How to Properly Adjust a Shoulder Holster

Shoulder holsters are used to transport or conceal weapons so that they are positioned underneath your arm. Whether you are in law enforcement or have a license in your state to carry a concealed weapon, the shoulder holster needs to be properly adjusted for safety measures and to ensure the right fit for your body. Adjusting the holster can be done in a few short steps and once it is completed, you can have more confidence that your gun can be easily drawn.

Things You'll Need

  • Shoulder holster
  • Scissors
  • Phillips screwdriver
  • Straight blade
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the ammunition from the gun, including the chamber, to prevent injury from the gun firing.

    • 2

      Lay all of your components on a flat surface. This includes the shoulder strap, holster and magazine carrier. If you are right-handed, the holster should be on the left side looking down on the flat surface; switch sides if you are left-handed.

    • 3

      Ensure that the logo is facing right side up on the strap; this confirms the holster will not be adjusted upside down. Additionally, the thumb snap on the holster should be facing downward and the strap holders on the magazine carrier and the holster should be facing inward.

    • 4

      Insert the top strap that is on the same side as the holster into the holster's strap holder and slide it back through the horizontal slit going back outward. The finished side of the strap should be facing up. Repeat this step with the top strap on the magazine side and the bottom straps on both sides.

    • 5

      Adjust each strap so that you can try the shoulder holster on.

    • 6

      Insert your magazine in the holder and your empty handgun in the holster. The cross on the backside of the shoulder straps should be centered on your back and high near your neck.

    • 7

      Adjust each strap so that the holster and magazine carrier are level and 3 to 4 inches under your armpit.

    • 8

      Place your arm straight down the side of your body and measure the distance from the front of your arm to the handgun grip. This distance should be 2 inches, which makes it easier to draw.

    • 9

      Adjust the magazine carrier so that it is slightly tipped up and can easily be reached to unsnap and remove the magazine with one hand.

    • 10

      Screw the Chicago screws into the straps and cut off excess strap that you do not need. Excess strap on the rig can catch onto your clothing.