The 10 Best Shoulder Holsters of 2021
Photo: Under Control Tactical
As the name suggests, a shoulder holster has straps that are designed to fit around your shoulders to secure your rifle.
As compared to waistband shoulders, the shoulder type is bulkier but more comfortable as well. This is because it does not occupy any space on your waistband. Some people also prefer this type over the others and if you are one of them, we have the best lineup for you.
We have listed the best shoulder holsters in the market so that you can have an easy time picking the most suitable piece that suits your needs. Take a look!
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10 Best Shoulder Holsters – Review
- 1. Best Overall Shoulder Holster: Aker Leather 101
- 2. Best Budget Shoulder Holster: Galco Classic Lite
- 3. Best Wear-Resistant Shoulder Holster: XAegis Shoulder Holster
- 4. Best Ambidextrous Shoulder Holster: UTG PVC-H175
- 5. Best Leather Shoulder Holster: Galco Miami Classic II
- 6. Most Comfortable Shoulder Holster: UTG Deluxe
- 7. Dual-Spring Shoulder Holster: Bianchi X15
- 8. Modular-Designed Shoulder Holster: Condor Shoulder Holster
- 9. Shoulder Holster with a Locking System: NcSTAR CV2909
- 10. Widely Compatible Shoulder Holster: Gould & Goodrich B804-G17
- How to Buy the Best Shoulder Holsters
- Conclusion
10 Best Shoulder Holsters – Review
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1. Aker Leather 101 (Best Overall) |
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2. Galco Classic Lite (Best Budget) |
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3. XAegis Shoulder Holster (Best Wear-Resistant) |
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4. UTG PVC-H175 (Best Ambidextrous) |
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5. Galco Miami Classic II (Best Leather) |
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6. UTG Deluxe (Most Comfortable) |
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7. Bianchi X15 (Dual-Spring) |
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8. Condor Shoulder Holster (Modular-Designed) |
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9. NcSTAR CV2909 (With a Locking System) |
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10. Gould & Goodrich B804-G17 (Widely Compatible) |
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PRODUCT |
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1. Aker Leather 101 (Best Overall) |
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2. Galco Classic Lite (Best Budget) |
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3. XAegis Shoulder Holster (Best Wear-Resistant) |
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4. UTG PVC-H175 (Best Ambidextrous) |
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5. Galco Miami Classic II (Best Leather) |
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6. UTG Deluxe (Most Comfortable) |
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7. Bianchi X15 (Dual-Spring) |
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8. Condor Shoulder Holster (Modular-Designed) |
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9. NcSTAR CV2909 (With a Locking System) |
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10. Gould & Goodrich B804-G17 (Widely Compatible) |
1. Best Overall Shoulder Holster: Aker Leather 101
Photo: Aker Leather
- Material: Leather
- Hand Orientation: Right
Taking the best overall spot is Aker Leather’s 101 because it offers the best quality and performance. For instance, it has a specially contoured design that keeps the gun storage centerpiece stable.
This prevents it from riding up to place the gun’s weight on the neck. Instead, it ensures this weight is squarely placed on the shoulder muscles. Additionally, the other side of the gun holder is a set of two magazine pouches, which help to distribute the weight for comfortable use.
The holster is made using fine vegetable-tanned cowhide leather that is very durable. This construction is fitted with adjustable tension screws on the shoulder straps, which allow you to fit chest sizes of up to 62 inches.
You also get multiple style options that can fit different firearm models such as the Colt 1911, Glock 17-27, etc., adjustable retention on the magazine pouches via 2 screws, and two color options: black and tan .
On the downside, the straps are not padded for comfortable use.
Pros:
Cons:
2. Best Budget Shoulder Holster: Galco Classic Lite
Photo: Galco
- Material: Leather
- Hand Orientation: Left, Right
- Weight: 16 oz.
Galco’s Classic Lite gives you good value for money because it is made using high-quality center-cut steer hide leather. It also has a vertical single magazine pouch for holding your extra rounds while balancing the weight of the horizontal gun pouch on the other side.
That said, this rifle pouch is designed to fit double-action revolvers and semiautomatic pistols, which include Glock 17 to 36 models. The unit is also available in left- and right-hand draw options, giving you a versatile design.
Other features include a clover-shaped Flexalon swivel back plate for holding all the shoulder straps together, adjustable tension screws on these shoulder straps, and a natural brown color.
However, the straps are not padded for comfortable use and you only get a single magazine pouch.
Pros:
Cons:
3. Best Wear-Resistant Shoulder Holster: XAegis Shoulder Holster
Photo: XAegis
- Material: Ballistic Nylon
- Hand Orientation: Ambidextrous
- Weight: 7.05 oz.
This shoulder holster is made using ballistic nylon material, which is a stiff and wear-resistant material that is durable enough for long-lasting use. Additionally, this material is quite thick for maximum sturdiness.
