The classic shoulder holster has a lot in its history that conjures images of everything from heroes to mob bosses. Think of James Bond with his Walther PPK or Detective Sonny Crockett in “Miami Vice.” These characters made the shoulder holster a symbol of style and professionalism. Despite advances in carry methods, shoulder holsters still offer unique advantages, particularly for those who prefer or need to carry larger framed handguns.
One of the primary benefits of a shoulder holster is comfort, especially when carrying a full-sized firearm. Unlike inside-the-waistband or outside-the-waistband holsters, shoulder holsters distribute weight across your shoulders and upper body. They also offer quick access to your firearm while seated, making them a great choice for those who spend a lot of time in vehicles.
Further, shoulder holsters are perfect for discreet carry under jackets and coats or provide a classic look when carrying in the open. I often wear a shoulder holster on duty because I like the weight on my shoulders instead of my waist. With the gun on my left side and two extra mags under my right arm, it’s much more comfortable in some circumstances.
Besides duty carry, shoulder holsters are great for concealed carry as well. Many of us have the “cool” gun we bought on impulse that’s too big or heavy to conceal on a waist holster. A shoulder holster is a perfect way to carry and keep it from being a long-lost relic in the safe.
Here are my five favorite handgun/shoulder holster combinations.
1. Kimber Pro Carry II 1911 .45 ACP & Craft Vertical Roto Shoulder Holster
The 1911 in .45 ACP is a timeless classic, revered for its stopping power and reliability. Designed by John Browning and adopted by the U.S. military in 1911, this handgun has a lengthy history in both military and civilian use. Its slim profile and ergonomic grip make it a favorite for many.
I like the Kimber Pro Carry II, but when it comes to 1911 handguns, there are endless options on the market. Most 1911 holsters will fit a vast majority of 1911 handguns making it easy to own multiple 1911’s while using the same holsters and magazines. The Kimber Pro Carry II just happens to be one of my favorites for daily carry.
Kimber Pro Cary Specifications:
- Caliber: .45 ACP
- Capacity: 7+1 rounds
- Barrel Length: 4 inches
- Weight: 28 ounces (unloaded)
While many of us love 1911 handguns, they are not known for their lightweight frame. A shoulder holster makes it more comfortable to carry. One of my favorite rigs to use with a 1911 is the Craft Vertical Roto Shoulder Holster. This holster is handcrafted from premium leather and designed to provide a perfect fit for the 1911.
It provides the best of both worlds because it holds the gun vertically but rotates into the horizontal position to draw. When you break the thumb snap, it releases the holster and lets it tilt forward as you pull the gun from the holster. If you want to pay a little extra, you can even have your initials put on the holster.
Holster Specifications:
- Material: Premium leather
- Carry Position: Vertical
- Features: Adjustable straps, roto-draw capability
- Fit: Custom-molded for 1911 .45 ACP
2. Glock 19 & Gould & Goodrich Shoulder Holster
In today’s world, just about any kind of handgun list needs to have a Glock on it, right? The Glock 19 is a highly popular choice among law enforcement and civilian carriers because of its reliability. Known for its simple design and ease of use, the Glock 19 is a versatile handgun for everyday carry.
Glock 19 Specifications:
- Caliber: 9mm
- Capacity: 15+1 rounds
- Barrel Length: 4.02 inches
- Weight: 1.30 pounds (unloaded)
One of my favorite shoulder holsters for the Glock 19 is the Gould & Goodrich Horizontal Shoulder Holster. This holster is designed to be worn without any belt straps, making it quick to put on and take off. I like using this holster at the office because I can take it off like a jacket when I get to work and put it back on when leaving. It comes with adjustable straps to ensure a snug and secure fit. There is also the Galco Miami Classic holster, which features the same design if you want another option.
Holster Specifications:
- Material: Top-grain leather
- Carry Position: Horizontal
- Features: Adjustable straps, double magazine pouch
- Fit: Custom-molded for Glock 19
3. CZ-75 D Compact & Falco Vertical Shoulder Holster
The CZ-75 D Compact is not a large gun, but I’ve found myself wearing it often with a shoulder holster. Renowned for its reliability, accuracy, and ergonomic design, it has a loyal following. Because the slide sits inside the frame rather than atop the frame like many polymer-framed handguns, the recoil is light, making follow-up shots easy. This is one of the most natural shooting guns I’ve ever fired. Even though it’s a steel frame gun, it’s not that heavy.
