UTG Deluxe Universal Shoulder Holster
The UTG Deluxe Universal Shoulder Holster

By: RSOPerator

This lightweight, entry level holster by Leapers, Incorporated (UTG) is cleverly designed for both balance and functionality. The rig features nylon construction throughout, with woven nylon straps and polymer hardware to connect everything together. All of the components are fully adjustable by way of industrial Velcro and standard ladder locks.

The rig itself features a padded nylon shoulder harness with quilted stitching, which a nice touch on a low cost system like this. I found that once adjusted, the elasticized Velcro belt attachment straps at the bottom allow a snug yet comfortable vertical fit, even for my relatively small frame.

The universal shape of the holster will accept most popular semi-auto pistols & longer revolvers. I’m finding that this particular design fits both my Taurus PT-1911 (built on the Colt 1911 Officer frame) and my wife’s full sized Smith & Wesson M&P9 nicely. The reversible, dual snap, quick-release strap keeps the handgun inside the holster and proves to be reliable even with the weight of a fully-loaded steel-framed semi-auto.

The modular design of the holster and magazine carrier attachments allow for both left and right handed set-up simply by swapping the holster and magazine pouch, and reversing the direction of the firearm quick-release strap.

Opposite the holster is an inverted dual magazine pouch with Velcro closures. A word of caution: When accessing the pouches, loaded 1911 magazines tend to slide right out without help from the wearer.

So you say you are not keen on carrying the magazine pouch but would instead prefer to sport dual handguns a la Bruce Willis in “Last Man Standing”? No problem. UTG sells the handgun holster separately, so you can pick up an extra one and swap it in place of the magazine pouch. It’s a nice option for those of us who watch too many action movies.

The UTG Deluxe Universal Horizontal Shoulder Holster is available in Black (PVC-H170B) Army Digital (PVC-H170R) Olive Drab (PVC-H170G), and Woodland Digital MARPAT (PVC-H170E) and features a one-year limited warranty. At this time, it can be purchased for under $20 USD. Get the UTG Deluxe Universal Horizontal Shoulder Holster from the Amazon.com online marketplace.

As entry-level rigs go, I like it. It is an inexpensive shoulder holster that allows for relatively comfortable yet dependable carrying of a full sized semi-auto handgun, and that’s what I was looking for when I made my purchase. All that seems to be missing are some additional strap keepers to tidy things up. Overall, I give it 4 stars out of 5.

Review sample courtesy of my wallet.

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News Reporter
RSOP is the co-founder & Executive Editor of Radical Survivalism Webzine, as well as a Family Preparedness Consultant with over seven years of personal experience in the self-reliance game. RSOP's many preparedness roles within his own group include team mechanic, head of security, electrician, and project designer/engineer.