoulder Holster
Posted: Thu Mar 03, 2011 10:16 am
by Vic
I'd be interested to know how you dress when using a shoulder holster.
This seems like a good idea, but I don't know if I have the wardrobe to support it.
Re: My First Shoulder Holster
Posted: Thu Mar 03, 2011 10:25 am
by pedalman
Everyday dress is a large button-down shirt with squared tail (a la Hawaiian) with T-shirt underneath. Since my job sometimes entails crawling under tables and desks (employed by a community college), I'm permitted to dress casual.
It works well enough for me, whether I use the shoulder rig, or IWB.
YMMV
Re: My First Shoulder Holster
Posted: Thu Mar 03, 2011 10:27 am
by pedalman
flintknapper wrote:pedalman wrote:Well, I finally decided to try out a new piece of gunleather. I picked up a Galco Miami Classic for my Glocks (G19 & G22). I must say that I've come to like it.
I have a 50-mile commute to work, and it makes my sidearm much easier to reach, not to mention that I don't have a grip digging into me while driving. I have found that using a shoulder rig makes it much easier for me to disarm and secure discreetly when I arrive at work (here's hoping that concealed campus carry passes).
Yes,
most people can put on...or take off a shoulder rig quickly and easily. Occasionally.... I hear of someone having difficulty, but it makes me think it is because of physical constraints or they just need a quick lesson.
Shoulder holsters are not ideal for every situation (or person)...but it sounds like its working well for you.
Actually, I leave the rig on. I just remove the pistol and secure it in my vehicle lockbox.
Re: My First Shoulder Holster
Posted: Thu Mar 03, 2011 10:28 am
by 68Charger
Er... just make sure you don't carry inside campus buildings. I would not recommend it at all since you are just a hair to getting yourself in trouble there..
Stay safe.
Edit: Didn't read full OP.

If that's the case, then I can see why you would want one.
Re: My First Shoulder Holster
Posted: Thu Mar 03, 2011 10:32 am
by The Annoyed Man
I use the same holster system periodically to carry with. I have holster bodies and magazine carriers for 1911 pattern pistols, and to fit my M&P 45. (Actually, the one for the M&P is left over from an HK USPc I used to own, but it fits the M&P just fine.) I have chronic and sometimes severe back pain, and when it acts up, I can't bear to wear a belt holster. That's when the shoulder holster comes into its own. Also, as a left-handed shooter, having the shoulder holster on in the car makes it easier to get to and deploy my gun than if I have to get it out of a left sided belt holster which is up against the car door.
Re: My First Shoulder Holster
Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2011 1:06 pm
by Dusty Harry
I got an SS2 rig (also Galco, similar to Jackass; $150) recently for my Kimber 4", and I have to admit I am struggling; it's comfortable enough but it is so sloooow and cumbersome. I'm 5'8"/205 and there is no way this is going to be unnoticable under a sportcoat - It'll take a poofy light jacket or zip-up sweatshirt to adequately conceal the bulge.
Was quite disappointed at the holster/gun fit (had to remove the tension screw and rubber bumper just to get the gun to seat deep enough to secure the retention snap). It has the old style retention snap that goes between the hammer and back of the slide (new ones do not allow condition I carry!), but it is very stiff and awkwardly placed. I know, it probably just needs serious working in and I need more practice, but summer is coming. I'll break it out again in the fall.
I'd have sent it back but got it from an outfit closing out their inventory of Galco (now I know why) so no returns... Bottom line, feeling stoopid now for not spending another $50-75 and getting something better quality like a Littlefeather or Alessi.
Re: My First Shoulder Holster
Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2011 3:50 pm
by shipwreck
I have tried shoulder holsters several times over the years. My shirt collar always ends up getting pulled down on the side of the gun. And, I keep having to adjust my shirt underneath. If you bend down, its even worse...
Re: My First Shoulder Holster
Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2011 4:00 pm
by speedsix
...I had one good one out of about 5 I tried...Bianchi had an upside-down holster I'd bought for my M60 and it had elastic closure...that and the cut of the trigger guard area held it securely and it was comfy and fast...wish I had it back...not being made by them anymore...
Re: My First Shoulder Holster
Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2011 1:02 pm
by J.R.@A&M
I like carrying a fairly heavy snubnose revolver (SP101) in a light, cotton and velcro shoulder rig from Deep Conceal. For as light as these rigs are, they hold the SP101 very snugly under my left arm. Maybe it's my skinny frame and excess shirt hang, but there is no visible bulge, and it is quite comfortable (I know, comforting v. comfortable). I wear the holster over a white cotton undershirt, and under a dress shirt/tie. Usually leave several buttons un-noticeably open under the tie. It is a nice compromise between deep concealment and being able to reach into my shirt to grip the revolver in anticipation of needing to use it. Works well inside and outside of a car.
If campus carry passes, I'm going to be wearing a shirt/tie to work more regularly.
Re: My First Shoulder Holster
Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2011 1:10 pm
by Dusty Harry
speedsix wrote:...I had one good one out of about 5 I tried...Bianchi had an upside-down holster I'd bought for my M60 and it had elastic closure...that and the cut of the trigger guard area held it securely and it was comfy and fast...wish I had it back...not being made by them anymore...
Alessi makes an upside-down rig like the one you had but I think they only catalog it for Chiefs.
As a follow-up to my earlier post on this thread, feeling the burn of hot shame, I worked over the holster with Bicks #4 (magic in a bottle) and cut a relief slot for the safety to protrude through - all that bought me enough room so I can at least get the retention strap snapped...progress.
Re: My First Shoulder Holster
Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2011 1:47 pm
by speedsix
...thanks, I'll look it up...same frame if the hump will fit...
Re: My First Shoulder Holster
Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2011 2:06 pm
by Reloader
speedsix wrote:
...I had one good one out of about 5 I tried...Bianchi had an upside-down holster I'd bought for my M60 and it had elastic closure...that and the cut of the trigger guard area held it securely and it was comfy and fast...wish I had it back...not being made by them anymore...
Correction: Nevada Gun Leather still makes them..Got mine last year. Excellent price and quality.