Posted on 11/07/2022 5:38:05 AM PST by Blueflag
In order to improve real-world firearm accessibility primarily in-vehicle and also 'dismounted,' I seek to acquire a decent quality, maybe even leather, shoulder holster rig for my full frame SIG p220. I also want it to have the 2-mag pouch on the other side for well, extra mags AND to balance the weight of a loaded P220, which is non-trivial. It needs to have the straps that secure the rig to one's belt, as I have tried other holsters without them that just don't work for my heavy SIGs. They do work just fine for my much smaller XDS.
I live in GA and have my weapons carry license, so there is no concern like the 'old days' about printing. Frankly I don't care about other knowing I am armed (if they look carefully.) I will be wearing this while driving and it'll be set up for a right hand draw, even though I am about 55% left-handed otherwise. Outside the vehicle I will wear a covering garment. I am not into open carry unless I am in the woods.
SO, GOT RECOMMENDATIONS?
No harm no foul.
If I am IWB, then the Springfield XDS is in that holster. And that’s small of back. I *can* drive with that, but a draw from there in vehicle just won’t work. I have a shoulder holster (polyester) for the XDS, but this is all about setting up my fave pistol.
I am not a small person, 6’4” 235. Even the XDS is kinda small in my hands.
The p220 is my most accurate pistol in MY hands, and the highest capacity — 11 rounds with the extended mag and one in the pipe.
Carry on.
Paul Harrell (starting at about 12:20):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfGKUg9yCBU
Massad Ayoob:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nD9tNKG2AY0
You have major decision points:
-Barrel pointing back versus pointing down
-Spare mags or not on the opposite side
-whether or not the holster attaches to your belt
-holster material; leather vs nylon
One other thing to keep in mind is that there are companies that make concealed carry jackets where the pistol fits into one inside pocket in either armpit and the magazines fit into the other. They're for cooler weather but you can throw them on quickly instead of fussing with a rig. Also, no one sees your rig when you take your jacket off.
An observation about small of back carry: If you get grounded in a fight, your back’s gonna get messed up, and it’s WAY more difficult to access the tool.
Good stuff, thanks.
True.
Thanks!
If you’re situationally aware you should never wind up on the ground.or have anyone walk up on you, but yes if it happens that would be a disadvantage.
Also it’s a little slower to draw.
Thanks. Will view those. Good to consult the experts.
As far as those jackets go, I have one, (leather) and it works fine for a true pocket pistol like a Ruger LCP or even my Springfield XDS, but the loaded p200 .. the weight of it if worn without the mags on the other side REALLY skews the fit.
A guiding principle is that I can carry my favorite, large-frame, HEAVY p220 while driving and then walking around.
Or, you miht just be older and slower, ;-) or there may be more than one, etc, etc. Yours truly ain’t the physical specimen I used to be. Going all Krav Maga on an assailant(s) is off the table. I have to leave that to you younger bucks.
IWB/rear is one method I employ when I am in a ‘safe’ area and want to carry truly ‘just in case.’
Opinions like this should really be kept to yourself, as all it does is inflame and sidetrack the OP's original question. I carry my Glock 23 in a crossdraw holster because that's the fastest way to access it and draw it. I wear a polar fleece vest for concealment and a heavy winter jacket on top of that. Both are barely zipped up, so I can immediately grip my pistol and draw it. The only way to have an ND is to pull the trigger, which is why I always keep my finger off of it until I'm on target and have made the decision to fire. Different lifestyles dictate different solutions, and the crossdraw is one of them.
This is not directed at you, but has anyone on this thread ever taken any integrated, force-on-force training, not just punching holes in paper? It's an eye-opener.
I’m an old “Miami Vice” fan and got several “Miami Vice” Jackass Rig shoulder holsters for 1911s, Glocks, etc.
From Bianchi, IIRE. Full nice leather, gun on left side for right hand draw and 2 magazine pouch on the other side.
