Arrington Accuracy

The firearm blog

Category: Gun holster

  • Shoulder Holster: Why Consider for Concealed Carry?

    Shoulder Holster: Why Consider for Concealed Carry?

    A shoulder holster is sometimes overlooked by most gun enthusiasts. However, shoulder holsters remain crucial when it comes to concealed carry. There are three things to consider when choosing any holster for concealed carry. The ideal holster must hold the gun discreetly, securely and comfortably.

    There is no denying that a shoulder holster offers these three features. A concealed carry holster for 1911 with shoulder carrying type will make you look cool. It is one of the best ways to carry your 1911 gun. Imagine a shoulder holster for your 1911 as a backpack that naturally falls over your shoulder. The fact that is also balanced out there weight on both arms makes it quite comfortable.

    So, why do you need to consider a shoulder holster as one of the top concealed carry holster? There are so many reasons that make a shoulder holster stand out.

    Advantages of using a shoulder holster for a 1911 concealed carry

    Comfort

    A comfortable concealed carry is everything when you have to carry your handgun for hours. Shoulders offer 100% concealment of your gun. This is the case especially during the winter when you have to wear a jacket most of the time.

    The shoulder rigs fit comfortable in the same manner we carry backpacks. The manner in which a shoulder holster distributes weight cannot be compared to carry belts.  Concealed carry belts place some amount of wear and tear on the waistline. In fact, persons that use carry belts for long periods can sometimes suffer from back issues.

    Easy to wear

    Shoulder holsters are also easy to wear and remove. You only need to slip the rigs on both arms in the same way you wear a jacket. For persons on the go, you can simply slide in the rigs and holster your gun in a matter of seconds. The same cannot be said of belts that require steady threading through loops.

    With practice, you can easily slide in the rigs, holster your gun and feel comfortable with just a few adjustments.

    Quick and safe drawing

    You can quickly reach your gun without bending or showing signs of reaching for a weapon. A shoulder holster allows you to draw out your gun while still in a defensive standing position. The ease at which one draws the gun also depends on the angle of holstering. You can holster your handgun vertically or horizontally. Both of these methods can with pros and cons.

    For a quick draw, holstering your gun horizontally is recommended. However, this also poses some danger to the people around you. A vertical gun position is much more secure but a little hard to draw. However, gun experts and preppers can tell you that fast-draw is not such a big deciding factor. Being aware of the situation around you is much better than a fast draw.

    Easy use during driving or seated working

    Unlike most concealed carry holsters, a shoulder holster will compliment a sedentary lifestyle. Do you spend most of your time on the driver’s seat or seating around the desk? In such situations, a shoulder holster is the only viable option. You can drive or work securely from your desk without worrying about the handgun.

    When you compare the IWB and OWB holsters, a shoulder holster is best-placed for such a sedentary lifestyle. It provides maximum comfort and a quick draw.

    Better weight distribution

    There is no body that handles weight like our shoulders. Shoulders carry our luggage and backpacks on a regular basis. This makes them best-suited for handling holster and gun weight. For 1911 gun users, be ready to carry around 2.4lb. This weight is just the same as a small laptop. You obviously need a reliable holster capable of distributing weight evenly for extended carry periods.

    This is where shoulder holsters with double-straps and padding like backpacks come to help. You can easily conceal your 1911 gun and carry it for extended periods without feeling tired. Carrying heavy firearms on the waist belt will be uncomfortable while an ankle holster is even impractical. A shoulder holster remains the only viable option for a concealed carry of large firearms.

    Easy use of bathrooms

    Another scenario where shoulder holsters come in handy is when using public toilets. You will not waste any time but simply finish your business as usual. For those that have concealed their weapon in the waist or pants, it can be time-consuming donning and doffing your weapon so that you can use the bathroom. This might sound pretty but carrying your handgun high up on the torso can solve such simple problems.

    You will never forget extra accessories

    With a shoulder holster, you can be sure of carrying an extra magazine with you. This ensures you don’t forget your ammo when in a hurry.

    Final Verdict

    Every concealed carry method poses challenges. And we are not advocating a shoulder holster for every situation. However, when it comes to comfort, safety, and quick drawing, a shoulder holster stands out.

