Shoulder Holster - Vertical or Horizontal?

[Motasyco]

I've decided there are times when carrying in a shoulder holster may be an advantage.  Specifically, when working outdoors.  Open carry is not a concern here, I'm interested more in comfort and not having my gun constantly pulling my pants down.  Primary carry in this holster would be a full size M&P or 1911.  In looking at shoulder rigs, I see two different styles, vertical and horizontal.  What is your preference and why?  Or, why would a shoulder holster not be suitable for this use.  Recommendations on specific gear is welcomed as well.  

 

Thanks for your input. 

[UncleJak]

Horizontal is what I have. I prefer it for ease of access.  Vertical seems a bit diffcult to un-holster.

[East_TN_Patriot]

Most folks tend to use the verticle for longer barrels and/or cases where they are carrying in confined spaces.  I have made several for pilots in the Middle East who prefer the verticle because it's more comfortable and easier to access in the cockpit of their plane as well as being a bit more secure than a horizontal holster.  When I carried one, I used a horizontal style, but I think if I carried one again, I personally would go with a verticle style because they tend to hold the firearm more securely.  I would say it was primarily to be used when plodding around outside, a verticle would be best since there is less chance it would fall out of the holster.  If you get the proper style holster, accessing the weapon is quite easy.

[RichardR]

I prefer horizontal rigs, with the rig setup so that the pistol/revolver's grip is at a slight downward angle, in my experience they are more comfortable to wear, conceal better & are quicker to draw the weapon from vs a vertical rig.

[RichardR]

Multipost. Edited January 3, 2013 by RichardR

[RichardR]

multipost. Edited January 3, 2013 by RichardR

[Spots]

Most military I know, including every helicopter pilot I ever flew with, which was alot of them, wore a vertical because a horizontal, especially with the grip angleing down, automatically flags everyone behind you, which is not a way to make friends Sent from behind my anvil in ye olde smithy

[zapfbroad]

I've been driving A LOT for work lately typically 11 hrs getting in/out of the truck a couple hundred times during that period. I decided to try a shoulder rig finally, horizontal, holds two spare mags on offside. Wasn't sure if I would like it so I ordered a cheapy for $13 on amazon, I saw it at my lgs in camo but they sold that & I wanted black anyways. Mine is velcro clasps mainly with adjustable straps. It is a different feeling to become accustomed to, kinda like wearing a backpack inschool after bein off all summer. Id tell you the brand though I doubt it is one & I'm wearing it so I can't see. Wouldn't want vertical. Haven't had any fumbling out of it but the velcro is still new & clean. One day I may get to touch one of those $150 miami leathery rigs but I don't work in an office or wear a blazer around town hah so this serves the purpose for now.

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[bajabuc]

I built mine with a spring trap.  the holster opens so there's no pick up..just pull down and out.  I was carrying a 30/30 Thompson Center contender though...not exactly concealed carry.  Worked great for the surprise Elk in the back woods of Wyoming and left my hands free.

[zapfbroad]

All that being said if you're going to be doin this same work outdoors come warmer weather I would just invest in a good gun belt & better hip holster. Sweatin in a shoulder rig can't be fun id imagine, I'm busy tryin to stay warm at the moment so I wouldn't know. A better belt ought to fix the pants issue, if you're talkin bout workin outdoors & sweatin you might be better off looking at a good thigh rig if the hip holsters r still bugging you. Either way I would recommend one of the threads on awesome gun belts.

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