Ever Carry a Ridiculously Large Pistol?

Gunnut17 · August 10, 2012, 05:22 PM

HK MK23, Desert Eagle, Glock 17L, SW 500, ever carried one of these or the like?

If so, how did you carry it? Shoulder rig, IWB, AWB, maybe even ankle holster?

Just wondering, because I couldn't imagine this being done with any of the guns previously mentioned.

10-96 · August 10, 2012, 05:31 PM

I tried to carry a 4" S&W Model 28 for 2 weeks just to see if it could be done with any comfort at all. I only tried a Bianchi and Safariland paddle holster, but after 2 weeks- I didn't want any more of that business. Carrying is not a foreign concept to me- I carry a 13lb duty belt for a living. I'm not saying this as a balnket statement for everyone, but bigger ain't better.

Creeper · August 10, 2012, 05:57 PM

Way back when...

When I was into pistol hunting, I carried a scoped, IMI MkVII .44 mag Desert Eagle with 14" barrel in a custom chest holster. All up, it weighed as much as some rifles... perhaps nearly 7 lbs.

Cool at the time... looking back, kinda silly.

Cheers,
C

sigcurious · August 10, 2012, 05:58 PM

The 17L really isn't that large. It just appears that way due to the proportions.

Example

Model 92fs 17L
Height 5.4" 5.43"(same as the 17)
Width 1.5" 1.18"
Length 8.5" 8.85"

Standard 5" 1911s are also between 8-9" in length I forget the exact number.

armoredman · August 10, 2012, 06:02 PM

Yes.

I carried a 6 inch Smith Model 29 in a shoulder holster MANY years ago, was quite uncomfortable and not practical. I was pretty young and cocky at the time.

I knew two gentlemen who carried 357 Desert Eagles, both in vertical shoulder holsters, one in Vallejo California and the other in Tucson. Both were BIG guys, and the guns disappeared quite easily. I don't believe I would try it.

wayneinFL · August 10, 2012, 06:15 PM

I've carried a scoped 44 Redhawk with an 8" barrel hunting. I used a shoulder holster. Would have been just as easy, probably lighter, to carry a 44 carbine.

WV_gunner · August 10, 2012, 06:18 PM

Still haven't carried a handgun, but I own a rather large pistol. Technically it's a rifle, legally it's a pistol. Drako 7.62x39 AK pistol. I can only imagine how many would call the police if I carried it.

temmi · August 10, 2012, 06:42 PM

When I hunt I carry a Super Redhawk Ruger in 480 Ruger...

That is a big gun

Snake

sgms · August 10, 2012, 06:57 PM

When pistol hunting, in a shoulder or chest rig, a 7 1/2 inch Ruger Super Blackhawk or 10 , 12, or 14 inch Thompson Center usually in rifle calibers.
Sometimes for CCW it might be S&W model 10 in 3 or 4 inch or a 4 inch S&W model 15, 19, 65, or 66. I like the Bianchi pistol pocket in side wast band holster at a 5ish carry for these. All though most often the revolver is a light weight pocket pistol like a 642 Smith in a pocket holster.

Hook686 · August 10, 2012, 07:07 PM

In Winter in rural areas, where I wear a coat, and in the outback camping I have carried a Desert Eagle, S&W 6-1/2" 629, S&W 7-1/2" 629 Light Hunter, and a 5" S&W 627. These were carried under a coat, or wind breaker in a shoulder holster, hip holster, or bandoleer holster.

In urban areas I have carried the 5" 627 and a 4" S&W 686 in a belly band, but not the bigger handguns. Again with a jacket the 629, or 627 would work in the shoulder holster under some circumstances.

I have also carried the 4" 686 and a Glock 19 in a fanny pack style waist carry camera style bag. If it is what I have, I can figure a way to carry it. To me the important thing is, "Don't leave home without it."

Mayor Al · August 10, 2012, 07:10 PM

Does this count? The Charter Explorer II..World's Ugliest 22 cal. pistol. Lightweight, but no balance at all and impossible to carry without a HAN SOLO Phaser (BLASTER) Leg Holster !!!!

But it does draw comments where ever I take it !

Kreyzhorse · August 10, 2012, 07:16 PM

I'll carry a 686 S&W with a 6" barrel during hunting season. That is a hell of a big gun to lug around in the woods but I can manage it.

CCW on the other hand is a bit harder. I've done it, but you really have to dress around it. A big jacket or a pair of coveralls will help but if I had to get the gun out of its holster quickly, I'm pretty much screwed.

