This Southern Trapper shoulder holster is one of my favorites. When I called the guys at Southern Trapper to have them create this special blue and grey holster for me, my intention was to use it with my bright blue Gold Cup that has the mirror finish. It turned out that I am using it with my nickel Government Model instead.
A really good holster can last a lifetime, and then some. When you find one you really love, buy two if you can.
A Custom Shoulder Rig
There are only a handful of custom makers still in business that I can speak to from personal experience. Southern Trapper is about as good as it gets, in my opinion. This particular holster is the most expensive shoulder holster I have ever purchased, but I know one thing for sure: it will likely be around long after I am gone.
Older Shoulder Holster Examples
Shoulder holsters are not just modern carry accessories. Some of the older examples have their own collector interest because of design, age, leather character, and the firearms they were built around.
Practical Takeaway
One word on shoulder holsters: practical. They are not always the fastest or simplest carry method, but they can be very comfortable with the right clothing and the right firearm.
Good leather is not just a way to carry a gun. It becomes part of the gun’s story.
Where This Fits in the Gun Leather Section
This article is part of my broader Gun Leather collection, where holsters, magazine carriers, vintage cases, and custom leather are viewed as part of the larger collecting story.
Each piece of leather says something about the firearm it was made for, the era it came from, and the way collectors actually use, store, and preserve their guns. From here, you can explore related leather pages and compare the different styles, materials, and purposes represented across the collection.
From My Bench
“Collectors often spend thousands preserving finish quality on older Colts and Smith & Wessons, then damage them with poor storage or cheap leather. These are the storage, leather-care, and preservation products I personally use around older blued firearms.”
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About Greg Cook
Greg Cook writes about firearms collecting, personal history, and the stories behind interesting guns. His Army MOS was 76Y, Unit Armorer, and he brings that practical background to his collector articles.