Many people who carry guns on a regular basis, such as cops, private security, and civilians with a CCW-license, tend to debate whether they should use a shoulder or a belt holster. Those who don’t like shoulder holsters complain about the discomfort of wearing one. But it’s not so uncomfortable if you take care to get the best shoulder holster for you.
Besides, in many situations the shoulder holster is a better option for a quick draw. A belt holster isn’t of much use when you’re sitting down or when you’re driving. Often you have to remove the holster if you want to be able to use the gun just in case. You don’t have that problem with a shoulder holster.
It’s also much more comfortable if you’re wearing heavier guns. You’re also able to maneuver more easily. Guns in belt holsters can really feel heavy on one side. It’s hard to buckle up when driving and the holster can cause problems when you’re in a prone position.
All you need is the best shoulder holster for your particular situation, and you’re all set. Here are some of your better choices if you’re going to go around with a concealed weapon:
Comparison on 10 Best Shoulder Holster
10 Best Shoulder Holster in 2021 – Reviews
1. Galco Miami Classic II Shoulder System
This is the updated version of the original Miami Classic design that Galco launched back in 1970. That was shoulder holster design that spawned a host of imitators.
It was the first shoulder holster that used the spider harness design, which involved 4 harness points that can swivel independently. They’re all connected to the clover-shaped “Flexalon” swivel back plate. It’s this design that’s still here along with in the Galco Jackass.
You have saddle leather for the holster, and you have strong system screws to keep everything together.
Pros
- The adjustable design is a classic, and you can really fit it to your preference and comfort.
- It’s all made of tough and durable materials.
- You can use it for large semiautomatics.
- It can be very comfy to wear after you’ve adjusted it properly.
- You can also adjust the tension for your weapon.
Cons
- Just be careful that when you snap the button on the holster that you don’t inadvertently disengage the safety on the pistol.
2. Galco Kodiak Shoulder Holster
Do you have a gun that other Galco holsters can’t accommodate? Then you need the Kodiak, which can carry a large hunting gun while you remain comfy. With this, you can carry your Magnum revolver diagonally across your body.
The design has been inspired by how a backpack works. It uses a padded shoulder strap along with a torso strap that enables you to make quick adjustments.
Tightening the torso strap shifts the weight off the shoulder strap so you can really feel comfy even when you wear this the whole day.
With this Kodiak holster you can make adjustments to suit your different activities (such as driving trucks). You can adjust the placement of your holster, as well as the angle.
Pros
- Now you can go armed in bear country with a huge gun that can actually protect you.
- You can adjust it easily as you don’t need screws and tools to make adjustments.
- The wide padded shoulder strap is very comfortable even for extended time periods.
- The leather is of high quality, which you can always expect from Galco.
Cons
- It’s not for small pistols.
- You can get the Galco Kodiak Holster Bandolier so you can also carry extra rounds, but that’s an extra purchase.
3. Galco Jackass Rig Shoulder System Springfield
Galco has been in the business for almost 50 years. This is a modular system, which means you can add various optional components and accessories to the harness. This already includes the holster, the ammo carrier, and a few system screws.
Basically, this starts as a horizontal holster. However, you’re able to adjust to a more diagonal carry position than other Galco holster models.
You can then attach the harness with the specially designed swivel connectors.
The harness is made from prime center cut steerhide, so you can adjust it more easily and it can be less obvious under your jacket. The leather is also quite comfy, as all 4 points of the harness can swivel independently. They’re also connected to the “Flexalon” swivel back plate, with its special clover shape.
The ammo carrier is very secure, yet it’s also streamlined so you don’t have a telling bulk under the jacket.
Pros
- This can be adjusted in so many ways, so that you can tweak it so it’s comfy and concealed.
- It’s modular so you can add more accessories to carry.
- The leather is very durable.
- This can fit large guns, even including the 1911 5-inch Colt.
Cons
- It can take a few days to really get it to fit right.
4. Gould & Goodrich B804-G17 Gold Line Holster
Do you own a Glock 17? Then someone may have mentioned that this is the holster that’s meant for you. In fact, it fits a whole bunch of Glock models, including the 19, 22, 23, 31, 32, 34, 35, and 39.
This sets the gun in a horizontal angle, which allows for a faster draw. You can still adjust it to your fit, because the whole design is fully adjustable.
It also already includes 2 speed loader holders that sit on the right side of the holster. Both the holster and the ammo pouches are secured in place properly. The back swivel also keeps the straps flat, so it doesn’t show beneath your jacket.
Then there’s the quality of the leather. This uses premium leather that can really endure and it can fit your gun like a baseball glove. It even looks cool because it’s been vegetable-tanned.
Pros
- The quality is exceptional.
- It fits your Glock perfectly.
- It’s very comfy to wear.
- You already have 2 extra magazines without making an extra purchase.
- It’s easy to adjust, including the strength of hold.
Cons
- We’ve already said it’s meant for Glocks. So if you don’t have a Glock, find something else.
5. Aker Leather “Comfort-Flex” Shoulder Holster
In some cases, you may get a shoulder holster that doesn’t seem to fit the dimensions of your firearm. This isn’t a problem with this Aker, as it was made to mold itself to the shape of the gun you use.
