Free Shoulder Holster Pattern Pdf (2024)

FAQs

Is a shoulder holster worth it? ›

A shoulder holster serves as an excellent alternative for those who prefer to avoid carrying a pistol at the waistband or ankle, especially when belt-mounted holsters aren't practical or comfortable. It offers easy and rapid access, allowing for a quick draw whether standing or sitting.

In law enforcement and security, wearing a handgun on your hip can be unsafe or impractical. You can't draw it quickly, it interferes with sitting down or working in small spaces, and you run the risk of the gun being seen by others.

Obviously you want the holster to reside on the opposite of your dominant side. Therefore if you are right handed, you would order the right hand holster where the holster will reside on your left side.

Shoulder holsters can be more comfortable than IWB holsters. Shoulder holsters are the most accessible holster while seated. Shoulder holsters usually have a slot for extra magazines or ammunition on the side opposite of the firearm. Shoulder holsters may be a better option if you aren't wearing a belt.

Cons of Using a Shoulder Holster for Concealed Carry

One of the main disadvantages is that shoulder holsters can be bulky and uncomfortable, especially for those who are not used to wearing them. The straps and harnesses can dig into the shoulders and chest, causing discomfort and irritation.

Slim subcompacts like a S&W Shield or Sig P365 are great choices. Among full-size guns, a larger pistol with a slim slide such as a CZ 75 or a 1911 is very well-suited to use in a shoulder holster.

A shoulder holster can be a good way to carry, if you use one as they were intended. A shoulder holster is a specialty item, that was designed for a specific use case, and - when used as intended - works very well indeed.

The shoulder carry is a useful carry when using a break-action firearm. One hand is placed on the barrel as shown, while the action is open and rested on your shoulder. This carry allows for good muzzle control while walking longer distances.

Wearing a shoulder holster, such as one of the Falco hybrid shoulder holsters D901, offers a comfortable and concealed carry option for the Beretta M9A3 and more than 3000 other handguns.

A shoulder holster is worn so that the holster itself is mounted under the support side armpit. The wearer must reach with the shooting hand, across their body, to draw the handgun. It is a form of holster that does require a cross draw.

When should you shoulder carry? ›

Shoulder Carry

This is a good carry when walking beside or behind others. It is not a good carry if others are behind you. When at a shooting range the correct shoulder carry for a break action shotgun would be with the action open, unloaded, barrel pointing down and forward, controlled by both hands.

Inside the waistband is likely the most popular way to carry a gun. While technically anywhere on the inside of your pants is considered “inside the waistband,” when we see this in the gun community, it almost invariantly means at the 4 o'clock position (8 o'clock for you lefties).

2 o'clock shuffle

Most men have quite the topography around a generous middle, and there's a nice valley between your love handles on the sides and girth. That's the best place to start with snuggling in your holster—your body fat conceals the holster beautifully and hides any printing from the weapon.

If you're looking for comfort, then carrying your gun in your waistband is probably the way to go. If you're looking for accessibility, then a shoulder holster might be a better option. And if you're looking for concealability, then you might want to consider carrying your gun in a bag or purse.

The issue with shoulder holsters is that for short barreled ones, they're flagging people behind you. Long barreled ones avoid this issue but tend to have a longer draw, and most people don't want to carry a gun that large/heavy on the regular. Additionally, they need a cover garment.

The shoulder carry is a useful carry when using a break-action firearm. One hand is placed on the barrel as shown, while the action is open and rested on your shoulder. This carry allows for good muzzle control while walking longer distances.

For concealed carry, shoulder holsters are an ideal alternative to inside-the-waistband (IWB), outside-the-waistband (OWB), pocket carry, and chest holsters.

The downside is that the good shoulder holster designs (the ones where the barrel points horizontal) violates the basic rule of firearms safety. The gun is always pointing at everyone behind you and drawing the firearm will flag everyone 180° to you.