Handgun hunters (holsters)

[Midohhntr]

Hey all, I may be using one of my Rugers for hunting when gun season rolls in. Just wondering about holster options people
like. I'm favoring a cross draw because of comfort while sitting. (and I occasionally get up and walk around) I have a shoulder rig for my Blackhawk that fits both. but wearing a blaze orange vest is a problem, and with a bulky jacket. Same with a chest rig, it would cover too much of the vest. It can't be concealed under the vest. I looked at the drop down belt rig but while it looks appealing would put too much weight on my belt and i don't care for wearing suspenders.

[Bazoo]

I carry my Blackhawk 4 5/8” daily, including the times I’ve hunted with it, in a simply rugged sourdough pancake holster.

Perhaps a bandoleer rig? I guess that would cover a lot of orange eh?

[pworley1]

I like the over the shoulder cross draw for hunting.

[Midohhntr]

Perhaps a bandoleer rig? I guess that would cover a lot of orange eh?
Now there's an option I haven't looked at ...

[NSB]

For forty years I hunted deer exclusively with handguns during the firearm season. I’ve tried and owned a LOT of different holsters during that time. The best I’ve owned is DiamondD rigs. https://www.diamonddcustomleather.com/products/guides-choice-chest-holster
They are a handmade custom fit rig for your gun and are highly adjustable for your size and build. They can be worn inside your coat, under your vest, or inside your coat. They are a super high quality rig meant for the serious handgunner. A bit pricey, but actually a good value when you factor in the exact fit for your gun and the means to carry to suit your clothing, build, and the weather. Check them out.

[Wheelguns 1961]

I use a bandoleer rig, and wear it over my jacket but under my vest. No one would think that it was trying to be concealed. When I get to my spot, it comes out of the holster anyway.

[Ramjet-SS]

For forty years I hunted deer exclusively with handguns during the firearm season. I’ve tried and owned a LOT of different holsters during that time. The best I’ve owned is DiamondD rigs. https://www.diamonddcustomleather.com/products/guides-choice-chest-holster
They are a handmade custom fit rig for your gun and are highly adjustable for your size and build. They can be worn inside your coat, under your vest, or inside your coat. They are a super high quality rig meant for the serious handgunner. A bit pricey, but actually a good value when you factor in the exact fit for your gun and the means to carry to suit your clothing, build, and the weather. Check them out.

This right here it’s one of the best options for hunting guns. There are several makers of chest rigs even Simply Rugged makes a rig for his holsters. His and DD are the best.

[georgerkahn]

Hey all, I may be using one of my Rugers for hunting when gun season rolls in. Just wondering about holster options people
like. I'm favoring a cross draw because of comfort while sitting. (and I occasionally get up and walk around) I have a shoulder rig for my Blackhawk that fits both. but wearing a blaze orange vest is a problem, and with a bulky jacket. Same with a chest rig, it would cover too much of the vest. It can't be concealed under the vest. I looked at the drop down belt rig but while it looks appealing would put too much weight on my belt and i don't care for wearing suspenders.

OK -- I have a leg that went bad (smashed knee / accident) and NEED a cane. Fortunately, the bad leg is my right, so cane is held/used with left arm and I shoot right handed. Added, since the leg went out I put on a few excess pounds. What didn't work for me were pretty much all options 'cept the chest (cause I didn't have one) and the cross draw seemed the best option. BUT -- add up my now overhanging belly and the need for good suspenders plus raiment to keep me warm and dry... I was at a loss re what might work best. A kind-of-mentor to me, an old (now deceased :() farmer and friend had similar gut with two working legs. What did Leon use? Bion, he got a Cowboy style holster complete with the leather tie strap to secure holster bottom to his leg!
I tried it... my firearm of choice is a Lipsey .45acp/.45 Colt revolver and it is a perfect fit in a holster designed for a longer-barrel single action six! After trying it I found I have NO impediment from clothes -- including the orange vest -- nor my cane getting in the way -- nor difficulty in carrying my 1894 Winchester either as ready, or slinged over my shoulder.
What I do...
geo

[Gtek]

Normal daily carry is at 3-4 O'clock depending on which platform, that doesn't work shouldering a rifle. The shoulder rig fixes that and I cannot believe Johnny Law would bust on you for covering arm pit down, if it did, write me the ticket!

