How to Use a Shoulder Holster

If you're licensed to carry a handgun in your state, using a shoulder holster might be a good way to conceal and transport your weapon. Shoulder holsters provide a balanced alternative to the one-sided pull of a traditional belt holster, but caution needs to be used when employing them.

Instructions

1. Slide your arms through the loops of the holster and shrug it over your shoulders like a backpack. The strap connecting the two loops goes along your back for support and to even out the weight of the weapon.

2. Put the gun on the opposite side from the hand you shoot with (you'll want to reach with your shooting hand under your opposite arm to draw).

3. Reach for your gun with your shooting hand while lifting your other hand to the opposite shoulder. This will move your opposite arm out of the way in case of a misfire, which could damage the brachial artery of your upper arm and is potentially fatal.

4. Draw the weapon. Keep your trigger finger straight and away from the trigger and trigger guard as you grip the gun. Keep your opposite hand on your shoulder. Straighten your shooting arm, with gun in hand, and bring your opposite hand down to clasp the bottom of your shooting hand.

5. Get your target in your sights, slide your finger into the trigger guard and pull the trigger. Once finished, set the safety on the weapon and replace it in your holster.

Tips & Warnings

• Some shoulder holsters have the gun pointed down, pointed at an angle backward or with the barrel of the gun facing completely behind the shooter. The draw style is the same in any case.

• Practice using your shoulder holster with a dummy gun before attempting a live exercise. Always have the safety engaged on your weapon.

References

• Cornered Cat's shoulder holster guide
• Park Cities shoulder holster review