Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Handguns Duty Belt vs Chest Rig for Heavy Pistols

Looking for a way to carry a 6" 629 all day in rough terrain. I have two ideas in mind: (1) a Diamond D Guides Choice Chest Holster and (2) a wide 2.5" duty belt which will be worn over my pants with an appropriate holster such as a Simply Rugged Cattleman.
I'm concerned with overall comfort mainly.
My main concern about the chest holster is that the strap will dig it's way into my shoulder and cause discomfort. My main concerns about a large belt is that it might work my pants down (I suppose a pair of suspenders could solve that, though) or that it might rub my bony hips raw (I'm 6'2" but still very skinny and small framed, which means my hip bones stick out. They've been rubbed awfully raw by the end of the day by some waist straps on certain back packs, so it's something I always have in mind.)

I'd like to hear from people that have used either or both forms of carry and have opinions on their plusses and negatives, and perhaps also hear particular problems they've caused them.

Catch you later,
GTS9

My personal experience. Lots of walking and climbing would call for a chest rig.
Laying around and short hikes I would take belt holster.


Did the Grand Canyon 3 weeks ago Kaibab down and Bright Angel up. Used a kydex belt holster for my Glock 22 and a light weight fishing shirt over it because I didn't want to show off for the tourists and rangers. First day was fine, second day it was rubbing bad. Next time it will be my chest holster with something draped over it to remain sterile.

For what you've laid out, take a look at Hill People Gear. I've heard good things about their setup. This might be a better route for you since you're concerned about the hip bones.

I do like the Simply Rugged sourdough pancake with a 1.75" wilderness tactical belt for similar purposes. I like the sourdough pancake because it keeps the guns tighter against the waist and isn't flopping around and it also provides a little more coverage for the pistol.

Oh, and welcome to the campfire!

Hill People Gear Kit Bag

As mentioned, HPG kit bag. I've not carried a 6" N-frame in it but have spent a lot of time with a G20 and a Governor. For a heavy gun and a lot of walking, the weight on one hip eventually catches up to you...you can do it, but centered on the chest is just more comfortable to me. The extra pockets on the kit bag are useful as well.

Take a look at one of these, a lot of our deputies are going to them. They are toting some 25-30 lbs around their waists for 12 hours a day.

http://www.galls.com/high-speed-gear-slim-sure-grip-padded-belt?PMWTNO=000000000002120&PMSRCH=

Also if using a duty type belt this could work, our city police use them.

http://www.galls.com/blackhawk-ergonomic-duty-belt-harness?PMWTNO=000000000002120&PMSRCH=

HPG kit bag ain't gonna cut it on a 6" N-Frame.

The belt T Lee posted (first one) would be a good bet if you have keepers to go with it.

I like a duty belt because you can carry rounds on it and a dump pouch for empties.




Dave

I'm 6'1"/175 and slim...and having been a LEO the LAST thing I would want to be walking the hills with is a 2.5" duty belt...

Bought one of these a couple of years ago to carry a 6" 57 while out hunting. It can be carried as a bandolier or chest holster. Was so pleased with it I bought four more that cover almost every gun I own...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bandolier-Shoulder-Holster-for-6-Revolver-Fits-RUGER-S-W-COLT-/390549720973?hash=item5aee93cf8d:g:jTIAAMXQQtNR0xf4

For extra padding on the shoulder strap I took a Velcro strap pad off of one of my shooting bags...

Bob

I've used one of these for a long time https://www.pistolpackaging.com/Bandito_Shoulder_Belt_p/bsb.htm

Then I would use the shoulder part and have a holster made for what ever gun and attach it to the shoulder part. Worked pretty well.

I've misplaced that system and now I use the Diamond D Guides choice. You can change holsters on that, but I have a couple of them any way. Both will serve you well.

Check out the Barranti chest rigs
http://www.barrantileather.com/Products.html

Or levergun leather
http://www.levergunleather.com/images/donsw5001.jpg

RJM's link...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bandolier-S...3?hash=item5aee93cf8d:g:jTIAAMXQQtNR0xf4

I carry a PC 629 V-Comp (5"+comp) in an El Paso Tanker.

Add me to the Hill People Gear list. Chest carry has it over belt carry every day. In addition to overall comfort, the HPG Kit bags allow easy access to many other items you would normally want.

The only way I am hiking and not carrying my handgun in the HPG bag is if my primary reason for being out is photographic pursuits and my DSLR is on my chest in my Cotton Carrier. In that case my handgun will be on my belt in a Simply Rugged Sourdough. They are the only holsters I carry out in the field anymore.

Simply Rugged also makes a tanker system for transforming their holsters with three belt slots into a chest rig. It is very effective.

Anybody carrying a 5 1/2" Ruger Bisley Blackhawk in a HPG Kit Bag? Thinking about one for this year's deer hunt.

Chest rig 100%. Chest rig is considerably more comfortable and versatile.

I have a 4.62" SBH that I carry in a Diamond D Guides choice, I much prefer that over a belted holster.

A guides choice for my Bisley 45LC 5.5. although I often carry it with the shoulder strap set long so it rides lower like a where a bandooler would. The adjust-ability is one of the features I like. No matter the pack I have on or the clothing I can adjust the carry position to be comfortable.

Even with a good rig a 629 is still a chunk of iron, loosing some weight helps a lot. maybe long distance carry would be a good excuse to look at a Glock 20, that's something like 30oz for the glock compared to 45oz for the smith.

Thanks for reposting that...I'm not on my home computer and this system doesn't work as well...

Also another vote for HPG. I tried a friend's RECON Bag and just ordered a Runners Bag in black...

