UTG Deluxe Universal Horizontal Shoulder Holster

Annie went to town. Far concealment and washable.

I habitually carry a full-size service pistol – mostly a .45ACP 5” 1911, or a 9mm FN Hi Power, and once in a while a 9mm CZ 75B. All of these are normally carried in an IWB leather holster, such as a “Summer Special” clone. However, this mode of carry is not optimum when driving or when seated. I decided that I would like to try a shoulder holster, especially since cooler weather will allow for a more suitable covering garment. I didn’t want to spend $150.00 and up on a quality leather rig in case a shoulder holster didn’t work out for me, but when it was suggested I could buy a nylon shoulder holster quite inexpensively I decided to go with it.I chose the UTG holster because it carries the pistol horizontally and thus would be easier to draw (not having to awkwardly lift the pistol up vertically as with a vertical-orientation holster. Also, the construction using nylon straps suggested it would be easy to modify for any of my service automatics.I received the holster yesterday afternoon and immediately adjusted it to fit. This was quick and easy, as it fit pretty much right out of the packaging. All I had to do was slightly lengthen the muzzle-end suspension strap to get the pistol to ride horizontally.I would have preferred that the security strap would have been adjustable to pass between the hammer and the rear of the slide, but the 1911 and the Hi Power, which have essentially identical trigger guards, the pistols insert too deep into the holster for this. I ended up adjusting the security straps to pass beneath the tangs of these pistols, and this works for the CZ as well. I did not like the two-snap security straps, so I fitted the straps so that the closest snap to the holster end is the one that snapped, then I used a scissors to perform a snap-ectomy. A little heating with a Zippo lighter of the raw end sealed the nylon together after pinching the hot material in a pair of pliers. This modification provides for a perfect thumb break. See the included photo.I also secured the “floppy” ends of the adjustment straps with plain old black electrical tape. Works great.I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised. Although not particularly suitable for our Kentucky hot and humid summers (An IWB holster and a loose-fitting tee shirt work better then.), for cooler months and for driving this is a great solution. I think this holster performs every bit as good as an expensive leather version at 1/10th the price.

UTG Deluxe Universal Horizontal Shoulder Holster: Light weight, comfy, versatile. Great value. Although the holster and magazine are tailored and geared for a pistol semi auto and 2 separate magazines, I can fit a revolver and 2 speed loaders (made for a .38 spill or .357 cal) in the magazine compartment. If the speed loader bullets are larger than .357, the compartment might be too small. I fit a 2" , 38 spill in the holster itself, however I am certain a revolver of .357 three inch will fit as well, possibly even larger, as the holster is open tipped, not closed at the end. The holster has a strap combo of velcro and a snap button, so you could use either. I found the snap very sturdy and strong, too sturdy, that I prefer to use the velcro to open it when removing the gun from holster, or drawing in practice. Mine came in black color. The spare bullets compartment has a velcro strap you can strap to your hip waist belt to secure that side more firmly, and even has an elastic part so it is flexible as you move or bend. The gun holster side, though having a similar strap, does not have the elastic feature, so it is on the stiff side as a strap, I regret. PRO's: Light weight, shoulder pads are very wide, spreading the weight, thus less pain or less stress compared to heavy leather straps. CON's: Not as attractive as leather, harder to clean than leather, but can be hand washed, just be careful to dry off the two metal buttons to mitigate rusting. Has a few plastic pieces, but they seem strong. It seems better made for pistols than revolvers, a snub 38 does not feel as secure in it as could be, but you can adjust the strap to a better position and or tighter, but just remember that will affect where you can open via its metal clip on/off button or velcro, which you need to practice "drawing/removing" the firearm. Interestingly, because its clips can easily be removed, it makes me wonder why - perhaps it can be interchangeable, if I can find different holster sizes, etc., which can be a plus/pro. In terms of the mag holders, it was on the small side, so if you have a doubt stack and our larger caliber pistol, I wonder if it would fit or not; I fit one 5 round speed loader in each clip holder. One major tip/suggestion: Mine came tangled and twisted, at the holster strap, but if you slow down, look at it very carefully, you can like me, realize you do not need to un-do or remove the strap from the black plastic clip, which would be very difficult, so I simply un-clipped it, and "whalla", it became untangled. The worker at the factory might have tangled it. it's very adjustable with lots of velcro and snap buttons. Tip: If your gun is small, when removing it from your shoulders, ether remove the gun first or be extra careful and slow so gun does not slip/fall out, because smaller guns will be a wee bit loose in this ample holster. Day 2 with it, so far so good. Wish it came in other colors, and in leather. Thus far, I have only found one leather shoulder holster which I would like to test for comfort, Alien gear co, but they do not have one for revolvers yet. I have had severe pain on my neck and shoulders, therefore it was a big deal for me to find this one, lighter and engineered more comfortably for the neck and shoulders, and I'm surprised the leather holster companies have not engineered or borrowed the design from this UTG brand.TIP: Especially with semi auto's which have softer trigger than revolver - be careful when putting on, do not let long strap get caught/stuck in holster as you place gun in it else risk strap touch trigger and pulls trigger; Perhaps roll up the loose strap, tug it under, ir tie it down with a rubber band, to keep it away from the trigger. Check it in mirror if you carry all day. Good value, nice to be able to wash by hand. Like that I can fasten it down yo my belt.TIP: Upon donning on, use mirror, make sure velcro strap on gun, even center against weight, onto stock stick side, else if crooked - could result gun fall out; It works fine, just watch what you do.

I've been considering this holster for some time and finally made the decision to buy it. Here's the thing, I have several pistols, each with its own holster, and most I have to attach to my belt (paddle holster, etc.) They are not lightweight and pull down on my trousers when I put a pistol in them. They also print. I even have a belly-band holster, which is okay, but still not very comfortable. This shoulder holster by UTG is probably the best holster of all of them, and it fits every pistol I have. Extremely comfortable, very well constructed, and it's made in the good ole USA. It is also easily adjustable for either right or left draw. The only issue I see is trying to use it in the summertime with a T-shirt and shorts. Guess I'll have to rely on my belly band. If you are trying to make a decision on this holster, don't hesitate and just buy it

I got this more as a novelty to wear around the house, and to see if a real shoulder harness would work for me. It's good for that purpose, but not much else. It is comfortable enough. I holster my fancy 1911 in it along with two spare mags. However, the materials and construction are very cheap plastic and straps. My 1911 is pretty heavy, and expensive, so I am a little concerned that one day the little plastic ring holding it all together might break.I would recommend this harness/holster for a cheap novelty, or trying out this style of harness, however I would definitely not recommend it for actual use. I would absolutely not want to rely on this holster with my life.