[j p sixguns welldone]

check ringler leather von has a rig that is sort of convertable.

[stubshaft]

I carry my Blackhawk 4 5/8” daily, including the times I’ve hunted with it, in a simply rugged sourdough pancake holster.

Perhaps a bandoleer rig? I guess that would cover a lot of orange eh?

I use the same rig for my Lipsey Flattop 44 Special with 5 1/2" barrel.

[Castaway]

If carrying my 7 1/2” barrel, I do cross draw for ease of drawing and sitting. if toting a 4 3/4” barrel, I just let it hang on my strong side.

[Midohhntr]

Thanks all for the suggestions, I like the chest rigs and looked into them a few years ago and I still might consider that option, it and the bandolier style. I have an old "Uncle Mike's sidekick" for my 45 and used it in the crossdraw position many times and it is convenient except for the grip sticking out. My shoulder rig doesn't have enough adjustment in it to wear over a possibly bulky jacket, and the snap pops open on it's own sometimes. I'll deal with the vest situation somehow.

[georgerkahn]

... and it is convenient except for the grip sticking out.....

That, my friend, was the major challenge to/for me! My friend Leon brought it to my attention that "97% of the time" the revolver will be used for shots with the revolver out and ready -- e.g., waiting for the deer to appear. The other small percentage will be for "just shootin', like target" or, God forbid, signalling if lost or in distress. No "quick draw" shootout with Bambi :). Again -- for me -- the Cowboy leg holster provides quick access to my revolver without the impediment of its grip being an impediment.
What I use...
geo

[Midohhntr]

306619
I may have solved the problem...now to see if it has enough adjustments to fit over my jacket and tree stand harness. I just slipped the holster portion through the arm of the vest...and to get those damn snaps to stay closed.

[Midohhntr]

That, my friend, was the major challenge to/for me! My friend Leon brought it to my attention that "97% of the time" the revolver will be used for shots with the revolver out and ready -- e.g., waiting for the deer to appear. The other small percentage will be for "just shootin', like target" or, God forbid, signalling if lost or in distress. No "quick draw" shootout with Bambi :). Again -- for me -- the Cowboy leg holster provides quick access to my revolver without the impediment of its grip being an impediment.
What I use...
geo

I've considered that style as well... everything down low below the coat and nothing to bind movement.

[Electrod47]

For forty years I hunted deer exclusively with handguns during the firearm season. I’ve tried and owned a LOT of different holsters during that time. The best I’ve owned is DiamondD rigs. https://www.diamonddcustomleather.com/products/guides-choice-chest-holster
They are a handmade custom fit rig for your gun and are highly adjustable for your size and build. They can be worn inside your coat, under your vest, or inside your coat. They are a super high quality rig meant for the serious handgunner. A bit pricey, but actually a good value when you factor in the exact fit for your gun and the means to carry to suit your clothing, build, and the weather. Check them out.

I Second this.

[curioushooter]

306630

I really like this holster I made a few years ago. This is for a 6.5" N-Frame. It's patterned off a so-called WWII tanker holster. Great when in a sitting position (very common when I hunt). Puts the weight on the shoulder not on the waist. It's very securely retained yet very quickly drawn.
s

[JoeJames]

My holster is an old M3 shoulder holster I modified by soaking in water to fit my Lipsey FT BH 4 1/2" in 44 Special. Added a cartridge slide from Wolf Ears and I am show to go.

306631

[Rapier]

When hunting with a handgun, I carry two, a single shot in a hip flap holster and a 44 revolver in a shoulder rig, with a spring clip. I carry the 44 in case I get into a group of hogs. I usually move to my position guns in holster. Once in position the single shot comes out.

[lar45]

I use a BFR Bandoleer holster. Works great for all of my single actions.

