The Overlooked Shoulder Holster?

The Overlooked Shoulder Holster?

by


Bryan Reo


ALL RIGHTS RESERVED


It has been about six years since I first obtained my Ohio permit to carry a concealed handgun [something I applied for on the day of my 21st birthday] and I have had the opportunity to meet countless other individuals who likewise have permits to carry concealed pistols and do indeed carry a pistol. However, I have not failed to notice that very few people carry in a shoulder rig.

The very first weapon I carried was a full-size M9 Beretta in a shoulder rig [which incidentally is what I have been carrying since early spring 2012 onwards] although I occasionally used a SERPA holster when doing something such as bicycling where a shoulder holster might not be appropriate.

As an aside, over the years I have at one time or another carried an M9 Beretta, HK PSP, Glock 17, 1911-A1, Para-Ordnance Carry 12, Springfield XD sub-compact [I carried this for about half of 2009, most of 2010, and then some of 2011 before returning it to my father in late 2011 or early 2012], and a Ruger LCP [although I use this as a secondary/back-up gun for whatever primary/main gun I am carrying].

By far the "easiest" pistol to conceal and carry has been the Ruger LCP followed by the HK PSP, with the Ruger LCP working very well in a pocket holster and the HK PSP working fine in an IWB [inside the waist-band] holster. However, both the LCP and PSP have a relatively low capacity and the manner of carry does not lend itself to having spare magazines easily and readily available.

This is where the shoulder rig has a clear advantage over other carry methods. When using a standard shoulder rig you always have two spare magazines readily available, on your person, instantly accessible.

The shoulder rig also provides a significant advantage for those who spend a great amount of time sitting behind a desk or driving a vehicle or who are seated outside. It is much easier for the driver of a vehicle to draw from a shoulder holster than from a strong-side belt holster or an IWB holster or a pocket holster.

I have sort of decided that it is almost time to hang up the M9 Beretta [the pistol I am presently carrying and have been carrying since early spring 2012] and perhaps go with a subcompact Glock in 10mm or a Springfield XDM subcompact in 9mm. I will probably select several holsters, an IWB, a strong-side SERPA style holster, and of course, a shoulder rig.

Shoulder rigs are not always appropriate and while I hate to change how I carry a pistol [for reasons related to muscle memory and drawing techniques] there are some instances where weather/climate requires a change in the holster one uses, how one carries, or even what one carries. If you are in Texas in August it will not be pleasant to carry in a shoulder rig because you will need to wear at least a light jacket to conceal the rig. Additionally, a strong-side SERPA style holster might not be appropriate in Texas because their state law prohibits printing [meaning you must not show the outline of a holster or weapon through your clothing].

However, climate and other factors permitting, I believe a shoulder rig is an excellent choice especially for those who want spare magazines [or even a rig with a pouch for a flash-light or other accessories] on their person.


As best I can recall I have only encountered one individual in person who was carrying with a shoulder rig and given what I have read online I tend to think that shoulder rigs are not widely used.


*I may write more about this topic later as it is one of interest to me- if you use a shoulder rig or would like to comment/talk about shoulder rigs, please consider posting a reply*