11 Of The Best Shoulder Holsters: Buyer’s Guide

There are two key factors to look for when you seek the best shoulder holster – comfort and performance.

You’ll probably get the comfort you need with a natural leather holster or from one of the new designs using man-made materials. But with this last choice, you’ll need to make sure you get a great fit.

In addition, you’ll want liner protection for your gun and moisture protection for your body. Most of the top-line shoulder holsters use high-quality, natural leather and this is one tool you may want to follow the crowd on.

If you’re searching for your first shoulder holster, you might also look for “underarm” holsters, which is the term some people use to describe them. A shoulder holster is a great choice for concealed carry, under the coat or jacket, or for open carry when you’re on an assignment.

Top 4 Best Shoulder Holsters (Summary)

For more detailed and complete product reviews on benefits and features, keep reading. I tested out each of these holsters to ensure they work as intended. The ones I’ve mentioned below are some of the best shoulder holsters you can currently buy, in terms of both comfort and safety.

You will probably be best served by sticking with a recognized and trusted name in quality leather concealed carry shoulder holsters. As I found out while reviewing these, the leading companies in this field have made adjustments and changes through the decades to offer small, light, but very functional products.

Simplicity is one of the key elements to look for, along with supple leather that doesn’t irritate your body during carrying. It is important to be able to carry your gun around safely as you do your daily activities. If you bought a gun for self-defense purposes and need to carry it around daily, you need a hostler. Although they have been made popular by the movies, they are still not used by many gun owners. 

What Is a Shoulder Holster and The Benefits of Wearing It

A shoulder holster is a tool for carrying a handgun. These tools are worn over the shoulder with a pouch for the gun. They are especially known for their versatility as they are available in different shapes and sizes.

They’re also recognized for their practicality, which is why they are worn by law enforcement agents and military personnel. These tools are built to hold handguns so you can carry them around. They are thus very popular for their ability to conceal handguns.

As I discovered during my review of some of the holsters mentioned below, you can wear them for long periods too. This is another feature that enhances the practicality of these tools, especially the belt and premium ankle holster. When at work, you can wear it very comfortably.

Another benefit is the ease of access they allow. The ease of access to a gun for self-defense is particularly important. People that travel long distances and carry their guns will also find these tools particularly beneficial. 

While making long trips, it keeps your gun very accessible with minimal discomfort. Shoulder holsters are important for people that live in cold areas and wear jackets, too. They could also be a preferred option for women as they are the most suitable for their body shape.

If you hunt with a heavy handgun, then you will find a holster useful. Also, a thermal scope comes in handy in these situations. Pack everything into a hunting backpack and use shoulder holsters to distribute the weight of the gun between both shoulders to make carrying heavy handguns around easier. As a hunting enthusiast, I’ve used some shoulder holsters to carry my rifles before. But this time around, I’ll be focusing on concealed carry shoulder holsters.

Pros and Cons of Wearing Shoulder Holsters

Pros

• Ease of use: You can easily draw your gun if it’s kept in a shoulder holster which is carried out and always within reach.
• Comfort: Shoulder holsters especially trump the other types of holsters in terms of comfort. Although hip holsters can be comfortable, shoulder holsters are better for long term use in different positions. When sitting for long periods, they are the most comfortable options. They are available of different shapes and sizes is another indication of comfort.
• Versatility: Apart from being available in different sizes, shoulder holsters are the only option for carrying guns with long barrels on your person.

Cons

• Safety: Safety concerns have been raised regarding the use of shoulder holsters. When a gun is drawn from a holster, bystanders could be injured. That’s because most shoulder holsters are cross-draw. This means that the gun is likely to point at a passer-by when drawn, according to the U.S. Concealed Carry Association, a leading association all about gun safety and self-defense.
• Accessibility: Accessibility is a disadvantage in that it could be easily accessed by an attacker. Additionally drawing from a shoulder holster may also be slower than other forms of holsters.
• Concealment: Because they are worn over everyday clothes, you need to wear a jacket over your everyday clothes to conceal a shoulder holster. If you live in an area where it gets very hot, you may struggle with wearing a garment over your clothes to conceal your shoulder holster.

