In need of a good shoulder holster

R

rainermh12

Joined
Jun 20, 2010
Messages
328
Hey all,

So my mom's heading out to Afghanistan in about a month and a half for the Army and she told me that she needed to get a shoulder holster that would fit an M9. The Army only issued her a drop-leg holster, which she was told might be problematic in some situations since she is a female, and that a shoulder holster would be much more convenient for her.

So I told her I'd do a little research and ask around about it, since I don't know all too much about holsters and the such myself and neither does she. She'll need something that is durable, easily accessible, comfortable to carry, and secure. If anyone could point me in the right direction to some good production companies or manufacturers that would be great. With that said, any suggestions are welcome.

Anyways, just want to say I appreciate you guys' help in advance.

Thanks,

Rainer
 
has she actually worked with a drop leg like a Safariland 6004, or Blackhawk Serpa or does she have conceptual problems with their use?...what rank?...what specialty?....if she will be wearing a plate carrier, one of the molle adapter plates can mount a Serpa in the middle of chest....a female's high waist belt can use a drop leg extension to lower the holster to the proper height...the good drop legs work pretty well..
 
No, she's never worked with a drop leg, the thing is as a female she might have problems with say, going to the latrine. The way its set up she'd have to undo and redo the whole thing every time, which could take an unnecessary amount of time. I'm not doubting that drop legs are good, it's just that a shoulder rig might be more efficient for her.

She is a medic and an officer, I'm not sure what her attire will be.
 
Check out the BLACKHAWK! Tactical Gear website. Their CQC Serpa holster and shoulder harness is worth looking into. They also have a military M9 specific set that has the holster, shoulder harness, drop leg platform, molle clip, belt loop system. The holster attaches to all the different pieces so she would have tons of options. Also with this package the drop leg platform has a quick release system with four buckles that can be taken off in about 10-20 seconds. I used to work for a police equipment store for a number of years and we often had military personnel come in at the Blackhawk! holsters were popular with them. Good luck with your search.
 
Well, I would go and ask what kind of gear she will be wearing, clothes, etc and all that, but that's not really what you asked for. You asked for a good holster recommendation. Over a year ago, I purchased a shoulder holster for my 1911 because I just didn't want it on my belt if I was wearing a jacket anyways. I didn't really have any experience with shoulder holsters, but I just went out and bought one. It's DeSantis and it is -great-. It's comfortable, holds my gun well, fully adjustable for different sizes of people, also has a dual mag pouch on the opposite side aswell, and it also has suspender straps to come down and clip onto your pants/belt for better stability. It's not one of the leather models. It's a black one, and I believe it's made of nylon or something like that. I can't remember the exact model or anything, but I'm sure you can look and find it. I work security, wearing it all night long and I actually run, jog, etc wearing this shoulder holster and I have no problem. The rig holds it secure and tight aslong as you adjust it properly to your body size. One of the best things about it, I think I paid like $65 bucks for it and I don't regret it one bit. Great buy. Check DeSantis out.
 
I would think that unless she is assigned to a SF unit, the Army would not approve of a horizontal carry shoulder rig, that points the muzzle at other than the ground...of course if she is an O6 or higher....

I've used a Serpa belt holster for the last 6 years for USPSA and 3 gun...if she goes with that platform, a piece of textured skateboard tape on the release button shortens the muscle memory learning curve time it takes to release the pistol instinctively...I've recently switched to a BladeTech DOH with WRS hood...

we wish her a safe return..
 
I'm currently unpacking after returning from my third trip to the sandbox; here's my $0.02.

First, if your mother is a Medical Officer she's not a Medic. Medics go outwith the units, Medical Officers rarely do that. It makes a difference, because it dictates what her daily uniform will be.

If she's going to be stationed at a major base (Khandahar for example) she'll rarely wear the full body kit (although she will wear most of it). In that case a shoulder holster may work. But, if she's anywhere else, she'll really need to have ready access to the weapon, and a shoulder holster is not as good a choice. Shoulder holsters are popular though, mainly with people who never expect to have to use a weapon.

If she needs a shoulder holster get one that does have a way to secure it tight aginst the body. Most don't, and a shoulder rig that's loose is dangerous and fairly useless. There's nothing like getting whacked in the face with your own weapon in a rollover or when you have to move quickly. Make sure she tries it on while wearing her IBA (or whatever they issue her). If it won't stay in place when she jumps up and down, get rid of it.

I recommend she look at a couple other options. First a belt rig like the old Yanqui Slide that Galco used to make. I carried my Beretta like this all over Bhagdad a couple years back. It's fast, discrete, and very secure. It's also easy to access while in armor and while seated. It will not be an issue for her during latrine breaks or convoy ops. She will need at least one double mag pouch if she goes with this. (Go leather, not plastic; plastic is noisy and uncomfortable.)

The other option would be to get her a holster that attaches to her vest using the universal locking system all our gear has. This is what I used this last trip. A good one can be secured both horizontal and vertically to the ground and will have a quick release restraint for the pistol. There are several manufacturers, and I got mine in the PX. She should not worry about mag pouches if she goes with this type of system, as they will give her plenty.

