Help me pick a gun for a shoulder holster/pocket carry...double duty.

[Foo909]

All right here's the deal folks, about every 6 months I get bored with the CC firearm I have and end up selling it...this probably won't be much different however...

I'd like to give a shoulder holster a try for this winter, but with the possibility of the firearm also being pocket carried when it is warmer out.

Obviously the first thing that comes to mind to me anyway is a S&W 442/642.

The holster I am looking into is the Galco Classic Lite:

Galco holsters; Holsters; Gun holster, pistol holsters, western holsters, shoulder holsters, leather holster and Glock holsters

I would copy and paste the list of firearms it is available for but I apparently am not that smart...but pretty much any suggestion needs to be on the list or fit that holster.

All opinions appreciated!

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[10thmtn]

You can carry some fairly large handguns in a shoulder rig, so the driving factor is going to be your desire to pocket carry the gun as well.

I would look no further than a small revolver. The Ruger LCR is my favorite of the breed.

[Richard58]

J frame size revolver or auto size of something like a PF9 if ur goin to pocket carry it also.

[357and40]

I live my S&W 360 in 357 magnum (340 is the internal hammer model). Scandium J-Frame, pocket, ankle, shoulder, IWB, all work VERY well.

[1MoreGoodGuy]

Sig P938
Springfield XDs

[tdrussell]

Obligatory Kahr PM9/CM9 suggestion.

[pogo2]

If you go with an airweight J frame, like the 442/642 for the gun, you might consider a more abbreviated shoulder holster than the Galco. I'm thinking of the Null "City Slicker", as shown here:

K.L. Null Holster Ltd. - Holsters

This is a very lightweight holster that carries the J frame in a grip down position. The City Slicker with loaded J frame airweight only weighs 19 ounces.

[OldVet]

^^ Now there's an interesting setup.

[Foo909]

If you go with an airweight J frame, like the 442/642 for the gun, you might consider a more abbreviated shoulder holster than the Galco. I'm thinking of the Null "City Slicker", as shown here:

K.L. Null Holster Ltd. - Holsters

This is a very lightweight holster that carries the J frame in a grip down position. The City Slicker with loaded J frame airweight only weighs 19 ounces.

See, this is why I love this forum. People that make great posts and provide ideas I had never even heard of.

That is pretty dang neat. I was looking at the Galco for the low cost and horizontal weapon position. I didn't want one with the "butt" sticking up as I feel it would take longer to draw....but "butt" down? that might just work.

It would make me a little nervous having the pistol pointing at my left arm/shoulder all day but they don't exactly go off without reason. Any videos on how the draw is? and is the retention pretty good?

and also about the Kahr suggestion, I had a CM9. It was ok I suppose...just no more Kahr's for me.

[Sgt45]

For a shoulder rig I carry a 1911 full size, though a Commander would work as well. However, either is on the large side for pocket carry :) although I have tried the commander in the CCW breakaway pants. It fits - I'm not a fan. For really comfortable pocket carry the LCP is hard to beat.

[WoodLark]

See, this is why I love this forum. People that make great posts and provide ideas I had never even heard of.

That is pretty dang neat. I was looking at the Galco for the low cost and horizontal weapon position. I didn't want one with the "butt" sticking up as I feel it would take longer to draw....but "butt" down? that might just work.

It would make me a little nervous having the pistol pointing at my left arm/shoulder all day but they don't exactly go off without reason. Any videos on how the draw is? and is the retention pretty good?

and also about the Kahr suggestion, I had a CM9. It was ok I suppose...just no more Kahr's for me.

If you watch Ebay, Bianchi 9R shoulder holsters show up periodically. Like the Null, they are great for carrying an LCR or other snubby revolver butt down. Butt down gives some options that you don't get with other shoulder holsters:

It isn't too difficult to draw with the weak side hand if you need to.

You can wear it under a tee shirt or sweat shirt and reach up underneath the shirt to draw.

[ScottM]

Shoulder holsters effectively went out of style with Miami Vice.

And I'm very uncertain why anyone would want to carry a J-frame sized gun in one

[BugDude]

I love my S&W 442. Probably the most versatile gun for various carry methods. Starting to like my Bersa Thunder CC 380 too. Also have a Taurus PT709 that fits light carry duty well also.

[Foo909]

Shoulder holsters effectively went out of style with Miami Vice.

And I'm very uncertain why anyone would want to carry a J-frame sized gun in one

Well when it won't fit in your jeans or slack pockets, and you despise IWB carry in all forms. Shoulder holsters appear like a good option especially considering cooler weather where I primarily will always have a sweatshirt on anyway when out and about.

That's why I'm considering it. I don't care what's in style...I care about what works and what is comfortable for me every day. Why in the world would you NOT want to carry a J-Frame in a shoulder holster. They were practically designed for it.

Pocket carry in warm weather is not a concern as I mostly wear cargo shorts that have PLENTY of room in the front pocket, not so much during winter time.

Now to find a no lock 442 in stock...no luck so far!

[Jesters Dead]

Kirkpatrick Leather makes a nice shoulder rig. One of them, the HD400, has 2-1/2-inch wide straps at the shoulders. Nice.

http://www.kirkpatrickleather.com/shoulder/hd-carry-139