When I made my foray into the field of law enforcement in 1980, shoulder holsters were a common and practical way for officers to carry handguns while working plainclothes or off duty.  Back then, detectives were expected to wear suits and ties, and most officers carried revolvers in their shoulder rigs.

When I began working undercover narcotics for the Licking County Metropolitan Enforcement Group in 1982, I switched from carrying a Star PD .45 ACP to a six-shot Colt Agen .38 Special snub-nosed revolver. That switch led me to the Bianchi Scorpion, a muzzle-up leather “clamshell” shoulder holster that I carried for years, even after leaving the unit.

The Shoulder Holster Boom

Then came 1984, and a popular television show that changed everything. Miami Vice redefined “cop dramas” and boosted two firearms products into the spotlight. The short-lived Bren Ten was the first commercially produced 10mm semi-automatic. Though the gun wasn’t manufactured for long, the 10mm round is still available today.

Don Johnson’s character, Sonny Crockett brought the horizontal draw Original Jackass Company shoulder holster to popularity. This shoulder rig was positioned under the weak-side arm and featured a magazine carrier on the strong side. The straps cross in the back, about mid-shoulder, suspending the concealed carry gun on the body.

The Jackass Leather Company later became Galco International, and the shoulder holster was eventually renamed the Miami Classic, in reference to its iconic beginning. Though the Bren Ten was replaced by the Smith & Wesson .45 ACP Model 4506, the shoulder holster remained desirable.

Shoulder Holster Modern Update

Shoulder holsters, in addition to looking cool, make it more comfortable to carry heavy handguns all day. The Urban Carry Signature Shoulder Holster is a 21st-century take on the Miami Classic design.

The LockLeather Signature Shoulder Holster doesn’t just copy the Galco Miami Classic. It takes the most recognizable elements of the original shoulder holster, updates them to modern materials, and improves retention for today’s concealed carry lifestyle.

I chose to test this 21st-century holster with a 21st-century handgun: the 9mm Girsan 3.4-inch Witness2311 BRAT. This 1911-style pistol has a full-size double-stack grip and polymer frame, housing a 17+1-round magazine. My model has been accessorized with an XS DXT2 sight.

Urban Carry LockLeather Signature Holster Features

Urban Carry put a lot of thought into which features of the classic horizontal shoulder holster design needed updates for practical, modern concealed carry. The LockLeather Signature holster is constructed of quality leather and uses a traditional crossed-strap harness to distribute weight evenly across the shoulders. It features the following updates.

  • Padded shoulder straps for extra comfort
  • Stress-release “buckle type” snaps
  • Pivoting back panel allows more freedom of movement
    Each strap is infinitely adjustable, not limited to 1-inch increments.
  • Adjustable muzzle cant of the holstered handgun
  • Ultra slim profile to be less visible under clothing
  • Ambidextrous and completely modular, giving the option to switch holster shells for different firearms
  • The Signature LockLeather retention system combines the comfort of a leather holster with the security of Kydex

Entirely made in the USA, the Signature LockLeather Shoulder rig can be purchased in whatever configuration best suits your needs. The strong-side magazine carrier can be swapped to carry a second firearm, flashlight, wallet or phone, or left to carry nothing additional.

Urban Carry has refined a proven concept so it works for today’s concealed carriers using modern handguns.

Why a Shoulder Holster Makes Sense

One advantage of a well-designed shoulder holster like the one from Urban has become clearer to me with age. After decades of law enforcement work, defensive tactics training, daily handgun carry, and the wear and tear of normal life, my back and hips have finally had enough. Discomfort is often the reason people stop carrying altogether.

That’s where a shoulder holster shines. By moving the weight of the handgun off the hips and onto the shoulders, a properly designed shoulder rig distributes that weight over a wider area. Giving the hips a rest while keeping your handgun accessible is a dream come true as you age. For older shooters or anyone dealing with back or hip issues, it can make the difference between carrying comfortably and not carrying at all.

A shoulder holster also excels when seated or driving. Instead of the gun being trapped between your body and the seat, the armpit-level carry position keeps it accessible and out of the way. For those who spend a lot of time in a vehicle or simply want a more comfortable carry option, a quality shoulder holster remains a practical and often overlooked solution.

Using the LockLeather Shoulder Rig

The Urban Carry LockLeather shoulder holster locks the gun for which it has been sized using an internal Kydex retention system. This automatically locks and releases the firearm. I recommend inserting your handgun into the holster while the rig is off your body.

While there may be situations, particularly in law enforcement, when reholstering on-body is necessary, I’m more comfortable doing so with handguns that have a manual safety, such as a 1911, a double-action revolver or a DA/SA semi-auto like the Beretta 92.

Shoulder Holster Safety Tips

There are several key points to consider when using a shoulder holster.

  • Range restrictions: Many public or law enforcement ranges will not allow drawing from a shoulder holster. With the muzzle parallel with the ground and pointed straight behind the user, shoulder holsters are unsuitable for most training environments.
    Practice your draw at home in a safe area with an unloaded firearm, whether or not the gun has a manual safety. The draw motion is natural and works well with body mechanics—far better than something like a small-of-the-back holster.
  • Situational awareness: Should you ever need to draw in public, be sure to take a quick look behind you if time permits. There’s less concern with a true DA handgun, but proper training is critical. Practice drawing so your trigger finger indexes along the frame before accessing the trigger.
  • No holster is accident-proof: Any carry system depends on the user. Training, awareness and discipline matter more than the design in preventing a negligent discharge.

Assembly and Fit

The Urban Carry LockLeather holster comes partially assembled, which makes sense due to the number of configuration options available. Assembly is simple, with nothing to screw together. Four polymer clips lock together to attach your chosen holster and mag pouch (or other accessory holder). The tie-down straps secure with four snaps on the side loops.

Once assembled and fitted, the rig sits securely and distributes weight evenly across the shoulders, functioning exactly as intended. My neighbor, who, despite several years in the military, hasn’t had the opportunity to wear a shoulder holster, modeled the rig for images.

A Practical Shoulder Holster for Modern Concealed Carry

The Urban Carry LockLeather Shoulder Holster is quite comfortable to wear both standing and seated, including in a vehicle. Before carrying, I recommend working the snaps that attach to the belt to break them in a bit.

The Girsan BRAT fit well in my rig, and its 3.4-inch barrel did not protrude from the holster. If you are carrying a gun that holds 15 or more rounds, spend some time wearing the rig with two fully loaded spare magazines to ensure the overall weight remains comfortable. I prefer lightweight defensive loads to help reduce carry weight.

Pricing for the Urban Carry LockLeather Signature Shoulder Holster varies depending on the configuration and components selected. Visit Urban Carry’s website to explore the available options and start building your own.

Sources:

Urban Carry: UrbanCarryHolsters.com
Girsan: EAACorp.com
XS Sights: XSSights.com