[lar45]

I use a BFR Bandoleer holster. Works great for all of my single actions.
https://shopkahrfirearmsgroup.com/bfr-bandolier-holster-havanna-brown-with-belt-strap/

[thadfz]

Pistol packaging ‘bandito’ rig is really good. Very good price too

[LeonardC]

I agree with the posts concerning Diamond D Leather, made in Wasilla, AK! That "EXACT" fit for your firearm is a big draw for me. I carry a Dan Wesson .44 V8 in mine and it fits and wears great. The Wife has one for her S&W 329; the nice lady at the shop helped her set it up so it works around her physical limitations. Quality products from nice people.

I have one of their Denali Chest Holsters for my any weather set up. Made of Ballistic Nylon. Various sizes to fit most guns (not the big Smiths). Mine carries a Ruger SRH just fine. The last 2 summers have been VERY wet and it's nice to be able to carry something that's not bothered by the weather.

Edit: Diamond D makes a very nice hip holster that can be had in a drop down set up. I haven't worn one yet, but the holsters look nice.

[contender1]

I hunt with a handgun as much as I can. I've done so since the mid 1980's.

I own a very nice "Simply Rugged" chest rig that is very nice.
I have a "Diamond D" leather chest rig and it too is very nice.
Both of those chest rigs are adjustable & can work for many applications.

I also have a few cross draw holsters,, and they too have their place.

But I harken back to a fine gentleman who was well known & highly respected. Skeeter Skelton,, may he RIP!
He made a comment often; "Next to my doctor,, my holster maker is the most important man I know."

Well, I found a gentleman many years ago,, who makes holsters. And I, along with many others,, gave him the nickname of "Doc" BECAUSE of Skeeter and how well his holsters are made. Mike "Doc" Barranti,, of Barranti Leather,, makes the absolute finest rigs I've ever seen, used & worn. Better in MY eyes than the Simply Rugged, and the Diamond D.
His leather is heavier & stronger. It FITS the gun, but best part is the comfort & balance his holsters offer. The first one I ever saw & tried on was a chest rig called his "NorthWest Hunter"! It felt so good to me,, AND it's ability to balance a full sized Super Blackhawk made me a believer that day. I ordered mine.
Now,, I own several of Doc's rigs and holsters.
Not cheap, but TOP quality never is.
When placed side by side to the others,, you can see the obvious differences in how they are made & the overall quality.

Bar none,, I've yet to find anybody,, custom or not,, that matches Doc's work.

And I happen to be good friends with a custom leather shop owner. Yet even his work isn't as good.

The only downside,, is the wait for a rig. You most likely won't get one in time for this season.

[RJM52]

In looking for about the same style of holster for hunting season I came across these... They are made to fit almost everything, inexpensive and American made... Bought five of them in different sizes and can carry anything I own that I would be hunting with from a 1911 to a scoped Contender...
https://www.ebay.com/itm/390549720973?hash=item5aee93cf8d:g:h0kAAOSwxDBe8K4 6&amdata=enc%3AAQAHAAAA4FZkjU8PTdRY%2BXVn1ccup2dk2vn a74pcyT%2FwRN9lkINX%2FNMOfYuaOIBpxx3VG1edXLom1GGTF 1CtWn4QuHaQBtVFeVmBYFj%2B%2F4uQPHma3NrSJtsAplypXi7 k93BKxeA9NfbcCdptovfZ9xQLULNtjPR4I8GZudHP1gNXkNsD7 pD0QGDX1CWd19dxPhLD36UYaZ%2BZ7il11L8k1Vwgp31u%2FvC Pii5HVarRiqmthEmPrLgfO2flP4gGvZOfv79SMacIWg0tV4nnk %2BwlbJlETunxDpZeVg1arWVzkpsfaw3FWBRn%7Ctkp%3ABFBM 9u_qxoth

[Midohhntr]

