I fully appreciate all the effort designers put into holsters, but when the cows come home (or the fat lady sings if you live in the city), the proof is in the pudding. Now, neck-deep in metaphors, I’ll cut to the chase; a finely crafted leather shoulder holster rules the day when packing a multi-pound chunk of stainless steel bear-repelling hardware.
Look, I get that city folk respect their CCW-IWB-OWB-APNDX carry holsters, but those people are moving from home to bus stop to office workstation. Me? I move from home to 4×4 to great big wide open Big Sky Montana. And my low density 41st State is jam packed with reasons to carry a hand cannon in a shoulder rig.
No products found. is a rock-solid supplier of some of the best holsters on this planet especially shoulder holsters among their over 250 offerings. But before we go too far into the holster, let’s look at the concept.
SKIP AHEAD
Shoulder Leather Holster
Shoulder holsters have been around forever with a Hollywood cred to back it up. From cowboy western to Dirty Harry, to Miami Vice, to Die Hard, to John Wick. If anything, the holster consuming public (which is no doubt every reader of this) may be a little gun shy when it comes to shoulder rigs due to nothing more than a lack of confidence and perhaps need. Shoulder holsters do extrude some serious gun creed that a belt-mounted holster cannot come close to unless accompanied by a flat dark earth thigh strap (if you know what I mean…and I know you do).
Shoulder Holster – Just What The Doctor Ordered
However, in my case a shoulder rig is just what the doctor ordered. And trust me…I’m a doctor. Obviously by now you know that Craft Holsters supplies an excellent array of holsters for both city and outdoor needs, not just bothering to sell low hanging gun fruit for simple carry uses and those complex ones that need a little explaining Craft Holsters delivers the goods on advanced needs too. As one who fits into the latter category of complex needs I find the Craft Holster shoulder option an outstanding variation that fits neatly between my belt rig and my heart-covering chest rig. Dare I say the best option?
The shoulder rigs by Craft Holsters are backed up with solid knowledge about the history and use of shoulder carry. Here’s the Craft backup on that intel, including a quick vid of how to draw from the shoulder rig.
The leatherwork of this gunleather is phenomenal. The numerous adjustments and locking screws allow a wide range of custom fits and carry options. The classic shoulder deployment is a cross-draw with the strong-side hand. It takes some practice to draw with the the support hand since the gun is carried below the support-side armpit. But if the shoulder rig is appropriately fit to the wearer, it will provide enough resistance to allow a gun to be pulled free even from a bit of a contorted angle. And speaking of fitting, the Craft Holsters Shoulder Holster has two belt loops that anchor the holster system to your body. The choice of using the belt anchors may depend on what you anticipate. For rough stuff, definitely strap in.
This Holster Delivers
Of all my carry choices, the Craft Holsters Shoulder Holster satisfies a wide range of carry needs. No matter the outerwear, the wearing of a backpack, or simply the need for a more covert option compared to a in-your-face-chest-presentation, the Craft Holsters Shoulder Holster delivers.
No products found. is composed of three main pieces. Obviously there is a gun container, followed by a strap system, and finally the accessories composed of two speed loader compartments.
The gun holding aspect is absolutely top notch! No seriously. I’m not overusing the exclamation point. The workmanship and fit is as good as it gets, and the snugness is so right that it took a bit of work out of the box to get the Alaskan and the leather to play well together. Once fitted, there is nothing more secure than this.
Now I know that reading between the lines some might worry that quality it is optional, but let me be clear that it took a moment to get the leather stretched, but after a few tries, the snap snapped and the leather locked in a perfect fit. I would not want it any other way! And you can take that exclamation point to the bank! That one too.
Also Read: G-Code Modular Holsters
The leather of the Craft Holsters Shoulder Holster is top notch. It wears well and provided ample security and fit, and will grow only better with age. The roll-out of the revolver upon deployment provides three levels of extraction.
Once the retention strap is popped free of its snap, the Alaskan can be slid straight free. If a 45-degree rotation is needed, then so be it. The Craft Holsters Shoulder Holster accommodates a quick low-angle deployment, as well as a massive 90-degree plus rotation out of the shoulder configuration if needed.
FAQs
Where is the Craft Holster made?
Craft Holsters has two locations, one in the United States and one in Europe. The holsters themselves are made in Europe.
Is this type of holster considered a concealed carry?
If it is strapped under a shirt or coat, then it would be a concealed carry.
What makes Craft Holsters different?
The leather work on their holsters is top notch, making them very good quality and a great holster. The company also backs up their work with a 5-year warranty.
Does Craft Holsters only make holsters for revolvers?
No. They make holsters that fit revolvers as well as holsters that fit pistols or a pistol and loaded mags. Depending on what you want to carry, you can choose between holsters that carry two pistols or holsters that carry one pistol as well as having magazine holders.
How do I break in a new leather holster?
Craft Holsters website does a fantastic job of explaining the process of breaking in a new holster, and it can be viewed by clicking here.
Is a Craft Holsters Shoulder Holster one size fits all?
No, they do come in different sizes, and if you need an entire rig custom made, their great customer service department is willing to work with you on a custom holster.
Verdict
No matter the need, the Craft Holsters Shoulder Holster will deliver. So think of being rolled in a tree-lined alley by a grizzly bear. Yea. That’s what I’m talk’n bout Willis!
The Craft Holsters Shoulder Holster is not just carried, but worn. It blends into your wardrobe and daily routine. The adjustments offer significant options to customize the fit, as well as presenting the firearm at the exact position you expect. And that’s a deliverable you can bank on.
Craft Holsters review verdict? Highly recommend Craft Holsters.
