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Chest Holster Practicality

Atomterrible

New member
Joined
Feb 21, 2014
Messages
16
Location
Texas
I've been thinking through all the possibilities of where on the body is the most unobtrusive place to carry for every-day activity including driving, walking, and sitting. Hip carry is great for most things besides driving due to contour seats sometimes.

I like appendix carry for being easy to get to while driving, and I like shoulder holsters for being great for driving and are even less obtrusive for seat belts.

Then I realized that a chest holster combines the best of both car appendix carry and a shoulder holster.

The downside (a big one) is that it looks so goofy. But I like an unconventional approach to carry methods. I imagine that people start too small and too uncomfortable for maximum concealabity and work upwards until they're comfortable.

I'm trying to go as practical and comfortable as possible (however ostentatious!) and work the opposite direction.

http://clarkforkleather.com/?q=holsters/chestholster

I've been pocket-carrying my G19 for 4 years now and am one anxious Texan awaiting January 1.
 
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Firearms Iinstuctor

Regular Member
Joined
Jul 12, 2011
Messages
3,428
Location
northern wis
I use one for my big hunting revolvers or when wearing chest waders my back packing buddy wears his 10mm in one while wearing a pack.

They have their place and usefulness.
 

deepdiver

Campaign Veteran
Joined
Apr 2, 2007
Messages
5,820
Location
Southeast, Missouri, USA
Then I realized that a chest holster combines the best of both car appendix carry and a shoulder holster.
I can see the argument in support of chest carry. The carry convenience described plus you are not sweeping everyone like you do in a shoulder/cross draw. Between holster positioning and blading towards the BG, there may be no sweeping. I'm sure someone would argue that there is still some degree of risk in a CQC situation with a BG to get stuffed and blocked on any cross draw, even this one, but this is only a partial cross draw as opposed to shoulder/crossdraw holster.

So yeah, I can see the attraction to the idea and the usefulness in many situations.
 

skidmark

Campaign Veteran
Joined
Jan 15, 2007
Messages
10,444
Location
Valhalla

Atomterrible

New member
Joined
Feb 21, 2014
Messages
16
Location
Texas
I can see the argument in support of chest carry. The carry convenience described plus you are not sweeping everyone like you do in a shoulder/cross draw. Between holster positioning and blading towards the BG, there may be no sweeping. I'm sure someone would argue that there is still some degree of risk in a CQC situation with a BG to get stuffed and blocked on any cross draw, even this one, but this is only a partial cross draw as opposed to shoulder/crossdraw holster.

So yeah, I can see the attraction to the idea and the usefulness in many situations.

At least in a BG situation, it's not under your arm but high on your front. That seems like easiest space for you to control during a grapple versus lower front for appendix or nearly behind you for a shoulder holster.

The mindset behind why most people use one anyway is:
I'm going to be moving around a lot, putting straps on myself, and I don't care how this looks.

Once OCers stop caring about public perception, I like how people think practically. Seems like the perfect solution for OC for all purposes besides maybe hugging someone.
 
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Charlie Zulu

New member
Joined
Apr 16, 2013
Messages
1
Location
Georgia
I don't use it for EDC but I have 2 holsters from Rob at Simply Rugged http://www.simplyrugged.com/
Using his "Chesty Puller" straps will transform the sourdough pancake holsters into a chest rig, best place to carry for me when hauling a backpack.

Not the most beautiful holsters, but top quality Herman Oak leather, molded, and well made, and versatile (3 belt slots allow for strong side, crossdraw, or attaching the chest straps.)
 
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