A Critical Look At Shoulder Holsters

Shoulder holsters are not something I wear every day, but they are a holster I would not like to be without. Many professionals find a shoulder holster the ideal fit for their duty and lifestyle. I do as well and if you need to get a load off the belt line and space the weight out along your shoulder blades the shoulder holster does a fine job. A cross draw holster is good for some chores but the shoulder holster- essentially a cross draw as well- gets the handgun up off the belt and out of the way during everyday chores and movement.

Falco’s leather shoulder holsters are well made of good material 

Shoulder Holster Design

Shoulder holsters however demand proper design and execution. A poorly designed too cheap shoulder holster becomes a nuisance and may restrict movement. That is why I choose Falco holsters. Let’s look at some of the better class of shoulder holsters. As an example the Falco leather shoulder holster illustrated features plenty of adjustment. That is important. With good adjustments and well designed shoulder straps a shoulder holster may accommodate several body types and size. The holster illustrated is molded for a snub nose .38 revolver, a popular carry gun. Important changes must take place in designing a shoulder holster. As an example a thumb break doesn’t work well. The holster illustrated features a safety strap across the trigger guard, ideal for the shoulder holster position and draw. The holster features straps across each shoulder that offer plenty of adjustment. On the non dominant arm this strap supports a twin speed loader pouch. This makes for good balance. The holster is stabilized with a strap that loops into the holster belt. This is a neat sturdy rig that offers a sharp draw with practice, good weight balance, and is nicely crafted from quality leather. The majority of these types are set up for automatic pistols and feature twin magazine pouches on the weak side. I like these and I also like my snub .38 holster.

Note the safety strap design, an essential component of a good shoulder holster

I am impressed by the workmanship and comfort of this holster combination. I added it to my modest collection of shoulder holsters. I own but a few shoulder holsters. The ones I own are very good. Let’s look into setting a shoulder holster up. The adjustment straps will be adjusted to allow the most comfortable draw depending on your  arm length and how high the torso is. They are not that difficult to adjust but you cannot get in a hurry. Falco designs are easily adjusted and lock in tight and don’t slip when locked into position. You must get used to wearing a shoulder holster.

A combination of Chicago screws, loops, and excellent stitching make for a masterfully done shoulder rig

What Matters Most When Choosing a Shoulder Holster

Shoulder holsters are not for everyone and certainly not for bling or style. For some of us they serve a real need. A good holster is about as important as the choice of pistol and ammunition. But I have also learned that once the shoulder holster is properly adjusted it is a good way to keep a handgun at the ready. The handgun and spare gun loads may be carried in one rig and simply worn under the jacket, donning the gear in a flash. By the same token the handgun may be kept at home ready in the same manner. Loop the rig over a bed post at night and then put it on in the morning.

Another well balanced design from Falco

In the end a quality shoulder holster makes or breaks the experience. Falco offers good quality leather holsters but there are also composite types worth your hard earned money. Some of us in the modern world feel more comfortable with sturdy nylon. The comfort level is high and these holsters conform to the body well and offer imaginative construction. They also offer the trademark Falco ease of adjustment. Some holsters such as IWB types use body compression for security. A shoulder holster may use position for security. They must retain the handgun while at the same time offering a sharp draw. A properly designed shoulder holster offers plenty of adjustment with straps, buckles, or Chicago screws. It is good to have another person help with adjustment. You can do it yourself, but it will be more trail and error. You do not need someone with the finesse of a tailor but a friend with a good eye for adjustment is a big help. If you have adjusted a book bag or hiking pack you will have no trouble.

An advantage of the shoulder holster is that the handgun may be drawn when the user is seated

A consideration is that a shoulder holster requires some type of covering garment. On the other hand the handgun is up and off the belt and doesn’t bulge when you bend over. With the various designs of support straps and weight distribution the holster takes weight off of the hips and back. The shoulder holster allows carrying a heavier handgun in relative comfort. Since the shoulder holster rides on the shoulders a wide but relatively thin support strap is most comfortable and distributes weight best. Poorly designed holsters will allow the holster to flap too much interfering with concealment. The holster should be tight under the arm with a minimum of movement. If there is too much loose motion the handgun will be difficult to draw as the holster will move with the handgun. Shoulder holsters of the vertical type must feature a safety strap. A horizontal shoulder holster isn’t as needful of a safety strap. 

Many find a vertical shoulder holster suits them best

All shoulder holsters do not need a belt attachment but most do. An advantage of the shoulder holster is that the firearm is accessible when driving or when you are seated. In today’s busy world that is an important advantage. And again while there is some time involved in adjusting the shoulder holster once properly set up shoulder holster is an easy on and off type holster that holds the handgun and spare gun loads in place in one carrying strap.

Practice The Draw

The draw stroke demands practice, practice, and more practice. This is true of any holster. If you stand facing the threat and reach across the chest you will be slow, very slow, and draw in a manner that sweeps the muzzle across the width of the threat, not the height.  The best draw begins with the weak side forward and your body bladed to the target. The firing hand grasps the handgun and draws the pistol then the handgun is pressed forward toward the target. The weak side arm is raised out of the way of the muzzle. This isn’t much different than a crossdraw presentation.  When you are seated the shoulder holster is more accessible than a strong side holster. Consider the shoulder holster and its benefits. Particularly in winter carry. You may reach under a coat more easily than trying to unbutton a heavy coat and draw. And put Falco holsters at the top of the list. They are well designed and there are many models to choose from.

Practice the draw! Your life may depend on it