Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Backpack Hunting Best way to carry pistol?

If I'm dressed so I can get at it easily, I prefer a good crossdraw (Bianchi 111 is a good one) with a 4 or 5" model 29

Yep, plus there's enough room to carry a few other things you want to get to fast, like a small camera, headlamp, snacks, etc.

Just to update the thread. I went with a Hill People Gear Kit Bag and have been using it for a couple weeks so far and have no complaints. Works great for carrying my 1911 when I am bird hunting or bow hunting and right now during my rifle season my binos fit nicely in place of the handgun.

There is enough room for me to carry my gps, compass, wind checker, spare ammo, cell phone, knife, and a few slim jims.

I want to thank everyone for their suggestions.

My method.

I am curious to know your harness equipment as well as what all you are carrying.

It’s a Marsupial gear pouch with Zeiss 8x32’s and a laser rangefinder pocket on the side. The attached pistol carrier is from them..carrying a Glock 17… there’s enough room for a truck key, fire starter and wind powder.

You and me both. The place I’m most likely to run into trouble where I hunt is in the parking lot or on one of the trails while going in or out. Lots of people use that area for dog-walking, strolling, bird-watching, and dope-smoking. The perfect time to mug an old man for his stuff is when he’s got his rifle slung or after he’s put it away. A little something on one’s belt can be a deterrent to that if visible, or an unhappy surprise if concealed.

I carry crossdraw, which keeps me from banging my guns together, and I can draw with either hand. Have a tanker rig, but haven’t been able to get it adjusted to my liking so far.

This wouldn't work with hip belt mounted pouches, but combine:

- a Safariland mid or low UBL universal belt loop(make a shim to reduce loop size if not using a duty belt

- Safariland male and female QLS and/or T spacers to increase space between holster and belt loop

- 3 hole compatible holster. Safariland is obvious, but other companies such as T Rex Arms make holsters that have compatible 3 hole backs.


The UBL rides under a hip belt well and the QLS/T spacers create a gap for the hip belt to set in.

A good holster and a good belt are key.

Carry in the back pocket of a Filson cruiser vest. It balances out the stuff in the front pockets.

I always just carry a standard belt holster and put my pack belt over the top edge of it. I have been doing that for 53 years and never found a need to carry another way. In the USMC I carried a 1911 in a duty holster the same way. Nothing wrong with the "newer gear" but the old system worked for me for over 1/2 a century.

For me it’s hard to beat a good belt with a good cross draw holster. I’ve carried a K frame, Trooper MkIII, and a 629 this way for a while now. On an ATV, in and out of a vehicle, heavy coat, or with a backpack. Sometimes all in the same jaunt.

Yep.

Affirmative.

Uh huh.

Precisely.

I was talked into my first cross draw by a leather smith that came near to getting hit by a half feral dog. Had his 1911 in a strong side with insulated coveralls on. Dog appeared and he just couldn’t get unzipped to fetch the piece. Went back to his shop and made his first cross draw.

Kenneth Campbell, KC Custom Gun Leather, Springville, AL. Unfortunately he passed as a result of a failed heart surgery. But I’m the proud owner of his work; holster & belt and it won’t leave the family. Made to fit a 6 1/2” 629 factory comp. Don’t know how it could be carried strong side. Maybe appendix 😄

This is what I use for my Ruger .357 mag.

I don't generally carry a revolver when I am carrying a rifle. But I carried this once when following a wounded black bear into thick brush.

Tactical Holster

Anyone got or seen a slick, MINIMALIST (the lighter the better) way to backpack with a Glock 43? Open carry.

That is the worst advice on how to carry a gun I've ever heard ...

What's the point of owning a handgun if it's locked up in the truck when you're out in the woods ?

Sticky holster in front cargo pocket is not to bad as long as it doesn’t flop around to much in pocket.

Hey, trailhead thieves gotta eat too.

Lot to be said for this. Most of us aren't all that good with a pistol and waiting for the dangerous animal to get in your range could be fatel! That saig I do carry a handgun of some kind with me every where. Usually my 9mm in the carry holster. But actually would rather carry something like my 32 long for small game if I come on it. As for dangerous game, no way would I throw down my rifle to grab a handgun!