Bob

I carry a 6.5" SBH 454 in a a Diamond D guide holster and couldn't be happier with the set up. Ive also got a gunfighters inc Kenai chest rig for my glock 20 and one for a glock 19 and they are awesome as well.

Very similar to what RJM uses, I made a chest carry rig out of a windblocker-type fleece camo beanie. It conforms to your body because it is stretchy and it is super light.

I really like that the hardware can be totally protected under a coat and you can drive and sleep with it on.

Chest rigs are incredibly simple things when reduced to their bare essentials. They are trivial to DIY. I would not use anything else, ever again.

GTS9, Chest rig. I carried a 629 (8 3/8") for years in a shoulder rig. Used to carry a 4" N Frame on a belt rig, Chest carry much better. Now, toting an X Frame and couldn't even consider a belt rig for extensive carry. memtb

in another life in the dark ages i carried a K frame model 19 with all the doo dads on a leather rig with keepers to hold on to my pants belt. I really got tired after ten hours of that of keep pulling my pants up. And I kind of liked the idea of shoulder holsters, and still do, or chest rigs. I have several of the simply rugged sourdoughs mainly for ruger redhawks, which are boat anchors, or N frame smiths. I leave them in the scabbard in the truck, but if i have to leave the truck it's easy to snap on the "chesty puller" rig simply rugged sells. Pretty good system.
I think Dflave has posted some pictures of some leather made by a guy up in montana that while i have not bought it, looked pretty good to me too.

Chest holsters. Com makes a heck of a nice kydex rig for not a lot of money. Really like mine

The Guides choice holster is the way to go. I carry my N Framed S&W revolvers in one and I like it a lot!

http://www.montanaholster.com/

Don't own one but have visited with the fella at gun shows.
Am seriously considering one with shoulder belt for my 1911.

Alukban,
I wouldn't mind seeing a picture of your DIY chest rig being worn if possible. I am thinking of making one for a j-frame

I love my HPG Kit Bags, but a 6" N-frame won't fit.

I'd take a serious look at an El Paso Saddlery Tanker.

Yep. Just tried a 6.5" N-frame and you are correct, big negatory on the HPG.

Do you have a Ruger Bisley 5.5" you could try in it? I'm thinking of a kit bag for carrying my 45 Colt Bisley this year.

I don't. If it did fit, it would be tight.

Thanks, may have to stick with the tried and true El Paso Tanker.

I've got two 5.5" Bisleys, the Old Model in .45 Colt and the New Model in .44Spl.

I'll dig 'em out and check after I get back from supper if you want.

I decided to give the crowd a head start at eating.

My 5.5" Bisley Vaquero barely fits. It would work as a last resort if you had the two zippers meet right at the heel of the grip frame. But for your purposes, I'd say stick with the Tanker.

Thanks, Tanker it is then.

HPG kit bag is THE answer, but not for a 6" gun. I vote for buying a kit bag and a gun that fits in it.

There are other makers of chest rigs like the ones from HPG.

The Kifaru Koalas are no longer made but they turn up on the second hand market. Mine will easily carry a large N frame.

It is a fairly simple matter to make your own larger chest pouch rig from the larger "admin pouches" that are available.

i have the diamond d guides choice and carry my 29 mountain gun all day and don't even know its there. i wear it under my coat with the gun off to the side sort of like a shoulder holster. i highly recommend them.

I bought a Simply Rugged chest rig for a Glock 40 10mm. I like it muchly!

Last night I found a El Paso Double Agent on my door step. I ordered it for a 3.5 pound Ruger Redhawk 5.5" 45 Colt. I was amazed at how comfortable it was in cross draw config on a decent belt. I wore it all evening and went out for dinner with it on under a jacket. It doesn't matter if you print in Iowa as long as your ccw is current. The double agent also will work as a strong side forward cant, but the cant on the cross draw is both agressive and perfect to keep the gun along the left side with the butt out for easy drawing whether standing or sitting. I'm liking this one muchly, too. I see it for my 66, too, and maybe the Bisley when I get around to placing another order.

GTS9,

Check out Ringler Custom Leather. I had him make me one of his Wyoming Combination Rigs for my Freedom Arms .454 Casull, and am very happy with the result.
It allows me to carry my Casull either at shoulder carry, strong side hip carry, or cross draw carry, all with the same rig. The workmanship is absolutely top drawer.

Another vote for the Guide's Choice. I carry a 4.2" Redhawk
with one speed loader and the cartridge carrier.

I favor a chest carry rig for a larger handgun. Bonus for me is that this keeps my revolver out of the water, when I am wading through streams or swamps.

thanks for the heads up. Just sent them an email to see if they can make a rig for my new 3 inch S&W Model 60.

tag

I carry a 5" N frame in a bandolier/tanker style. Pretty comfortable and stays out of the way if you're wearing binos.

Front


Back


The belt is HPG's stabilizer strap made from bungee:
http://hillpeoplegear.com/Products/tabid/762/CategoryID/1/ProductID/30/Default.aspx

Worn

Many Thanks, that was useful

Norm, and his holsters, are first rate. The most comfortable shoulder rig a guy can find.

Great leather.




Travis

Diamond D Guides Choice Chest Holster is how I carry my S & W 329. A great holster.

Has anyone tried the Man Gear Alaska chest rigs? From what I have seen they look pretty decent.

http://mangearalaska.com

I have 2 Diamond D chest holsters, one for the Glock 20 and one for 5.5" SA's. They are extremely comfortable, don't interfere with carrying a backpack and/or rifle and put your handgun in a very accessible position. They are also for easy to adjust to wear over or under your coat.