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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,066
Campfire Regular
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OP
Campfire Regular
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,066 |
So, I'm loving my S&W 57 I just got (thanks, Adam!), and I am looking forward to carrying it during our firearms season. I generally do carry a handgun (I have a CCW, or LTCF as they are dubbed here in PA), and for CCW/non-hunting carry, I use a G23 currently. While bowhunting, I carry the G23, as it's fairly small and unobstrusive. During rifle season, however, the Model 57 is a legal hunting firearm, and therefore could be used to dispatch wounded game and/or to take game. The G23 is not legal for such purposes. I had figured I'd get a holster for the 57 and carry that during the firearms season. I have had several people I hunt with strenuously recommend a shoulder holster over a belt mounted holster. None of us hunts frequently with a handgun, so I figured I'd ask here to see what others are using for these purposes. I get that a strong-side holster will be tricky to access while sitting in a treestand, as my elbow has to go back past my body in order to get to the handgun, but a cross-draw setup on my left(weak side) hip should be easier, I'd think? A shoulder rig just seems to me like it'd be a PITA, but I've never used one, so I figured I'd see what others who have done so think of them? Thanks!
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 952
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 952 |
El Paso Saddlery Co. makes a nice crossdraw and shoulder rig. They make great holsters, and have for over a 100 years!
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 115,424
Campfire Sage
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Campfire Sage
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 115,424 |
I'd go shoulder rig all the way. Here are your best options: http://www.epsaddlery.com/pc-96-25-1942-tanker-holster-5-12-to-8-38-barrels.aspxI love the El Paso rig. But after buying one of these I think I love it more better. The holster part of the rig unsnaps and can be used as a belt holster. Also allows additional holsters to be used with the existing shoulder rig. It is extremely comfortable and very well made. Norm is nice guy. http://www.montanaholster.com/Travis
Trump being classless,tasteless and clueless as usual. Sorry, trump is a no tax payin pile of shiit. My young wife decided to play the field and had moved several dudes into my house
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 19,269
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 19,269 |
I recommend that you go with the El Paso Saddlery tankers rig.
Be afraid,be VERY VERY afraid ad triarios redisse My Buddy eh76 speaks authentic Frontier Gibberish!
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 22,274
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 22,274 |
Yep. The next holster I buy for an N frame Smith will be the tanker.
"...the designer of the .270 Ingwe cartridge!..."
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 13,000
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 13,000 |
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 8,175
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 8,175 |
I prefer the chest rig from DiamondD custom leather for a hunting handgun. I have tankers as well and find the more horizontal draw to be more comfortable while sitting. Don't forget that if this is going to be carried as a sidearm some consideration in holsters has to be given to how you carry your rifle. I cannot comfortably carry one of my revolvers in a strong side belt holster while I'm carrying a slung rifle, both the rifle's stock and the pistol's grips will be beat to heck by one another in a short time. Others may be different depending on how they're built but I'm a scrawny guy with boney hips and don't have a lot of options for belt carry that are comfortable.
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Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 7,920
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 7,920 |
For my hunting rigs I went the cheap route.... http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bandolier-S...3?pt=US_Holsters&hash=item5aee93cf8dIt can be configured to be a chest holster, under the arm bandolier holster or a standard belt holster, strong side or cross draw. Not fancy but it is made in the USA and gets the job done. I have four of them and between them they take almost every revolver and semi-auto I own, scoped and standard sights...$22.00...can't go wrong... For a belt holster I would look at the Simply Rugged. Can be worn strong side or cross draw... There are also straps to make it into a IWB holster and another set to make it into a chest holster.. Bob
If you can not deal with reality, reality will deal with you....
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 11,689
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 11,689 |
I have the EPS Tanker and a Diamond D Guides Choice chest rig and it would be really hard to go wrong with either one. Either one is an excellent choice for packing large or heavy handguns in the field and the versatility of wearing over heavy outer coats or a vest is a big plus to me. I think I prefer the Diamond D rig best if I were forced to pick just one.
Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,193
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,193 |
I'm an old fashioned Neanderthal who really likes a crossdraw flap holster for carrying a revolver afield. The flap keeps the gun butt from banging against stuff or getting scratched. I was forced to carry a crossdraw flap holster as a duty rig for many years. Never liked them for law enforcement use, but I love them for field use, especially for longer barreled revolvers. Personally I can draw a large revolver better from a CDF holster than a high ride strong side holster, especially if wearing cold weather clothing. http://www.cowboyneeds.com/017.html
Last edited by wildhobbybobby; 10/16/14.
Life is like a purple antelope on a field of tuna fish...
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Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 33,709
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 33,709 |
Conduct is the best proof of character.
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,943
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,943 |
This is a dandy, and it will snap onto any flap or belt holster. I often use it with a Bianchi 116 flap holster. Great rig. http://www.montanaholster.com/
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 5,230
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 5,230 |
I have a 7x leather chest holster on order after 2 weeks borrowing a buddies on my deer hunt.
Very comfortable and in my opinion well thought out set up for heavy handguns.
ETA. BS'd with Wes at 7x about my order again today and he mentioned he had several in stock for shorter barrel Smiths
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,066
Campfire Regular
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OP
Campfire Regular
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,066 |
Just to update--
A buddy handed me a couple of holsters he had laying around. Both fit my revolver, but I don't know much else. Tried them for fit, but he and I are on a deer hunt out of state, so I'll try the holster on for comfort and carry qualities when we get home.
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