Hunting rigs...how do you tote them into the fields?

[crowbarforge]

I have a Ruger BH in .45LC with a 5 1/2" bbl. I am also er, ah, dimensionally challenged around the middle. A belt and holster rig just do not stay where they used to 20 years ago. How do you folks carry your hand guns into the deer woods? I used a shoulder/front chest carry rig many years ago with a Redhawk 7 1/2" .41 Mag. and it worked well.

I already have a box full of holsters that didn't work, I didn't like or the gun is long gone. I will await your recommendations...

[Mtnfolk75]

crowbarforge,

I'm in the same dimensionally challenged neighborhood ..... [smilie=s: I have gone to a Chesty Puller Rig from Simply Rugged for my woods roamin', ATVn' & Jeepin' Roscoe.
Works really well for my current 4" K-Frame, but also worked just as well for all my prior woods roaming Roscoes ( 6" Model 28 S&W, 5.5" Blackhawk in 45 Colt to Glock 20 in 10mm and everything in between ). Like they say " Try it, You will like it .... " ......:bigsmyl2:

[rintinglen]

depending on just how manly your physique is, a Miami vice rig may work well for you. I am in the 2XL range myself, and find them quite comfy. If your arms are bit on the stubby side though, they may not work so well.
http://www.kbarjleather.com/holsters/chestlongbarrelx.jpg
This is a K Bar Leather rig. My friend Dave, a fine, full-figured fellow (like 300 pounds full) has one that he loves for a SBH. They aren't cheap, but appear to be really well made. Do a Google search for chest holster and you'll find a bunch of these type of holsters. Pilots seem to like them a lot. Expect to pay some wheres around 150-200 bucks for a leather rig like this.

[FlatTop45LC]

I use a Sourdough holster with a Chesty Puller System from Simply Rugged.

Rob Leahy is good people.

[**oneshot**]

I use a bandoleer style with a drop belt loop to attach my belt. I've never had an easy time carrying a pistol in a belt holster for hunting, too much clothing in the way.

[Cornbread]

I use a shoulder harness or one that my pack strap slides through. I am not sure what you mean by dimensionally challenged though. Does that mean you are short? I'm 6' and am about 5lbs over my optimum weight. I should be 185, and I'm 190. Working on getting that squared away and back down into the low 180s sooner rather than later. That said I have no keester to speak of and hip holsters pull my trousers down when I hike so I attach them to my pack belt instead, or I wear an under arm shoulder holster that points straight down. When I have it adjusted right it works really well. I use it a lot when I am hiking, bird hunting, or bow hunting up here in grizzly country.

[Fergie]

All through hunting season, and the month prior to it, I carried my Ruger RH .44 mag in a 7x Leather chest Rig.

With the weight of the pistol, and extra ammo(6), as well as a 40 pound ruck, I did not actually notice the pistol was there during my hikes. Also, I was able to keep the entire rig on whilst in my truck and did not have to worry about a belt rig getting in the way of a seat belt.

I was very pleased and the cost was well worth it.

I can get pics later if folks are interested, but I would give Wes my money again.

[crowbarforge]

Fergie...how would I get a hold of Wes? I will check out the offerings form Simply Rugged. Thanks friends.

[wlc]

I've got a chest type holster for my Ruger SRH Toklat in 454C. Bought it from a local maker, Diamond D leather.
It's called the guides choice. Not cheap, but worth the money. http://www.diamonddcustomleather.com/Chest_Holsters.php

[bobthenailer]

Since all my hunting handguns use a red dot sight or a scope , I use Uncle Mikes, Bandolier shoulder holster about $43.00 from Midsouth.

[doc1876]

I like a back wards draw flap. " military style "

[725]

I made an over the shoulder rig. Hangs behind me when traversing brush, under the arm (almost to the belt) at most other times and swung around to my chest (stomach) when sitting or preparing to draw. Simple, ugly, homemade, & the most effective transport that fully protects my handgun from the ravages of hunting. Can wear it under a generous coat or fully on the outside, depending on my momentary whims.

[Djones]

I made this last year for my 5.5" SBH 44. I have since stained the leather a redish brown and added a buckle to be able to quickly take the rig on and off.

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt124/duckwhackercmon/356B7845-902E-4F48-9E71-579C211C8A60.jpg (http://s604.photobucket.com/user/duckwhackercmon/media/356B7845-902E-4F48-9E71-579C211C8A60.jpg.html)

This holster took me maybe 2 hours to put together. I am very pleased with it.

[Dan Cash]

Take a hip holster that you already have on its own gun belt and add an over shoulder strap aka Sam Browne style. The gun will stay put and won't be in the way of lifting items as is the across the chest rig and won't wear on you like a shoulder rig.

[pietro]

.

When I'm actually hunting, the pistol stays in my hands; when dragging (a deer), or climbing, the best rig,I've found is the Bianchi 4100/4101 Ranger H.U.S.H. (HUnting Shoulder Holster) ballistic-weave Cordua Nylon cross-chest bandolier.

(The 4100 is for unscoped pistols; the 4101 fits scoped pistols - there are several models of both, to fit various guns & bbl lengths)

It's silent, (leather creaks at inoportune moments), and is available for both scoped & unscoped handguns, with a retention strap and/or a holster flap.

http://images2.opticsplanet.com/755-405-ffffff/opplanet-bianchi-ranger-hush-rh-system-holster-rh-system-flap-14254-14275-main.jpg

.

[Thumbcocker]

+1 on simply rugged chesty puller.

