Holster while hunting

davlandrum · May 25, 2007, 01:43 PM

Not sure I will get the most responses on this board, but thought I might get the best.

I am curious to what type of holster people use if they carry a side arm while hunting. I always carried a pistol while rifle hunting and they have changed the regs in Oregon (in the last few years) so it is legal to carry a side arm while bowhunting as well.

My regular holster is a hassle with a pack on, so was curious what others used.

EEEZNOW · May 25, 2007, 02:10 PM

Just use a Fobus or something or something similar..

fisherman66 · May 25, 2007, 02:38 PM

Bianchi strong side, but I might switch to a shoulder holster soon. I'm thin waisted and a tight belt doesn't help as much as I'd like.

FirstFreedom · May 25, 2007, 03:05 PM

Ideally, something non-leather to keep your scent down - leather absorbs sweat and other scent-rich substances. Not to mention its own strong scent.

I have an over-the-shoulder chest holster/sling rig made of nylon for a scoped Dan Wesson .357 mag revolver.

I have a nylon (Uncle Mike's I think) belt-slide holster for my Taurus 4410 .45 colt/.410 shot.

Normally though, it's just the 94 Taurus .22 revolver loose inside my hunting fanny pack, being the only "sidearm" I carry.

Scorch · May 25, 2007, 03:19 PM

I use a cross-draw holster for my 5-1/2" Redhawk if I feel a need for a holstered sidearm. Getting in/out of a vehicle or on/off a horse is easier with a crossdraw. If I am hunting with a revolver, I wear a shoulder holster because of the longer barrel, but generally avoid shoulder holsters because of the straps that might get under the rifle butt if I am shooting a rifle.

davlandrum · May 31, 2007, 03:32 PM

Thanks for the responses - and apologies for the delay in the thanks. I am in the middle of starting a new job and it is seriously interferring with my computer time.....at least my personal computer time.

rantingredneck · May 31, 2007, 04:19 PM

For my Ruger SRH I use an Uncle Mikes nylon shoulder holster. If I'm just carrying one of my autos I'll use a fobus paddle. Comfortable for all day carry.

LHB1 · May 31, 2007, 10:05 PM

Since I hunt deer, hogs, etc. with a pistol, my choice is a S&W M629, 6.5" barrel, 2X EER Leupold scope. I found the best way to carry this pistol is in a shoulder holster under my jacket. Couldn't find a shoulder holster for it so I had to design and make my own. Worked really well. Wouldn't put Alessi or Sparks out of business but it functions well and looks good too. Main thing is it is really comfortable to me. If I were carrying a shorter barreled, non scoped pistol, I would probably go with an OWB holster by Alessi or Sparks.

Good shooting and be safe.
LB

Art Eatman · June 1, 2007, 09:17 AM

I've carried a 7-1/2" Redhawk in a crossdraw rig when birdhunting during deer season. Protection against an irate buck, of course.

I've always done a lot of walking hunting, and carry my rifle mostly slung over my right shoulder. That wipes out a right-side carry. I've carried a coup-de-grace pistol in a shoulder holster, occasionally.

Art

Polishrifleman · June 4, 2007, 03:35 PM

I carry a 642 in my back pocket.

Ratsrepus · June 4, 2007, 09:43 PM

Galco SAO for my Blackhawk.

moose fat · June 5, 2007, 02:36 AM

I carry my Mountain Gun in an Uncle Mikes verticle shoulder holster mostly. I do have a S&W leather strong side w/snap and a Bianci Ranger nylon strong side for rainy days. The strong side belt holsters get used more durring berry season.

For my plinkers I have a nice El Paso 1942 Tanker holster for my Tarus and a Pancake belt holster for my 1911A1/Kimber .22 conversion.

http://www.epsaddlery.com/

Do a "Holsters" thread search.

Nevertoomanyguns · June 5, 2007, 11:29 AM

I use to hunt with a strong side hip holster but hunting all day with a big ole 44, Ruger super black hawk hunter 7 1/2 inch barrel, on your hip and even with my smith 686 6 inch starts wearing into your hips. It also gets in the way when I sit in a tree stand so I switch over to a shoulder holster and it has been a lot better for me.