Creeper · August 10, 2012, 07:38 PM

Quote:

But it does draw comments where ever I take it !

That is the cutest pistol I've ever seen!

Had the survival rifle version of that years ago... one day, the barrel split open like a coconut.

C

jglsprings · August 10, 2012, 07:56 PM

Thompson Contender... 16 inch 44 mag.

http://www.google.com/imgres?num=10&...r:7,s:19,i:160

Google search...

These pictures are pretty close to what I used.

Venom1956 · August 10, 2012, 08:33 PM

Quote:

HAN SOLO Phaser Leg Holster

Star Trek uses Phasers!

Han Solo uses a BLASTER! BlasTech DL-44! GOD!

I've always wanted one of those explorer pistols to play with!

just to customize and tinker with... I've gotten mixed reviews about the craftsmanship tho?

Creeper · August 10, 2012, 08:40 PM

Quote:

I've always wanted one of those explorer pistols to play with! just to customize and tinker with... I've gotten mixed reviews about the craftsmanship tho?

They used to have all sorts of sidewalk commando stuff for the rifle... collapsible wire - pistol grip stocks, forend heat shields... Most all that would fit a pistol I'd imagine

I bought a rifle in the '70s... no idea about quality now days. I've seen new rifles, but to be honest, I've never seen a pistol in person.

C

Mayor Al · August 10, 2012, 08:53 PM

Guys, Trust me, It is a P O S ! A $200 P O S , but that still makes it what it is. Fun to talk about, but not something to really depend on.
It does shoot, I will say that. However in my 70 year old hands I would be lucky to hit a Sumo wrestler at 20 ft distance.

Wyosmith · August 10, 2012, 08:59 PM

My regular CC for many years was a 6 1/2" M- 24 S&W in a pancake holster over my right kidney area with the holster and barrel inside my right hip pocket.
I carried that 44 SPL all over the USA for about 12 years, including places that were "verboten" and was never even looked at.

I am not tall, but I am pretty wide and have less than 5% body fat. So I guess my back was flat and wide enough to make a full size N frame S&W disappear.
I only had to pull it out 2 times in all those years, and I never had to fire a shot.

But I do remember the reaction of those folks around me when it “appeared”, and it caused the trouble makers in both instances to decide that another course of action might be a MUCH better idea.

Creeper · August 10, 2012, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mayor Al

However in my 70 year old hands I would be lucky to hit a Sumo wrestler at 20 ft distance.

It's still fun to look at.

Hope your barrel stays in one piece... but then, my 16" barrel split about 2 inches behind the front sight.

C

481 · August 10, 2012, 09:41 PM

Back in the mid-90s, I tried to carry a Desert Eagle in .44. I came to my senses 20 minutes later and the pistol was unceremoniously relegated to a locked case in the trunk 'til I could get it back home.

Oh, to be so optimistic again.

Creeper · August 10, 2012, 10:01 PM

I think at some early point in the lives of most gunners, we try to do something really, really stupid. In the 70s, there were things that I did that, by all rights, I should have been arrested for... at the very least.

These days, when I see a post about someone who's "common sense filter" is not yet fully matured, I try and remember what it was like to be young, ignorant and loaded with an excess of testosterone.

Cheers,
C

BIG P · August 10, 2012, 10:41 PM

Yes and still do some times,Ruger SRH 454,T/C Encore 16'' in 7mm-08

Edward429451 · August 10, 2012, 11:08 PM

I carry a 7.5" 44 Mag camping. It's not anything that I have or ever would carry in the city, but with the expensive cross-chest holster, it works and is comfortable.

I want to get a similar holster for my newish RBH. This one will carry the gun lower than the one I have now. It is the Doc Holliday holster and 185 bucks, ouch.

SRH78 · August 11, 2012, 07:33 AM

Not concealed but carry a 7.5" Super Redhawk 454 in a regular hip holster out in the woods.

**Tom Servo** · August 11, 2012, 08:10 AM

I carry a 4" S&W K-Frame regularly. Depending on holster and clothing, it's not as hard as most people seem to think.

I expect Jim March to chime in any moment on his carry choices

August 10, 2012, 05:22 PM	#1
Gunnut17 Junior member Join Date: April 21, 2012 Location: Kitsap County, WA, USA Posts: 445	Ever Carry a Ridiculously Large Pistol? HK MK23, Desert Eagle, Glock 17L, SW 500, ever carried one of these or the like? If so, how did you carry it? Shoulder rig, IWB, AWB, maybe even ankle holster? Just wondering, because I couldn't imagine this being done with any of the guns previously mentioned.

