"Carry in the woods" holster?

hoser · December 19, 2009, 11:34 AM

Is a shoulder holster or a standard pancake holster the easiest to carry a large frame revolver (629 snubbie) around the woods? Any first hand experience and input?

Hog Hunter · December 19, 2009, 11:39 AM

its really how you feal comfortable carrying. i prefer to carry a large frame revolver with a shoulder holster, but most of the time i carry an auto on my side for back up on them hogs, they get mean when their wounded.

kinoons · December 19, 2009, 12:08 PM

Not a lot of first hand experience yet, as I just purchased one, but my first impression of the wilderness safepacker has been very good and it was designed with just such use in mind.

Glenn Dee · December 19, 2009, 01:59 PM

I like a shoulder holster. El-Paso sddelry makes a nice military style shoulder holster for any frame. I wear one under my top garment.

Old Grump · December 19, 2009, 02:30 PM

I prefer a bandoleer instead of the shoulder holster, its more comfortable than the shoulder holster, more accommodating to thick winter clothing and easier to shift out of the way than a belt holster. I had to make my own because I couldn't find a store model to fit my gorilla torso. Had a bad experience with my 41 mag falling out of a shoulder holster and getting its first scratch, now it is strictly belt holster for that gun but its only a 4" barrel. Since your gun is a snubbie I think I would just go with a belt holster but that's just me.

jal5 · December 19, 2009, 09:02 PM

I bought a pancake style holster with harness from simplyrugged.com this year for my S&W M66, 6in. barrel and was very impressed. I could wear it comfortably all day and it was a very secure fit in cross chest carry. It fits fine over heavy hunting clothing and the harness has a lot of adjustment to it.

bamaranger · December 19, 2009, 09:28 PM

My woods pistols all ride in some type of flap holster, either a GI leather (vintage), a new bianchi nylon, or a triple k leather for single actions.

My bearcat rides in my pocket.

I do have a GI shoulder holster for a b-hawk.

moose fat · December 20, 2009, 05:23 AM

You will have to define easiest.

I carried my .44 MG for several years in a leather belt holster, strong side, while deer hunting and hiking. The gun and holster would bump and catch things. I still wear it in my boat.

Then I got an Uncle Mikes Shoulder Holster and wore it for many years, but the narrow straps would cut into my shoulders after wearing all day. Great for wearing under a coat, quiet, no bumping rifle stocks or catching on brush and back packs.

I've since got a chest style and wear it most, over my float coat and winter parka:

It is a D. Johnston Holster from Wild West Guns in Anchorage, AK. Wildalaska gave me a good deal on it too.

I also have a Mod 1941(?), WW II era flight, bandoleer type holster that distributes the weight very well. Except it is for my Taurus M96 .22 revolver. The holster is from El Passo Saddlery. They make very good leather holsters also.

Search is your friend.

There are many holster makers out there. Pick one way of carry and try it for a while. Its an evolutionary thing.

I have an El Passo Saddlery pancake holster with floral carving that I really like.

Good luck!

riggins_83 · December 20, 2009, 05:58 AM

I've been using a Galco D.A.O holster crossdraw position. Great holster and a lot easier IMO than strongside with a long barrel.

Doyle · December 20, 2009, 08:35 AM

When I am also carrying a long-gun, I really prefer either a shoulder holster or a crossdraw. The reason is that I found that if I carry on my right hip, the buttstock of my long-gun is constantly bumping against the hammer spur of the pistol. I put a nasty scratch in the stock of a very expensive Beretta over/under that way.

hoser · December 20, 2009, 12:30 PM

Anyone try the Simply Rugged Sourdough Pancake with the Chesty Puller system? Looks somewhat complicated, but versatile!

http://www.simplyrugged.com/store/chesty_puller.html

swcr · December 31, 2009, 04:32 PM

It depends on what I'm doing. When I'm working on my friends cattle ranch I prefer to carry my Blackhawk in a double loop holster on a cartridge belt.

While hunting I carry a Single Six for shooting grouse and like to carry it in a cross draw holster so that my rifle butt does not hit it when slung.

Many people like the chest style holster if they are going to be wearing a backpack. I still prefer a cross draw in this case but like one with a detachable belt loop that allows a wide belt loop to be used to fit the waist strap of the pack and then a narrow belt loop for when the pack is not worn.

Eugene

langenc · December 31, 2009, 09:16 PM

Lots of possibilities. Check ebay. They have hundreds of holsters.

rdmallory · December 31, 2009, 09:19 PM

3 .357 rounds and 3 38 special

Been know to kill a squirrel or two during season with it.

