Todd NesnickAs a gun owner, you’ll likely already understand the importance of owning a gun holster, but you may not know exactly where to start when choosing the right style. As each type will have its own pros, cons, and features for maximized performance, defining your needs will be important before making a decision. As there are so many different types out there, let’s take a look at the ins and outs of a gun shoulder holder and why this could be the top selection for you.
Why choose a shoulder holster?
There are a whole host of reasons why a gun shoulder holster will be a fantastic choice for gun owners of all calibres. While they are a great alternative for those who simply find waistband/belt-mounted carry uncomfortable or individuals who would like a more concealed option, they also function well for quick draw whether the user is sitting or standing (which isn’t always the case with other holster styles). A shoulder holster can also be used for handguns in varying sizes, making them more versatile for larger or weightier models. Selecting custom-fit, leather constructions will ensure comfort and security at all times, including when wearers are driving for long periods and on their feet a lot for work, but these can even meet the needs of adventure seekers who love to hunt or hike.
A key factor is often that shoulder holsters are better at distributing weight across the body for practical, comfortable, secure overall wear. This is especially true when prioritizing safe concealment. They are often the preferred style for drivers due to their accessibility when wearing a seatbelt. The only drawback to consider is that these are often prohibited for use on shooting ranges.
Ensuring the right shoulder holster fit
Shoulder holsters will need to be fitted in a different way than other types of holsters, and won’t likely be ready to wear straight from the packaging. This means that you will need to take some time to understand how a shoulder holster should be worn and play with adjustments for the most secure fit. The best approach is to start with a custom gun shoulder holster that is made with high-quality leather and has additional features to support wear (such as belt tie-down straps and additional ammo space for improved balance). Try your holster on in front of a full-length mirror and adjust until you feel comfortable. Take a look at how it sits/hangs (both as is and under clothing). Move around to ensure stability, practice drawing and re-holstering, and fine-tune until you are happy.
Draw best practices and capabilities
Shoulder holsters should allow the gun to sit high on the body, typically up near the armpit. This will not only be more comfortable for everyday wear or long use, but will also provide easier control over gun motion and wider draw/reholster capabilities. When using a shoulder holster, users should keep their opposite hand and arm clear, position their off-hand to the back of the head, and raise elbow height to ensure the proper angle.