August 10, 2012, 05:31 PM	#2
10-96 Senior Member Join Date: October 19, 2005 Location: Tx Panhandle Territory Posts: 4,160	I tried to carry a 4" S&W Model 28 for 2 weeks just to see if it could be done with any comfort at all. I only tried a Bianchi and Safariland paddle holster, but after 2 weeks- I didn't want any more of that business. Carrying is not a foreign concept to me- I carry a 13lb duty belt for a living. I'm not saying this as a balnket statement for everyone, but bigger ain't better. __________________ Rednecks... Keeping the woods critter-free since March 2, 1836. (TX Independence Day) I suspect a thing or two... because I've seen a thing or two.

August 10, 2012, 05:57 PM	#3
Creeper Senior Member Join Date: September 9, 2008 Location: Woooooshington Posts: 1,797	Way back when... When I was into pistol hunting, I carried a scoped, IMI MkVII .44 mag Desert Eagle with 14" barrel in a custom chest holster. All up, it weighed as much as some rifles... perhaps nearly 7 lbs. Cool at the time... looking back, kinda silly. Cheers, C __________________ Shoulder Drive Nicholson Club

August 10, 2012, 07:07 PM	#10
Hook686 Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2005 Location: USA The Great State of California Posts: 2,090	In Winter in rural areas, where I wear a coat, and in the outback camping I have carried a Desert Eagle, S&W 6-1/2" 629, S&W 7-1/2" 629 Light Hunter, and a 5" S&W 627. These were carried under a coat, or wind breaker in a shoulder holster, hip holster, or bandoleer holster. In urban areas I have carried the 5" 627 and a 4" S&W 686 in a belly band, but not the bigger handguns. Again with a jacket the 629, or 627 would work in the shoulder holster under some circumstances. I have also carried the 4" 686 and a Glock 19 in a fanny pack style waist carry camera style bag. If it is what I have, I can figure a way to carry it. To me the important thing is, "Don't leave home without it." __________________ Hook686 When the number of people in institutions reaches 51%, we change sides.

August 10, 2012, 07:10 PM	#11
Mayor Al Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2011 Location: Southern Indiana, Near Louisville. Posts: 211	Does this count? The Charter Explorer II..World's Ugliest 22 cal. pistol. Lightweight, but no balance at all and impossible to carry without a *HAN SOLO Phaser (BLASTER) Leg Holster* !!!! But it does draw comments where ever I take it ! Last edited by Mayor Al; August 11, 2012 at 09:41 AM.

August 10, 2012, 05:58 PM	#4
sigcurious Senior Member Join Date: May 25, 2011 Posts: 1,755	The 17L really isn't that large. It just appears that way due to the proportions. Example Model 92fs 17L Height 5.4" 5.43"(same as the 17) Width 1.5" 1.18" Length 8.5" 8.85" Standard 5" 1911s are also between 8-9" in length I forget the exact number.

August 10, 2012, 06:02 PM	#5
armoredman Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2007 Location: Arizona Posts: 5,299	Yes. I carried a 6 inch Smith Model 29 in a shoulder holster MANY years ago, was quite uncomfortable and not practical. I was pretty young and cocky at the time. I knew two gentlemen who carried 357 Desert Eagles, both in vertical shoulder holsters, one in Vallejo California and the other in Tucson. Both were BIG guys, and the guns disappeared quite easily. I don't believe I would try it.

August 10, 2012, 06:15 PM	#6
wayneinFL Senior Member Join Date: December 18, 2004 Posts: 1,944	I've carried a scoped 44 Redhawk with an 8" barrel hunting. I used a shoulder holster. Would have been just as easy, probably lighter, to carry a 44 carbine.

August 10, 2012, 06:18 PM	#7
WV_gunner Senior Member Join Date: December 14, 2011 Location: WV Posts: 938	Still haven't carried a handgun, but I own a rather large pistol. Technically it's a rifle, legally it's a pistol. Drako 7.62x39 AK pistol. I can only imagine how many would call the police if I carried it.

