Shoulder Rig?

[Satan_3pc]

Just tossing around another idea. I was thinking about trying a shoulder rig for the XDm for cold days when I am wearing a jacket. Just as an alternative to the crossbreed. Something I can sit down with more easily with out bulging out the back of my shirt, or access easier while sitting in a car etc.

Anyone have any experience with these? http://www.uncle-mikes.com/products/_propak_vert_holsters.html

Anyone have any suggestions on one that doesn't cost $170 like the friggin Galco's?

[ss1]

I don't know how much they have been changed, but I've had their vertical and horizontal shoulder holsters for a few guns back in the day when Sonny Crockett proved that you could wear a jacket all year round in Miami. What I hated was that they are ridiculously noticable.

[Cris]

I would get a Desantis before I bought an Uncle Mike's rig.

[Satan_3pc]

Well I looked at the Desantis, but it looks like they only have a horizontal holster. I measured the XDm at 7.5 inches long by 5.5 inches tall I think is what I got. So I think a vertical one would be better.

I was kind of wanting to hearing peoples experience and opinions on shoulder rigs. It's still just an idea I've been throwing around, but with how cold it's been sometimes it wouldn't be bad to have a holster you can just reach in your jacket and grab, even while sitting down. I always tuck a T-shirt over my crossbreed and wear some sort of polo or button up shirt over that, so if I had to draw it, I'd have to be standing, and I'd have to untuck it and pull it out.

[lino]

you gonna look like a hitman...

[Satan_3pc]

What's wrong with that? Then I might not have to use it. People will just stay the fuck away from me.

[GK26]

What's wrong with that? Then I might not have to use it. People will just stay the fuck away from me.

or they will shoot first, and take your wallet later.

[Satan_3pc]

Well either way a wise old gunslinger once said, "If you need to draw quickly, you’re not paying attention to your surroundings." Right?

[chrismia]

I don't know how much they have been changed, but I've had their vertical and horizontal shoulder holsters for a few guns back in the day when Sonny Crockett proved that you could wear a jacket all year round in Miami. What I hated was that they are ridiculously noticable.

:rich:

http://www.albertspage.it/sigle_tv/foto/Miami%20vice18.jpg

[Satan_3pc]

Why does it have to be Sonny Crockett? Why can't it be John McClane? He had a shoulder rig, and he was bad ass.

[ss1]

Boy the 80's were sooo ghey.

[lino]

Tubs... call for back up

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u192/pichichi13/tubs.jpg

[Satan_3pc]

On the other hand....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/cof3pc/die_hard.jpg

John McClane is a bad ass.

[GK26]

looks like both were using the same style... :rich:

http://www.albertspage.it/sigle_tv/foto/Miami%20vice20.jpg

[Satan_3pc]

Sonny used a Galco Miami rig. I think John McClane used a Desantis. That's what it looks like anyways. I don't know what the brands were like in the late 80s and 90s though.

[lino]

:no:

[Satan_3pc]

lol he's prepared!

[Puffer]

I have carried a "shoulder rig" for many years. ( CC = snubby & field = Ruger "Blackhawk .44 mag.)

Here are my observations. ( NOTE, I AM NOT AN EXPERT just an "old fart":p:

General Pluses ( applied to any "style" ) to carrying a Shoulder Rig. ( note a lot of the below also appies to "Belly rig" carry)
1. Carrying in situations where you spend a fair portion of your time SITTING. ( in the office, auto,etc)
a. Presentation from a seated position is "easier" ( note, helps to solve the "problem of being "belted in" while driving" & the things like being seated in a restaurant booth etc)
b. Can help solve the problems some have CCing with a "belt carry rig" do to "body style"
c. Wearing with Some clothing "styles"

2. General minuses
a. Perhaps the "easiest rig to "spot.
b. Easiest for the BG to "block" in a CQ situation.
c. Comfort of carry is Good IF one chooses the rig properly. ( the "harness", ( esp. the "straps") The weight of the gun must be considered as well as "reloads" ( if carried on the "harness"). Also IMHO spending "time" adjusting the rig to your bodyis important ( you may have to modify the rig & also some rigs on the "market" do not "lend" themselves to this.)
d. Presentation requires a "different" set of "skills" & IMHO, requires "more practice "
1. Release from the rig
2. If you carry a Semi, then "bringing it into "battery"( some rigs enclose the gun in such a manner that accessing items like "safeties" is a little harder than a "belt rig.
3. Presenting in a "stress situation", as I mentioned above,is DIFFERENT. My advice is to access some good books, tapes or web sights on this ( NOTE - many of these are ?? so be careful, they all will give you an "idea")
Also, find a GOOD Instructor that KNOWS & Trains this Method ( Shoulder rigs) In my experience, this may be difficult, as there are only a few out there.

