GLS Tactical

Shoulder Holster

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Shoulder holsters are a great way to carry your gun without the worry of it getting damaged or causing injury. A good shoulder holster keeps your weapon secure and within easy reach, but without a suitable holster, your gun can easily slip and become lost in your armpit. Finding the best shoulder holster for you will involve narrowing down your options mainly based on how much you plan to carry. Some people prefer a full-size shoulder holster that covers the entire upper arm. Others opt for a smaller, more versatile half-size holster that still keeps their guns close at hand. Still others want a flat-pack, lightweight option that’s easy to pack and carry.

There are a variety of options available to suit your needs. The best shoulder holsters are crafted from tough materials like nylon or polyester and are available in a range of sizes to fit various sorts of firearms. Many also come with a neck strap or belt that allows you to suspend your pistol from your shoulders or use it as a bladed hand tool. This article examines the elements that a buyer should take into account while looking for a top-notch shoulder holster and assesses some of the best models available.

What To Consider When Choosing The Best Shoulder Holster

Shoulder holsters are not as user-friendly as a belt or a pair of slacks when it comes to concealing a firearm. They require an additional component, which might make them bulkier and less pleasant to wear than comparable options. In addition to this, there is the question of where you intend to wear it. Do you think you’ll be able to fit it on your body? Is it excessively big? How much weight is it capable of supporting? These are all very essential questions that need to be taken into consideration while making your choice.

Material

  • Kydex is a rigid plastic material that’s been around since the invention of firearms. It’ll withstand extreme temperatures without cracking. It’s also durable enough to resist most impact damage from being dropped on hard surfaces.
  • Nylon is another tough polymer. This fabric is flexible and lightweight so it’s easier to carry about, but it may not be able to withstand intense heat or heavy impacts.
  • Leather is a natural material with a beautiful look and classic style. While modern versions tend to use synthetic materials like Kydex and nylon, real leather has a smooth finish that looks great and feels soft against the skin. The downside is that leather is very sensitive to moisture, sweat, and water, and it easily stains.

Size/Fit

When selecting a new shoulder holster, there are two sizes to choose from: standard and adjustable.

  • Standard size refers to the typical length and width of a gun holster. Most manufacturers measure these dimensions in inches, but some measure them in centimeters. To convert inches to centimeters, multiply by 2.54 (in inches). For example, if shopping for a 45-inch waistband holster, look for a product that measures between 16.5 and 17.0 inches wide.
  • Adjustable size allows the user to adjust the fit of the holster by pulling on loops or adjusting buckles. This type of holster tends to be more individualized than standard models, though the adjustment process does take time to get right.

Weight

When determining whether or not an attachment for your weapon is too heavy, a decent rule of thumb to follow is this: if you would feel uneasy about carrying it on your belt, then it is probably too heavy. For example, if you do not want to carry a hand grenade on your hip, then it is possible that it is too heavy for you to do so. On the other hand, if you believe it looks nice that a pistol handle has been mounted to a duffel bag, then perhaps it is not as hefty as it seems.

Quality Construction

When looking for a new shoulder holster, the quality of the holster may be determined primarily by four factors: the stitching, the material, the design, and the craftsmanship.

  • Stitching refers to the sewn seams that connect the pieces together. Good stitching holds everything together while preventing leaks and provides a clean finish that doesn’t snag easily.
  • The material of the holster affects durability, comfort, and price tag. Kydex holsters tend to be made out of thick plastic, which makes them heavier and harder to wield. Leather holsters usually feature a mix of cotton and sheepskin, making them softer and lighter weight. Both materials work well, but each has their own benefits and downsides.
  • Design and craftsmanship are often used interchangeably, but they’re actually different things. Design relates to how the holster fits on your body; it could be designed to minimize bulk or increase concealability. Craftsmanship involves the actual manufacturing of the holster itself, such as using high-quality metal or ensuring that the welds holding the holster together are tight.

Types Of Shoulder Holsters

Shoulder holsters may be found in a wide range of different varieties, and before you go out and spend your hard-earned money on one, you should make sure you know which type best suits your needs. There are three primary classifications of shoulder holsters, which are as follows: When you wear your holster in a cross-draw position, it rides close to your body so that when you draw your handgun, it naturally goes over your front hip. When you wear your holster in an appendix position, it is worn at the front of your belt line but below your typical waistband.

Cross Draw

The cross-draw position has been utilized by law enforcement officials for as long as there have been cops who require both hands to be free in order to draw their weapon. It stands to reason that this would be the most popular method for carrying a handgun in that case. The cross-draw position allows for speedy access to the weapon through an open palm or by reaching across the body without having to remove your shirt or jacket. Additionally, the cross-draw position maintains the muzzle in a position that is parallel to the ground. Because of this, it may also be simpler to reload the weapon because you won’t have to contort your body in order to get to the base of the barrel.

Appendix

Carrying a concealed handgun in the appendix position involves wearing the weapon at the front of one’s belt, just above the waistband of one’s pants or shorts. Since you won’t have a cumbersome object blocking your line of sight, you’ll have more freedom of movement as a result of this.

Outside-the-waistband

Some jurisdictions require that any carried outside-the-waistband (OWB) firearms be stored in a locked compartment or trigger guard when not being used. For obvious reasons, having a key to your OWB firearm isn’t ideal, so using a good quality IWB holster will help keep your firearm safe and secure.

Inside-the-waistband

An inside-the-waistband holster (IWB), like most other kinds of shoulder holsters, is meant to keep the muzzle of the gun firmly against your body all the time. However, some people find they get better retention from leaving the muzzle loose. If you tend to wear your gun loosely, an IWB could work well for you.

How We Chose Our Top Picks

When deciding what holsters to recommend for open and concealed carry in this guide, we relied on our own personal experience with holsters from a range of manufacturers that we have purchased in the past. This helped us make more informed choices. In order to figure out which possibilities offered the best value all things considered, we investigated a wide range of supplementary sources.

When making our decisions, we took a number of aspects into consideration, such as cost, level of comfort, length of service, and others. In general, we looked for holsters that were as comfortable as they could be while also offering sufficient concealability and safety.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shoulder Holsters

What is the most comfortable shoulder holster?

This depends entirely on your body type and lifestyle. Some people prefer cross-draw, while others prefer strong-side carry.

Is carrying concealed shoulder holsters allowed?

In general, no. In spite of this, it is impossible for us to discuss all of the various laws that exist at the national, state, city, county, and municipal levels within the confines of this article because there are so many of them. It is always in your best interest to double check the regulations and limits that apply in your area. Bear in mind, though, that the ability to openly carry a weapon does not necessarily equate to a quick exit. The good news is that one can plan around these scenarios rather than attempting to plan during them.

How do you wear a shoulder holster?

The most common placement is inside the upper- to mid-thigh, but some manufacturers offer their products right up against the chest or just below the shoulder blade. Regardless of where you place it, make sure it fits snugly without bunching or rubbing anywhere near your trigger finger.

Can I wear a shoulder holster with my dress shirt?

Yes, depending on the style. Most modern office styles will be fine with any shoulder holster, but traditional business suits might require something more formal.