Best 1911 Shoulder Holster Reviews

After hours of research and testing dozens of different models, we found that the Galco Jackass Rig Shoulder System is still the best 1911 shoulder holster in terms of comfort, durability, quality, and popularity.

With a design that’s been sought after by law enforcement and savvy citizens since the 1970’s, a center cut steerhide harness with swivel connectors, and stylish Havana brown leather, this one obviously stands out from the crowd in a very good way.

It has the highest ratings of any 1911-compatible shoulder holster and the unique Flexalon swivel back plate with 4 pivot points gives it the most adjustable and versatile fit. Plus, it’s a fully modular system with an abundance of accessories, add-ons, and configurations to choose from.

Other Great 1911 Shoulder Holsters

Although the Galco Jackass Rig is slightly ahead of the pack in this category,  there are plenty of other options to consider. Before we introduce you to the rest of our top picks, here’s some important information you can use to simplify the decision-making process and learn more about this type of holster:

Advantages Of Shoulder Holsters Vs Other Kinds

You might be asking yourself “why would I want to wear a shoulder holster over all the other carry types?” Here are several reasons why many 1911 owners prefer shoulder holsters

Shoulder Holsters are Faster and More Convenient to Put On

You can hop out of bed and throw a shoulder holster on without even putting your pants on. This grab-and-go convenience is appealing compared to the hassle of putting on a waistband holster.

Shoulder Holsters are Better for People with Back and Hip Problems

With the weight of the gun higher up on the torso this is a great option for someone with lower back, hip, or groin problems.

Easier Access While Seated

Drawing your gun from a shoulder holster while seated in a vehicle is much easier than trying to reach below your seatbelt to access your waistband. However, there are some specialized vehicle holsters that might be more useful in these situations.

Shoulder Holsters Provide Better Weight Distribution for Heavy Guns

Since the straps go over both shoulders, the weight is more evenly distributed compared to the alternative of having the gun’s weight resting on one hip all day.

Drawing Your Gun is Less Obvious

You can cross your arms and quickly pull a gun out of your jacket without conspicuously reaching behind your back or towards your hip.

Integrated Magazine Carrying Ability of a Shoulder Holster

Most shoulder holsters include a magazine carrying compartment to expedite reloading. If they don’t come with them they are easy add.

Easier to Draw with Either Hand

It’s much harder to reach over your body and grab your opposite hip than it is to reach into the same side of your jacket. Also, many shoulder holsters allow for double carry, so you can have a gun on each side using only one holster.

Comfort and accessibility are the key benefits a shoulder holster offers, especially when you’re talking about carrying and concealing a long full-size handgun like a 1911.

Features To Look For When Comparing Shoulder Holsters

Not all shoulder holsters are made equal. In fact, the difference in design and functionality between models is often tremendous. These are some of the features and attributes you should be considering during your comparison:

• Horizontal vs Vertical – Some shoulder rigs position the holster so that the gun is pointed vertically, while others have the muzzle facing horizontal. It’s a good idea to try on several holsters of each kind and see which you’re most comfortable with, as this is mostly a matter of personal preference.

• Adjustability – The straps, pivot points, possible configurations, and compatible accessories will also vary with each model. Try to envision how you want your complete setup to function and then go for something that can accommodate your needs.

• Materials – Some people want something stylish like a Galco leather rig, while others are fine with nylon as long as the strength factor is there. Again, this is a matter of personal preference.

• Ease of Concealment – Some holsters are easier to see than others. In cold areas where you’ll constantly be wearing a large jacket this isn’t a problem, but if you live in a hot climate it would be a good idea to opt for something slim and easy-to-hide.

Tips For Using Your New Shoulder Holster

As with every firearm accessory, even the best shoulder holster needs to be used properly to ensure you’re benefiting from its inherent advantages while also staying safe. Here are a few things you should practice and look into further when your 1911 is becoming acquainted with your new shoulder holster:

Ensure the fit is snug and secure – put your unloaded weapon and ammunition in the holster when fitting it. The center of the back of the holster should be just below the back of your collar. Straps or pads should be positioned high on the shoulder, closer to the neck than the shoulder joint.

Your 1911’s grip should protrude two inches in front of the arm on the side of the gun for easier drawing. Magazine carriers and other accessories should be easily accessible. There should little to no movement of the holster when you walk or move back and forth.

Detailed explanation on how to fit your shoulder holster for maximum comfort and concealment:

Use the Tie Ons – People say tie ons are optional but in reality they should be used whenever possible. They keep the holster in a stable position, which is vital when you’re trying to draw in a hurry. Furthermore, the tie ons keep your gear from bouncing around when you’re running.