Doug

dmazur · January 2, 2010, 12:27 AM

El Paso Saddlery "Tanker" style shoulder holsters. These are surprisingly comfortable, even when worn with a pack.

The pack straps go under your armpits, of course, but the holster kind of rides on your lower chest, by your ribcage. Pack strap doesn't hit it.

I have used these (in different models, of course) for a Commander length 1911 and a 4-5/8" Ruger SBH. I don't know how they would work for a long-barrel revolver, but they work fine for me for mid-length.

turbotype87 · January 4, 2010, 06:49 PM

Icarry a shoulder holster for my 2 1/2'' ruger .454 casull.

Survivor · January 4, 2010, 07:52 PM

Hoser,

I carry a 629 6" in a Simply Rugged Sourdough Pancake either strongside on the hip or with the Chesty Puller system. Both are comfortable, easily accessable and made tough as the name implies. IMO it's the best. And Rob and Jan are great folks to work with!

Regards,
Lou

hoser · January 4, 2010, 08:04 PM

Yeah, I heard about this chesty pully thing. I may look into this.

How does the pancake conceal an N-frame on the hip? Comfortable or does it dig into the bone a bit?

Survivor · January 5, 2010, 03:14 PM

Hoser,

The Sourdough Pancake conceals very well considering what you're carrying - an N frame. There's a plus in that it has three slots so you can wear it strongside or cross draw. Mine does not dig into my hip and it is comfortable, weight is distributed evenly across the fairly wide spaced belt slots. You can get the inside out straps added and wear it IWB too. All in all, a great holster for a big gun.

Regards,
Lou

azredhawk44 · January 5, 2010, 03:40 PM

I have two woods carry rigs:

#1 - a Hunter brand leather cartridge belt and holster for my 5.5" Redhawk. Holds 25 spare .44 or .45 cartridges.

#2 - a Wilderness Tactical Products "Instructor" belt and Uncle Mike's Sidekick holster. I also have an Uncle Mike's dual speedloader carrier that rides on this for 12 extra rounds aside from the 6 in the gun. The Sidekick holster fits either my 4" Redhawk or my 4" Smith model 65 K-frame.

The Hunter rig has about 200 miles of back country hiking on it, and the second rig only has about 75 or 100 miles on it. But, I'm liking it better than the leather rig. It's a little lighter, and the cartridge loops on the leather one can sometimes create an irritating "shelf" that the backpack pushes down on.

I've got a Simply Rugged pancake for my 4" Redhawk and many other holsters for other guns... but out of everything I've tried so far, I like the above two solutions the best.

azredhawk44 · January 5, 2010, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Yeah, I heard about this chesty pully thing. I may look into this.

I wouldn't suggest it if you're anywhere warm. Your profile says "CA". Is that California, or Canada?

There's no way I'd use something like that in AZ, at least. It's a good idea for cooler climates, though. It stops the shirt from breathing and you're soon sweating and irritated where the leather straps pull tight.

hoser · January 5, 2010, 04:01 PM

California.

Rystan · January 5, 2010, 07:27 PM

I don't have a big frame but I just bought a simply rugged silver dollar pancake for my 3" model 60, i haven't used it yet but it's seems pretty well put together. Im also thinking about getting that chest conversion to use while backpacking...

December 19, 2009, 02:30 PM	#5
Old Grump Member in memoriam Join Date: April 9, 2009 Location: Blue River Wisconsin, in Posts: 3,144	I prefer a bandoleer instead of the shoulder holster, its more comfortable than the shoulder holster, more accommodating to thick winter clothing and easier to shift out of the way than a belt holster. I had to make my own because I couldn't find a store model to fit my gorilla torso. Had a bad experience with my 41 mag falling out of a shoulder holster and getting its first scratch, now it is strictly belt holster for that gun but its only a 4" barrel. Since your gun is a snubbie I think I would just go with a belt holster but that's just me. __________________ Good intentions will always be pleaded for any assumption of power. The Constitution was made to guard the people against the dangers of good intentions. There are men in all ages who mean to govern will, but they mean to govern. They promise to be good masters, but they mean to be masters. --Daniel Webster--

December 19, 2009, 09:02 PM	#6
jal5 Senior Member Join Date: January 12, 2009 Location: NE Ohio Posts: 419	I bought a pancake style holster with harness from simplyrugged.com this year for my S&W M66, 6in. barrel and was very impressed. I could wear it comfortably all day and it was a very secure fit in cross chest carry. It fits fine over heavy hunting clothing and the harness has a lot of adjustment to it. __________________ We live in the greatest country on Earth- always be thankful!

