The purpose of any holster is to allow for the safe carrying of a handgun, which is a requirement in Texas and many other locations. When it comes to shoulder holsters, there are mixed feelings among gun owners and users. Whether or not this option is practical depends on your personal preferences and what’s comfortable for you. Below, the gun safety experts from Online Texas LTC, your premier choice when you want to take a Texas CHL class, take a look at the drawbacks and advantages of shoulder holsters so you can decide what appeals to you.
Shoulder Holster Drawbacks
Being unable to properly conceal your handgun when there’s a preference or need to do so is one of the common drawbacks of shoulder holsters. Granted, whether you’re able to do this effectively depends on what you prefer to wear and how far the holster hangs down.
A more consistent issue with shoulder holsters, at least among instructors, is safety. Nearly all of these holsters are cross-draw, so there’s a brief time when the gun is removed from the holster and pointed in the opposite direction. This means there’s a possible negligent discharge risk if you’re not careful. Other drawbacks often associated with shoulder holsters include:
• A slower draw stroke
• The possibility of someone having convenient access to your handgun in certain situations
• Difficulty with the placement of a smaller handgun
• Some limitations with clothing if you want to keep a handgun fully concealed
Shoulder Holster Advantages
A properly fitting shoulder holster is a practical choice for heavier handguns. In fact, some regular holster wearers with heavier firearms prefer shoulder holsters over hip-mounted ones. Shoulder holsters also tend to work well for long-barreled handguns, often better than other holster types used for this purpose. Handgun owners and users tend to appreciate these holsters for the following reasons:
• Often better for driving when wearing your seatbelt
• Easy access to your handgun in defensive situations
• Space to store spare ammo along with the handgun in some models
Properly Wearing a Shoulder Holster
Some regular handgun users and holster wearers contend shoulder holsters aren’t all that practical today. However, some of the drawbacks often cited for these holsters can be effectively addressed. This is more likely to be the case if you take some time to choose a shoulder holster with a design that’s practical for you. For instance, if you go with a minimal design that keeps your handgun close to your body, it can be easier to conceal your handgun while also allowing you to be more aware of its position at all times. When wearing a shoulder holster, you’ll have a better experience with it by:
• Choosing a design that fits your carrying preferences
• Making sure your handgun is properly adjusted in the holster
• Adjusting the cross-straps so they fit comfortably toward the back
• Fixing the shoulder strap so the holster is the right height with the handgun in it
No matter what type of gun you own, safety should be your top priority, and a holster can help you carry your weapon safely. If you’d like to learn more about gun safety, taking an LTC class, or any other aspect of firearm ownership, reach out to the experts at Online Texas LTC today at 512-675-2206.
