Concealed carry depends heavily on choosing the right holster. Never purchase a holster that is the most fashionable looking. The holster that you choose must be durable, comfortable, convenient, and most importantly, safe.
With this article, we will look at how shoulder carries work, discuss why they are useful, and also discuss their drawbacks. The goal of this article is to help you decide if this shoulder carry concealed carry method is right for you.
We’re going to look at a holster that’s been seen in countless US cop shows and movies over the years. The use of shoulder holsters isn’t limited to the movies. Especially if you wear a jacket, they can be an extremely effective way to conceal your weapon.
Understanding Shoulder Holsters
Over the past few years, shoulder holsters have gained an unfair reputation. The right kind of holster can make a huge difference, which is why firearms like the Glocks 26, 17, or 19 are mostly carried using shoulder holsters. However, shoulder holsters continue to have a bit more of a polarizing effect than traditional holsters.
Veterans often respond to questions about the utility of shoulder holsters with Hollywood references or belittling comments.
Generally, shoulder holsters have been condemned by leading authorities. Comfort is their main concern, but there are other reasons as well. Obviously, shoulder holsters aren’t for everyone.
It is common for shoulder holsters to feel uncomfortable, and many of them are far too complicated for the average gun owner. For the design to fit properly, it may need too much attention.
Anyone who is contemplating any sort of shoulder holster should be aware that the ready fit they provide differs from others. Once you take the hip holsters out of the packaging, they are pretty much ready to use. A shoulder holster is far more complicated.
Pros of Shoulder Holsters
Carrying a firearm on one’s shoulder provides the advantage of easy access to the firearm, even while seated. Under the armpit, the gun is easily accessible if you’re driving or working at your desk regularly.
The advantage of this method is that it provides an all-in-one setup with both the holster and magazine pouches; no additional accessories are required.
Additionally, shoulder holsters offer the following advantages:
- It’s Much Easier To Be Discreet
As concealed carriers, it is a constant problem to see gun prints through their pants or shirts, the visual prints of holsters. You will have a hard time concealing your weapon if you wear slimmer clothing, as many Americans do.
An effective shoulder holster eliminates all of these worries. You can conceal your weapon using a shoulder holster as long as the weather is cool, and you can wear a coat or jacket all day long without being overly conspicuous.
- They Allow For Easy Access To Your Firearm
It makes no sense to have something you can’t access immediately in concealed carry. Some concealment holsters, including IWB holsters, can be a bit tight, so drawing can be difficult.
An ideal solution to this is a shoulder holster. You’re good to go after unzipping/unbuttoning your jacket! Additionally, shoulder carry can be easily drawn while seated, unlike IWB 26 or sig p365 pocket holsters. You can use this feature when you need to access your firearm from a car.
- They Even Work For Long-Barrelled Weapons
The shoulder holster is a perfect solution for compact weapons, but you can also use it for long-barreled guns, machine guns, and even Uzis. You may want to consider the leather Uzi shoulder holster made by Front Line.
You may want to consider using a thick jacket or trench coat if you plan to conceal a long-barreled pistol or UZI.
- Versatility
If you live in a colder climate where you wear jackets or coats regularly, shoulder carry is also effective. An IWB rig nipping through layers makes access more difficult than a holster which slips under the outer layer.
- Lightweight
Lastly, it provides a good option for carrying heavier firearms that cannot be carried on the beltline for various reasons.
Disadvantages Of Shoulder Holsters
Realistically, you’re probably not going to use this on a daily basis.
Why? Your clothing options are pretty limited. At all times, you need to wear a jacket, coat, or an unbuttoned shirt/vest to conceal the gun. T-shirts are not suitable.
- You Can’t Use Them In A Wrestling Match
One of the major drawbacks of shoulder holsters is that you can easily be blocked from accessing your weapon by an assailant.
If someone grabs your chest when you’re being attacked, then you’re left with no choice but to fight them off with your bare arms.
- They Aren’t As Safe As Belt Holsters
You should sweep bystanders and yourself before aiming at your target when you draw your weapon from a shoulder holster. Those without the required training should stick with a belt holster, like a shoulder holster a specialized holster that requires training.
- Slow
Unless you have a job where you must wear a jacket all the time, this method will work, but if you are someone who doesn’t wear a jacket in the office, this isn’t the best option.
It can also be awkward and slow to draw the weapon from a shoulder holster. Rather than reach across your body, you would need to reach across your shoulders. In addition, it takes a long time to reholster.
Types Of Shoulder Holsters
You must also decide whether you would like a horizontal, vertical, or angled shoulder holster.
Holsters configured vertically will have the muzzle pointing downward. Despite the longer draw allowing a larger gun, it is slower than a traditional draw.
Holsters that orient the gun horizontally – pointing the muzzle in front of the shooter – are called horizontal holsters. Depending on your height and width, you may be limited to shorter barreled guns with these.
A holster with a steep angle will situate the gun at an angle – usually, at a 45-degree angle upwards, although some holsters situate the gun at a 35-degree angle downwards.
Fina Words
Carrying on the shoulders isn’t the most common method of carrying a firearm. If you can’t carry concealed under your belt, this is a very good alternative.
The non-dominant side armpit should be covered if you’re going to cross-draw and place the gun under the armpit.
Also, shoulder holsters take a bit of time to get used to. So, make sure you learn the proper methods first. And that’s all there is to know about the pros and cons of shoulder carry.