How many of you use shoulder rigs for your CCW?

[tommy tornado]

I am going to be receiving my carry permit this week(hopefully) from Austin.  How many of you use shoulder holsters under a button down shirt or jacket/coat?  I was thinking about going this route in order to carry my 1911 occasionally.  Wanted to hear some of your experiences carrying this way.  Thanks for the replies.

[m25operator]

Every carry method has its limits, and depends on how and what you wear, day to day, a shoulder rig is cool, with certain undershirts and outer shirts or a suit and jacket. Here in TX, not very flexible. Something close that I have used is the belly band holster, a 4" wide elastic band with a holster built in, but not worn around the waist, but up high, under the armpits, and the pistol is available through the sleeve of a short sleeve shirt with the pistol being worn under the armpit, very inconspicuous and available, or you can just rip the outer shirt open, and access it that way. You can actually put your hand on your pistol through a short sleeve shirt, cross armed to your body, and look natural, but ready to go. Nothing is perfect, especially concealed carry, waist band carry is real cool until you sit down and get poked in the nads, by the barrel of your pistol, not to mention, I have carried when I was thin and now heavy, it does make a difference.

[MikeBjerum]

Congrats on the return of your Rights!

Good call on asking us for comments on a type of carry as well.

I don't, and haven't tried, a shoulder rig.  I go IWB, pocket (front and rear), OWB, and ankle rig.

Be prepared to try different rigs and holsters, and like everything else holster, be ready to have a box full of those you like and a box full of those you don't    This trial and error method is the reason that half the tables at gun shows have selections of nearly new, $45 holsters available for the best offer.

[Pecos Bill]

I am going to be receiving my carry permit this week(hopefully) from Austin.  How many of you use shoulder holsters under a button down shirt or jacket/coat?  I was thinking about going this route in order to carry my 1911 occasionally.  Wanted to hear some of your experiences carrying this way.  Thanks for the replies.

If you go to a shoulder rig don't go cheap. Don't get one with elastic straps get all leather with a ring at the cross point so that the straps will move somewhat independently. They're a little expensive but good stuff is worth the price. I've carried a commander size 1911 in an IWB rig with comfort but I prefer a Fobus paddle. If you go IWB make sure you allow an extra 1.5 inches for the gun and holster. Us fat guys have a problem there. Have fun!
Pecos

[tombogan03884]

I've used a shoulder rig on occasion, grip up or horizontal, depending on how I'm dressing.

[Sponsor]

[CJS3]

If you go to a shoulder rig don't go cheap. Don't get one with elastic straps get all leather with a ring at the cross point so that the straps will move somewhat independently. They're a little expensive but good stuff is worth the price. I've carried a commander size 1911 in an IWB rig with comfort but I prefer a Fobus paddle. If you go IWB make sure you allow an extra 1.5 inches for the gun and holster. Us fat guys have a problem there. Have fun!
Pecos

I went the cheap route and after a while, the rig becomes uncomfortable. A friend let me try out his leather rig and the difference was VERY noticeble.

[tommy tornado]

I was going to buy the Galco Miami Classic rig.  I am a Don Johnson fan.  Wish I had a Bren Ten.

[Majer]

I have used a shoulder rig made by Jackass Leather(Now Galco) that was very comfortable when worn under a suit coat(A rare occurrence for me anymore) It is without a doubt the most comfortable rig that I have used.Mine had the double mag pouch on the offhand side to balance it out.As the rest said try out as many rigs as you can,Borrow from friends if possible before you spend a lot of money. What might work for us may not work for You and vice versa.

[Jackel]

i find a shoulder holster to be somewhat inconsistent. depending on how your standing the gun can shift left and right. this probably dosent bother most people but if you need to draw fast then i want to be sure i know that when i go for it my hand is going to be right on the grip, instead of searching for it. 

[2HOW]

I just ordered a shoulder rig for my 1911, should be here today. Will let you know how it is.