First shoulder holster

[Lobo]

Lobo has some good points, . . . especially the shifting problem, . . . but I was successful in overcoming it without resorting to tie downs.

The first shoulder rig I had, I bought, . . . and it had probably 1 to maybe 1 1/8 wide straps of 6 oz leather for the "X" strapping. I gave it away.

I then used some of the ideas there to make my shoulder holster that I still have and use.

It is a horizontal carry, thumb break, and I purposely pulled it up close under my left arm, and allowed the off hand to hang a bit lower (after trial and error, found this works well for me), . . . and the off hand is a double mag pouch that opens down and carries two ea. 8 rd mags.

My straps are suede, . . . tend to widen at the top of the soulders to almost 2 inches and narrow as they approach the holster or mag pouch.

I have never needed any kind of belt strap, . . . it does not shift or move, . . . and I carry a full size RIA 1911, all steel, w/9 rounds in it.

I also used a round piece of 5 oz leather for my attachment point in the back, . . . using 24 line snaps from Tandy, . . . it has never come apart, . . . and swivels nicely as it needs to.

I also did not mold the holster, but lined it with suede (sewn, . . . not cemented) and just "crumpled" the leather a bit before I put it all together so the holster leather is a bit softer and more pliable. Makes for easier holstering and drawing.

May God bless,

Dwight

Dwight, you have brought up several interesting points. Shoulder holsters require a great deal of thought in design and execution, otherwise they are nothing more than uncomfortable fashion statements. I appreciate your post.

[RVM45]

Anybody have any experience with the Two-Gun Ambidextrous Shoulder Rigs?

I've heard some Gun experts say that sometimes its easier to hide two Guns than it is to hide one.

I asked because I've been considering a double rig for my S&W 5906s...

.....RVM45

[Shorts]

I took the mock rig to my buddy today. Let him tinker with it, try it on, adjust it and overall give me input.

We did talk about the shoulder straps. I think we decided to try a tapered over the shoulder width where its wider there then narrows to the straps. He initially asked if some kind of padding could be done but moved to the wider straps instead. The mag pouch would be single instead of double and a slightly different design (the bottom would be folded over not stitched closed.

I also mentioned about a slight angle for the draw, he said he understood it but he preferred a straight horizontal.

Oddly enough the down-on-paper-er-leather idea is close. Got some adjustments but headed the right direction.

I also took along some other holsters and belts so the gang to touch and feel for themselves. Good responses. I think I have some belt orders on the way as well as a bandoleer type crossdraw holster for a buddy's scoped hog revolver. I know there are some beautiful rigs that folks here have built that are going to give me great ideas and guidance when it comes time to do that one.

All in all, good day.

I am curious though about the wider straps. Would it be better to cut them curved for the comfort of the shoulder or to cut them straight?

Thanks folks for all the help. I'm eager to get to a solid finished design.

Bad lighting pic of shoulder rig:

You know what I find interesting is how simple shoulder rigs are in regards to how they are put together. Looking at that pic, if I removed the mag pouch and holster, there's just a couple of dangly straps. But put them on and it almost looks like a real piece of gear.

[ETW Grumpy]

Looks like you've got a good working rig there. I like suede straps and having them wider on the shoulders is probably ok, got a buddy who carries like that. I never noticed a significant difference between that and straight straps, even with something as heavy as a Desert Eagle "Baby Eagle" .40.

A good metal reinforced thumb break is always a good choice.

I never liked tie down straps that go to the belt. Try reaching above your head for something and your voice goes up an octave. I always found that the x shaped center piece and the weight of the weapon/mag pouches always made everything pretty fluid and natural.

You're doing good research and it looks like it'll pay off. Make sure you post some pics of the finished rig.

[Rayban]

Shorts, how bout a picture of this rig on somebody. I would like to see how the straps fit around the shoulders/arm pit area, etc.

Thanks

[Shorts]

Shorts, how bout a picture of this rig on somebody. I would like to see how the straps fit around the shoulders/arm pit area, etc.

Thanks

Size 46 Regular

Edited July 4, 2009 by Shorts

[Rayban]

Yhanks alot Shorts, that's very helpful.

[Lobo]

Project is coming along nicely, Monica. Hope you are being well paid for all the time you are putting into this one! Of course, additional orders are to be expected down the road, so the research and development time is worth it.

In response to the musings about straps (curved, wider), I would suggest that curved straps would be of little benefit because the weight of the holstered handgun would tend to pull them straight and cause little distortions in the leather that might print through the cover garment. I would suggest straps wider over the shoulder area where the weight is being supported, tapering down to a width appropriate for holster attachment.

Also, veg-tan leather may not be the best choice for the straps. Other tannages offer much improved flexibility and may conform to the required contours better and lie flatter for better concealment.

Here is one that I made a few months ago using 4-5 oz. suede leather for the shoulder support, nylon straps to the off-side, and a single mag pouch on the off-side. Completely different harness style than you are working on, but this illustrates both a wider strap (tapering from 2.5" to 1") and the soft, supple suede applied to the shoulder support.

[Shorts]

Thanks Lobo. That's a great rig you have.

I had been thinking of getting some suede. I think your suggestion is the little push I needed to go ahead and get some. I think it'll be more comfortable in the long run.

I've never worked with suede before. Is there anything particular I should know about? It comes dyed already, but do I need to use any kind of top coat? Or is it just use as is?

[Lobo]

For suede leather I would suggest ordering the color you intend to use, no additional finish required. Up to about 4-5 oz. weight it can be cut neatly and cleanly with household scissors (of decent quality and edge).

Almost all sueded leather is chrome tanned so no additional finish is necessary. It wears very well and, in this application, absorbs perspiration and gives it up via evaporation without many worries over staining. If anything, maybe a little silicone spray might benefit the finished product.

The most beneficial property I have found for shoulder harness use is the ability of suede leather to conform readily to any contour, no puckers here and there to worry about. Get your basic design close to the mark and the suede leather will do the rest all by itself.

Very comfortable, by the way. The holster I posted pictures of was worn by me under a light cotton shirt, either with or without a T-shirt, for several weeks. No chafing, no irritation, soft and comfy on the old skin covering my old bones.

Best regards.