Shoulder Holster Safety Considerations

Imagine this: you are patrolling a street with a shoulder holster by your side. The gun is charged, and you accidentally pull the trigger. There would be movement and fear among the passersby, and that’s precisely what you didn’t want.

Whether you are experienced or a freshman, it’s common to fall into safety pitfalls while using a shoulder holster. That’s because the barrel is out in the open, and one accidental discharge can hurt or scare someone you do not want to. Therefore, you must follow the shoulder holster safety considerations while carrying the weapon.

This blog acts as a guide for you to understand how to carry your shoulder holster and what things to keep in mind.

9 Key Safety Considerations to Carry a Shoulder Holster

A shoulder holster is worn like a backpack with the primary concealed carry underneath your armpit. Adopting the following practices would help follow the ground rules and ensure the safety of your surroundings.

1. Protect the Trigger

   Guard A shoulder holster is close to your armpit, resulting in constant movement along with your body. This continuous motion increased the risk of the trigger area being touched by foreign objects. Your holster should completely conceal the trigger guard to prevent unwanted discharge. Always invest in a concealed carry that moulds to your weapon and doesn’t leave any of its components exposed.
   
   

2. Maintain Weapon Security 

   A shoulder holster consists of thumb breaks, snap buttons, and straps for adjustment and retention. Although passive retention depends on the holster’s shape to hold the gun, active retention maximizes security. Browse through the holster options and choose one that combines both weapon safety and swift drawing advantages.
   
   

3. Ensure a Secure Fit 

   Choose a holster with a snug fit and equal weight distribution across your body. Remember that even a slightly unbalanced shoulder holster can shift your firearm and reduce comfort. However, a concealed carry with padded harnesses and adjustable straps ensures your gun doesn’t budge, unless you want it to.
   
   

4. Choose the Right Clothing

   The kind of outfit you wear plays a key role in concealing your holster and minimising printing. Tight and unstructured uniform interferes with your draw and results in unwanted print. On the other hand, jackets and shirts can easily conceal the holster. However, remember that such clothing should have an open front for quick and safe access.
   
   

5. Practice Drawing and Reholstering

   A shoulder holster commonly involves a cross-draw motion. This practice is best suited for accessing your gun while driving or sitting in a chair. However, it also comes with a risk of muzzle sweeping. Also, when you are reholstering the weapon, you may end up sweeping your hand or a passerby. Such rushed movements can accidentally pull the trigger. You need to practice and master the art of drawing the weapon before you can take it to the ground.
   
   

6. Choose the Right Firearm Orientation
   

   • A shoulder holster is available in horizontal and vertical positions. It’s imperative to choose the right one to suit your requirements and preferences for long-term usage.
   • A horizontal holster points the barrel right behind you, enabling a quick draw. However, this type of concealed carry also raises muzzle discipline in public areas.
   • A vertical holster points towards the ground and minimises the risk of pointing at innocents. This concealed carry is often preferred for full-length guns. However, it takes time for you to draw the weapon out of the cover.
     
     

7. Ensure Regular Maintenance
   

   A shoulder holster is prone to wear and tear due to consistent use. Therefore, you need to pick a concealed carry that can withstand everyday rigours. Keep a constant check for damage like loose stitching, weak straps, and loose snaps. If you see any such problems, get them fixed or replaced immediately. A poorly-stitched holster can disappoint you when you need it the most.
   
   

8. Consider Crowd Safety

   It’s important to remember where you are walking, as open carry is not a common practice on civilian streets. If you are in a crowded space like a party, an elevator, or a banquet, keep the holster concealed and secured. If a passerby accidentally touches you and detects the firearm, they can get scared and create a stressful situation. 
   

9. Follow Legal Practices

   Gun laws can vary, depending on the country, state, and district. Although a shoulder holster is legal in most places, it’s still essential to confirm the jurisdictions and whether you can have open carry or not.
   Also, some places require you to obtain a special licence to carry a shoulder holster. They often involve limitations, safe handling training, and restricted use in specific areas.
   Keep a check on private property and workplace restrictions as a weapon owner. It might be mandatory to wear the shoulder holster underneath a jacket or sweatshirt for concealment. If discovered, it can result in suspension.

Conclusion

Shoulder holsters are one of the most commonly used concealed carry among military personnel and law enforcement officers. However, wearing it correctly and adhering to the safety standards ensures that you don’t have to be anxious about untimely trigger and muzzle indiscipline. By following the tips shared above, you can easily fit this open carry into your lifestyle. Be a responsible citizen of your country, and handle your shoulder holster with care.

If you are looking for the most secure and custom-fit mould holsters, you can check out the collection online at Wright Leather Works. We offer high-quality shoulder holsters to suit your everyday combat situations.

FAQs

1. Are shoulder holsters safe to carry?
   Yes, a shoulder holster is safe to carry, provided you follow the safety measures and use it only after proper training.
2. Which material should be used for a shoulder holster?
   A shoulder holster is available in leather, nylon, and Kydex, each offering its distinct advantages. You can choose a holster depending on your preference.
3. Who should use a shoulder holster?
   Shoulder holsters are commonly used by detectives, stake-out police personnel, and supervisors.
4. Which is the best shoulder holster?
   The best shoulder holster depends on your requirements. You will find the most comfortable and custom-fit selection at Wright Leather Works.
5. What is the purpose of a shoulder holster?
   A shoulder holster keeps your gun secure, concealed, and ready for action. It doesn’t put additional pressure on your lower body. The weight is balanced across your shoulders.