Holsters 101
(12 Photos)
If you think there's a wide variety of handguns to choose from these days, wait until you get a load of all the holsters and retention systems folks have devised for carrying them. While it's not possible to review every option on the market, here is an introduction to some of the more common holster types available.
Posted by: B. Gil Horman
Shoulder Holsters
Shoulder rigs are another holster style that has received plenty of time in the Hollywood spotlight. This carry system uses harness straps placed over one or both shoulders to suspend the holster under the weak-side arm, up and away from the belt line. Vertical shoulder holsters hold handguns with the muzzle pointed toward the ground and the grip near the arm pit. Horizontal rigs hold the pistol with the muzzle pointed to the rear of the user's body and the grip pointed forward.
The advantage of this kind of system is it frees up the belt line, and distributes the weight of the pistol across the upper body instead of the hips. The disadvantage is a wide arch of travel, with horizontal rigs pointing the muzzle directly behind the user. A word of caution, cheap or poorly constructed shoulder holsters are just plain miserable to wear.
Shown here are two shoulder holsters that have withstood the test of time. The Original Dirty Harry Shoulder Holster (Right), from Lawman Leathergoods, has been providing gun owners with a comfortable and durable vertical system for over 35 years. Originally designed for big-bore revolvers, the Dirty Harry is now available for all handguns. If you are looking for a horizontal rig, the DeSantis New York Undercover (Left) has been in use since the early 1970s. It is available to fit a variety of defensive handguns.
