J Frame Shoulder Holster?

[nalesq]

I am well aware of the practical downsides of shoulder holsters in general. I have even actually used a shoulder holster semi-operationally in a previous life (i.e., as a fobbit, with an M9 and some kind of issued Galco shoulder rig). And when I’m living the snub life as I usually default to in the summer, I’m either carrying in the pocket or in a Smartcarry.

That being said, if one wanted a shoulder holster for a shiny deep blue and walnut J-frame, does anyone have any recommendations for something that conceals reasonably well AND looks old school classy?

I already have a Ken Null SMZ, which conceals well, but it’s all plastic. I’m kind of wanting something more leathery and noir.




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[RevolverRob]

A E Nelson

http://aenelson.hostcentric.com/product_info.php?cPath=73_74&products_id=328

Lawman Leather also has some rigs, but they are fairly pricey for what you get.

[SAWBONES]

The single best J-frame shoulder rig IMO is the Alessi Guardian.
Carries the gun butt-down, high up just in front of the armpit, where it's invisible under a cover garment.
It's balanced on the offside by a pouch for a speedstrip or loose cartridges, with a belt tie-down, and is all leather.

Better for such a small gun than the same maker's Bodyguard.
Better than the Sherrick Brown Shoe, since there's no elastic or cloth strap around the opposite shoulder.
Better than Ken Null's City Slicker (similar to the SMZ) IME since I didn't find his Tri-Span harness comfortable. (YMMV)

(All my Alessi rigs but one were made by Lou himself prior to his demise in '09, and I can't swear to the status of the current craftsmanship, but it is probably quite similar.)
Good luck.

[farscott]

If horizontal carry works for you, the Mitch Rosen Stylemaster is a good choice. I have samples for the 1911 and Glock 19 that I use as dedicated road trip holsters. The plus -- and the minus -- of the Stylemaster is there are no holster ties to the belts or pants, making this a holster easy to use during restroom breaks. No need to handle the holster or pistol when you NEED to go and no chance of leaving a pistol behind. It also allows the pistol to be accessible from the driver's seat, even while wearing a seat belt.

There are options for the Stylemaster to have the offside be either two magazine pouches or an extra pistol holster. For the 1911, I went with the magazine pouch option, and for the Glock 19, I went for the extra pistol option. Two Glock 19 pistols balance extremely well while not being too heavy and allow either left or right hand draw -- if you regularly practice. The balancing is important as the holster is not secured to the pants in an way. The harness that Rosen uses is comfortable and concealable. As I do not take as many nighttime trips as I once did, my practice has been more sporadic. Still I find these holsters to be the best option for me for long sessions in the vehicle. The price tag is the biggest negative, which is why my samples were all bought "pre-owned".

Rosen sells the pouches or extra holster as accessories, so you can try both or switch between left-hand and right-hand carry. I tried the two 1911 pistol option for the balance, but the weight did not agree with my shoulders after hour twelve or so.

[BillSWPA]

The beet revolver shoulder holster I have used is Galco’s Miami Classic. Get it with the dump pouches rather than the speed loader pouches for significantly more comfort under the strong side arm. The dump pouches will hold a pair of speed strips. Don’t bother with the belt tie downs. Simply adjust the holster so it is relatively high under your arm, and it will remain relatively stable.



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[Chuck Whitlock]

Sam Andrews Solo rig.
http://www.andrewsleather.com/traditional.htm

I used one with a Kahr K40 and had zero complaints.

[Crash41984]

I had the vertical Galco Miami Classic rig about 15 years ago when I first got my CPL. It was for a G19, not a revolver, but I recall it being extremely comfortable for the few months I had it. Also looked cool. I ditched it on eBay following my first pistol class.

[BillSWPA]

A shoulder holster was one of my main carry methods for my first 8 years of carrying. After getting some training, I switched almost entirely to IWB carry at 3:30 whenever a cover garment was appropriate, realizing that I had much more training and practice from the strong side hip than with a shoulder holster. However, I still think a shoulder holster is good to have around.

When my wife's brother got married, I was his best man. The tuxedo had no belt loops. I used a Galco Miami Classic shoulder holster to carry a Glock 19.

When wearing a suit with a button front overcoat in cold weather, getting to a hip holster can be slow. A shoulder holster can be more accessible.

[Rex G]

Another vote of confidence for Sam Andrews, though mine is the Monarch, for the SP101. I actually acquired my Monarch SP101 shoulder component through evil bay, and swapped it onto a complete Monarch rig that had originally been equipped to carry a P229, with mag pouches and a dagger sheath on the off-side.

Of course, here in humid, often steam-bath-like SE Texas, I wear a leather shoulder rig about once every other year, or so, so my rigs remain in very good condition. I hang onto my shoulder rigs, because, well, Wyoming exists, and well, maybe, someday.

[LtDave]

I just picked up a Bianchi 9R. I like the older ones that don't do double duty as a belt holster.

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[nalesq]

I just picked up a Bianchi 9R. I like the older ones that don't do double duty as a belt holster.

39682

How does the Bianchi 9R retain the weapon upside down? Do you have to do some weird twist as you draw to deploy the weapon?


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[LtDave]

The 9R has a spring along the front where you can see two lines of stitching. In essence it is the same design as Bianchi's Model 27 break front duty holster, except upside down with shoulder straps. There are also pockets that the cylinder fits in to help retain the gun. Here is a Model 27 for a 6" gun:

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[JTQ]

(All my Alessi rigs but one were made by Lou himself prior to his demise in '09, and I can't swear to the status of the current craftsmanship, but it is probably quite similar.)
Good luck.
I don't know Alessi's current quality, but Tom Kulwicki, who took over running Alessi, along with Alessi's children, passed away last year.

https://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=934674&highlight=alessi

Ritchie Leather makes several of the old Alessi models as I believe Skip Ritchie was a partner of Lou Alessi's at one time.

http://www.ritchieholsters.com

[SAWBONES]

I don't know Alessi's current quality, but Tom Kulwicki, who took over running Alessi, along with Alessi's children, passed away last year.


Didn't know that.
I had some dealings with Tom a few years ago, he seemed like a nice fellow.

I wonder if the remaining folks at Alessi are able to maintain design and quality standards?

Apparently both John Ralston of 5 Shot Leather and Skip Ritchie of Ritchie Leather Company trained with Lou Alessi, and execute certain of his designs, or their variations of his designs, very well, though unfortunately neither seems to offer his Guardian shoulder rig design for J-frames.

[JTQ]

Apparently both John Ralston of 5 Shot Leather and Skip Ritchie of Ritchie Leather Company trained with Lou Alessi, ...
Mr. Ralston is a fan of Alessi, but I incorrectly made the assumption at one point he worked with Alessi, but he corrected me that it was more of a not in person mentoring.

https://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?p=3423937#post3423937


Just to clarify - I have never worked with Lou. Lou gave me lots of tutoring over the net and phone and at SHOT, but I never worked side by side with the master . He definitely was a mentor, but not in the traditional sense.