Aker has been in the business for 25 years now, so it learned a lot over the years. This also comes with an open muzzle. This means it can fit in firearms with different barrel lengths.
This doesn’t just look cool. This is very comfy to wear, starting with the inner surface that feels like suede. The top finish is also smooth, and so it won’t drag your jacket. The strap is adjustable so it can fit even a 62-inch chest.
It’s also designed to make sure that the extra weight you carry is on your shoulder muscles. The harness is designed to keep the centerpiece from riding up. This prevents getting the weight of the weapon burdened on the base of your neck.
Pros
- It looks very cool.
- It can fit guns nicely because of its leather construct.
- It won’t matter if you have a long gun barrel.
- Its’ very comfy to wear, as the weight is properly placed.
- It can fit even huge men.
Cons
- The orientation of the fun is almost horizontal, so if you’re not a big guy it may become apparent to others that you’re carrying a concealed weapon.
6. Bianchi X15 Shoulder Holster
If you’re not too large, then this one can be for you. The X15 holster can be adjusted so that it can fit chests of up to 48 inches. However, if you’re considerably bigger then this isn’t for you.
Because it caters to average-sized users, the orientation of the gun is vertical in this design. This means you don’t have to be all that wide to keep from alarming people that you’re armed.
This also means that you can still properly conceal the medium-sized to large guns that this holster can accommodate.
This is made from premium quality full grain cowhide, so it should last for a long while. Also, the leather can eventually mold itself to the shape of your pistol.
The design of the holster the security and stability you need to your weapon. At the same time, this design won’t impede your draw so you can still draw as quickly as you’re able to. This stability and security is further boosted by the use of a dual spring closure mechanism.
Pros
- Its orientation allows you to refrain from letting people know that you’re armed.
- It can accommodate even larger guns.
- As time passes, the holster becomes a better fit with the gun.
- The full grain leather can last for a long time.
- It’s very stable, so you don’t fumble around when you’re drawing your gun.
- The design is very comfy to wear.
Cons
- It’s not meant for bigger than average chests.
- You have to break in the leather so that you can draw smoothly while the holster can still keep retention on the gun.
7. Pro-Tech Horizontal Double Shoulder Holster
What if you can use a gun for each hand? If that’s the case, you’ll like this double shoulder holster that lets you carry 2 guns horizontally. This should really give you an edge in a firefight especially if you’re outnumbered.
This also comes with extra magazine pouches. This means you can detach one holster and then replace it with 2 magazine pouches.
This is designed for all autos with barrels ranging from 4.5 to 5 inches. It features a plastic adjustable spring-action thumb break. The shoulder strap is adjustable and padded, so you can bear all that weight on your shoulders comfortably.
Instead of leather for the holster, the holster instead has Cordura ballistic nylon on the outside. Then there’s vinyl vapor barrier to keep moisture off your gun. Finally you have foam padding and nylon lining.
Pros
- You can use 2 guns at once.
- It also offers 2 magazine pouches.
- It’s comfy, as you can adjust in many ways.
Cons
- It’s not as durable as leather.
8. Deluxe Universal Horizontal Shoulder Holster
This offers a comfortable fit and a fast draw to complement its great look. This sets the pistol at a horizontal angle, while on the other side you have extra ammo. If you have a revolver, you can get a double speedloader pouch.
This is made with handcrafted high quality leather, and it’s been designed for greater comfort.
The dual harness comes with snap enclosures.
Pros
- It really looks stylish and cool.
- It can accommodate extra ammo with speedloader or magazine pouches.
- It’s quite comfy.
- The leather can last for a long while.
- It can fit even XXL guys.
Cons
- You have to put this together, and it can get difficult unless you wise up and find Google videos to help you.
9. VISM by NcStar Ambidextrous Horizontal Shoulder Holster
When you buy a holster, you have to make sure that it suits your preferred shooting hand. This one is ambidextrous, though, and you can adjust it so you can make a left or right-handed draw. It also comes with 2 extra magazine pouches, in case you’re in a protracted firefight.
The holster can be adjusted to your fit. This means you’ll feel comfy and balanced when you wear this whether you’re small or large (or even XXL).
The adjustable thumb break also means that it can carry pistols of various sizes.
This is extra secure and the holster really keeps in place. This is achieved with the use of tie down straps that secures the holster to your belt (or belt loop if you’re not wearing a belt). The pistol itself is secured by the double thumb break snaps. So if you’re running around and rolling on the ground, the holster stays in place securely.
Pros
- It will do whether you’re left or right-handed.
- It already comes with 2 magazine pouches.
- The tie-down straps keep everything in their proper place.
Cons
- It’s not made of leather. It uses tough PVC material instead to keep the costs down.
10. Triple K Deluxe Leather Shoulder Holster
This offers a comfortable fit and a fast draw to complement its great look. This sets the pistol at a horizontal angle, while on the other side you have extra ammo.
If you have a revolver, you can get a double speedloader pouch. This is made with handcrafted high quality leather, and it’s been designed for greater comfort.
The dual harness comes with snap enclosures.
Pros
- It really looks stylish and cool.
- It can accommodate extra ammo with speedloader or magazine pouches.
- It’s quite comfy.
- The leather can last for a long while.
- It can fit even XXL guys.
Cons
- You have to put this together, and it can get difficult unless you wise up and find Google videos to help you.
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