Leather Shoulder Holsters - page 6

CUSTOM SHOULDER HOLSTER FOR PISTOLS AND REVOLVERS

Let's start talking about the shoulder holsters. The first thing that comes to my mind is a picture of a tall figure of Sherlock Holmes, Hercule Poirot, or Columbo looming over a dusty desk. He wears a smart hat and a signature long cloak. There is no question as to what interconnects them. The cold revolver in a shoulder rig concealed under the coat. But that's me, the bookworm who loves classics. 

Other people may imagine the 1920s-30s gangsters. They carry the shiny black full grain Italian leather shoulder rig matched to their belts and custom leather shoes. Looking so classy in the custom shoulder harness, everybody thought the shoulder carry originated in this era. The fact is, it only became more popular and visible then. 

These folks mostly went for open carry (at least in the movies). Many people believe that the rig was actually a creation of the Old West. The new underarm carry position allowed better concealment of the firearm. Also, it gave the shooter a strategic advantage. Cowboys were the first ones to prove shoulder holster for revolvers is good for concealed carry. 

Shoulder Gun Holsters For Concealed Carry

Let´s move from revolver shoulder holsters to the more contemporary pistol holster shoulder. The Western shoulder rig looked different from the D101 Ocelot. A harness of professionals from C15- Bodie, Doyle, and Cowley is a legend. Everyone remembers what actors like Clint Eastwood, Steve McQueen, or Bruce Willis used.

Detective Shoulder Holsters

Law enforcement officers and federal detectives are often pictured wearing detective shoulder holster over their dress shirts—classy, right? This iconic style gained popularity in the mid-20th century, especially during the Prohibition era, when undercover agents needed concealed yet accessible carry options. These detective holsters typically featured leather construction, with straps crossing over the back to distribute weight evenly, and a horizontal or vertical pouch designed to hold a small revolver or semi-automatic pistol under the arm. However, todays reality is that most law enforcement agencies have since transitioned away from shoulder carry. Today, they favor safer and more practical carry options that better suit the demands of modern duty.

Tips For Shoulder Holster Concealed Carry

However, the shoulder rig holster remained in use a bit longer with undercover officers. Why? This carry style is unbelievably comfortable due to the weight distribution of the leather harness. When set up properly, your gun stays stable in one position, and you might even forget it's there. For proper concealment, you would need to cover it with an extra layer of clothing. Typically, cloaks, winter jackets, jackets, or coats work very well. Most carriers who opt for this concealed carry style choose a slightly oversized fit and heft in fabric to prevent printing. One thing you have to watch out for is suitability. 

While custom leather shoulder holster can be very well concealed, wearing another layer of clothing during warmer months might be out of place. That's why people mostly use it during winter, colder months, on the motorbike, or at the shooting range. Another crucial aspect is access to your firearm. Once your winter jacket is fully closed, you won’t have the possibility to draw fast. This means you would need to walk around with your jacket unzipped or unbuttoned everywhere you go. I've seen a bunch of coats that have the middle section V-shaped a lot lower than usual coats. If you find something like that, do not hesitate to buy it, because it offers both access to your firearm in a shoulder holster and the possibility to button up. Vertical shoulder holsters generally conceal more easily because they rest in the holster barrel down, which represents a safer design. A lot depends on your body type and handgun however, a vertical design is something I can recommend to everybody without hesitation.

For better understanding, I summarized this valuable advice in the points below.

Recommendations for shoulder holster concealed carry:

• Comfort and Stability: Shoulder holsters offer excellent weight distribution & comfort thanks to the leather harness. Ensure you adjust it properly so your gun does not f