August 10, 2012, 06:42 PM	#8
temmi Senior Member Join Date: June 13, 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 531	When I hunt I carry a Super Redhawk Ruger in 480 Ruger... That is a big gun Snake

August 10, 2012, 06:57 PM	#9
sgms Senior Member Join Date: May 30, 2010 Location: Arizona or Ohio depending Posts: 1,021	When pistol hunting, in a shoulder or chest rig, a 7 1/2 inch Ruger Super Blackhawk or 10 , 12, or 14 inch Thompson Center usually in rifle calibers. Sometimes for CCW it might be S&W model 10 in 3 or 4 inch or a 4 inch S&W model 15, 19, 65, or 66. I like the Bianchi pistol pocket in side wast band holster at a 5ish carry for these. All though most often the revolver is a light weight pocket pistol like a 642 Smith in a pocket holster.

August 10, 2012, 07:16 PM	#12
Kreyzhorse Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2006 Location: NKY Posts: 12,463	I'll carry a 686 S&W with a 6" barrel during hunting season. That is a hell of a big gun to lug around in the woods but I can manage it. CCW on the other hand is a bit harder. I've done it, but you really have to dress around it. A big jacket or a pair of coveralls will help but if I had to get the gun out of its holster quickly, I'm pretty much screwed. __________________ "He who laughs last, laughs dead." Homer Simpson

August 10, 2012, 07:56 PM	#14
jglsprings Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2009 Posts: 1,827	Thompson Contender... 16 inch 44 mag. http://www.google.com/imgres?num=10&...r:7,s:19,i:160 Google search... These pictures are pretty close to what I used. __________________ Let's eat Grandma. Let's eat, Grandma. Commas save lives... Last edited by jglsprings; August 11, 2012 at 10:22 AM.

August 10, 2012, 08:53 PM	#17
Mayor Al Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2011 Location: Southern Indiana, Near Louisville. Posts: 211	Guys, Trust me, It is a P O S ! A $200 P O S , but that still makes it what it is. Fun to talk about, but not something to really depend on. It does shoot, I will say that. However in my 70 year old hands I would be lucky to hit a Sumo wrestler at 20 ft distance.

August 10, 2012, 08:59 PM	#18
Wyosmith Senior Member Join Date: December 29, 2010 Location: Shoshoni Wyoming Posts: 2,713	My regular CC for many years was a 6 1/2" M- 24 S&W in a pancake holster over my right kidney area with the holster and barrel inside my right hip pocket. I carried that 44 SPL all over the USA for about 12 years, including places that were "verboten" and was never even looked at. I am not tall, but I am pretty wide and have less than 5% body fat. So I guess my back was flat and wide enough to make a full size N frame S&W disappear. I only had to pull it out 2 times in all those years, and I never had to fire a shot. But I do remember the reaction of those folks around me when it “appeared”, and it caused the trouble makers in both instances to decide that another course of action might be a MUCH better idea.

August 10, 2012, 09:41 PM	#20
481 Senior Member Join Date: April 18, 2011 Posts: 540	Back in the mid-90s, I tried to carry a Desert Eagle in .44. I came to my senses 20 minutes later and the pistol was unceremoniously relegated to a locked case in the trunk 'til I could get it back home. Oh, to be so optimistic again. __________________ QUANTITATIVE AMMUNITION SELECTION

August 10, 2012, 10:01 PM	#21
Creeper Senior Member Join Date: September 9, 2008 Location: Woooooshington Posts: 1,797	I think at some early point in the lives of most gunners, we try to do something really, really stupid. In the 70s, there were things that I did that, by all rights, I should have been arrested for... at the very least. These days, when I see a post about someone who's "common sense filter" is not yet fully matured, I try and remember what it was like to be young, ignorant and loaded with an excess of testosterone. Cheers, C __________________ Shoulder Drive Nicholson Club

August 10, 2012, 10:41 PM	#22
BIG P Senior Member Join Date: July 8, 2010 Location: North Georgia Posts: 1,679	Yes and still do some times,Ruger SRH 454,T/C Encore 16'' in 7mm-08

August 11, 2012, 07:33 AM	#24
SRH78 Senior Member Join Date: April 18, 2011 Location: Texas Posts: 517	Not concealed but carry a 7.5" Super Redhawk 454 in a regular hip holster out in the woods.

August 11, 2012, 08:10 AM	#25
Tom Servo Staff Join Date: September 27, 2008 Location: Foothills of the Appalachians Posts: 13,059	I carry a 4" S&W K-Frame regularly. Depending on holster and clothing, it's not as hard as most people seem to think. I expect Jim March to chime in any moment on his carry choices __________________ Sometimes it’s nice not to destroy the world for a change. --Randall Munroe