December 20, 2009, 05:23 AM	#8
moose fat Senior Member Join Date: June 20, 2006 Location: Alaska, Yukon R. delta Posts: 421	You will have to define easiest. I carried my .44 MG for several years in a leather belt holster, strong side, while deer hunting and hiking. The gun and holster would bump and catch things. I still wear it in my boat. Then I got an Uncle Mikes Shoulder Holster and wore it for many years, but the narrow straps would cut into my shoulders after wearing all day. Great for wearing under a coat, quiet, no bumping rifle stocks or catching on brush and back packs. I've since got a chest style and wear it most, over my float coat and winter parka: It is a D. Johnston Holster from Wild West Guns in Anchorage, AK. Wildalaska gave me a good deal on it too. I also have a Mod 1941(?), WW II era flight, bandoleer type holster that distributes the weight very well. Except it is for my Taurus M96 .22 revolver. The holster is from El Passo Saddlery. They make very good leather holsters also. Search is your friend. There are many holster makers out there. Pick one way of carry and try it for a while. Its an evolutionary thing. I have an El Passo Saddlery pancake holster with floral carving that I really like. Good luck! Last edited by moose fat; December 20, 2009 at 05:25 AM. Reason: spelling

December 20, 2009, 05:58 AM	#9
riggins_83 Senior Member Join Date: January 19, 2009 Location: Wherever I may roam Posts: 1,505	I've been using a Galco D.A.O holster crossdraw position. Great holster and a lot easier IMO than strongside with a long barrel. __________________ l've heard police work is dangerous. Yes, that's why l carry a big gun. Couldn't it go off accidentally? l used to have that problem. What did you do about it? l just think about baseball. -Leslie Nielsen

December 20, 2009, 12:30 PM	#11
hoser Member Join Date: September 25, 2001 Location: CA Posts: 74	Simply Rugged? Anyone try the Simply Rugged Sourdough Pancake with the Chesty Puller system? Looks somewhat complicated, but versatile! http://www.simplyrugged.com/store/chesty_puller.html

December 19, 2009, 11:34 AM	#1
hoser Member Join Date: September 25, 2001 Location: CA Posts: 74	"Carry in the woods" holster? Is a shoulder holster or a standard pancake holster the easiest to carry a large frame revolver (629 snubbie) around the woods? Any first hand experience and input?

December 19, 2009, 11:39 AM	#2
Hog Hunter Senior Member Join Date: August 14, 2009 Location: Georgia Posts: 386	its really how you feal comfortable carrying. i prefer to carry a large frame revolver with a shoulder holster, but most of the time i carry an auto on my side for back up on them hogs, they get mean when their wounded.

December 19, 2009, 12:08 PM	#3
kinoons Senior Member Join Date: August 22, 2008 Location: las vegas, NV Posts: 409	Not a lot of first hand experience yet, as I just purchased one, but my first impression of the wilderness safepacker has been very good and it was designed with just such use in mind.

December 19, 2009, 01:59 PM	#4
Glenn Dee Senior Member Join Date: September 9, 2009 Location: South Florida Posts: 1,560	I like a shoulder holster. El-Paso sddelry makes a nice military style shoulder holster for any frame. I wear one under my top garment.

December 19, 2009, 09:28 PM	#7
bamaranger Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 8,300	My woods pistols all ride in some type of flap holster, either a GI leather (vintage), a new bianchi nylon, or a triple k leather for single actions. My bearcat rides in my pocket. I do have a GI shoulder holster for a b-hawk.

December 20, 2009, 08:35 AM	#10
Doyle Senior Member Join Date: June 20, 2007 Location: Rainbow City, Alabama Posts: 7,167	When I am also carrying a long-gun, I really prefer either a shoulder holster or a crossdraw. The reason is that I found that if I carry on my right hip, the buttstock of my long-gun is constantly bumping against the hammer spur of the pistol. I put a nasty scratch in the stock of a very expensive Beretta over/under that way.