I wish her luck.
 
eisman said:
I'm currently unpacking after returning from my third trip to the sandbox; here's my $0.02.

First, if your mother is a Medical Officer she's not a Medic. Medics go outwith the units, Medical Officers rarely do that. It makes a difference, because it dictates what her daily uniform will be.
Click to expand...

Yup, this is her.

If she's going to be stationed at a major base (Khandahar for example) she'll rarely wear the full body kit (although she will wear most of it). In that case a shoulder holster may work. But, if she's anywhere else, she'll really need to have ready access to the weapon, and a shoulder holster is not as good a choice. Shoulder holsters are popular though, mainly with people who never expect to have to use a weapon.
Click to expand...

She laughed at this part, mainly because it's true, haha

If she needs a shoulder holster get one that does have a way to secure it tight aginst the body. Most don't, and a shoulder rig that's loose is dangerous and fairly useless. There's nothing like getting whacked in the face with your own weapon in a rollover or when you have to move quickly. Make sure she tries it on while wearing her IBA (or whatever they issue her). If it won't stay in place when she jumps up and down, get rid of it.

I recommend she look at a couple other options. First a belt rig like the old Yanqui Slide that Galco used to make. I carried my Beretta like this all over Bhagdad a couple years back. It's fast, discrete, and very secure. It's also easy to access while in armor and while seated. It will not be an issue for her during latrine breaks or convoy ops. She will need at least one double mag pouch if she goes with this. (Go leather, not plastic; plastic is noisy and uncomfortable.)

The other option would be to get her a holster that attaches to her vest using the universal locking system all our gear has. This is what I used this last trip. A good one can be secured both horizontal and vertically to the ground and will have a quick release restraint for the pistol. There are several manufacturers, and I got mine in the PX. She should not worry about mag pouches if she goes with this type of system, as they will give her plenty.

I wish her luck.
Click to expand...

Thanks, we'll definitely look into the Yaqui holster. Would she need anything special on her vest to accommodate the second option you were talking about? Or is it just all standard?
 
OpKey said:
Well, I would go and ask what kind of gear she will be wearing, clothes, etc and all that, but that's not really what you asked for. You asked for a good holster recommendation. Over a year ago, I purchased a shoulder holster for my 1911 because I just didn't want it on my belt if I was wearing a jacket anyways. I didn't really have any experience with shoulder holsters, but I just went out and bought one. It's DeSantis and it is -great-. It's comfortable, holds my gun well, fully adjustable for different sizes of people, also has a dual mag pouch on the opposite side aswell, and it also has suspender straps to come down and clip onto your pants/belt for better stability. It's not one of the leather models. It's a black one, and I believe it's made of nylon or something like that. I can't remember the exact model or anything, but I'm sure you can look and find it. I work security, wearing it all night long and I actually run, jog, etc wearing this shoulder holster and I have no problem. The rig holds it secure and tight aslong as you adjust it properly to your body size. One of the best things about it, I think I paid like $65 bucks for it and I don't regret it one bit. Great buy. Check DeSantis out.
Click to expand...

Checked it out, the dragonfly rig looks like it would fit her bill. Has the belt clip ever come loose or anything while running?
 
Would she need anything special on her vest to accommodate the second option you were talking about? Or is it just all standard?
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The holster should have evrything needed included. I can't remember who made the one I used. If I can find it I may just send it to you. With any luck at all I'll be retired before my turn comes around again.
 
rainermh12 said:
Checked it out, the dragonfly rig looks like it would fit her bill. Has the belt clip ever come loose or anything while running?
Click to expand...

It actually did come loose before, but that was because I had the straps tightened down way too much and the elastic was so stretched out that it yanked the clip free. You just have to work with it and really figure out how to adjust it to fit you perfectly. I suggest clipping them to your pants instead of your belt. The clips are kind of small on my model, and so a thick gun belt doesn't allow them to really get a good bite onto it. Clipping them to pants allows them to clamp down all the way.
 
eisman said:
The holster should have evrything needed included. I can't remember who made the one I used. If I can find it I may just send it to you. With any luck at all I'll be retired before my turn comes around again.
Click to expand...

Cool, if you could that would be great...and yep, hopefully you won't have to do a fourth trip, I bet that gets old after a while.
 
HAKnPocket said:
Ted Blocker makes some seriously comfortable shoulder rigs. As does El Paso Saddlery.
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Wow. Really nice stuff there, unfortunately a bit out of our price range, and I don't see any vertical rigs there. Good suggestion though, might want to invest in one of those further down the road.
 
i have nothing to add here but i do wish your mom the best of luck over there and hope she returns home safe and sound sooner rather than later. thats all
 
How about Simply Rugged. They do shoulder rigs but the "Chesty Puller" is an awesome rig. Now for a woman I am not sure how her chest will fit with the rig but you could always ask them. Really down to earth people.
 
There are companies that make holsters and belts that are 10% smaller for female LEOs. Shoulder holsters should fit well ,they must be adjustable. Some people with short arms and barrel chested have big problems with shoulder holsters.

OT -many years ago in HS we sometimes had student teachers from the nearby college .The one I still remember had many nice curves ,her name was Miss Holster !!
 
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