Shoulder Carry

What interconnects all the favorite detectives like Holmes, Hercule Poirot, Columbo, Kojak, Harry Bosch, Jack Reacher, Edgar Allan Poe’s Auguste Dupin, or professionals from C15- Bodie, Doyle, and Cowley with actors like Clint Eastwood, Steve McQueen, Bruce Willis or Don Johnson?

It is not the number of solved cases, not even a number of bullets shot, but the Shoulder Rigs.

Shoulder Rigs

Although this carry style fits amongst the oldest, it kept its “elegance”. After the years of gun use, the Shoulder Holsters were changed towards higher functionality, but the base stayed the same. The holsters are attached to the Shoulder Rig from the top and to the trousers from the bottom. While moving, the holster shifts a little, which might not be ideal. With this holster type, it is essential to balance the weight of the gun with the counterbalance (ex.: another ammunition, knife, magazine...) This is the purpose of single, or cross-shoulder harnesses. They are commonly made from Nylon or Leather. The carry itself consists of 4 components- a holster, a harness, a counterbalance, and a tie-down strap.  The wearing position might be horizontal or vertical. Both options have their Pros & Cons. While gripping the gun might be easier to grip and draw while in the horizontal holster, the vertical holster might also conceal a large gun. 

Configuring a Shoulder Rig

The right configuration of a Shoulder Rig is essential and surprisingly simple. You can manage it in 4 steps:

• Harness configuration
• The positioning of a holster
• Attachment of counterbalance
• Tie-down by a strap

Take care of fixing the holster well. It has to be firm, but not too tight- still allowing you to move comfortably.

The Greatest Pros & Cons

Advantages

Comfort – Wearing a shoulder holster is comfortable. It does not weight down the trousers and does not get in the way while moving, sitting or driving.

Elegance – Shoulder rigs are stylish, even while wearing a suit or other formal garment.

Variability – Thanks to the product variability, you can conceal a gun in whatever size or caliber.

Disadvantages

Safety – We suggest the Shoulder Rigs as a solution to gun users with high-level safety habits. Using the horizontal position, your gun is aiming at whoever stands behinds you, into the space you have no control of.

Gun Draw – To manage effective gun draw from the shoulder holster requires a precise training- drill, drill, and drill again. If you wear a jacket, you need to pull it from the way by your non-dominant hand first, and at the same time take a grip of a gun by your dominant hand. It is advised to wear a light and unzipped jacked to ease the process.

Conclusion

Shoulder Rigs do not belong amongst the most often used. They are preferred for duty or tactical use. Amongst the civils, this carry style is used mostly for hiking or hunting. Shoulder Rigs are ideal and stylish accessory in the formal environment.


If you liked our blog, or eventually you can write better about some interesting content, please contact us here. We would be happy to publish it!