UniversalFrost · June 7, 2007, 06:28 PM

I carry a Beretta 96 in an uncle mikes shoulder holster to take care of the pesky feral pigs or the occassional stray dog/coyote. When in snake country I go with a ruger vaquero or blackhawk with a shotshell loaded every other round In a chest rig or shoulder holster.

ch47gunner · June 7, 2007, 10:19 PM

I don't hunt with a pistol so whatever holster I'll be using will worn strong side (right) if I'm fly-fishing. Or left side when slinging a rifle on right shoulder.

skeeter1 · June 7, 2007, 11:34 PM

I used to go squirrel hunting using my 6"-barreled S&W M35 as my primary firearm. My cop brother got me a Busheimer black basketweave holster & belt some 30 years ago as a gift, and it fits it just fine. It's more than a bit clunky, and no way could I use it along with a backpack, but it was fine if I was just going out for a few hours. I've got a Swiss milsurp holster for the Beretta, and that might work well with a pack.

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/ZAA101-44747-2228.html

It was only $8, and better than I expected for that price. Sometimes I get lucky.

Edward429451 · June 8, 2007, 10:08 AM

I've hunted with a strong side belt carry while hunting and by the end of the day my hip hurt bad. Switched to a drop leg holster and that was better but did have issues when I wanted to sling my rifle on that shoulder.

Now I have a crossdraw cross chest holster for my 7.5" RH. I haven't worn it hunting yet, but I did camping. No fatigue, easy access and no sling problems.

T-Bear · June 12, 2007, 12:10 AM

You haven't stated on the sidearm will be. That will help out alot. As for me, it's a 7.5" Super Redhawk, one heavy pistol, so I wear a uncle mikes shoulder holster. Sometimes I forget I am even wearing it during my trips. You want a holster to distribute the wieght in various places so to prevent fatigue in a 1 spot.
Good Luck in your search.

jhgreasemonkey · June 12, 2007, 05:21 PM

I use an uncle mikes for my redhawk.

john in jax · June 13, 2007, 12:05 PM

I don't hunt with a handgun so when I carry in the woods it is CCW and for "protection". Pretty much the only change I make is going from my "city" guns, 1911 types in Safariland paddle holsters to my "woods" gun, a 4" GP100 is a high-ride, DeSantis, pancake holster.

davlandrum · June 13, 2007, 01:54 PM

Thanks for the inputs. Sorry I was vague on the original post. It is CCW, not for hunting. I carry a Ruger P345. The main thing I hate is my waist belt on my pack rubbing on strong side belt cary. Seems like I might have to go shoulder hoslter, but don't want to interfer with bow string....

Uncle Salty · June 25, 2007, 07:58 PM

I've used two: for a large scoped relvover I'd recommend the Bandito from Pistol Packaging. For a smaller chest carry go to WestWoods Landing.

May 25, 2007, 01:43 PM	#1
davlandrum Senior Member Join Date: February 27, 2006 Location: Lane County Oregon Posts: 2,547	Holster while hunting Not sure I will get the most responses on this board, but thought I might get the best. I am curious to what type of holster people use if they carry a side arm while hunting. I always carried a pistol while rifle hunting and they have changed the regs in Oregon (in the last few years) so it is legal to carry a side arm while bowhunting as well. My regular holster is a hassle with a pack on, so was curious what others used.

May 25, 2007, 02:38 PM	#3
fisherman66 Senior Member Join Date: August 22, 2005 Location: The Woodlands TX Posts: 4,679	Bianchi strong side, but I might switch to a shoulder holster soon. I'm thin waisted and a tight belt doesn't help as much as I'd like. __________________ la plus belle des ruses du diable est de vous persuader qu'il n'existe pas!