  • How to Choose a Holster for Concealed Carry Springfield XDS?

    If you’re reading this, then we assume you own a Springfield XDS and want a good holster. A Springfield XDS is one of the most compact guns best suited for a concealed carry. When you have a gun that conceals well, you need a lightweight holster that molds to your gun shape.

    There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to finding the best holster for a concealed carry Springfield XDS. Choosing the best holster is more like choosing a favorite movie. You need to consider various factors to find the best holster for a concealed carry. Below, we discuss some of the important considerations to make.

    Things to Consider When Choosing XDS Holster

    Security

    Security is an important factor in choosing the best rated holster for a concealed Springfield XDS carry. You want to be sure you can walk comfortably without anybody taking your pistol. The ideal Springfield XDS holster must ensure there are no accidental discharges. The security of your Springfield XDS pistol is of uttermost importance.

    The best-concealed carry for a Springfield must feature a trigger guard. You need a holster that covers the entire trigger mechanism. This is a great feature of preventing accidental discharges.

    Concealment

    Since you’re looking for a concealed holster, you want something that will not show any prints. The best thing about Springfield XDS is that it is a compact pistol. This makes concealment a lot easier. However, concealing this pistol during the summer when the temperatures are high is difficult. You need to hide it safely without showing the prints.  The ideal holster must match your style during such conditions for excellent concealment.

    Material construction

    This is a matter of quality, durability, and comfort. You need a holster that will serve you for long, look great, and offer excellent comfort levels. Most Springfield holsters are manufactured using a variety of materials.  These include leather, Kydex, nylon, and a combination of two or more materials. The leather material is considered the best since it is durable and of better quality.

    However, you need to ensure the interior of the holster is smooth. Rough interiors can cause scuffs and scratches on your gun.

    Swift draw

    Most people are also looking for a quick and swift draw of their pistol. During an emergency, you want to access your gun as quickly as possible. This calls for a great balance between gun security and quick drawing.  The choice also comes down to the use of the holster. There are four categories of Springfield XD-S holsters to fit different persons.  These categories include the following:

    Types of Springfield XDs holsters

    • Duty holsters: These are holsters usually worn by the police or uniformed officers on duty.
    • Tactical holsters: These are quick-draw holsters worn by the military, security, and law enforcement officers.
    • Sporting holsters: These holsters are worn for sports shooting or hunting.
    • Concealment holsters: This is where we will put our focus. They are uniquely designed holsters worn by peace officers and private citizens. The aim here is to fully conceal your Springfield XDS pistol. We will look at different types of places where you can hide your pistol.

    Best Concealed Carry Holster for a Springfield XDS

    According to 57center.com, the IWB holster is by far the most popular method for a concealed Springfield XDS carry. This is a holster that carries the pistol on the strong side of your hip. Here, the IWB holster carries the gun on the inside of your waistband.  This is a solid method not just for the Springfield XDS but also for most small and medium-sized guns. It is a perfect method since the Springfield XDS pistol is compact and lightweight.

    You will find larger guns feeling uncomfortable on the inside and hard to conceal. While this holster offers excellent concealment, it reduces how fast one can withdraw their gun. You can carry on the pistol on the outside of the waist but this will not conceal it properly. However, it will greatly increase the speed of acquiring your gun. This is what we call the OWB holster and one that was popular with the cowboys.

    Other popular Springfield XDS holsters

    Apart from the inside of the waistband, you can also consider other methods. This includes the shoulder holster, ankle holster, appendix holster, and pocket holsters. An ankle holster is another great choice but one that requires bending before you can access your pistol. It is a great choice for a secondary pistol.

    A shoulder holster is also great when carrying more than one gun. However, make sure you don’t have any medical issues that prevent drawing from the shoulder quickly. You can also choose the appendix holster which keeps the gun just in front of the hip.

    Final verdict

    In conclusion, IWB holster is the best-concealed carry for a Springfield XDS. However, you can consider other holster choices if they suit your situation.  You need to ensure maximum gun safety, comfort, and quick retrieval. While there is no single holster that achieves all the attributes, make sure you strike a good balance in these features.