I am looking for (a) a recommendation on a shoulder holster rig that is already made to fit a SIG P220, (commercial off the shelf) and (b) is from an outfit you'd recommend.
I have my prejudices: (1) real pistol options start with SIG. (2) my favorite caliber is .45.
I welcome your thoughts.
Expect a visit from ATF any time, now.
I buy alot from Craft Holsters. I have a shoulder rig that i’m breaking in for my Beretta Cheetah. It is nice, fits well and is made very well. IT is almost infinitely adjustable. and has the two mags for balance.
Shoulder holsters are for dumb old farts who don’t mind sweeping everyone in their AO... because that’s what happens. Especially for anyone behind you.
They weren’t as dumb when everyone went around with 6 shooters and a double action trigger and/or hammer lock, but if using a semi-auto, shoulder holsters are an ND waiting to happen.
And they’re not tactical either. Shoulder holsters need to stay in 1970s TV shows where they belong.
Galco makes some nice shoulder rigs. I’ve used their Jackass rig for years to carry a p229 and 2 mags and though I’m not a real big fan of shoulder rigs anymore, it balanced the weight nice and served me well. Galco makes some good quality products.
Has anyone had experience with a fanny pack type of carry case (worn in the front, actually)?
That, I think would be most practical for me.
The first thing you need to decide is nylon or leather. A good, worn in leather rig, is nice. Polyester is….polyester.
Mine is for the Sig P320 RX (FS)
Down Drop (muzzle down) right hand draw
2 mag pouch, right side.
~$265 (2 years ago) ~ 3 month wait (and yes, it prints)
I have a falco rig that came with a pistol I traded for years ago
It’s nice and the previous owner used and loved it (it’s too small for me to use effectively or comfortably and don’t need a shoulder rig anyway)and it seems well made
https://www.falcoholsters.com/shoulders-gun-holsters
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.
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..
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.
Bump to look at this later. I’d have a similar query for a Sig 226 and 229. Both at once would rock.