Types of Shoulder Holsters

There are three types of shoulder holsters that are differentiated according to the direction that the gun is pointed — vertical, horizontal and 45° degrees.

The differences between the types of holsters depend on the direction they face. I’ve highlighted all their main features below:

Vertical Shoulder Holster

This holster lies vertically against the body. Guns can be placed-in an upside-down direction or be directed downwards. When the gun is in the upside-down direction, the muzzle faces up. 

I prefer using vertical shoulder holsters because of the ease of draws — when the muzzle is facing downwards — and the enhanced concealment when the muzzle faces upwards.

Horizontal Shoulder Holster

Guns lie horizontally in these holsters, making it quick to draw a gun from it. However, after trying some horizontal shoulder holsters, I have to say that they aren’t the best option when it comes to concealment. That’s because you can’t properly hide a gun with a horizontal shoulder holster, except for a small one. Therefore, it’s most suitable for small handguns.  

When drawing a gun from this holster, bystanders are particularly at risk. Thus, this type is also suited for persons that would be very careful when drawing their gun.

45° Shoulder Holster

With this type of shoulder holster, guns are placed pointing upwards at an angle of 45°. It also allows for proper concealment of revolvers. On top of that, after trying some of these holsters, I noticed that drawing your gun is effortless.

How to Choose the Best Shoulder Holster

The best shoulder holster will also have a magazine pouch and will work with a range of handguns. Look for X straps in the back for comfort and make sure you get a holster that allows size adjustment. Many manufacturers of the top-of-the-line shoulder holsters have also accommodated for right-hand use or left-hand use, but make sure your choice takes this into account.

I can’t stress this enough; your shoulder holster must have adequate adjustment. It should provide for changes in weight, clothing and so on. In fact, the best shoulder holster will have several adjustment points for maximum versatility. Your choice should also have a thumb break (retaining strap) as a safety device, so the weapon can’t be drawn unintentionally. This keeps the weapon more secure as you engage in physical activity.

In most cases, this retaining strap uses the same material (leather or nylon) as the sheath. Some of the best shoulder holsters have a removable thumb break, held by a metal snap. Look closely at holsters as you shop so you know exactly which features you’re buying.

An adjustable thumb break can be a distinct advantage because the holster can accommodate different firearms. This might be a way to save some money on firearm accessories since it means you don’t have to buy a different holster for each handgun.

If you’re a policeman or military personnel, you may want to take a bit of extra care when choosing your holster, so it works well under your jacket or blazer. It’s essential to find the most comfortable design and fit so you can use it on a daily basis. As I mentioned earlier, the choice of material is up to the individual. Allow time to break in a new, leather product.

Experts say you should consider certain factors before buying a shoulder holster. I also took these into account when I reviewed the products below.

Safety

Safety is the number one concern, like when you’re getting the best biometric gun safe. The safety of a shoulder holster will be determined by how easy it is to draw, in my opinion. The level of concealment is another indication of its safety. Furthermore, the safety level may differ according to one’s experience with handguns in general.

Comfort

One of the key  considerations of a shoulder holster is the comfort it provides. Since you will be wearing it for extended periods, you should confirm that it will be comfortable for you.  Think about the different activities you’ll do while wearing it, such as driving, and make sure it will work.

Be sure to also consider the type of guns you own. Having used both rifle holsters and handgun shoulder holsters, I can safely say that the longer the barrel, the less comfortable the holster is.

To ensure that shoulder holsters deliver the maximum level of comfort, manufacturers include features such as the use of softer materials in the design. Paddings may also be included to ensure maximum comfort.

If you buy an uncomfortable shoulder holster, you will find yourself adjusting it in different situations. Adjusting a shoulder holster when you change positions, for example, will notify people around you that you’re wearing one. The comfort of a shoulder holster will also determine its level of concealment.

