shoulder holsters

[Flip]

Anyone have experience using a shoulder holster for carry? I've been looking around and it sounds like if you have the time & $$, it seems almost unanimous that you should get an Alessi Bodyguard.

I'm wondering if anyone has experience (good, bad, or ugly) with any given shoulder holster. I'm looking or short reviews if you've got 'em


Thanks,

Flip

[Pat]

I was going to pose the same question. I wonder how comfortable they are.

The only guy I know who carries in a shoulder holster, is on the other side of the economic stream...

[Vlad]

From most of the guys that I have talked to, they bought one, wore it three days and never picked it up again. I know of one person that loves his but I cannot recall which model he had. If you cruise gun shows, I have noticed a number of used ones for sale. YMMV...

[goalie]

They can be ok for use if you need to get in and out of vehicles a lot, and need access in the vehicle while driving, but, IMO, they are sweaty, uncomfortable, and generally a PITA. Oh, then many of them have the gun pointing immediately to your rear, which may be rather unsafe to anyone behind you if you draw in a hurry under stress.

As for which one, the people I know who use them use the one you mentioned or a Galco.

[bensdad]

Many of you folks have been shooting guns longer than I've been alive. Heck, I've only been carrying for four months or so. That said, I have a shoulder rig for a 1911 that a friend gave me. It ain't pretty, but it's TOTALLY adjustable. I've fiddled with that stupid thing for hours and never found a setting that makes one lick of sense. It is just a terrible way for me to ever carry a gun. Even if I could get it to fit/hang right, I'd have to sweep everything to my left (including my left arm) to draw the gun. Obviously, others with more experience and knowledge will be of more help, but that's my take on it.

[Widge]

I've considered one several times, and even went so far as to buy (for about 95 bucks I think) a High Noon model. I tried it once, and returned it for an OWB holster. I found it impossible to a) Prevent the cross brace thing thats supposed to sit between your shoulder blades from riding up to the back of your neck, even with both sides tied down, b) Re-holster one handed c) Avoid sweeping everyone in front of me when drawing, and d) on occasion, even reach my gun when it had decided to make it's way to a position behind my back.

Now some of this I put down to operator error and some to possible poor design, but my own opinion is, spend a lot of $$$ and you might get something worth having, but for less money you could buy a quality cross draw holster for the car, or a tuckable IWB for standard carry.

YMMV of course.

[Pat]

Wow. She makes some really good points. Anybody know her sister...?

[1911fan]

I have two, I like them, and carry them on occaison.

first one is for a tiny 6/45 para, that I only really wear as a BUG or as a primary when I have to wear a Tux or Suit where I where braces (suspenders) instead of a belt, and have no means to hang a holster. Its a Bianchi of a discontinued style, very similar to the one always worn by McGarret in 5-0, It came with the gun and is very comfy with a 23 ounce gun


The second is a miami classic which is for a SIG but glocks and S&W's fit tight enough to work. I will wear that one under a sport coat or cover shirt at the movies or shows where sitting down and reaching a gun would be tough. or if I am driving a whole lot.

[Rem700]

I have and use on occassion a Alessi Bodyguard with the pull thru snap.
I use this when doing alot of driving and use a heavier cover garment.
I am 5'8" 150 and use this for a 4'' 1911 and find this is about as long of a barrel as I can use without pokeing out the back and printing.
As far as sweeping myself or others I would think especially from a seated position sweeping my left arm if I forget to raise my arm would be no worse then covering my own torso or legs drawing from a strongside or cross draw, Now while sitting there infront of your PC pretend to make your draw stroke and see if your pretend gun doesnt cover your upper right leg. Irregardless of holster style keep your finger off the trigger until your ready to fire.

[Pinnacle]

Many of you folks have been shooting guns longer than I've been alive. Heck, I've only been carrying for four months or so. That said, I have a shoulder rig for a 1911 that a friend gave me. It ain't pretty, but it's TOTALLY adjustable. I've fiddled with that stupid thing for hours and never found a setting that makes one lick of sense. It is just a terrible way for me to ever carry a gun. Even if I could get it to fit/hang right, I'd have to sweep everything to my left (including my left arm) to draw the gun. Obviously, others with more experience and knowledge will be of more help, but that's my take on it.

Why do you think that YOU have it???

In general shoulder holsters are a pain in the rear and are not practical.... I have had the Miami Classic - and SOLD IT

As Ralph Nader once said - UNSAFE AT ANY SPEED.