Aside from that, the unit features two modular magazine pouches and a modular magazine pouch that can be switched from the left to right. This gives you a versatile ambidextrous design.
The shoulder straps are padded for comfortable use and are adjustable with elastic sections at the rear for tight-fitting on any adult male. You also get a universal fitting gun pouch that can accommodate all pistols with 3.5 – 5-inch barrels.
Other features include quick-release buckles for removing the mag and gun pouches, adjustable/reversible thumb break snaps for securing your rifle, belt straps for securing the holster, and an adjustable elastic shoulder strap for comfortable fitting.
However, the locking mechanism (thumb break snaps) is not very quick when it comes to drawing your pistol.
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Cons:
4. Best Ambidextrous Shoulder Holster: UTG PVC-H175
Photo: UTG
- Material: Polyester
- Hand Orientation: Ambidextrous
- Weight: 16 oz.
UTG’s PVC-H175 consists of a modular ambidextrous design with the dual magazine and pistol pouches being attached to the straps via quick-release buckles. This setup allows you to exchange the two easily for switching between left- and right-hand use.
Additionally, the unit has a reversible thumb-break system on the gun holster that still works using your left or right hand, depending on if you have switched the pouches. This system secures your rifle and enables you to quickly draw your weapon.
As for the holster, it is large enough to fit medium to large pistols with laser/flashlight accessories attached. It also fits MP sub-machine guns and has adjustable Velcro to accommodate an Uzi rifle.
Other features are comfortably padded shoulders, fully adjustable straps to fit different body sizes, and belt straps for looping on your waistline.
On the downside, the unit is built using polyester, which is not as durable as leather. However, it is reinforced via double-edge stitching at pressure points to enhance durability.
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Cons:
5. Best Leather Shoulder Holster: Galco Miami Classic II
Photo: Galco
- Material: Saddle Leather
- Hand Orientation: Right
- Weight: 16 oz.
Galco’s Miami Classic II is built using fine and durable saddle leather material. This is smooth and polished cowhide leather that is vegetable-tanned for softness. As such, even though the straps are not padded, they are soft to the shoulders.
These straps are held at the rear using a clover-shaped Flexalon swivel backplate, which creates a uniquely beautiful spider-shaped harness.
You also get a gun pouch and magazine carrier at the ends of these straps, with the former being ideal for holding semiautomatic pistols. These help to balance the weight on both shoulders. However, the product is very expensive and is available in a right-hand orientation only.
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6. Most Comfortable Shoulder Holster: UTG Deluxe
Photo: UTG
- Material: Polyester
- Hand Orientation: Ambidextrous
- Weight: 12 oz.
With its wide padded shoulder harness, UTG’s Deluxe is very comfortable to use because this section is soft and distributes the gun’s weight over a large area. On top of this, the holster is fully adjustable, which allows you to fit it snugly on most body types.
That said, the holster is made using polyester material with reinforced seams and stitching for better wear-n-tear resistance.
On one side are two inverted magazine pouches that have hook-n-loop closures for quick reloading. The other side has a universal holster that can fit compact to full-size pistols and it also has a hook-n-loop strap for adjusting its length to accommodate the different sizes.
These pouches are attached to the straps via quick-release buckles that enable you to easily interchange them. This creates a modular design that is ambidextrous for left- or right-hand use.
The only problem is that the unit is not as durable as the leather-made holsters.
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7. Dual-Spring Shoulder Holster: Bianchi X15
Photo: Bianchi
- Material: Leather
- Hand Orientation: Left, Right
- Weight: 15.2 oz.
Bianchi’s X15 has a dual spring design that acts as a retention system to lock in your pistol. This allows you to run in the field without worrying about the piece falling off.
Additionally, the holster has a secondary retention strap with a thumb snap closure. This supports the dual spring to ensure your rifle does not fall out. That said, the gun pouch can fit several pistol models such as the S&W 36, 60, and 640, Walther PP, PPK, PPK/S, etc.
Aside from that, the X15 has a unique X-style harness that supports your pistol’s weight on one shoulder while holding it close to your chest. This harness is fully adjustable to fit chests of up to 48 inches in circumference.
Other features include left- and right-hand orientation options with all being built using high-quality full-grain vegetable-tanned cowhide leather. However, you don’t get a magazine pouch and the straps are not padded for comfortable use.
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8. Modular-Designed Shoulder Holster: Condor Shoulder Holster
Photo: Condor
- Material: Nylon
- Hand Orientation: Ambidextrous
This shoulder holster has its gun holster and magazine pouch attached to the shoulder straps via quick-release buckles, which give it a modular design. Essentially, this allows you to switch these pieces from one side to the other for ambidextrous use.
That said, the magazine pouch has 2 slots to fit in two mags while the gun pouch has a retention strap with double snap buttons for securing your rifle inside. It is also versatile enough to fit most medium to large size pistols.