Adjustments

Since you would be carrying your gun around, you should be concerned about the adjustments. Good shoulder holsters should allow adjustments to accommodate changes in positions. I have found this to be especially true when hunting, as you can be standing one second and prone the next.

Adjustments are also necessary for accommodating different body sizes. Persons with body sizes in both extremes should also be particularly interested in confirming the adjustment.

Accessories

Accessories accompanying a shoulder holster are another important factor to consider before buying one. The accessories that could accompany a good shoulder holster include cuff pouches, magazine pouches and knife sheaths. When considering accessories, think about where you’ll be using the shoulder holster. Will you bring it hunting? Don’t forget to bring a quality AA flashlight or to recharge batteries of your flashlight as well.

You should pay attention to the availability of accessories based on your preference. If you don’t want accessories, then the extra additions may be a burden. For a handgun shoulder holster, I wouldn’t buy too many extras. On the other hand, I’d spend quite a bit on getting the right accessories for my rifle holster when I’m going on hunting trips.

Durability

The durability of a shoulder holster is a factor that determines its overall worth. Shoulder holsters are items that should be made for long-term use. 

You shouldn’t intend to change them regularly. Thus, I suggest going for ones made with durable materials, like leather, PVC and cotton canvas. These tend to be the most durable ones, as per my testing. When searching for durable shoulder holsters, you should also check out the comments of users regarding their durability.

Concealment

One of the main reasons the average person gets a shoulder holster is to conceal their handgun. Therefore, you want a tool that will be able to serve its purpose well. You should ensure that your preferred shoulder holster will conceal your gun properly in a variety of positions. That being said, proper concealment, you must be as comfortable as possible, according to PHLSTER Holsters, a leading concealed carry holster manufacturer.

After testing out several types of these holsters, my verdict is that horizontal shoulder holsters provide a high level of concealment but mostly for smaller guns. In contrast, vertical ones provide concealment as well as comfort, while 45° shoulder holsters are also known for concealment as well as comfort. Be sure to confirm how well the holster you’re looking at will hide your type of gun. 

Design

When you begin shopping for the best shoulder holsters, you will find the market saturated. Consider the design when shopping.

Shoulder holster designs include those that are most suitable for left-handed people as well as those suitable for right-handed persons. You should consider your hand strength when choosing a product for your needs. I always ensure that the holster is on the opposite side of my dominant hand. But if you’re not sure of the handedness of the holster, you can always ask.

11 Best Shoulder Holsters Reviews and Guide

1. Under Control Tactical Shoulder Holster – Best Price

This highly rated, popular shoulder holster will probably be your best option if the price is the key factor. It’s marketed as having “universal fit” for most handguns and is made from rugged nylon for long-term use. Among the holsters I tested, this one is definitely the best leather shoulder holster in terms of its value for money.

It’s waterproof and lightweight, and the company gives you a 100% satisfaction guarantee. With this Under Control Tactical holster, you get such “military” features as adjustable shoulder straps, two additional pouches, and universal fit for handguns and revolvers of various sizes.

If you’re looking for a comfortable shoulder holster using man-made nylon, this one was very comfortable to wear and worked with most of my guns.

Check Price and Rating on Amazon.com

2. Galco Classic Lite Shoulder Holster System– Best Overall, Horizontal

In the world of high-quality leather holsters, this is a well-known name. The manufacturer has been around for a few decades. If any company has perfected the shoulder holster, it might be Galco. So, I decided to see if they live up to their name, by testing out some of their best shoulder holsters.

The Classic Lite is indeed light and small, yet it holds your weapon securely in a horizontal position. Made from top-shelf, soft leather, you’ll find this a perfect choice for everyday carry and for concealed carry when the situation dictates.

This leather holster provides a single magazine pouch and works with a variety of handguns. But, when you shop for Galco leather, make sure you get the model that’s ideal for your guns. The Classic Lite has the necessary X straps for comfort and adjustment. It’s certainly one of the finest natural-leather products that I’ve tested, but you should be prepared to pay for the leather and the quality.