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Shoulder holsters are a specialized type of holster where the pistol is carried in a holster that is supported by straps or attachments carried around the shoulders. Shoulder holsters are best known for the role that they seem to play in most police or law enforcement shows.  Many TV shows or movies of that nature have increased the popularity of shoulder holsters by depicting the shoulder holster as a preferred method of carrying amongst police. In truth, shoulder holsters can be an excellent method of carrying a gun for certain situations.

Shoulder holsters are designed to carry a handgun in a holster that is generally suspended under the armpit. Some of the newer generation shoulder holsters that are made for long barreled or scoped revolvers across the chest, although the harness itself is still worn over the shoulder. The harness itself is usually made of a single or double loop that rides over one or both shoulders. The harnesses come in several different configurations including a full harness, half harness, or executive harness. The full harness has dual harness loops so one loops over each shoulder. The half harness has a single harness that loops over one shoulder. The executive harness is really only designed to support smaller handguns. It features a single loop that doesn't fully go over the shoulder and connects to the belt.

For the most part, shoulder holsters come in three different variations:

Vertical carry - In this style, the holster itself rides vertically on the body.  The muzzle of the handgun rides either straight up or straight down. In most cases, the muzzle rides in the downward position, but there are a select few models where the muzzle actually rides up towards the armpit. The models where the muzzle rides upward are generally restricted to small, short barrel revolvers like the S&W J frame series.

Horizontal carry - The holster itself rides horizontal to the body so the barrel points out underneath the armpit backwards from the body. This is probably the most popular style today as it will fit most any semi-automatic weapon.

Chest Carry - These are somewhat of a specialized shoulder holster where the holster itself rides in the front of the chest while it is still supported by loops that go over each shoulder.  This style is very popular for hunting revolvers that have a long barrel (over 6") or are equipped with a scope.

Shoulder holsters can be a good choice for handgun carry in certain applications.  For long barreled revolvers or hunting handguns equipped with optics, it may be the only choice.  For concealed carry, it can be very effective as long as you are prepared to wear a cover garment. The trick to shoulder holsters is being able to honestly evaluate your carrying needs and then determining if a shoulder holster will meet those needs.