[crowbarforge]

Nice work there DJONES....I like that Bianchi HUSH too....Now I gotta clear off the workbench and get busy.

[Fergie]

Fergie...how would I get a hold of Wes? I will check out the offerings form Simply Rugged. Thanks friends.

Well, it appears his website is not running right now. Let me find a business card of his and I can get his phone #.

Edit: Found a different way in to the site.
http://www.7xleather.com/chest_holster

[Blammer]

I usually carry it in my hand, in case I jump a deer. :)

[crowbarforge]

Blammer...good idea there.

[Beagle333]

http://7xleather.com/yahoo_site_admin/assets/images/DSCN1452.4374518_std.JPG
How does she draw it left handed?

[hpdrifter]

contortionist

[Djones]

I'm waiting around in a tree this morning. I've only seen squirrels so I thought I would post an updated picture of my rig.

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt124/duckwhackercmon/1F583A23-9BCC-4D89-88A1-92BB2F2DB638.jpg (http://s604.photobucket.com/user/duckwhackercmon/media/1F583A23-9BCC-4D89-88A1-92BB2F2DB638.jpg.html)

[Low Budget Shooter]

djones, that looks good.

[MtGun44]

Crossdraw works both afoot and on horseback.

Bill

[Djones]

I've done a lot of horse breaking and riding when I was younger but never did much shooting off their back.

[charlie b]

Yep, chest rig. Have carried everything from a 14" bbl scoped Contender to a PPK clone in chest rigs. Comfortable and relatively easy to get to.

Simply Rugged has some great selections (and prices). I usually make my own but I have to think twice when I look at their stuff, especially the cost of leather these days.

[MT Gianni]

Hip holsters on a fanny pack. I use belt keepers from an old Sam Browne belt you can get at any police supply store or catalog.I have a Bianci X-15 shoulder holster but find it too hard to get to in colder weather.

[trickyasafox]

I'm a plus-size fellow, and I've had good luck with old duty holsters that drop the gun slightly away from the body around 3 o'clock (9 if you are lefty). I find this doesn't interfere with my tree-stand harness as much as the chest rigs

[Charlie U.]

.

When I'm actually hunting, the pistol stays in my hands; when dragging (a deer), or climbing, the best rig,I've found is the Bianchi 4100/4101 Ranger H.U.S.H. (HUnting Shoulder Holster) ballistic-weave Cordua Nylon cross-chest bandolier.

(The 4100 is for unscoped pistols; the 4101 fits scoped pistols - there are several models of both, to fit various guns & bbl lengths)

It's silent, (leather creaks at inoportune moments), and is available for both scoped & unscoped handguns, with a retention strap and/or a holster flap.

http://images2.opticsplanet.com/755-405-ffffff/opplanet-bianchi-ranger-hush-rh-system-holster-rh-system-flap-14254-14275-main.jpg

.

I use the same Bianchi chest holster that Pietro does. It does add quite a bit of bulk up front with a 9 1/2" scoped super redhawk so when I'm stand hunting I sometimes dispense with it and carry the revolver in my pack then keep it in had while hunting.

[Combat Diver]

For my 10"/14" TC Contender I use a Uncle Mikes shoulder holster. All my other (numberous) shorter guns go on the belt with a OWB holster at the 4 oclock position.

CD

[Markbo]

I use all sorts. Handgun hunting usually involves large, sometimes scoped handguns. Those ride in chest holsters. Uncle Mikes, HUSH, T/C, FA. Use them all. Smaller revolvers ride in crossdraws. My go to carry gun while rifle hunting is a .32 H&R single six. Anything with a short barrel rides thefe nicely. 1911s & SAAs tend to ride in strong side belt holsters. There is no one right way for me. Kind of like tools ride in different parts of a tool pouch :)

[Djtjr]

+1 for Wes Daems at 7x leather. Great service and product. Don't even feel my revolver on me.

[contender1]

Ok, I'll throw in a different maker & thoughts.

Doc Barranti makes one of the most comfortable, easy to wear rigs out there for bigger guns that I've ever tried. I own several T/C Contenders, Super Redhawks, Redhawks, Freedom Arms, & Ruger SA's.
Doc's "Northwest Hunters" rig is the best by far. These are custom rigs & not cheap, but they are top quality & will make you smile when you wear one.
check out www.barrantileather.com

I hunt long & hard with a handgun a lot. So far, it's been the best I've worn.

[Geezer in NH]

I will vote cross front shoulder myself. Fat and been there dude, I hate when my gun belt slides down past my hips. Almost at weight when I can use a gun belt (thank you diabetes) That by they way is the only benefit of the diabetes.

[nickE10mm]

http://i1253.photobucket.com/albums/hh585/nickE10mm/Survival%20Sheath%20Chest%20Rig/e648adee-9c8b-43de-a0ff-dd2fe28cfd06.jpg (http://s1253.photobucket.com/user/nickE10mm/media/Survival%20Sheath%20Chest%20Rig/e648adee-9c8b-43de-a0ff-dd2fe28cfd06.jpg.html)

[Lefty Red]

http://7xleather.com/yahoo_site_admin/assets/images/DSCN1452.4374518_std.JPG
How does she draw it left handed?

I have stared at this picture for a long time and can to the conclusion......it doesn't matter!! :)

[Fergie]

The story that I read(told be Wes), was that his wife(in the pic) was in the pose to try and get decent muzzle flash picture. It was also to demonstrate that his rigs can fit petite frames, and XXXXL frames.