In looking for about the same style of holster for hunting season I came across these... They are made to fit almost everything, inexpensive and American made... Bought five of them in different sizes and can carry anything I own that I would be hunting with from a 1911 to a scoped Contender...
https://www.ebay.com/itm/390549720973?hash=item5aee93cf8d:g:h0kAAOSwxDBe8K4 6&amdata=enc%3AAQAHAAAA4FZkjU8PTdRY%2BXVn1ccup2dk2vn a74pcyT%2FwRN9lkINX%2FNMOfYuaOIBpxx3VG1edXLom1GGTF 1CtWn4QuHaQBtVFeVmBYFj%2B%2F4uQPHma3NrSJtsAplypXi7 k93BKxeA9NfbcCdptovfZ9xQLULNtjPR4I8GZudHP1gNXkNsD7 pD0QGDX1CWd19dxPhLD36UYaZ%2BZ7il11L8k1Vwgp31u%2FvC Pii5HVarRiqmthEmPrLgfO2flP4gGvZOfv79SMacIWg0tV4nnk %2BwlbJlETunxDpZeVg1arWVzkpsfaw3FWBRn%7Ctkp%3ABFBM 9u_qxoth
I seen those, look good for my needs.

[RJM52]

Personally I can't see spending $100-250 on a dedicated chest/shoulder holster system unless you are "living the life".

To tie up that kind of money for a holster that will see the light of day 2-10 days a year can be better spent...

Bob

[Jester560]

I know I'm a little late to the party but....here is my $.02.

I recently bought a Tucker Gun Leather DC4 hybrid chest holster. This thing is so nice and comfortable. Well worth the price. It is leather covered kydex.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20221111/986ec91690f8ee067f0a2c44d5beb8fd.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20221111/94d73a7e2fc38fd9dad33f40bbb4a025.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20221111/e796f3d5b5447b2e847a26bda5851535.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20221111/14677726b1676afc20fc8625284d9914.jpg

Sent from my SM-G986U using Tapatalk

[contender1]

"Personally I can't see spending $100-250 on a dedicated chest/shoulder holster system unless you are "living the life".

To tie up that kind of money for a holster that will see the light of day 2-10 days a year can be better spent..."

I know many people feel this way, and it's understood.

But if you are an actual hard hunter,, and you spend a lot of time in the woods or do trips etc, you will appreciate QUALITY equipment. Not just your holster.
You will spend hundreds on a gun. You will spend a lot on ammo & supplies to shoot. (Serious hunters practice a lot.) You will spend a lot on all sorts of stuff to go hunting. And many will spend a lot on a long distance trip to hunt. It amazes me that people will spend a lot on such things then try & cheap out on a piece of equipment that can & will prove it's worth in the field. Buy a gun worth hundreds, then put a cheap scope on it. Plan a trip to hunt, then never practice except to shoot a "pie plate at 100 yds & call it good."
I prioritize my activities.
I do not drink, or smoke. But I used to see people daily in our family owned convenience store who'd waste money weekly on just those (2) things. Yet, they were always scrimping & such or doing without other stuff to "have their beer & cigarettes."
My point to that is all of us can look at our lives & find ways to set aside a little extra & use it for good stuff that will last AND work as we need it to.

My Barranti holsters get used. Try climbing mountains chasing bear dogs trying to get to a bear. You want a holster that will secure your handgun, AND be comfortable while doing that.
Go on an elk hunt, and spend days going up & down mountains.
Backpack in & around mountains or swamps etc hunting deer or whatever, and when you realize the gun is not causing back pain, or always shifting, banging, or in general, being a nuisance, BECAUSE you have a quality holster rig, the money spent will be fully appreciated.

I often tell folks a story of how I relate this.
I USED to use a lower quality set of binoculars when hunting. I USED to think; "Those XYZ brands weren't worth the money." Well, I won a set of very good quality set of binos at the SHOT Show several years ago. Boy was I WRONG!!! Top quality glass has made a huge difference in hunting for me. Even the guy who works for me,, tried a set of good glass he borrowed from me. He's the kind to do as I used to do. Buy cheaper stuff calling it good. I almost had to whoop up on him to get them back.
And my Barranti NW Hunter rig,, my 7-1/2" .45 Colt SA revolver has enjoyed it's well designed home. And I enjoy the fact it's comfortable & doesn't hurt my back or flop around when climbing laurel thickets trying to get to bears or dogs.