May 25, 2007, 03:19 PM	#5
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	I use a cross-draw holster for my 5-1/2" Redhawk if I feel a need for a holstered sidearm. Getting in/out of a vehicle or on/off a horse is easier with a crossdraw. If I am hunting with a revolver, I wear a shoulder holster because of the longer barrel, but generally avoid shoulder holsters because of the straps that might get under the rifle butt if I am shooting a rifle. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

June 7, 2007, 06:28 PM	#14
UniversalFrost Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 2,300	I carry a Beretta 96 in an uncle mikes shoulder holster to take care of the pesky feral pigs or the occassional stray dog/coyote. When in snake country I go with a ruger vaquero or blackhawk with a shotshell loaded every other round In a chest rig or shoulder holster. __________________ Lifetime member VFW and NRA "Quando Omni Flunkus Moritati" (when all else fails play dead) -Red Green

June 13, 2007, 12:05 PM	#20
john in jax Senior Member Join Date: August 11, 2005 Posts: 1,177	I don't hunt with a handgun so when I carry in the woods it is CCW and for "protection". Pretty much the only change I make is going from my "city" guns, 1911 types in Safariland paddle holsters to my "woods" gun, a 4" GP100 is a high-ride, DeSantis, pancake holster. __________________ America is at that awkward stage. It's too late to work within the system, but too early to shoot the bastards. Claire Wolfe

May 25, 2007, 02:10 PM	#2
EEEZNOW Member Join Date: December 11, 2006 Location: Birmingham, Alabama Posts: 29	Just use a Fobus or something or something similar..

May 25, 2007, 03:05 PM	#4
FirstFreedom Junior member Join Date: May 31, 2004 Location: The Toll Road State, U.S.A. Posts: 12,451	Ideally, something non-leather to keep your scent down - leather absorbs sweat and other scent-rich substances. Not to mention its own strong scent. I have an over-the-shoulder chest holster/sling rig made of nylon for a scoped Dan Wesson .357 mag revolver. I have a nylon (Uncle Mike's I think) belt-slide holster for my Taurus 4410 .45 colt/.410 shot. Normally though, it's just the 94 Taurus .22 revolver loose inside my hunting fanny pack, being the only "sidearm" I carry.

May 31, 2007, 03:32 PM	#6
davlandrum Senior Member Join Date: February 27, 2006 Location: Lane County Oregon Posts: 2,547	Thanks for the responses - and apologies for the delay in the thanks. I am in the middle of starting a new job and it is seriously interferring with my computer time.....at least my personal computer time.

May 31, 2007, 04:19 PM	#7
rantingredneck Senior Member Join Date: January 12, 2007 Location: North Carolina Posts: 4,728	For my Ruger SRH I use an Uncle Mikes nylon shoulder holster. If I'm just carrying one of my autos I'll use a fobus paddle. Comfortable for all day carry.

May 31, 2007, 10:05 PM	#8
LHB1 Senior Member Join Date: March 25, 2005 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 1,545	Since I hunt deer, hogs, etc. with a pistol, my choice is a S&W M629, 6.5" barrel, 2X EER Leupold scope. I found the best way to carry this pistol is in a shoulder holster under my jacket. Couldn't find a shoulder holster for it so I had to design and make my own. Worked really well. Wouldn't put Alessi or Sparks out of business but it functions well and looks good too. Main thing is it is really comfortable to me. If I were carrying a shorter barreled, non scoped pistol, I would probably go with an OWB holster by Alessi or Sparks. Good shooting and be safe. LB

June 1, 2007, 09:17 AM	#9
Art Eatman Staff in Memoriam Join Date: November 13, 1998 Location: Terlingua, TX; Thomasville, GA Posts: 24,798	I've carried a 7-1/2" Redhawk in a crossdraw rig when birdhunting during deer season. Protection against an irate buck, of course. I've always done a lot of walking hunting, and carry my rifle mostly slung over my right shoulder. That wipes out a right-side carry. I've carried a coup-de-grace pistol in a shoulder holster, occasionally. Art

June 4, 2007, 03:35 PM	#10
Polishrifleman Member Join Date: June 10, 2005 Location: Puget Sound Washington Posts: 77	I carry a 642 in my back pocket.

