Women and shoulder holsters.

Millie

Millie

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I know not a lot of women post here, but I know there are some lurking around, and a lot of the guys have wives/girlfriends/others that may be able to help answer some of this.
I've been looking into a shoulder holster, because I saw one on a man at the range and he said it's very comfortable, but I got to thinking: women have more "stuff" that straps and things might have to go across/around/under, and so I decided to ask the ladies if they use shoulder holsters, and what kind, what gun they carry in them, and how do they like them?
Guys, get the women on this one, please! (I need info, big surprise!)
Thanks!
 
My tall, lean daughter won't use one... she can't hide lipstick anywhere on her body without it printing. She uses a pocketbook.

Well, she does carry a folding knife. I guess she could hide lipstick, but not a mousegun.
 
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MacEntyre said:
My tall, lean daughter won't use one... she can't hide lipstick anywhere on her body without it printing. She uses a pocketbook.

Well, she does carry a folding knife. I guess she could hide lipstick, but not a mousegun.
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Well, this is good news for me, then, as I'm not thin! Looking good for the shoulder holster so far....lol.
 
B00ger said:
Have you looked at the FlashBang style holsters?


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If you mean the ones that hook to the front your bra, yes. I carried the KelTec .380 in one for a little while and it was ok, but I'm trying to carry a 1911 9mm at the moment, and there's no way my "parts" will be able to hide that sucker!! It's the hip or the armpit, I'm thinking....LOL.
Even the p238 would be too big to hide in one of those bra holsters, I'm pretty sure.
 
Take a look at some of the stuff at kangaroocarry.com to see some ideas. Not the traditional shouder holster, but a lot of the models are women. My wife doesn’t carry, but used one of the KC products for probably 5+ years. It’s kinda like a belly band but with a single shoulder strap to help with the weight...
 
BigWaylon said:
Take a look at some of the stuff at kangaroocarry.com to see some ideas. Not the traditional shouder holster, but a lot of the models are women. My wife doesn’t carry, but used one of the KC products for probably 5+ years. It’s kinda like a belly band but with a single shoulder strap to help with the weight...
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Thanks I'll have a look, I think I may have seen them somewhere.
 
Millie said:
If you mean the ones that hook to the front your bra, yes. I carried the KelTec .380 in one for a little while and it was ok, but I'm trying to carry a 1911 9mm at the moment, and there's no way my "parts" will be able to hide that sucker!! It's the hip or the armpit, I'm thinking....LOL.
Even the p238 would be too big to hide in one of those bra holsters, I'm pretty sure.
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You are more of a man than me carrying a full sized 1911! I love it!

Aside from above, I’m out of ideas. I’ve always carried strong side at 3:30.

Perhaps look into the Remora holsters. They don’t require belt clips, mine is very comfortable, and the retention is great. The only negative is that it’s hard to re-holster your sidearm without removing the holster. BUT...as a self defense CCW holster you should t be fiddling with your gun and >if< you use it in self defense successfully then you will have plenty of time to re-holster.


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B00ger said:
You are more of a man than me carrying a full sized 1911! I love it!

Aside from above, I’m out of ideas. I’ve always carried strong side at 3:30.

Perhaps look into the Remora holsters. They don’t require belt clips, mine is very comfortable, and the retention is great. The only negative is that it’s hard to re-holster your sidearm without removing the holster. BUT...as a self defense CCW holster you should t be fiddling with your gun and >if< you use it in self defense successfully then you will have plenty of time to re-holster.


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Well, I did carry the 1911 for a couple of weeks, then it started having those "issues" and I went back to the ever-reliable p238.....but I do hope to carry the 9mm again. It's almost regained my confidence, as it hasn't had any problems for a while, and so I might start carrying it again.
I have to say, it took some getting used to, having that heavy thing on my hip, but I decided I didn't care if it might be a bit "visible"...nobody seemed to see it and I wore it everywhere.
I will check out the Remora holsters, thanks.
 
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My wife has She-Bang corset and a waist band (Think garter belt, without the snaps.... which don't make sense)

I saw a product for a garter with elastic and silicone that stays on the thigh for dresses... can't remember the name of the company or where I saw it at. Should be fine for the Sig @Millie
 
The front straps ride over the shoulders and tuck under the arm. They don't ride over the chest much. And the little they do ride over the chest is pretty high. The whole point is to not see the holster when wearing a shirt or jacket. If you are worried about that top part of the strap look at getting something with fabric straps that would be more flexible. Thin leather might work too. Thicker leather straps could be problematic. When I talk about thin I'm talking about thickness, not width. Most straps are 3/4" to 1" wide and you don't want much less than that. It has to distribute the weight of the rig.
 
Here's your million dollar idea.

The "Muff Holster". The play on words would make marketing a hoot.

upload_2019-4-2_13-15-44.png

Short of that I got nothing. Jenny is rail thin and can't even hide an LCP without printing. Actually, "printing" isn't a strong enough word, she might as well have flashing neon arrows pointing at it.
 
