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!

El Paso Saddlery Co. makes a nice crossdraw and shoulder rig. They make great holsters, and have for over a 100 years!

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.aspx

I 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

I recommend that you go with the El Paso Saddlery tankers rig.

Yep. The next holster I buy for an N frame Smith will be the tanker.

El Paso Tanker.

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.

For my hunting rigs I went the cheap route....

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bandolier-S...3?pt=US_Holsters&hash=item5aee93cf8d

It 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

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.

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

Von Ringler Tanker.

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/

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

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.