Shoulder Holster

Inspired by the iconic style of cinematic legends, from Miami Vice to Dirty Harry or that Yippe Ki-Yay NYPD detective, the Ares Tactical Shoulder Holster redefines classic carry with modern performance. This lightweight Kydex holster offers a sleek, durable upgrade over heavy leather or flimsy nylon designs. Handcrafted in the USA with American-made Kydex and Berry Amendment-compliant webbing, it’s built on over a decade of expertise from our founder’s background in military service, private contracting, competition shooting, close protection, and firearms instruction—ensuring a design that’s as functional as it is reliable.

Lightweight, Durable, and Customizable

Crafted from premium Kydex, our shoulder holster is significantly lighter than traditional leather, offering all-day comfort without sacrificing strength. Unlike nylon, it molds precisely to your firearm, ensuring a secure fit that withstands extreme conditions—heat, cold, or rain. Available in horizontal or vertical carry configurations, each holster features:

• Adjustable Retention: Fine-tune the draw with tension screws (updated for precision in 2019) for a personalized balance of speed and security.

• Optional Belt Tie-Down: A removable strap screws onto the holster, snapping to your belt for added stability—recommended for vertical setups. (Pro tip: Add threadlocker to secure screws post-adjustment)

Enhanced Balance and Versatility

Maximize utility with optional off-side accessories to balance your rig:

• Double Magazine Carrier: Keeps extra mags at the ready, counterbalancing the holster’s weight for comfort.

• Combo Magazine/Flashlight Pouch: Securely holds a magazine and tactical light, perfect for low-light scenarios. These additions ensure your gear stays accessible and evenly distributed, especially without a belt tie-down.

• Optional Handcuff Strap: Securely holds your cuffs or your keys and can be added to either magazine carrier.

X-Rig Harness Design

Our innovative X-rig shoulder harness evenly distributes weight across your shoulders, keeping the holster and accessories firmly in place during movement. Designed with insights from close protection and firearms training, it minimizes shifting, ensuring your firearm and mags are exactly where you need them—whether on duty or in a high-stakes moment.

Advantages for Tactical Carry

The Ares Tactical Shoulder Holster shines in specific scenarios:

• Seated Access: Ideal for vehicle use (e.g., strapped into a car seat), offering a faster draw than belt holsters.

• Concealed Readiness: Stage your hand discreetly under a jacket for inconspicuous carry.

• Ambidextrous Draw: Easier to access with either hand, perfect for dynamic situations or “bumps in the night.”

• Nightstand Ready: Keeps your pistol and mags instantly accessible for home defense.

Considerations and Training

Shoulder holsters require extra care compared to our Standard Belt Holster:

• Draw Safety: The design risks muzzle sweep during draw—practice diligently to ensure safe handling.

• Comfort: May strain those with back issues; test fit for extended wear. Though some with back issues say it is easier because of the balanced load you don’t get with a regular OWB holster. Training is key, and our founder’s firearms instruction expertise informs our recommendation: Practice regularly to master the draw and maintain safety.

Why Choose Ares Tactical Shoulder Holster?

• American-Made Quality: Crafted in the USA with Kydex and Berry-compliant materials for unmatched durability.

• Field-Tested Design: Built on real-world experience.

• Customizable Options: Tailor carry style, retention, and accessories to your mission.

• Over a Decade of Trust: Backed by Ares Tactical’s 10+ years of holster innovation.

Gear up for performance. Select your carry orientation (horizontal/vertical), add optional accessories, and customize your rig below. Questions? Contact us to ensure the perfect fit for your firearm and lifestyle.

We now offer A La Carte Shoulder Holster parts. These can be used with our harness or many other brands.
Pistol Carriers:

Magazine and Combo Mag & Light Pouches

Lead times and more FAQs can be found here.

Don’t forget to check out our Ready Ship page with dozens of holsters and mag pouches already made.