Specifications:
- Caliber: 9mm
- Capacity: 14+1 rounds
- Barrel Length: 3.75 inches
- Weight: 1.72 pounds (unloaded)
For a comfortable and secure carry, the Falco Vertical Shoulder Holster is a top pick for the CZ-75 D. This holster also offers the Roto feature, making it easy to draw. It keeps the gun close to your side and has belt straps on both sides to keep the bottom of the holster from moving around. With a simple break of the thumb strap, the holster rotates forward, making it easy to draw from the holster. Multiple finish options are available when ordering.
Holster Specifications:
- Material: Premium leather
- Carry Position: Vertical
- Features: Adjustable straps, double magazine pouch
- Fit: Custom-molded for CZ-75 D Compact
4. Sig M17 & Craft Vertical Roto Holster
The Sig M17, adopted by the U.S. military as the standard-issue sidearm, is chambered in 9mm and features a modular design, allowing for customization and adaptability. One of the differences with the M17 version compared to the P320, is the addition of a manual safety. Because of the safety style and grip angle, the M17 feels a little familiar with the 1911 handgun. There are plenty of duty/combat holsters available for it, but a shoulder holster is a great option because of its overall size.
M17 Specifications:
- Caliber: 9mm
- Capacity: 17+1 rounds
- Barrel Length: 4.7 inches
- Weight: 1.83 pounds (unloaded)
I again come back to the Craft Vertical Roto holster for the Sig M17. The M17 was designed to be a combat handgun, so concealing it is a little challenging. This is one of the few handguns I do not have an IWB holster for. It’s just not a slim CCW gun. But with a shoulder holster, it’s an option, especially during cold weather when I’m wearing a coat. Again, the Roto design makes it easy to draw from the horizontal position, which is much easier than a top-draw design.
Holster Specifications:
- Material: High-quality leather (brown or black)
- Carry Position: Vertical, with horizontal draw.
- Features: Roto-draw capability, adjustable straps
- Fit: Custom-molded for Sig M17
5. Glock 17 & Galco VHS 4.0 Shoulder Holster
The Glock 17 was the gun that put Glock on the map. A full-sized handgun, the G17 is a classic that works for duty, combat, home defense, or just fun plinking on the range. Like other full-size handguns, concealing it is not the easiest. I carried a Glock 17 on duty for years and always opted for a smaller version for CCW. But with a shoulder holster, it’s easy to carry.
One of the nice things about any Glock pistol is the massive amount of aftermarket accessories for them. From magazines to sights, triggers, barrels, and every other part of the gun, you can find it all. Glocks are just a solid, safe choice for those who want a reliable handgun.
Glock 17 Specifications:
- Caliber: 9mm
- Capacity: 17+1 rounds
- Barrel Length: 4.49 inches
- Weight: 1.62 pounds (unloaded)
The Galco VHS 4.0 Shoulder Holster is one of my all-time favorites and the one I’ve carried the most on duty. While it’s a vertical holster, it has a unique design that allows the gun to rotate out of the front of the holster. Unlike the Craft Roto holster, the VHS holster itself does not rotate. Instead, the holster features an open-front design. When you break the thumb strap, the gun can be pulled directly from the front of the holster instead of the top.
Every holster on this list is made of great quality leather, but I will say the leather on the Galco VHS 4.0 is exceptional. I like this holster so much that I purchased one in brown and black to give me more options for daily carry. The double mag pouch is easy to reach, and the belt straps are quick to secure once you put the shoulder rig on. Another cool feature about this holster is that it will work with a light and optic!
Do you have a shoulder holster?
While it’s not the “popular” choice of carry these days, there are still benefits to using a shoulder holster. Those who appreciate older, classic guns and gear will especially enjoy a shoulder rig. If you want something more modern, companies like Safariland make shoulder rigs that work with their tactical holsters.
These five pairs are just some of my favorite combinations, but there is plenty to choose from. If you’re thinking about adding a shoulder system to your carry options, give one of these a try. They will keep the gun off your side and help you carry two extra mags at the same time.
The post Top 5 Handgun and Shoulder Holster Combos appeared first on The Mag Life.
Read the full article here
