Shoulder holsters? Pros and Cons?

[Sid Post]

I have other stuff on my waist so, it would need to move to accommodate a traditional hip holster. The other consideration is while seated in a vehicle or tractor (hogs and dogs out here). I often have a vest on so, generally, I have some light cover but, I should note "open carry" is legal where I'm at as well. The shoulder holster also keeps the pistol farther away from brush and other hazards.

I would definitely want tie-downs to prevent flopping around. In terms of the speed of the draw, that is secondary as long as it is reasonable. In a backpack, lunch box, or pickup are not acceptable.

[gaijin]

I have survival sheath holsters with a variety of harnesses on them. His holsters are great, his harness isn't so great.

I have 3 uses for them, first if I am in a very cold place with a heavy overcoat, it is easier to get to the pistol than if it was on the belt. Second is in a 3rd world dump and all I have is a pistol if at night something happens I can grab the holster and have the pistol and spare mags with me. When I used to do a lot of protection details. I could stand with my arms cross and the pistol could be in my hand and nobody had a clue. Also when seating in a car or office a lot on these details it was more comfortable, especially in seats of European made cars.

Nailed it. I have Alessi "Bodyguard's" for BHP and 1911's, from when Lou was still with us and ran and worked in his shop.
Basically my take is what Yoni referred to; driving (extended periods), heavy clothing, "grab and go" scenario.

My guess is the naysayers have zip for experience with a quality shoulder rig.

[TBAR_94]

I am a fan of shoulder rigs in certain scenarios. Since I moved to Florida I have a lot less use for them. I have used them in the military because it’s the best way to carry a handgun in a flight suit, and if you’re sitting a lot it saves banging the gun on chairs and such. I used a Galco vertical rig deployed because horizontal was deemed unsafe—it was comfortable and durable. For CCW I’m ok with horizontal carry, but even at 6’2 210lbs a full size 1911 is pushing it for what I can carry without “tenting” the back of my coat, and it took a heavy garment like a leather jacket. To cover with a blazer or over shirt I would go with G19 sized guns or smaller.

Alessi was my favorite maker for CCW or hunting rigs. Galcos Miami or Jackass rigs work but they are bulkier than Alessi, though.

[yoni]

Nailed it. I have Alessi "Bodyguard's" for BHP and 1911's, from when Lou was still with us and ran and worked in his shop.

I converted my Alessi Bodyguard from 1911 to BHP and it is still running strong. It was bought through SOF magazine a long time ago.

[Bantee]

I run a P7 PSP in a Mitch Rosen shoulder rig upon occasion.
The P7 is a butt heavy little bastard that lends itself quite well to a shoulder holster.
My primary use is while driving, or if I just don't feel like carrying the weight on my waist, or if a suit jacket is required..for my shape, I've found a shoulder holster doesn't mess the drape of a suit up as bad as waist carry. Shoulder holsters while not ideal for 98% of my carry needs, do perform that 2% better than almost any other method I have tried for niche circumstances.

[Diamondback]

Mitch Rosen nor Andrews Leather use them.

One thing I find important with shoulder holsters is they have to be balanced so I'd opt for something like the U.S.R. (Urban Safari Rig)
But if you're looking something super lightweight for a small gun check out Ken Null's shoulder holsters.

I think Ted Blocker had a tie-down on the Dillinger Rig they made for Depp to use in Public Enemies. Vertical open-front, uses a C-clip to grip the slide. I think A. E. Nelson's 58H as used in the old Untouchables TV series has a belt tie-down too.
http://aenelson.hostcentric.com/prod...lmifls7g8hdqdl

So does Blocker's #2 Lifeline.

[titsonritz]

I think Ted Blocker had a tie-down on the Dillinger Rig they made for Depp to use in Public Enemies. Vertical open-front, uses a C-clip to grip the slide. I think A. E. Nelson's 58H as used in the old Untouchables TV series has a belt tie-down too.
http://aenelson.hostcentric.com/prod...lmifls7g8hdqdl

So does Blocker's #2 Lifeline.

Gotta go with the "U" version.
http://aenelson.hostcentric.com/prod...roducts_id=215
I use to have one of A.E.N. #56 shoulder rigs, it had a removable tie down system, but I never used it. Scio is pretty close to me