I know many people scoff at such expenses. But I like to say; "Buy once, cry once. Then smile later when you realize you did the right thing."

[NSB]

Personally I can't see spending $100-250 on a dedicated chest/shoulder holster system unless you are "living the life".

To tie up that kind of money for a holster that will see the light of day 2-10 days a year can be better spent...

Bob

It’s like anything else in life: buy within your means and how important is it to you. Most people set priorities with things they buy. Some won’t spend money on a good scope but will buy the most expensive car they can find. It all comes down to how bad your needs are and/or how much do you want it. The OP didn’t say he was on a tight budget or really didn’t care what it cost. He was looking for recommendations. We could be talking about scopes here and we’d be getting the same kind of answers. I’m liking some of the different suggestions regardless of price.

[Ramjet-SS]

1.)Gun
2.) glass
3.) ammo
4.) holster

Money well what you spend is your deal but all 4 of these are vitally important.

[Ramjet-SS]

Personally I can't see spending $100-250 on a dedicated chest/shoulder holster system unless you are "living the life".

To tie up that kind of money for a holster that will see the light of day 2-10 days a year can be better spent...

Bob

Not sure where you are going with this but honestly that’s a confusing statement. So if you can afford a good solid holster to protect and carry your $500-$1000.00 dollar hunting handgun your some sort of 1%? Lol

Access and retention are key.

If you wear pack chest holsters do the job very well. Secure retention and easy safe access. Worth every penny invested.

[Midohhntr]

I'm sure all those that were suggested have there good points, but most of my hunting is done out of tree stands (I do occasionally walkabout)...when gun season comes in, week after Thanksgiving here in Ohio, I've experienced all kinds of weather from blowing snow with temps in the teens (I remember one opening day back in the mid 80's) to temps in the 60's and driving rain or sunshine. I do like the chest rigs the best by far, and if it comes to spending money the 100-150 dollar rigs aren't out of my range. But I think for this season I may go with a simple cross draw, preferably with a flap..
I appreciate all the comments it certainly opened up some discussion..:smile:

[murf205]

Here is the solution I came up with. I got the long shank swivel stud from Uncle Mikes and tapped the aluminum rod in the butt that stabilized the grips on my Ruger SRH. Then I attached a swivel to the stud on the butt with a thin flat blued washer and got a shotgun sling that has a loop on the barrel end to go around the barrel and passes through its self. Works fine under a coat or on the outside in warmer weather.306734 No need for a holster. Never carried a hunting handgun as effortlessly.

[725]

Galco chest rig. Under your coat / over your coat - it adjusts.

[725]

Galco chest rig. Under your coat / over your coat - it adjusts.

[Ramjet-SS]

check ringler leather von has a rig that is sort of convertable.

That’s a name I have not heard for many years. John Linebaugh had great things to say about his holsters.

[lar45]

306761
Money well spent

[JustinP]

I can't comment on it yet because it won't be here until next week.
But I ordered a chest rig from https://paradisevalleyleather.com/ for my .357 revolver with a 6-1/2" barrel, open sights.
I opted to try this because I wanted it when I wear a backpack or a lumbar pack.
To me it was the lowest profile leather setup I could find.
I was already skeptical about having something hanging on my chest, so I wanted to make sure it was out of my way as much as possible.
It still remains to be seen how it works for me, but it sure looks like they do a fine job of making them.

306767

[elmacgyver0]

I like holsters, here is my Encore holster.306770306771306772

[rintinglen]

Say Elmac, what harness do you use for your contender?

[elmacgyver0]

Say Elmac, what harness do you use for your contender?

I never got around to making one for it.
I have only gone deer hunting once, back in 2007 so the holster only got used once.
I had to hustle just to get it done in time for the hunt.
I need to get back on the stick and design the shoulder harness for it.
At the time I just used a shoulder strap from a range bag.

[psweigle]

I use an old police belt and holster for my .357 Blackhawk. It has the cartridge loops, so I have different ammo choices on hand. And the magazines for the 77/357 rifle fit in the pouch which is a nice bonus.

