Shoulder holsters provide an option for concealed or open carry when belt-mounted holsters just aren’t practical or comfortable. I’ve been searching for a shoulder holster that would allow the concealed carry of a full-sized handgun. The goal was rapid access and comfort during long road trips* or while backcountry hiking.
*Your best option, as I note during firearms training courses, when inside a vehicle is to stay in the car and use its mechanical and physical advantage to remove yourself from a deadly force situation. However, that may not always be possible.
In the movie Tombstone, Val Kilmer’s interpretation of Doc Holliday used a shoulder holster variant that did not position the handgun muzzle-down. This shoulder rig, which I was a fan of, positioned the handgun just above the beltline and nearly parallel to the ground. The handgun grip was positioned for easy access and a quick draw whether standing or sitting.
Chest Holsters From Craft and Falco
I was looking for a current-day equivalent of the Doc Holliday holster. It would need to accommodate modern semi-automatic pistols and revolvers, including those bearing various lasers or weapon lights. Craft Holster’s D109LR leather chest holster fit the bill and had a thumb break release. I requested a sample for my Smith & Wesson M&P M.20 Compact 9mm and received the nearly identical D113 Forester designed for Craft by Falco.
The Forester has a strap release system. It is designed for across-the-chest carry, combining the advantages of Doc Holliday’s holster with modern features. This holster also has a wide range of adjustability. Like other holsters from Falco or Craft, the Forester is constructed of fine Italian leather. It is hand-shaped and hand-colored, giving a custom-crafted appearance. They even provide a custom leather care kit to maintain your rig.
The Forester design features a total of three points of adjustment to customize the fit to the individual user. The primary supporting point is a wide leather shoulder strap is that loops over the left shoulder (for right-handed shooters) and around the neck, positioning the holster across the front of the chest. There is an adjustable nylon support strap that attaches to the shoulder loop. The support strap wraps around the front of the chest and buckles into place on the holster platform. With this design, belt loop attachment straps are not needed, greatly improving freedom of movement. The main strap also holds a single magazine pouch with a snap closure. The pouch’s position can also be adjusted on the strap.
Testing the Shoulder/Chest Holster
I positioned my sample holster to ride lower than modeled on the Craft Holster website. This position provides easier draw access and comfort while seated in a vehicle, including on long trips. No part of the seat or vehicle interior is pushing against the holstered handgun. Drawing is easy and smooth even with the retention strap.
To release the strap efficiently, simply reach down past the snap with your four fingers close together as you pull them toward the grip of your gun. When the snap is cleared by your fingers, you will find your hand perfectly positioned to complete the draw. Loose-fitting covering garments will conceal conventionally sized handguns carried in the Forester, although there may be an indistinct bulge in the front depending on your physical build.
Is a Falco or Craft Holster for You?
The Forester and the D109LR are multi-use holsters that could work very well for bush pilots, hunters or hikers. They are available for a wide range of pistol makes and models. The Craft D109LR and the Falco Forester shoulder holsters are available to fit various tactical lights, laser sights and red-dot sights. Craft and Falco can confirm via email if the holster you select will fit the device you choose to mount on your handgun. In my sample Forester, have been carrying my S&W with a Crimson Trace Green Railmaster attached. The MSRP for the Craft D109LR is $109. MSRP for the Falco Forester, which has several finishes available, is $189.
Sources:
Crafter Holsters: CraftHolsters.com
Falco Holsters: FalcoHolsters.com