More features include a padded shoulder harness for comfortable use and fully adjustable straps to fit on different chest sizes.
The only problem is that the retention strap on the gun pouch does not have reversible snap buttons for easy unlocking when switched to the left or right.
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Cons:
9. Shoulder Holster with a Locking System: NcSTAR CV2909
Photo: NcSTAR
- Material: PVC
- Hand Orientation: Ambidextrous
The gun pouch in NcSTAR’s CV2909 is fitted with a retention strap for securing your rifle. This has adjustable double thumb break snap buttons that allow you to fit in different pistol sizes, then lock them firmly in place so that you can walk or run comfortably.
A dual magazine holder is attached on the other end of the harness to hold extra rounds while balancing the weight of your rifle. This holder and the gun pouch are attached to the harness via quick-release buckles, which enable you to switch them for ambidextrous use.
You also get tie-down straps for securing the pouches to your belt and tough PVC material construction. The unit is also very affordable but the shoulder harness is not well padded for comfortable use.
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10. Widely Compatible Shoulder Holster: Gould & Goodrich B804-G17
Photo: Gould & Goodrich
- Material: Leather
- Hand Orientation: Right
- Weight: 14.4 oz.
Gould & Goodrich B804-G17 has a widely compatible design that fits multiple Glock pistols. These include the Glock 17, 19, 22, 23, 31, 32, 34, 35 and 39. An adjustable retention strap makes this possible by locking in at different spots to accommodate different pistol lengths.
A dual ammo carrier is included on the opposite end of the pistol pouch to hold two spare magazines close by while also balancing the load.
Other features include top-grain vegetable-tanned genuine leather construction, fully adjustable shoulder straps for perfect fitting, and a back swivel that attaches to all 4 straps to ensure they lie flat for perfect concealment.
However, the straps are not padded for comfortable use and the unit is not ambidextrous.
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How to Buy the Best Shoulder Holsters
1. Fits
Depending on the gun that you own, you should buy a holster that is molded to fit it. For instance, some units are better suited to fit Glock pistols while others have hook-n-loop straps or adjustable snap pins to accommodate different gun lengths.
Ultimately, the widely compatible one is better because you might replace your rifle later on.
Another aspect you need to consider is your body size. We recommend that you get a holster with adjustable shoulder straps in which the adjustment range is within your body measurements (chest and height).
2. Materials
It is very important to consider the material used to build the holster. Leather is used to make high-end pieces because it is durable and has a premium look/feel.
Some leather varieties like saddle leather are thicker, softer, and more durable. This material creates a comfortable, durable, and good-looking shoulder holster. For such, be sure to check out Galco’s Miami Classic II .
The only problem with leather units is that they can be quite expensive. You can opt for other materials like polyester, PVC, or nylon if you are on a tight budget.
3. Comfort
Following up on the material factor above, you need to ensure that the holster is comfortable to use because you will be wearing it for quite some time.
First things first, ensure it has double straps so that it balances your rifle’s weight on both shoulders. This is especially important if you have a heavy gun.
The unit should also have a wide and well-padded shoulder harness to sit over a wide surface on your body. UTG’s Deluxe fits this description and we highly recommend it.
4. Safety
A holster’s safety is primarily determined by its ability to secure your rifle and magazines. This is important because they might fall off as you walk or run when on the hunt. That said, you need to look for features such as hook-n-loop straps or snap pins to lock in your gun and ammo.
5. Concealment
Shoulder holsters are mostly concealed via the garment you wear over it such as a coat or jacket.
However, some features help to keep it well hidden in your coat, key among them being a swivel backplate. This is usually found in leather-made holsters and it attaches to all straps to ensure they lie flat on your backside.
For the front side though, a holster with small gun-and-magazine pouches will be easier to conceal. Also, ensure the straps fit snugly over your body.
6. Accessibility
Lastly, you have to be able to access your weapon/ammo quickly and easily for quick firing. This means you need to have the gun pouch positioned on the opposite side of your dominant hand for quick drawing.
As such, you need to check the unit’s hand orientation. If the holster is not intended for personal use, it would be better to get one with a modular ambidextrous design for easy switching of the magazine and gun pouches. A good example of this is the UTG’s PVC-H175 .
Conclusion
To sum it up, we recommend Aker Leather’s 101 as the overall best shoulder holster because it has a very stable specially-contoured design. This piece is made using high-quality vegetable-tanned leather with adjustable shoulder straps for comfortable fitting.
However, Galco’s Classic Lite is the most reasonably priced piece as it is built using leather and has a widely compatible pouch that fits multiple Glock pistols.
If you are looking for an ambidextrous piece though, check out UTG’s PVC-H175 . It has a modular design with a reversible thumb-break system that makes it very easy to switch from left to right-hand use and back.