VA_GENTLEMAN said:
My wife has She-Bang corset and a waist band (Think garter belt, without the snaps.... which don't make sense)

I saw a product for a garter with elastic and silicone that stays on the thigh for dresses... can't remember the name of the company or where I saw it at. Should be fine for the Sig @Millie
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I've looked at those corsets, but I think with hot weather coming soon, I wouldn't want to have any more stuff on me, clothes-wise. Not even sure about anything holster-y with fabric, actually. Maybe in the winter. Lol.

And: dresses? I don't do dresses! (Except for my performance skirt and top when we do our singing in December.)
I appreciate the ideas. I might revisit the corset next winter. They look kind of nice. Not sure they can hold my 1911s, though.
 
chiefjason said:
The front straps ride over the shoulders and tuck under the arm. They don't ride over the chest much. And the little they do ride over the chest is pretty high. The whole point is to not see the holster when wearing a shirt or jacket. If you are worried about that top part of the strap look at getting something with fabric straps that would be more flexible. Thin leather might work too. Thicker leather straps could be problematic. When I talk about thin I'm talking about thickness, not width. Most straps are 3/4" to 1" wide and you don't want much less than that. It has to distribute the weight of the rig.
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This is great info, and I'm not really too worried about anything being seen. I wear flowy tops anyway, so that would help. I need to get a bunch of people who wear shoulder holsters to line up and let me have a look, really....LOL. The guy at the range was wearing his over a shirt. It's the only time I've seen anyone wearing one in person, that I know about, anyway! My instructor also has used them and he said they're comfortable. He gave me a link to a company that makes them, but the prices were too much for me.
 
Cowboy said:
Dang it. I thought this was another basement thread. We have flannel, cut offs and cosplay already.
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Sorry if you got disappointed! I don't think you want a "Millie and leather" thread, though. The young chicks can do that kind, I guess!! LOL.
 
Brian K said:
Here's your million dollar idea.

The "Muff Holster". The play on words would make marketing a hoot.

View attachment 117098

Short of that I got nothing. Jenny is rail thin and can't even hide an LCP without printing. Actually, "printing" isn't a strong enough word, she might as well have flashing neon arrows pointing at it.
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You should make a basement thread with your "marketing" ideas, we could always use a good laugh!
 
Millie said:
This is great info, and I'm not really too worried about anything being seen. I wear flowy tops anyway, so that would help. I need to get a bunch of people who wear shoulder holsters to line up and let me have a look, really....LOL. The guy at the range was wearing his over a shirt. It's the only time I've seen anyone wearing one in person, that I know about, anyway! My instructor also has used them and he said they're comfortable. He gave me a link to a company that makes them, but the prices were too much for me.
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Good leather will not be cheap. Most folks that ask about them don’t buy from me. They are a lot of work if you are just doing one. Mass produced brings the price down. And for a 1911 there are several companies making them.


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There is no way I would use a shoulder holster, not because it would print (and it would) on me but, because I find them terrbly dangerous and hard to draw from.

As noted in many previous conversations, I carry AIWB when wearing slacks or in corset with athletic clothing in cooler weather and in thigh holster in summer when I wear skirts or dresses.

It is all a matter personal preference, comfort and safety.
 
chiefjason said:
Good leather will not be cheap. Most folks that ask about them don’t buy from me. They are a lot of work if you are just doing one. Mass produced brings the price down. And for a 1911 there are several companies making them.


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I do realize it won't be cheap, but trying to get a lot of info so I don't make a costly mistake. I've thought of getting a cheap-o one off the internet, just to see how one might feel, but even the "cheap" ones aren't so cheap. Lol. If I go all in and then discover I hate wearing one, I'll be pissed off at myself! I need to try some out just to get an idea of how they work and feel, and what gun goes best in one. Can you tell me what companies make them for 1911s?
 
Miss Lily said:
There is no way I would use a shoulder holster, not because it would print (and it would) on me but, because I find them terrbly dangerous and hard to draw from.

As noted in many previous conversations, I carry AIWB when wearing slacks or in corset with athletic clothing in cooler weather and in thigh holster in summer when I wear skirts or dresses.

It is all a matter personal preference, comfort and safety.
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I'd like to hear about the drawing difficulty and danger. I guess you must have tried them out at some point before you settled on your current carry method? I'll be happy for any info you can give me.
 
I found it more difficult to access then draw without sweeping everyone and everthing on my left. I demonstrate the method for every CCH class I teach. In a SD situation, the possibility to lose precious seconds may prove deadly.
 
Miss Lily said:
I found it more difficult to access then draw without sweeping everyone and everthing on my left. I demonstrate the method for every CCH class I teach. In a SD situation, the possibility to lose precious seconds may prove deadly.
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Ok, "acting" it out just now, I can see where you'd have to be very careful where you're pointing that thing.
This is all adding to the info I need to make a good decision, so thanks. It's why I love asking questions here!
 
