Are they practical?  I think they look good, and may buy one after I get a 1911.. What would you guys say the pros and cons are?

They have there followers and they do have there uses. It is usually recommended that you stick with a SS hip holster as the best for personal protection in most cases. I myself carry this way 99% of the time. Whatever you choose makesure that you stick with that the most and practice. Changing up carry styles all the time is the worst thing you can do.

Seems like when it's cold and I'm wearing a coat, this would be the most comfortable way to carry.

They are nice under a coat and can have a relatively fast presentation, however they do require practice and are only good under faily heavy coats. they take some getting used to and you will always be aware it's there. I am aircrew for a sheriff's office here in fl and wear my usp45 in an uncle mikes verticle shoulder hoster. we wear them openly obviously and i am carring a big gun and two spare mags and cuffs and it is a bulky rig.

www.usgalco.com/Default.asp

edited to add the link to galco


If your are interested in them check out some of the best. Look at the miami classice by galco.

I have a lot of experience with that one and love it. galco makes several nice shoulder holsters that might well suit your need.

Also i only wear a nylon shoulder hoster on duty because i have to. if i had my choice it would be a galco maimi classic.

While shoulder holsters aren't quite the solution they seem to be on t.v., they do have their place.  I read an excellent article on the proper application of shoulder holsters, and I'll try to dig it up.  Basically, they're ideal if you are in a situation where you are most likely to need to draw from a seated position or are otherwise prevented from using a typical holster.  If concealment isn't an issue, and you are likely to be seated, then shoulder holsters are great.

BTW, the Galco Miami Classic IS great.  Can't beat that leather smell...

Viper Out