Confession time. The first holster I ever purchased was a nylon piece-of-crap shoulder holster from my local gun store’s used bargain bin. I had a very cheap German .22LR revolver and needed a way to carry it. I was young, and to me, shoulder holsters were so darn cool. I’ve evolved since then, and now, my shoulder holster of choice is the Safariland 7053 7TS ALS shoulder holster.
There are several reasons why I prefer it. First, it’s made of polymer rather than leather. Leather is great, but polymer lasts forever — no concerns about sweat, no issues with the material softening over time. The ALS device is faster, more efficient, and better than a leather thong in every way. It’s also slim and concealable — I could go on and on. If you’re curious about why I like the 7053 7TS, you can check out my full review [here].
Today, we are going to talk about the art of shoulder holsters — how to use one safely, why you might want one, and why you might not.
Shoulder Holsters: The Basics
If you’re new to holsters, you’re in the right place. A shoulder holster rides under your non-dominant arm, secured by a system of straps. For a right-handed shooter like me, the gun sits under my left arm, requiring a cross-body draw.
Due to their nature, shoulder holsters require some form of security device. Most leather rigs will have some form of snap and leather thong. It’s old school, but it works. The 7053 7TS, however, takes a more modern approach with the ALS device which attaches to the ejection port of the gun. To draw, you simply thumb the lever downward, releasing the firearm for a smooth and secure draw.
For concealed carry, shoulder holsters are both a blessing and a curse. The good news? You can conceal a fairly large gun easily and comfortably. Strapping a Glock 17 on your waist can be difficult for some, but in a shoulder holster, it’ll conceal well. The downside? You need a cover garment to keep it concealed.
This might be a lightweight button-down shirt, a suit jacket, a windbreaker, or similar layer. But in hot climates — like Florida — that extra layer means more heat. And for anyone dealing with summer temperatures, it’s not always the most comfortable option.
The Best Parts Of A Shoulder Holster
Being able to conceal a full-size gun is nice, but not the only advantage of a shoulder rig. They tend to work especially well for women, who often have smaller waists and clothing styles that make traditional waist-mounted carry more challenging. A shoulder holster can be a practical alternative in those cases
Another big plus? Comfort while seated. A gun on the waistband isn’t usually a big deal, but depending on the seat and holster position, it can get awkward. With a shoulder rig, that’s not an issue.
The holster tends to be extremely comfortable and easy to draw from when seated. I’m partial to the 7075 7TS when I know I’ll be in a car for a road trip. It stays secure, accessible, and far more comfortable than a waist-mounted holster, and it’s free from seatbelt drama.
There are also some situations where having a gun on your waist can be disadvantageous. For example, in the outdoors, a waist-mounted holster can be a hassle. Tree limbs, brush, and other obstacles tend to snag at your gun — potentially dislodging it, damaging it, or interfering with your draw. And if you’re trekking through waist-deep water, a shoulder holster keeps your firearm high and dry, sparing it from unnecessary exposure.
There are lots of niche-use situations where a shoulder holster excels. Anytime you want to keep a gun off your waist, the shoulder rig rules.
The Downsides
The biggest drawback? You need a cover garment. That can suck. Besides that, shoulder rigs offer a much slower draw than most. You have to reach across your body, establish your grip, draw it, and then assume a shooting stance. That’s a lot of extra movement and time to get a gun into action.
When drawing from a shoulder holster, there’s also a risk of flagging someone else — or even yourself — if you don’t use the proper shoulder holster draw technique.
Another consideration is quality. You have to be a lot pickier about shoulder holsters. Bad ones are terrible, and good ones are expensive — but investing in a well-made rig is worth it.
Running a Shoulder Rig
The first thing you need to do with any shoulder rig is adjust it. You have to make sure it fits you. People come in all different shapes and sizes, and an ill-fitting shoulder rig can be uncomfortable and difficult to use. If it’s too loose, it will flip and flop, making it a literal pain to wear. If it’s too tight, you’re in the same boat, but now with potentially a lack of blood flow.
You want the holster to sit right under your armpit. The straps should be snug but not restrictive—walk around, practice drawing, sit down, and all that fun stuff. Act normal and see how it feels and fits.
How To Draw From A Shoulder Rig
Lots of folks seem to purchase shoulder holsters without understanding the safest way to draw. When drawing, you have to bring the gun forward—and if you’re not careful, you’ could sweep’ll point the gun directly at your own bicep.
The proper way to draw a pistol from a shoulder holster requires coordinated movement from both hands. The dominant hand races to the gun, while the nondominant hand flies upward with the thumb leading the way. The gun should continue upward until your nondominant hand is grabbing the back of your neck.
This gets your arm out of the way, allowing you to draw your weapon without flagging yourself. Like any other draw, you’ll need to practice with your individual holster. A big reason why I like the ALS is that it’s a natural movement to free the gun. A leather thong and snap can be slower and more difficult.
The Shoulder Rig
A shoulder holster is just another tool in the toolbox. It’s not always the best option, but it shines in certain situations where waist carry isn’t ideal. While it may not be the go-to choice for daily carry, it has its place for those who take the time to train with it. If you’re willing to put in the effort, it’s a valuable tool worth considering.