December 31, 2009, 04:32 PM	#12
swcr Member Join Date: December 31, 2009 Location: Sedro-Woolley, WA Posts: 64	It depends on what I'm doing. When I'm working on my friends cattle ranch I prefer to carry my Blackhawk in a double loop holster on a cartridge belt. While hunting I carry a Single Six for shooting grouse and like to carry it in a cross draw holster so that my rifle butt does not hit it when slung. Many people like the chest style holster if they are going to be wearing a backpack. I still prefer a cross draw in this case but like one with a detachable belt loop that allows a wide belt loop to be used to fit the waist strap of the pack and then a narrow belt loop for when the pack is not worn. Eugene

December 31, 2009, 09:16 PM	#13
langenc Senior Member Join Date: August 19, 2007 Location: Montmorency Co, MI Posts: 1,551	Lots of possibilities. Check ebay. They have hundreds of holsters.

December 31, 2009, 09:19 PM	#14
rdmallory Senior Member Join Date: February 10, 2009 Location: Deltona FL Posts: 953	S&W Model 66 4" 3 .357 rounds and 3 38 special Been know to kill a squirrel or two during season with it. Doug

January 2, 2010, 12:27 AM	#15
dmazur Senior Member Join Date: July 5, 2007 Location: Pacific NW Posts: 1,310	El Paso Saddlery "Tanker" style shoulder holsters. These are surprisingly comfortable, even when worn with a pack. The pack straps go under your armpits, of course, but the holster kind of rides on your lower chest, by your ribcage. Pack strap doesn't hit it. I have used these (in different models, of course) for a Commander length 1911 and a 4-5/8" Ruger SBH. I don't know how they would work for a long-barrel revolver, but they work fine for me for mid-length. __________________ .30-06 Springfield: 100 yrs + and still going strong

January 4, 2010, 06:49 PM	#16
turbotype87 Member Join Date: March 2, 2009 Posts: 99	Icarry a shoulder holster for my 2 1/2'' ruger .454 casull.

January 4, 2010, 07:52 PM	#17
Survivor Member Join Date: June 27, 2007 Location: Missouri Posts: 47	Simply Rugged +1 Hoser, I carry a 629 6" in a Simply Rugged Sourdough Pancake either strongside on the hip or with the Chesty Puller system. Both are comfortable, easily accessable and made tough as the name implies. IMO it's the best. And Rob and Jan are great folks to work with! Regards, Lou

January 4, 2010, 08:04 PM	#18
hoser Member Join Date: September 25, 2001 Location: CA Posts: 74	Simply Rugged Yeah, I heard about this chesty pully thing. I may look into this. How does the pancake conceal an N-frame on the hip? Comfortable or does it dig into the bone a bit?

January 5, 2010, 03:14 PM	#19
Survivor Member Join Date: June 27, 2007 Location: Missouri Posts: 47	Simply Rugged Hoser, The Sourdough Pancake conceals very well considering what you're carrying - an N frame. There's a plus in that it has three slots so you can wear it strongside or cross draw. Mine does not dig into my hip and it is comfortable, weight is distributed evenly across the fairly wide spaced belt slots. You can get the inside out straps added and wear it IWB too. All in all, a great holster for a big gun. Regards, Lou

January 5, 2010, 03:40 PM	#20
azredhawk44 Junior member Join Date: September 28, 2005 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 6,465	I have two woods carry rigs: #1 - a Hunter brand leather cartridge belt and holster for my 5.5" Redhawk. Holds 25 spare .44 or .45 cartridges. #2 - a Wilderness Tactical Products "Instructor" belt and Uncle Mike's Sidekick holster. I also have an Uncle Mike's dual speedloader carrier that rides on this for 12 extra rounds aside from the 6 in the gun. The Sidekick holster fits either my 4" Redhawk or my 4" Smith model 65 K-frame. The Hunter rig has about 200 miles of back country hiking on it, and the second rig only has about 75 or 100 miles on it. But, I'm liking it better than the leather rig. It's a little lighter, and the cartridge loops on the leather one can sometimes create an irritating "shelf" that the backpack pushes down on. I've got a Simply Rugged pancake for my 4" Redhawk and many other holsters for other guns... but out of everything I've tried so far, I like the above two solutions the best.

January 5, 2010, 04:01 PM	#22
hoser Member Join Date: September 25, 2001 Location: CA Posts: 74	California.

January 5, 2010, 07:27 PM	#23
Rystan Junior Member Join Date: December 14, 2009 Location: California Posts: 2	I don't have a big frame but I just bought a simply rugged silver dollar pancake for my 3" model 60, i haven't used it yet but it's seems pretty well put together. Im also thinking about getting that chest conversion to use while backpacking... Last edited by Rystan; January 5, 2010 at 07:38 PM.