NcStar Horizontal Shoulder Pistol, Double Mag Black Review

The NcStar Horizontal Shoulder Pistol, Double Mag Black Made a Bold First Impression

The NcStar Horizontal Shoulder Pistol, Double Mag Black promises a lightweight and ambidextrous concealed carry option at an incredibly accessible price point. As someone who’s spent over a decade evaluating tactical gear, I was intrigued to see how this budget-friendly holster stacked up against higher-end competitors. My initial thought was whether NcStar could deliver a functional and reliable product at such a low cost.

I was looking for an affordable and comfortable shoulder holster for situations where open carry wasn’t practical, but I still wanted quick access to my sidearm. I needed something that wouldn’t break the bank but could still offer a reasonable level of security and concealability. Upon unboxing, the NcStar Horizontal Shoulder Pistol, Double Mag Black immediately struck me as incredibly lightweight, almost deceptively so. The PVC material felt thin, and I was concerned about its long-term durability.

Compared to a Galco Miami Classic or a DeSantis New York Undercover, the NcStar offering felt considerably less substantial. I picked this holster over a generic nylon universal model primarily because of the dedicated double magazine pouch and the adjustable thumb break, hoping for a more secure fit. While initially surprised by its featherweight construction, I remained cautiously optimistic, eager to see how it would perform under real-world conditions. At first glance, the holster seemed smaller than I anticipated.

Real-World Testing: Putting NcStar Horizontal Shoulder Pistol, Double Mag Black to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the NcStar Horizontal Shoulder Pistol, Double Mag Black at an indoor shooting range to assess its accessibility and comfort. I wore it under a light jacket while practicing drawing and re-holstering drills. The range environment was relatively controlled, but the high-repetition drills pushed the holster to its limits.

The holster was tested with both a Glock 19 and a smaller Glock 26. The holster was clearly designed with compact to mid-size firearms in mind. Even though it was indoors, the air conditioning added a dry, cool environment that tested the grip of the holster. After getting used to the draw stroke, the NcStar Horizontal Shoulder Pistol, Double Mag Black worked well for controlled practice.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of moderate use, the PVC material began to show signs of wear around the thumb break and magazine pouch edges. The stitching, while initially appearing adequate, started to fray slightly in high-stress areas. My main concern became the long-term durability of the adjustable straps, as they seemed to be the weakest point in the design.

Maintaining the NcStar Horizontal Shoulder Pistol, Double Mag Black is relatively simple; a damp cloth is sufficient for cleaning. After repeated use, I would compare it to my experience with a significantly more expensive leather shoulder holster, but the NcStar offering is far from its level of quality. Considering its price point, I wasn’t expecting it to be a lifetime investment. For regular use I still use a custom leather rig that is specific to the carry gun.

Breaking Down the Features of NcStar Horizontal Shoulder Pistol, Double Mag Black

Specifications

• The NcStar Horizontal Shoulder Pistol, Double Mag Black is designed to hold medium to large handguns, but it performs best with compact and subcompact models. This makes it more suitable for everyday carry guns like Glock 26 or Smith & Wesson M&P Shield.
• It’s ambidextrous, allowing for both right and left-hand draw. The ambidextrous design is great for flexibility, but compromises some of the tailored fit of a dedicated right- or left-hand holster.
• Constructed from tough PVC material. The PVC material keeps the cost down, but sacrifices durability and comfort compared to leather or nylon alternatives.
• Features a double magazine holder attached to the shoulder harness. The magazine holder is convenient for carrying extra ammunition, but its placement can affect the overall balance and concealability.
• Equipped with an adjustable thumb break for various size pistols. The adjustable thumb break offers some versatility, but might not provide the securest retention for all handgun sizes.
• Utilizes double thumb break snaps for optimum pistol security. The dual snaps improve retention reliability, but require more deliberate action when drawing the weapon.

Performance & Functionality

The NcStar Horizontal Shoulder Pistol, Double Mag Black functions adequately for its intended purpose – concealed carry of a handgun and spare magazines. It works best with smaller, lighter guns that do not overburden the lightweight PVC material. The main weakness is the relatively flimsy construction, which affects long-term durability.

The design aims to provide quick access, but the draw stroke feels slower and less fluid compared to higher-end holsters. It does meet basic expectations for concealment, but the overall comfort is compromised by the inexpensive materials and lack of padding. The shoulder harness and mag pouches can be a little bulky.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality reflects the low price point. The PVC material feels thin, and the stitching is not particularly robust. It is, however, very lightweight, which enhances comfort for short periods.

The NcStar Horizontal Shoulder Pistol, Double Mag Black has a moderate learning curve. The adjustable straps need careful fitting to achieve a comfortable and secure carry.

Durability & Maintenance

Given the materials used, the NcStar Horizontal Shoulder Pistol, Double Mag Black is not designed for heavy use or harsh conditions. The PVC will likely crack or tear over time, especially with frequent drawing and re-holstering.

Maintenance is simple, but the holster requires careful handling to prevent damage. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is all that’s needed.

Accessories and Customization Options

The NcStar Horizontal Shoulder Pistol, Double Mag Black does not come with any additional accessories. Customization options are limited due to the basic design and construction. You can’t easily add lights, lasers or other items.

It’s not designed to be compatible with accessories beyond standard magazines. Any modifications would likely compromise the holster’s integrity.

Pros and Cons of NcStar Horizontal Shoulder Pistol, Double Mag Black

Who Should Buy NcStar Horizontal Shoulder Pistol, Double Mag Black?

The NcStar Horizontal Shoulder Pistol, Double Mag Black is perfect for individuals on a very tight budget who need a basic concealed carry solution for occasional use. It is also suitable for airsoft players. It is also a decent choice as a temporary or backup holster.

This product is not ideal for law enforcement, security professionals, or anyone who requires a highly durable and reliable holster for everyday carry. It’s also not suitable for anyone carrying a full-size firearm that would overburden the holster’s construction.

There are no must-have accessories for this holster, but investing in higher-quality magazines might improve the overall experience. Adding some padding could increase comfort.

Conclusion on NcStar Horizontal Shoulder Pistol, Double Mag Black

The NcStar Horizontal Shoulder Pistol, Double Mag Black is a budget-friendly option that offers basic functionality for concealed carry. Its low price makes it accessible to a wide range of users, but its limitations in durability and security should be considered. While the price is very attractive, do not expect top-end performance.

The price is justified for what it offers – a simple, lightweight shoulder holster. However, if you can afford to invest more, a higher-quality alternative is recommended for long-term use and peace of mind.

I would recommend this holster to those who need a very inexpensive concealed carry solution and understand its limitations. The NcStar Horizontal Shoulder Pistol, Double Mag Black offers a starting point, but serious users should consider investing in a more robust and reliable option. If you are tight on cash this is a decent choice.