How to Wear the Sidewinder Shoulder Holster

Wearing a sidewinder shoulder holster is as much about personal comfort as it is about proper fit and placement. A sidewinder shoulder holster slides over one shoulder, with the gun tucked under the armpit and the gun grip facing forward. Various designs include chest straps to stabilize the pistol, a second shoulder strap for the opposite arm, as well as different materials, padding and similar design elements. Reliable access to the side arm, as well as the ability to move unencumbered, are the most important factors.

Instructions

    • 1

      Slip the gun side of the holster over the opposite shoulder from the firing hand. For right-handed shooters, the holster should sit under the left arm. For left-handed shooters, the holster should sit under the right arm.

    • 2

      Buckle chest straps or slip secondary shoulder strap into place, depending on the specific holster design. Adjust the straps so the pistol sits stable, with the grip facing forward and the barrel facing to the back.

    • 3

      Check the fit for freedom of movement without unnecessary restrictions. Arms should lift without overly disturbing the pistol's placement. Straps should not be so tight as to restrict normal movement.

    • 4

      Draw the pistol to check grip placement. The wearer should be able to easily remove the pistol with one hand, without raising the arm under which the pistol sits.

    • 5

      Walk, sit and move in a variety of motions to test gun stability, holster placement and overall comfort. The gun should not protrude from the front or back when twisting at the waist. The nose of the holster should not touch the waistline when sitting.