Shoulder holsters, like the Bianchi Agent X horizontal rig, have been around for over a century. And while they’re considered “old school,” they still have benefits in today’s world.
Initially designed for convenience and concealment, shoulder holsters provide quick and easy access to your firearm from a standing or sitting position. And though they have been around for decades, shoulder rigs have evolved significantly in terms of style, materials, and usability.
Today, we are looking at a shoulder holster by Bianchi, one of the most respected holster brands today. Founded in 1958 by John Bianchi, a law enforcement officer himself, the company quickly became known for high-quality leather holsters. Now, Bianchi operates under The Safariland Group, a powerhouse in protective gear, holsters, and tactical equipment.
Bianchi Agent X Shoulder Rig for Glock 17
The Bianchi Agent X Shoulder Rig isn’t what I would call a “fancy” holster, but it’s a well-made, quality one.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s still a great-looking holster. And by saying it’s “nothing fancy,” I mean it’s a shoulder holster that was made for heavy use. Some leather holsters have a lot of details and custom work that is great for showing off, but most of those stand out a little too much for me when wearing one at work or for concealed carry.
Bianchi crafts the Agent X from durable, top-grain cowhide leather, and it even has that good leather smell to it. When synthetics or a lower-grade leather is used, you can tell just by the feel and smell of it.
This holster was made for the Glock 17, but will work on other Glock models as well. It will fit the Glock 22, Glock 47, Glock 19, Glock 49, and many other Glock models.
Balanced for comfort
A Glock pistol doesn’t weigh that much, but when you start wearing a shoulder rig all day, you notice the weight. One thing that helps distribute the weight is a double mag pouch on the other side.
Of course, the purpose of a mag pouch is to hold extra ammo. But weight distribution is one of the great design benefits in this type of shoulder holster.
The balanced design reduces shoulder strain and even lower back pain. If you are sitting in a car, at a desk, or wearing a coat, a shoulder holster is a great choice, even though many view it as outdated.
When set up correctly, you can easily access and draw the gun as well as extra mags from the mag pouch. A thumb snap keeps the gun from falling out unintentionally, and the mag pouch has folder-over straps with the same type of snap.
How to Set Up and Wear a Shoulder Rig
If you have never worn a shoulder holster before, setting it up correctly can be a little intimidating for some. There are only four straps, but when they get all twisted up, it’s hard to tell one strap from the other.
Before you do anything, the first step is to try it on as it comes from the factory. Other brands do not ship their shoulder rigs in a ready-to-use fashion, but Bianchi does.
You want to put the shoulder rig on like a jacket. Think of the opening between the two straps on each side as sleeves. I hold the rig out in front of me and slide my left arm between the gun-side straps first. Then I reach back with my left arm and slide it in.
Now you can determine what type of adjustments need to be made. You want the harness to feel snug, but not so tight that it restricts movement or is uncomfortable to wear.
Adjusting your shoulder rig
Your Agent X shoulder holster should rest comfortably under your weak-side arm, with the grip forward enough that you can grab it with your dominant hand. So, for a right-handed person, the holster will hang under your left arm.
The magazine pouch, on the other hand, should sit just under your strong-side arm (right arm for right-handed people). This positioning balances the weight and provides easy access during magazine changes. Make sure your magazines are oriented properly for smooth reloading movements.
Everyone will have a preference on exactly how high or low they want the holster to ride under the arm. Just keep in mind, the higher it is, the harder it may be to draw.
When I first started wearing a shoulder holster, I wanted it up right under my armpit. But over time, I started to lower it some so I could access it a little easier.
To adjust the shoulder rig, remove the small screws that are located in the adjustment holes of each strap. I recommend making adjustments one at a time. If you adjust several things at once, it can be hard to figure out why it’s not fitting exactly how you want.
Drawing from a shoulder holster
To draw your firearm effectively, throw your support hand up so it is out of the way when you draw. If you do not do this, you will be pointing the gun at your own arm as you draw it.
This is another reason I started wearing my shoulder holster a little bit lower. I don’t have to raise my arm as high before drawing the gun. But either way, your support hand needs to be clear of the muzzle as you draw from the holster.
Pull the gun straight out horizontally, avoiding upward or downward motions. Practice this movement regularly (with an empty gun) to develop muscle memory.
You also want to test your shoulder rig with different clothing, as garments like jackets or coats might affect concealment and accessibility. Adjust your straps as needed to maintain a consistent fit throughout various activities and conditions.
Just like you did with the gun, also practice drawing the mags from the mag holder. These are angled downward, so they come out very easy.
Fitting Your Leather Holster for an Easy Draw
Leather holsters, like the Bianchi Agent X, often require some initial fitting to achieve a smooth, easy draw. If your holster feels too tight, a simple and effective method involves using denatured alcohol.
Lightly dampen the inside of the holster with denatured alcohol using a soft cloth or some type of swab. Avoid getting it on the finish of the leather as it can eat the finish off and leave a spot.
Once you have dampened the inside of the holster, place your unloaded firearm in a plastic bag and work it into the holster. I often use two bags to make it a little looser and easier to draw.
Let it sit overnight, allowing the leather to stretch gently to the precise shape of your gun.
If you don’t want to try this method, you can also insert and remove your firearm repeatedly while applying gentle pressure. This “break-in” process gradually loosens the leather, molding it to your firearm’s specific shapes.
Avoid using oils or conditioners excessively, as they can overly soften the leather and compromise retention. But a little oil on the outside of the holster every now and then is still a good idea.
Regularly inspect your holster, maintaining it by gently cleaning with a soft, damp cloth to remove dirt or sweat buildup. Properly fitted and maintained, your Agent X shoulder rig will provide reliable service and quick, smooth draws for years to come.
Need a shoulder holster?
If you haven’t worn a shoulder holster before, you are missing out. This type of carry makes it easier to carry larger handguns or revolvers. Wintertime is when I use my shoulder rig the most, but I used to wear it at work year-round.
The Bianchi Agent X is a high-quality shoulder system that is comfortable and comes ready to adjust. It has belt loops attached to the bottom of the holster and mag pouch if you want to loop them through your belt. This helps keep the bottom of the holster and mag pouch from moving around as much.
I have never used the belt loops on horizontal shoulder holsters because they don’t move that much on me. But again, this is a preference, so set it up so it works for you.