June 4, 2007, 09:43 PM	#11
Ratsrepus Member Join Date: October 25, 2006 Posts: 37	Galco SAO for my Blackhawk.

June 5, 2007, 02:36 AM	#12
moose fat Senior Member Join Date: June 20, 2006 Location: Alaska, Yukon R. delta Posts: 421	I carry my Mountain Gun in an Uncle Mikes verticle shoulder holster mostly. I do have a S&W leather strong side w/snap and a Bianci Ranger nylon strong side for rainy days. The strong side belt holsters get used more durring berry season. For my plinkers I have a nice El Paso 1942 Tanker holster for my Tarus and a Pancake belt holster for my 1911A1/Kimber .22 conversion. http://www.epsaddlery.com/ Do a "Holsters" thread search.

June 5, 2007, 11:29 AM	#13
Nevertoomanyguns Senior Member Join Date: June 5, 2007 Location: Maine Posts: 213	I use to hunt with a strong side hip holster but hunting all day with a big ole 44, Ruger super black hawk hunter 7 1/2 inch barrel, on your hip and even with my smith 686 6 inch starts wearing into your hips. It also gets in the way when I sit in a tree stand so I switch over to a shoulder holster and it has been a lot better for me.

June 7, 2007, 10:19 PM	#15
ch47gunner Senior Member Join Date: May 28, 2007 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca. Posts: 204	I don't hunt with a pistol so whatever holster I'll be using will worn strong side (right) if I'm fly-fishing. Or left side when slinging a rifle on right shoulder.

June 7, 2007, 11:34 PM	#16
skeeter1 Senior Member Join Date: April 11, 2006 Location: Northeast Ohio Posts: 3,403	I used to go squirrel hunting using my 6"-barreled S&W M35 as my primary firearm. My cop brother got me a Busheimer black basketweave holster & belt some 30 years ago as a gift, and it fits it just fine. It's more than a bit clunky, and no way could I use it along with a backpack, but it was fine if I was just going out for a few hours. I've got a Swiss milsurp holster for the Beretta, and that might work well with a pack. http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/ZAA101-44747-2228.html It was only $8, and better than I expected for that price. Sometimes I get lucky.

June 8, 2007, 10:08 AM	#17
Edward429451 Junior member Join Date: November 12, 2000 Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado Posts: 9,494	I've hunted with a strong side belt carry while hunting and by the end of the day my hip hurt bad. Switched to a drop leg holster and that was better but did have issues when I wanted to sling my rifle on that shoulder. Now I have a crossdraw cross chest holster for my 7.5" RH. I haven't worn it hunting yet, but I did camping. No fatigue, easy access and no sling problems.

June 12, 2007, 12:10 AM	#18
T-Bear Senior Member Join Date: November 23, 2005 Posts: 119	You haven't stated on the sidearm will be. That will help out alot. As for me, it's a 7.5" Super Redhawk, one heavy pistol, so I wear a uncle mikes shoulder holster. Sometimes I forget I am even wearing it during my trips. You want a holster to distribute the wieght in various places so to prevent fatigue in a 1 spot. Good Luck in your search.

June 12, 2007, 05:21 PM	#19
jhgreasemonkey Senior Member Join Date: February 7, 2006 Location: Pacific Northwest Posts: 2,238	I use an uncle mikes for my redhawk.

June 13, 2007, 01:54 PM	#21
davlandrum Senior Member Join Date: February 27, 2006 Location: Lane County Oregon Posts: 2,547	Thanks for the inputs. Sorry I was vague on the original post. It is CCW, not for hunting. I carry a Ruger P345. The main thing I hate is my waist belt on my pack rubbing on strong side belt cary. Seems like I might have to go shoulder hoslter, but don't want to interfer with bow string....

June 25, 2007, 07:58 PM	#22
Uncle Salty Junior Member Join Date: June 25, 2007 Posts: 9	I've used two: for a large scoped relvover I'd recommend the Bandito from Pistol Packaging. For a smaller chest carry go to WestWoods Landing. Last edited by Uncle Salty; June 25, 2007 at 08:10 PM. Reason: eta link

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