Some thoughts on "styles"

VERTICAL CARRY ( note there are variety of ways these rigs "release" the gun so check them out. What follows is a general over view)

1. Bbl. up = The Bbl. is pointed up , with the Bbl. ( often on a longer guns), actually resting in the hollow of you shoulder.
a. Some feel this style rig is "faster"
b. Easier to "defend" from the BG "blocking".
c. To some more comfortable.
2. Bbl. Down. ( see above)

HORIZONTAL ( again a lot of styles out there but I will focus on the 2 I am most familiar with.)

Many feel this "style is easier to conceal & faster to "present" than a Vertical.

1. "Straight Horizontal" ( the most familiar style is often referred to as "a MIAMI" ( see Lino's pics above)
a.Rests in the "hollow" of your waist.with the Bbl. pointed to your "rear"
b. On some body " configs" CCs fairly well
c. Because the gun normally is "drawn in a "straight motion" across your body, such things as the "chest strap on seat belts can interfere.
Blocking by BG = Because of the "draw", it is the easiest of the "horizontal rigs" to block.
2. "Canted" Horizontal" (the most familiar style is often referred to as a "JACKASS"
a. Rests the same as above, BUT the Bbl. is "canted UP ( the degree of cant varies)
b Drawing from this rig is a combo of a "downward" & then across body.
c. Less of 1c.
d. Easier than a "Miami" to counter the "block", IMHO, than the "Miami"

My personal conclusions.

!.While in many "situations" ( CC ) "Belt rigs" are perhaps the "best" BUT in OTHER "situations" a Shoulder Rig is "Better" I use both ( according to what I am doing & the gun I am carrying..
a. The situation = If I am going to spend time "seated",then the "shoulder Rig" ( note I do use another option QUITE often) If I am on my "feet most of the time, then the "belt Rig"
b. The guns = I carry my SP101 in a shoulder Rig" ( see below) OFTEN. I do not carry my "bigger guns ( 1911s,4"+ revolvers)in shoulder Rigs.( on the "Belt" or my "other" option)

2. My choice for the "shoulder rig" (CC) is a "JACKASS" Mine is a "custom" that was "designed" for me over 40 years ago :p:

I hope that this is of assistance :thankya:

Puffer

[Secpro]

Well god damn Puffer! Aren't we glad to have you on here. I'm going to enjoy your posts.:coffee::tiphat:

[Satan_3pc]

Maybe he can even teach you how to quote. Although I got to hand it to you... That double quote in the other thread was impressive. I bet you had someone help you though. Cheater.

[lino]

Well god damn Puffer! Aren't we glad to have you on here. I'm going to enjoy your posts.:coffee::tiphat:

:+1:

[JaxChris]

I've been rocking the belly band for a while now. I have found that it is very comfortable and even allows a greater range of clothing to be worn. Example is when I go running at night I can wear my windsuit and not worry about any weight pulling the pants down like a belt clip holster would. Belly bands are very adjustable and can be shifted on multiple axises to accommodate clothing or other worn accessories. And I do find the belly band allows me to wear it higher than a belt holster which makes sitting very comfortable.

The only down side is more an effect of what position and angle I carry - on a few occasions I have bumped my magwell on the edge of the door frame while getting into the car. But it doesn't shift my weapon, just an annoying event while hopping in the car. I'm being more mindful now of how I plop my ass into the car to avoid it.

[Satan_3pc]

Running is bad for your knees. You should do Chinese Martial Arts. :)

[JaxChris]

Running is bad for your knees. You should do Chinese Martial Arts. :)

And practicing for a marathon and actually running a marathon are two different things. Just because you stretch for it doesn't mean you can do it unless you actually get out there and do it.

[lino]

I wish I could run.. got a f'ed up knee

[Satan_3pc]

And practicing for a marathon and actually running a marathon are two different things. Just because you stretch for it doesn't mean you can do it unless you actually get out there and do it.It doesn't change the fact that running is bad for your knees and Chinese Martial arts keeps your joints loose and lubricated, among many other health aspects, but I'm sure your logic will make you skeptical on this one.

[anthony20031]

I wish I could run.. got a f'ed up knee

Looks like your screwed when the zombies come....Rule #1 in Zombieland is cardio! Sorry was just reading the Zombie thread so.....

[lino]

what if you pretend you are a slow moving zombie.. ?

[anthony20031]

Like Shaun of the Dead lololol