Both sides can be worn as just a drop down float, or you can add belt securing straps on both sides.
Here’s on place you can look..
You got any examples of a shoulder rig wearer shooting someone behind them on a draw? Any links?
Check out Blue Stone concealed carry vest. Good for mild weather and can accommodate more than one of just about any handgun.
Thumbs up to you Blueflag!
I can carry a P226 in a Bianchi x-15 medium, but frankly I never do. I understand the concept of dressing around the gun, but I have multiple options and I use the weapon, holster, & reload combination that fits the way I must dress.
The simple truth is you can get used to anything. Also, any new system will show its weakness right away, but once you commit to it and practice with it, you will make it work and will cease to see this as a “thing”. You must decide what you want to do and understand yourself the “why” of what you have chosen.
Why shoulder holsters? The reason that you see so many of these in crime dramas is because it is easier to get the actor’s face and the weapon/prop in the same frame. (Watching “Longmire” the other night, and they showed Walt and Mathias approaching a front door on the Res. It was shot from the ground up so as to get both their side arms and their faces in the frame.)
Here is an interesting article for you:
https://americancop.com/shoulder-holsters-part-1/#:~:text=San%20Francisco%20Detective%20Dave%20Toschi%20and%20his%20distinctive,and%20the%20growth%20of%20modern%20towns%20and%20cities. Take note about department and range policy, training and clothing.
In 1980 Georgia and in the late 90’s NC, I used to conceal an 8” 44 Magnum under a suit or sport jacket (Smith Model 29) using a Bianchi X15. Nobody ever knew I had it until I pulled it at the range. It was really heavy at first then the revolver got magically weightless over time. Perhaps the metal was transformed into some kind of weightless alloy from carrying it.
My friend carries a 1911 in the Miami Classic and swears by it, but he spent a lot of time and trouble getting it “adjusted”, and there was some trouble to get used to it. The gun is always loaded and hanging up in the holster. He grabs it and swings it on in one continuous motion and then dons a jean jacket the same way and out he goes. It ain’t a “thing” no more.
My Daddy is now with the Lord. He was a USMC combat vet. He carried a Bersa Thunder in a cheap nylon shoulder rig all the time. You can make anything work, I tell you. He left the tie down straps dangling.
The original Jackass rig was better than the Miami Classic in one respect, the angle of draw was more downward. It’s easier and quicker to draw but harder to re-holster. Absolutely no need of any tie down straps. Going to the toilet is way, wayyyy easier in a shoulder rig. IWB carry is NOT for the bathroom! You haven’t lived until you have walked out and realized, “Doh, I left my gun on the pot!” A deputy did that and the gun was found by a nine-year-old who took it to the checkout. Never heard if the deputy was fired. Retired LEO working as security looked strange in a shoulder rig, but he said at his age/health he had to go to the bathroom a lot. Now Blueflag, I am telling you, that is how the cookie crumbles in real life!
One more little thing. When you slide into the booth at Waffle House, it will clonk on the bench behind you causing the cops at the counter to come over and have a little talkie talk with you. No problem I’m sure. Will you let us know what you decide?
Galco. Ships out of AZ.
Three styles of rigs of the type you are looking for.
Leather quality is primo.
Didn’t the guy say he wanted to wear while driving? Tell me how that works with an IWB when you have your seat belt on?
Interesting article —
“The other issue that sounded the death knell is how firearms training is conducted and range rules.
Shoulder holsters were deemed “unsafe” by many sports shooting organizations. This decision filtered down to most ranges and training facilities that banned shoulder holsters and other solid carry options. Rather than spending time and effort to figure out a way to conduct safe and efficient training to use various shoulder holsters, it was easier to ban them.
This problem was compounded by the proliferation of some terrible and unsafe designs often made with cheap synthetic materials that cannot retain a firearm properly. The designs of these sub-standard holsters created safety hazards.
When used by competent and well-trained professionals, quality shoulder holsters fill a crucial role.”
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