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How to Adjust & Size a Shoulder Holster

Shoulder holsters give the wearer the ability to carry a medium to large pistol and two spare magazines completely concealed. Shoulder holsters are designed to evenly distribute the weight of a pistol and two loaded magazines over the upper body of the shooter; they are generally comfortable and provide a shooter with easy access to the pistol. Adjusting and sizing a shoulder holster requires special considerations to the shooter's individual body type. Before fitting a shoulder holster, ensure that your pistol is unloaded.

Things You'll Need

Shoulder holster
Pistol
Two loaded magazines
Flat head screwdriver
Scissors or razor blade

Instructions

- 1
  Lay out the holster on a flat surface as if you're viewing the holster from behind. Have the shoulder straps form an "X" with the manufacturer's name right side up on the plastic disc intersecting the straps. Arrange the holster and magazine career with their loops towards the center.
- 2
  Slide the straps through the loops with the unfinished sides facing each other and the excess strap protruding from the loop closest to the body.
- 3
  Insert an unloaded pistol into the holster and two loaded magazines into the magazine carrier. Loaded magazines are necessary to compensate for the weight of the pistol during fitting.
- 4
  Put on your shoulder holster with the disc intersecting the straps riding high and centered on your back.
- 5
  Adjust the holster straps, so your pistol is level and hanging 3 to 4 inches beneath your armpit. Adjust the magazine carrier in a similar fashion.
- 6
  Extend your arm (that's closest to your pistol) downward. If fitted correctly, the grip of your pistol should be approximately 2 inches from the front of your arm.
- 7
  Install the retention screws with the screw face outward; if your model does not have screws than simply ensure that the straps are secure.
- 8
  Trim off the one excess strap with your scissors or razor blade.

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