Learn how to draw your gun safely and properly – Drawing your gun from a shoulder holster in the wrong manner could put you at risk of accidentally discharging the weapon and shooting yourself in the arm.

Keeping your non-shooting hand under the gun when drawing puts your brachial artery in the line of fire during the draw. The key is to keep your free arm above the barrel of the gun, as shown in this instructional video below.

USCCA demonstrates how to safely draw from a shoulder holster:

Practice to see how it will respond to movement – Once you’ve got a snug fit and you’re aware of how to draw properly, it’s time to practice drawing, with an unloaded gun of course, in a variety of motions.

Stand in front of a mirror and draw the gun in different ways at least a dozen times and then check to see if the holster has changed positioned or loosened up. If so, address the fitting error and resume practicing.

Best 1911 Shoulder Holsters

Now that you know the main benefits of shoulder holsters, which features are most important, and how to use them, check out the our first pick and 4 next-best options behind our top choice of 1911 Shoulder Holsters:

	Product Name	Where to Buy
	Galco Jackass Rig Shoulder System
	GALCO MIAMI CLASSIC0
	UNDER CONTROL TACTICAL SHOULDER HOLSTER
	LINIXU DEEP CONCEALMENT
	GALCO VERTICAL SHOULDER HOLSTER SYSTEM

Galco Jackass Rig Shoulder System

We started telling you about why we love this shoulder holster rig. That said there are several other options you might prefer. Including a Galco legendary Miami Classic.

 GALCO MIAMI CLASSIC0

The closest option to the Jackass Rig is Galco’s Miami Classic, with a similar design that also incorporates the swivel back plate and spider harness. This shoulder holster has gained notoriety for being one of the best in terms of longlasting fit and comfort. It’s made of 100% full-grain leather and comes with an ammo carrier and a holster.

Features

• Has a vertical magazine carrier that can hold two mags
• Harness has points that pivot independently
• Galco’s trademarked Flexalon plate
• Available in left or right hand draw

UNDER CONTROL TACTICAL SHOULDER HOLSTER

The universal fit concealed carry shoulder holster from Under Control Tactical is quite a bargain considering its durability and features. It’s made of lightweight, waterproof nylon material that has proven its ability to withstand strenuous testing.

Despite coming from a lesser known brand this has become a surprisingly popular holster and is often mentioned alongside household names.

Under Control 1911 Shoulder Holster Features

• Adjustable shoulder straps for optimal comfort
• Compact yet large enough to accommodate all handguns, pistols, and revolvers
• Includes a dual flashlight/magazine pouch

 LINIXU DEEP CONCEALMENT

If you’re looking for a vertical carry system that can be effectively concealed without having to wear a thick top, the Linixu Deep Concealment shoulder holster is definitely worth considering.

Thanks to its flexible elastic strap and support band it can easily conform to any body type. This is one of the few shoulder holsters that can be worn under a regular T-shirt without being noticeable.

Deep Linixu 1911 Shoulder Holster Features

• Available in right hand and left hand draw
• Long velcro strip
• Single shoulder strap
• Available in three sizes: Medium (33”-38”), Large (39”-44”), and X-Large (45”-50”)

GALCO VERTICAL SHOULDER HOLSTER SYSTEM

If you’re a fan of Galco’s Miami Classic but would prefer something with a traditional vertical carry style, this would be an ideal choice. It features the same spider harness with the Flexalon swivel back plate and is available in black or tan.

This holster has been battle-tested in Afghanistan and Iraq and is currently in use by thousands of army personnel, law enforcement officers, and civilians.

Features

• Modular design is compatible with all the accessories you’d need.
• 4-point pivot system with each point moving independently
• Full grain leather materials of the highest quality – as should be expected from Galco
• Double ammo/flashlight carrying compartment

Best 1911 Shoulder Holster – Conclusion

With everything taken into consideration, the majority of experts will agree that the Galco Jackass Rig is most suited to accommodate the long barrel of a 1911 handgun.

It has a slight edge over the Miami Classic because the holster can be swiveled into a more diagonal position.  Allowing for the 30-degree upright muzzle angle that many 1911 owners prefer.

It’s also undeniably the sexiest rig of the bunch, with sleek, lightweight, and minimal materials that stay out of the way. Overall, the Galco Jackass Rig outperformed all of its counterparts in every essential category we mentioned above, including adjustability, ease of concealment, accessibility, quality of materials, and holster positioning.

Recommended Reading

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The Complete Guide to the Top 4 Concealed Carry Holsters

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