Where Do I Find Shoulder Holster Basics?

[George B]

Howdy All,

I started building holsters about 3 months ago, before that it was western saddles. Holsters came about unexpectly and since has keep me busy, but I have to learn each style as it is requested. Mostly by trial and error and help of the members here in the forums.

So far I have been able to do what is needed...however,

I now have an order for a shoulder holster and a second I just recieved from a local gun dealer today and I can find very little information on how to start.

I made one from the Al Stohlman-Tandy pattern, it was bulky, and after wearing it around the shop all afternoon with the pistol in it, it was just painfull as well.

Is there anywhere a beginner at these can find basic info? Books? DVDs?

Finished my first IWB for a Makarov and mag carrier custer was very happy. Thanks to all those that posted information and pics, especially to Lobo if he happens to read this.

Thanks

[Big O]

I've yet to make a shoulder holster, but I've worn them a number of times, and can give you some input from my own experiences.

Wide straps, particularly where they go over the shoulders, are much more comfortable than narrow ones.

The more flexibility in the middle of the back, the more comfortable the rig will be.

For "horizontal" shoulder holsters, the more angle adjustment that's possible, the better. Also, for those, some sort of ammo carrier on the "off" side helps to balance the weight, especially if there are no belt tie-downs.

[RickHodges]

I will second what "Big O" says. I carried a 1911 for 8-20 hrs. a day for 2 years. Mainly in a shoulder rig. The most comfortable rig for me was a "Jackass" shoulder rig (ala Miami Vice). Horizontal holster, double magazine carrier on the off hand side. Soft flexible straps with 4 way pivot in the middle of the back. The conventional verticle rigs (i.e. Don Hume) became unbearable after 6- 8 hrs. Individual opinions vary and are problably dependant on body type. While I couldn't stand the verticle rig and it bound and was very uncomfortable.....I worked with those who preferred these and couldn't stand my rig.

[katsass]

I will second what "Big O" says. I carried a 1911 for 8-20 hrs. a day for 2 years. Mainly in a shoulder rig. The most comfortable rig for me was a "Jackass" shoulder rig (ala Miami Vice). Horizontal holster, double magazine carrier on the off hand side. Soft flexible straps with 4 way pivot in the middle of the back. The conventional verticle rigs (i.e. Don Hume) became unbearable after 6- 8 hrs. Individual opinions vary and are problably dependant on body type. While I couldn't stand the verticle rig and it bound and was very uncomfortable.....I worked with those who preferred these and couldn't stand my rig.

Ditto what Rick and BigO say. I tried, during my 35 years as a LEO, a number of different shoulder rigs, from an old Hoyte when I carried a Model 19 wheel gun, to a few others when I carried a large framed auto pistol. They just become uncomfortable and confining to me after 10 -12 hours of wear. Some much sooner. I gave up on them. Mike

[Reaper]

That little Makarov is no larger than a CZ82 or 83 so it should carry really easy anyway you do it, but drawing it would definitely be smoother from a jackass. I always figured that the vertical rig would slap against your ribs allot.?.

Pilots carried them vertical for years but that was because of spending their time in the seat driving the plane I'm sure.

[joke55]

I've tried to make a couple shoulder holsters. The main thing is to allow for plenty of adjustment for the customer, as he will need to adjust depending on wear and activity. I had one horizontal, and think that works best for autos, but my other was for a S&W 500, and due to its size, even with a snub barrel, had to to vertical. Wide straps across both shoulders, soft leather, and a good back center pivot to allow things to move.

[eyeman]

I make holsters for my own personal use or for friends, so I am not in the business. I wanted to make a shoulder holster for my PPK, so I used some nylon designs for patterns. I had several of the Uncle Mikes and others for different handguns and I found them comfortable. You might want to think about that route and also consider all of the good info previous to my post. I'll try to post a picture of my first attemp a this PPK holster which also has double mag. pouches.

[Randy Cornelius]

Ask a woman, she uses a shoulder holster every day..lol

[Big O]

Ask a woman, she uses a shoulder holster every day..lol

It's always seemed to me that packing a pair of 44's with straps that thin MUST be painful......