Matt Stokes

I am about to show what a neophyte I am in the CCW world. I got my permit in MN and decided to get outfitted. I bought a Desantis IWB and found it uncomfortable and awkward for driving. I didn't know I should buy pants to fit me and the gun. I purchased a shoulder holster/Jack-ass rig from Galco with the horizontal mag holder. I did this for the comfort and ease of conceal as I tend to wear jackets often ( I always thought Don Johnson's was really cool in Miami Vice).
I bought the first two Inside the Crucible DVD's and see the need for waist holstering for quick defensive deployment.
Does anyone have advice regarding the effectiveness of shoulder holsters? BTW I carry a XD40SC and a Sig 2340.

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Semper Paratus

SOLOLUCKY

Shoulder holsters have there place. They are just a more specialized holster than most people wear everyday. But you will hear that lots of people have them, they just don't get used as much as an OWB or IWB belt holster.

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R1

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Lets keep it that way.

BikerRN

I wear a Shoulder Holster when on my motorcycle or driving in the car for extended periods, like over 4 hours.

With that being said, they are slower to draw from, present the weapon to an assailant easier and the straps of the shouder harness tend to "give you away" when they print under your cover garment.

I prefer to have a gun on my ankle and will draw that one while seated. I wear one IWB as well and will go to that one if I'm not seated.

Good leather, Belt/Holster combo, as well as sizing your pants properly, will go a long way towards comfort in regards to IWB carry.

Biker

havegunjoe

Try http://www.andrewsleather.com Monarch rig. Excellent shoulder holster. I also have a cross draw holster that is held onto your belt by a magnet. This is made by a local MN company called Pistol Packaging, http://www.pistolpackaging.com This is not a great holster but is economical and easy to use in the car.

Seeing as how we live close to one another feel free to email me or call if you have any questions.

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DEMOCRACY IS TWO WOLVES AND A LAMB VOTING ON WHAT TO HAVE FOR LUNCH. LIBERTY IS A WELL ARMED LAMB CONTESTING THE VOTE.

Certified Instructor for Minnesota Carry Permit
NRA Pistol and Personal Protection Insrtuctor
Utah Permit Certified Instructor

Smith10

I have used Galco miami classics for years now. They work very well for me.

Glock 'em down

I have a Galco Miami Classic shoulder rig coming in the mail (Thanks kpw!) I've owned one before...love 'em!

Jetboy

I have a Galco Miami Classic also that works well for certain dress. The problem I have is with a G22 (16 rounds) and the two spare mags on the other side (30 more rounds) the straps tend to make my shoulders ache after a while, even sitting down. I was wondering if someone makes a wider harness to fit that holster/mag carrier combo.

Sorry, didn't mean to steal the thread !!

retsupt99

It is very comfortable, but because of the warm weather, I seldom wear it...once in a while on my bike...

ret

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"That I cannot do."

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NRA Life Member

Glock 'em down

Of course...Galco! They make a harness called the SS2 harness - wide shoulder straps.
www.usgalco.com

QKShooter

Howdy
Let me help you out here because I carry in a shoulder holster a lot and I have for years.
One of THE best shoulder holsters ever made is the Alessi rig designed by Louis Alessi. A master leather craftsman.
His holster is the finest leather and does not have a traditional retention strap.
His design features a Pull~Through one way snap that snaps over the front of the trigger guard. All you do is tug the firearm and you own it. It's lightning fast to draw from.
Your Galco is OK for now but, once you are absolutely certain which exact firearm will be your every day carry then go for the Alessi. You can even keep your Galco harness system and just go for the Alessi holster. I would try to select a harness system with a soft wide shoulder strap though for better all day comfort.
Also you might find yourself with an sore shoulder for a couple of weeks until your shoulder gets used to the weight of a firearm pulling down on it for 8, 10, or 12 hours. You do get used to it though.
If you are not overweight then you should adjust your shoulder holster so that it is up just below your armpit with the muzzle canted slightly upward. Do not wear it down low near your belt. That is for TV only.
Some folks who are very overweight have trouble drawing from under the opposing armpit and a shoulder rig might not be suitable for them.
The most important thing to remember with Horizontal Shoulder Carry is to carry a high quality firearm in a good holster and basically leave it alone until you need it.
If you ever DO need to re-holster after a defensive scenario then just make sure that you re-holster by turning your body so that your muzzle is (of course) pointed in a known safe direction or remove your shoulder rig - then re-holster and put it back on.

Practice your draw at home by following all Firearm CLEAR rules & with practice with an Alessi rig you'll find that you can get your firearm on target as quickly as a draw from the waist.

I am familiar with the McCann Crucible Series and Kelly is a fantastic instructor. His KYDEX rig right at 3:00 is great for impressive range work but, you obviously already know that it will not work too well for you out on the street. You don't want to walk around with a big bump on your strong side hip.

You can develop EXACTLY the same easy, fluid motion no matter where your firearm is located.
Practice will do it for you.
FAST/Speed to the firearm...then a proper grip...then finger off the trigger & out of the trigger guard since for the fastest draw you'll be lifting your support arm so that you're not covering your support arm as part of your draw sequence & then out to the target exactly al la McCann. It's hard to explain but you'll get the hang of it quickly.
I wish I owned a video camera but, sadly I don't or I would do a vid of the draw.
Just practice.

Oh here is one link that provides a little more information on the Alessi BodyGuard...CLICK HERE

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Liberty/Tyranny
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The Day The Moon Stood Still. Be Happy!
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