[Naphtali]

Hey all, I may be using one of my Rugers for hunting when gun season rolls in. Just wondering about holster options people
like. I'm favoring a cross draw because of comfort while sitting. (and I occasionally get up and walk around) I have a shoulder rig for my Blackhawk that fits both. but wearing a blaze orange vest is a problem, and with a bulky jacket. Same with a chest rig, it would cover too much of the vest. It can't be concealed under the vest. I looked at the drop down belt rig but while it looks appealing would put too much weight on my belt and i don't care for wearing suspenders.Am I missing the gist of your problem? You require a holster for hunting only when you are wearing blaze orange in the form of a vest? If this is accurate, have you considered having a heavier cloth or leather pouch sewn to your vest that functions as your holster? About the only additional support needed might be sewing Velcro® strips around holster's shoulder and nape of neck of and vest-hunting coat to maintain hoster-vest to its proper location on your coat. When not wearing vest, "holstered gun situation" reverts to however you carry it during off-season.

Hope this helps.

[RJM52]

"Personally I can't see spending $100-250 on a dedicated chest/shoulder holster system unless you are "living the life".

To tie up that kind of money for a holster that will see the light of day 2-10 days a year can be better spent..."

"I know many people feel this way, and it's understood.

But if you are an actual hard hunter,, and you spend a lot of time in the woods or do trips etc, you will appreciate QUALITY equipment. Not just your holster."

..and I agree 101%. If one lives an outdoor life all the time hunting and fishing one should invest in top quality for comfort, speed and durability.

Friend of mine was going elk hunting a few years ago...got a G29/10mm and a top of the line chest holster. Once back home he decided he didn't like the G29 and now has an expensive rig with nothing to ride in it...

I'm just saying for the once a year for week hunter, the money can be better spent..

Bob

[Ramjet-SS]

"Personally I can't see spending $100-250 on a dedicated chest/shoulder holster system unless you are "living the life".

To tie up that kind of money for a holster that will see the light of day 2-10 days a year can be better spent..."

"I know many people feel this way, and it's understood.

But if you are an actual hard hunter,, and you spend a lot of time in the woods or do trips etc, you will appreciate QUALITY equipment. Not just your holster."

..and I agree 101%. If one lives an outdoor life all the time hunting and fishing one should invest in top quality for comfort, speed and durability.

Friend of mine was going elk hunting a few years ago...got a G29/10mm and a top of the line chest holster. Once back home he decided he didn't like the G29 and now has an expensive rig with nothing to ride in it...

I'm just saying for the once a year for week hunter, the money can be better spent..

Bob

I get this I truly do however it’s so important to have a quality holster not only for comfort and convenience but safety as well. I see way to many junk cheap ho,tees without any device to secure the weapon end up dumping that weapon on the ground or worse an accident.

Left over holsters I agree any gun enthusiast has box of those darn things…..maybe this forum should have a section in the for sale just for holsters I bet it would go over quickly and be very popular. I could add many quality rigs to it……….:-P

[elmacgyver0]

Sometimes you just like to have nice things, even if you don't use them much or ever.

[charlie b]

I made a vest that had a holster built in. As long as the vest fits well it works nicely. If it is loose like a jacket the gun 'flops' against the chest as you walk. What I found better was to use a regular chest rig under the vest/jacket and have a slot to draw from (or snaps on the jacket/vest).

PS when I want a specific holster from a mfg (like my Milt Sparks holster) I pay for the quality. But, most of the time, I make what I want just because I usually do not use them much.

[JoeJames]

Sometimes you just like to have nice things, even if you don't use them much or ever.

That sounds a great deal like some of my gun purchases.

[Anchorite]

I use a BFR Bandoleer holster. Works great for all of my single actions.
https://shopkahrfirearmsgroup.com/bfr-bandolier-holster-havanna-brown-with-belt-strap/

That looks like an awesome set up. I use an older Uncle Mikes vertical shoulder holster. Most often I’m hunting with my NMSBH 44 or M29 - both work for this holster.

Another option may be what Gary Reeder is offering now. Basically a clip-style around the cylinder and open style. Maybe worth checking out on his website. FWIW.