Are Shoulder Holsters a Good Method of Concealed Carry?

Other than feeling safe, many other upsides come from carrying a concealed weapon. The issue comes in when choosing which concealed body holster will work perfectly for you. There are dozens of holsters to choose from, ranging from shoulder to ankle, and some fit best for particular guns. While there are dozens of holsters in the market, with each guaranteeing you maximum efficacy, you’ll have to consider many personal factors to ensure that you settle for the most comfortable and effective holster for your situation. For example, if you own an M&P M2.0 pistol, you might want to check out concealed carry m&p holsters at Tulster’s site.  

There’s no absolute answer as to whether a holster type, whether shoulder, hip, or any other, is a good method for conceal carry. How you’ll utilize your holster considering your day-to-day activities should be a significant factor among others to consider. Shoulder holsters are the most comfortable if you engage in activities that need long hours of sitting, like driving or office jobs.

That being said, I’ll take you through some general pros and cons of shoulder holsters to analyze from a personal level in deciding if it will be a perfect choice for your plan of action. 

Key Advantages of Shoulder Holsters

These are the most notable upsides you’ll experience from settling for a shoulder holster, although this is not to say that they are the only ones. You might discover more that fit into your case scenario.

Ranks High in Concealability

Provided that you got no qualms about being on your jacket the whole day, shoulder holsters are hard to notice, unlike waist holsters that can leave a visual imprint, especially for those who prefer fitting clothing. It’s also easy to prepare for a draw if you sense the need to, without anyone being conspicuous as it passes as though you are crossing your arms.  

Easy Access to your Handgun

You can easily reach for your gun in time under a wide nature of circumstances when using a shoulder holster, whether you’re buckled up in a car or seated in some random place. It can be a hard feat to access your gun from your waist when buckled up. With shoulder holsters, you just unzip your jacket or coat, and you’re good to go!  

Ideal for Long-barrel Handguns

If your preference for guns is long barreled or heavy handguns, then the only choice you might have is a shoulder holster. They come in handy for effectively concealing long barrels and carrying heavy handguns with the least effort and concern. It’s prudent to wear a thick or long jacket if you’re trying to conceal a machine gun or an extra-long barrel handgun.  

Comfortable to Carry All-day

It doesn’t matter whether you’re seated, standing, walking, or doing some manual work for the better part of the day; shoulder holsters are very comfortable to carry around! This is because of the even weight distribution across the shoulders. You might have to balance off the gun with some extra magazines, knives, or a flashlight. You’ll also be sure to be carrying everything at once within the holster.    

Shortcomings of Shoulder Holsters

Every holster type comes with its cons. It’s advisable to be conversant with the use of other holsters as well to enable you to switch to another type from time to time depending on appropriate situations. This will ensure you aren’t tied up a lot to the shortcomings below. 

Gun Safety Issues

The cross draw movement is widely considered the biggest safety concern for shoulder holsters. At some point when drawing the gun, you’ll have to make a 180-degree sweep, including bystanders, to aim at your target. That’s why extensive training is required on safety before using shoulder holsters.  

Difficult Access if wrestled against Wall

If you get into an altercation and an assailant pins you against a wall or holds you by the chest, it might be impossible to draw your gun. You’ll have to use your hands to disengage yourself. 

Limited Clothing Choice

It’s only appropriate if your nature of work requires a jacket or coat all the time. It can be awkward and embarrassing if required to remove your coat or jacket for whatever reason, and you may have to excuse yourself.  

Shooting Schools don’t Allow Holster

You’ll be limited to only a few shooting range practice grounds if you intend to use a shoulder holster as a majority of shooting schools don’t allow them on safety grounds. This might greatly reduce the training exposure needed unless you have access to other spaces.