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Shoulder holster

Shoulder Holster: The Complete Guide to Choosing, Carrying, and Maintaining Your Equipment

Le shoulder holster is a handgun carrying system particularly appreciated for its comfort, discretion and practicality in certain operational situations. Whether you are security agent, military, sport shooter or authorized civilian porter, choosing a good holster is essential to combine efficiency, safety and ergonomics.

In this guide, we present the essential criteria for choosing a shoulder holster, the different models available, the adjustments to be made for optimal wear, as well as good usage practices.

Our shoulder holsters

TRB shoulder holsters: custom-made for demanding professionals

At TRB Holsters, each holster is custom-designed, according to your operational, morphological and stylistic needs. Made in High quality thermoformed Kydex, our shoulder holsters combine robustness, security and discretion.

Our commitments:

  • Accurate casting for over 300 weapon models

  • Personalized settings for each user

  • Made in France, in a specialized workshop

  • Possible compatibility with accessories (lamps, viewfinders, etc.)

What is a shoulder holster?

A shoulder holster is a device for transverse port allowing a handgun to be secured under the arm, using a cross-strap harness that rests across the shoulders and back. This system is designed to distribute the weight of the weapon evenly and provide a quick access even in a seated or restricted position, for example in a vehicle.

This type of holster has been used for decades by police departments, detectives and response units, but is now experiencing a resurgence of interest among civilian shooters for its versatility, its comfort and its discreet wear under a jacket.

Wearing a shoulder holster offers many benefits in specific contexts:

- Freedom of movement: carrying it on the shoulders completely frees up the belt, useful if it is already occupied by other equipment (lamp, handcuffs, radio, etc.).

- Extended comfort: particularly suitable for long-term wear or in professional environments (missions, transport, patrol).

 - Easy to unsheath while seated: ideal for drivers or on-board operators.

- Optimized concealment: easily hidden under a coat or jacket, it allows discreet carrying while keeping the weapon accessible.

- Weight distribution: reduces back or lumbar fatigue associated with carrying a heavy weapon.

The different models of shoulder holsters

Single shoulder holster

This model includes a holster for the weapon positioned under the armpit of the leading arm, accompanied by a balancing strap or an opposing magazine holder. This is the most common system, combining lightness and simplicity.

Double shoulder holster

Also called symmetrical holster, it is composed of two balanced elements: either two holsters (for ambidextrous or double weapon carrying), or a holster on one side and one magazine holder or accessory holder on the other. This model allows for optimal weight distribution and better balance across the entire torso.

Weapon orientation: horizontal, vertical or inclined

  • Horizontal : the weapon is placed parallel to the ground, butt forward. Allows a drawn very quickly, but requires good control to avoid safety risks (barrel pointing backwards).

  • Vertical : weapon pointed downwards. This port is more secure and better suited to long or heavy weapons, but makes drawing a little less intuitive.

  • Inclined : intermediate configuration, often used for large weapons. It offers a good compromise between accessibility and security.

Criteria for choosing a good shoulder holster

1. Compatibility with the weapon

The holster must be specifically designed for your handgun modelA precise fit not only ensures excellent support but also smooth, snag-free extraction.

At TRB Holsters, each model is thermoformed in Kydex, molded to the millimeter for each weapon.

2. Quality of materials

  • kydex : rigid, abrasion-resistant, lightweight, moisture-resistant, and durable material. It offers excellent retention.

  • Leather : noble and aesthetic, it offers good comfort but requires more regular maintenance.

  • Nylon / Cordura : flexible and economical, these materials are often used in modular or tactical configurations.

3. Settings and adjustment

A good shoulder holster should offer:

  • adjustable straps in length to fit your body shape.

  • Un ergonomic back adjustment, in the shape of an X or Y, to avoid friction.

  • There’s nothing quite like a optimal stability, without floating or sliding in motion.

4. Retention system

Retention is essential to prevent accidental falls or unwanted extraction. We distinguish:

  • On safety buckles (snap or press stud)

  • On passive friction systems

  • On adjustable voltage settings for personalized support

A good holster always balances speed of drawing et security level.

TRB shoulder holsters: custom-made for demanding professionals

At TRB Holsters, each holster is custom-designed, according to your operational, morphological and stylistic needs. Made in High quality thermoformed Kydex, our shoulder holsters combine robustness, security and discretion.

Our commitments:

  • Accurate casting for over 300 weapon models

  • Personalized settings for each user

  • Made in France, in a specialized workshop

  • Possible compatibility with accessories (lamps, viewfinders, etc.)

Conclusion

Le shoulder holster is a strategic choice for many professionals and civilian shooters. Provided you choose it well, adjust it to your body shape, and train regularly, it becomes a reliable, discreet and comfortable tool.

Ready to take the plunge? Discover the TRB shoulder holster range on our online store and configure equipment perfectly suited to your weapon and your use.

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