vertical shoulder holsters.

[fullmd]

are vertical shoulder holsters any good? been seeing more and more pop up online. i would just like to get other peoples opinions.

[Librarian]

They have applications.

A number of folks complain that the action of drawing 'sweeps' nearby people, and is therefore unsafe.

[Bruce]

They have applications.

A number of folks complain that the action of drawing 'sweeps' nearby people, and is therefore unsafe.

Any form of cross-draw "sweeps"and is not necessarily "unsafe".

[Librarian]

Any form of cross-draw "sweeps"and is not necessarily "unsafe".

So you, and I think I, are not among that 'number of folks'.

[Bruce]

So you, and I think I, are not among that 'number of folks'.

If you're asking if I think cross draw, or drawing from a vertical shoulder holster is unsafe, no I do not think it is unsafe.

[ldsnet]

Aside from the draw safety aspect, a shoulder holster has some advantages over other carry options; if you spend a large time in a seated position (where gear on your belt is uncomfortable or won't fit due to safety belts or seat requirements) the shoulder holster moves the weapon above the waist line and is still accessible while seated.
A huge down side: To be concealed you must ALWAYS wear somekind of jacket or over-shirt. If this is not a problem for your wardrobe and lifestyle then its an option.

I find a IWB tucked under my shirt to be a better concealment alternative, but while off-roading in AZ, I love my shoulder holster; keeps the weapon close to my body and does not interfere with the seat or 4 point harness. A simple Hawaiin shirt or fishing shirt as a cover garment works to keep the sheeple unaware (not that it matters in AZ)

[Teeko]

+ 1 for unsafe

[kustomkat1950]

Just dont buy a el cheapo rig like I did. My 1911 doesn't fit it right so much so the darn thing slipped out from under the snap clip and fell out. I can't stand seeing my 1911 dropped. After extensive therapy, I think I am better now.

Good:

http://www.bianchi-intl.com/x15-shoulder-holster

Bad:

http://www.amazon.com/AirSplat-Shoulder-Holster/dp/B0006N07YU

[WARTFROG]

If you sit down a lot and want to conceal under a coat, it's an option. More Miami Vice than anything else.

[Quiet]

Aside from the draw safety aspect, a shoulder holster has some advantages over other carry options; if you spend a large time in a seated position (where gear on your belt is uncomfortable or won't fit due to safety belts or seat requirements) the shoulder holster moves the weapon above the waist line and is still accessible while seated.
A huge down side: To be concealed you must ALWAYS wear somekind of jacket or over-shirt. If this is not a problem for your wardrobe and lifestyle then its an option.

I find a IWB tucked under my shirt to be a better concealment alternative, but while off-roading in AZ, I love my shoulder holster; keeps the weapon close to my body and does not interfere with the seat or 4 point harness. A simple Hawaiin shirt or fishing shirt as a cover garment works to keep the sheeple unaware (not that it matters in AZ)

Also be aware that draw times will be slower than drawing from a IWB/OWB holster.

[Quiet]

Just dont buy a el cheapo rig like I did. My 1911 doesn't fit it right so much so the darn thing slipped out from under the snap clip and fell out. I can't stand seeing my 1911 dropped. After extensive therapy, I think I am better now.

Good:

http://www.bianchi-intl.com/x15-shoulder-holster

Bad:

http://www.amazon.com/AirSplat-Shoul.../dp/B0006N07YU

+1 on using a quality holster

I watch my Glock 22 fall off the roof of 3 story building because it fell out of an inexpensive (under $50) nylon shoulder rig.

Galco makes very good shoulder holsters.

[YZINGERR]

Vertical is better at concealment and the hand on the same side can draw too.
I have an uncle mikes unit that i used to use once in a while

[halifax]

If you don't mind waiting Alessi still makes a quality rig.

[Librarian]

If you're asking if I think cross draw, or drawing from a vertical shoulder holster is unsafe, no I do not think it is unsafe.

No, I'm saying that we appear to agree that cross draw is not necessarily unsafe.

But lots of people do think that; that is the most common criticism I have seen of shoulder-holsters.

[LCU1670]

To use it in a more safe manner, support arm up, so you don't cover your arm, then draw out, down and up. The only person(s) covered would be anyone DIRECTLY behind you, hopefully you had time to position yourself so no one was behind you.