Don’t Overlook the Shoulder Holster

by
posted on June 13, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
W9075_TAR-8116.jpg

There was a time when the shoulder holster seemed to be required equipment for all police detectives, P.I.’s, sleuths and all sorts of plainclothes operatives. In recent times it has taken a back seat to the various other carry methods. In truth, the shoulder rig is not as fast as a good holster worn on the strong-side hip, and the straps of the unit can often cause fatigue to the shoulder muscles after a long day of wearing a heavy handgun. However, it should not be overlooked by today’s handgunners, as it may be just the ticket for certain defensive carry situations.

A person who spends most of his day sitting may find the shoulder holster to be much handier, not to mention more comfortable, than the hip holster. I often wear one when driving on a long trip because it makes my defensive handgun easier to get to while I'm seated in my vehicle. I also find it is not as fatiguing as the hip holster that seems to be jammed between my hip and the car seat.

While in law enforcement, I generally carried a Colt Commander on my right hip. But, in addition to that pistol, I had an identical Colt Commander in a shoulder holster stowed under the seat of my vehicle. In the case of a serious incident, I could quickly slip on the shoulder rig and have two identical handguns to deal with any dangerous situation that might present itself.

Whether you use a horizontal shoulder holster or one of the traditional vertical rigs is entirely a matter of personal preference. Just remember that you will need a covering garment that opens to the front, such as a sport coat or a zippered jacket. A pull-over garment is effective cover, but it will really slow down the pistol presentation.

Keep in mind that it is important to practice presenting the pistol from the shoulder holster. The position of your support hand will be different than it is in the strong-side presentation. This is because the support hand and arm must be out of the way during the presentation to avoid covering yourself with the muzzle of your own handgun.

As with all other defensive carry methods, the shoulder holster is not for everyone. However, it should be a consideration for many concealed-carry permit holders, because it just might meet your personal defense needs as no other carry method can.

Latest

smith & wesson performance center model 19 carry comp moss
smith & wesson performance center model 19 carry comp moss

Unlocking The Future: Smith & Wesson's "No Lock" Revolvers

The future is shaping up to be a good one for fans of Smith & Wesson revolvers. The iconic American company had released 14 new models thus far in 2025 at the time this was written mid-year. And, with one exception, they have all shared a common feature—no internal lock.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 6, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

FEMA Notes Decline In Disaster Preparedness

A recent report from the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) noted a decline in local government preparedness for natural disasters, putting increased pressure on individuals to prepare themselves for emergencies.

Army Announces Type Classification Of New Infantry Rifle, Machine Gun

In May 2025, the U.S. Army’s Soldier Lethality Project at the Picatinny Arsenal in New Jersey announced the official type classification of SIG Sauer’s M7 rifle and M250 automatic rifle, previously known as the XM7 and the XM250, respectively.

RXR22: Savage Arms Redefines The Budget Rimfire Rifle

Savage Arms has a long history of producing affordable and accurate rimfire rifles, but with its RXR22, the company is bringing a new level of affordability and modularity to rimfire rifle fans.

SARCO: A Lifetime Covered Up With Surplus Firearm Parts

When it comes to selling gun parts and gun-related military surplus, Charles “Cholly” Steen has been at it for longer than almost anyone. It all started when, as a 5-year-old, he began stashing odds and ends in the drawers of his clothes dresser.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.