BatteryOaksBilly said:
A local Gun Shop gave RS one to try and report back on. She didn't care for it. The next time you are here she will give it to you If she can find it!
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That's so sweet!
What was it that she didn't like about it, I wonder? Guess I'll have to head down and ask her all about it! I've been missing the "ding" of steel! And I might have a couple of new gun "skills" to show you. All the guns are going along well.
 
Shoulder holsters are definitely comfort over function. If it's a horizontal design, the gun is constantly "muzzling" everyone behind you.
Imagine standing behind this guy.
images

You go to draw and you increase the accidental/negligent discharge risk and "muzzle" everyone to your left, including yourself.
shoulder-holster-banner.jpg

Vertical rigs are somewhat safer since the muzzle is down.
Choosing-Shoulder-Holster-300x216.jpg

But, speed of draw is slowed down and shoulder holsters are slow draws anyway. But, the big negative with shoulder or crossdraw rigs is that an attacker can bind up your draw by blocking your arm.
Shoulder holsters can be comfortable and convenient, but are more suited for situations like hunting rigs where weight and size of gun and reduced need for a speedy draw are factors. At least that's my opinion.
Kinda looking at one myself for those kinds of needs.
bh3-hunting-shoulder-gun-holster_1.jpg

Wow, I just remembered I've got an old Bianchi X-15 around here somewhere. Who know where, since I've moved. :rolleyes:
images


Eventually, if you're serious about pistolcraft, you'll find going with a strong side waist holster closer to the 3 o'clock position or and appendix rig will be the way to go. These are power postions suited for a fight. Where compromises start coming in are dress style, body shape and concealment. Women's bodies are different. Women are hippy. That tends to push the lower part of the gun (muzzle) out and therefore the upper part of the gun (grip) into the waist. While men tend, emphasis on tend, to have straighter waist and broader shoulders that allow garments to drape over the gun better. Every individual and situation is different. Personal I value safety over fashion. I value being able to fight over how daper I look. So, I dress to the gun rather than finding a gun that suits my dress.
Just my opinion.
 
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georgel said:
Shoulder holsters are definitely comfort over function. If it's a horizontal design, the gun is constantly "muzzling" everyone behind you.
Imagine standing behind this guy.
images

You go to draw and you increase the accidental/negligent discharge risk and "muzzle" everyone to your left, including yourself.
shoulder-holster-banner.jpg

Vertical rigs are somewhat safer since the muzzle is down.
Choosing-Shoulder-Holster-300x216.jpg

But, speed of draw is slowed down and shoulder holsters are slow draws anyway. But, the big negative with shoulder or crossdraw rigs is that an attacker can bind up your draw by blocking your arm.
Shoulder holsters can be comfortable and convenient, but are more suited for situations like hunting rigs where weight and size of gun and reduced need for a speedy draw are factors. At least that's my opinion.
Kinda looking at one myself for those kinds of needs.
bh3-hunting-shoulder-gun-holster_1.jpg

Wow, I just remembered I've got an old Bianchi X-15 around here somewhere. Who know where, since I've moved. :rolleyes:
images


Eventually, if you're serious about pistolcraft, you'll find going with a strong side waist holster closer to the 3 o'clock position or and appendix rig will be the way to go. These are power postions suited for a fight. Where compromises start coming in are dress style, body shape and concealment. Women's bodies are different. Women are hippy. That tends to push the lower part of the gun (muzzle) out and therefore the upper part of the gun (grip) into the waist. While men tend, emphasis on tend, to have straighter waist and broader shoulders that allow garments to drape over the gun better. Every individual and situation is different. Personal I value safety over fashion. I value being able to fight over how daper I look. So, I dress to the gun rather than finding a gun that suits my dress.
Just my opinion.
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Ok, good points!

My gun currently sits on a belt on my right side at about 3 o'clock. It's comfy there, and I'm used to it now. At least it's on a belt now, though the belt isn't always on pants with loops! I never thought I'd be wearing a belt! The holster I'm using can hold the 1911s or the Sig. I choose my guns definitely for how well I can shoot them, NOT for how well they can be concealed or how my clothes may look with them! Lol. If I need to conceal it really well, I carry the .380. If I don't care if anyone can get a peek at an outline, it's the 1911!

But y'all know how I like to explore a lot of options and get lots of information! Lol.

As far as our shape goes, I currently don't really have an actual waist, so the gun sits fairly evenly on my side. I hope to have a waist one day, as I lose more weight. Lol. I dress in flowy tops, so really I can conceal a smaller gun pretty well, not so much the 1911s....they're a bit large! But nobody noticed it the couple of weeks I carried the 9mm 1911.....people are too absorbed in their phones or whatever.

Thanks for all the info and especially the pics! Since I had only seen the one guy with the holster, it was hard to imagine what one might look like in other configurations. Very helpful! I'll add all this to the pile of information.
 
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