Bear pistol carry with a pack - what I did this year and liked...

[Tod osier]

Like many are, I was unhappy with my options for carry for my G20 with and without a pack. I came up with a combo that I really liked this year and I wanted to share it. It worked seamlessly for archery elk and I have no plans to try anything new in the future, I'm pretty much 100% happy with it.

Holster on pack belt - this is pretty easy, but the problem is - what happens when you take your pack off?

I used this bianchi holster on my belt. It lays flat with no pistol under the pack belt, yet easily accepts a pistol and holds it plenty securely for the backcountry. I would not use this holster for EDC, but it worked great for this purpose. When breaking down an elk and packing it out (gun in and out a lot), it worked fantastic. Like any holster, extra care needs to be taken when putting the pistol in, but it was very secure once in.

Bianchi Model 101, Foldaway Belt Slide Gun Holster, Size 16.

 

[dla]

Back before 10mm was worth a dog poop, I carried a S&W329pd while backpacking. I carried it in a top-flap holster connected to my pack using Vietnam-era military pouch clips. When I dropped my pack for the night, I unclipped my 44mag and carried it on my hip if fishing, or just kept it with me while sleeping.

Christian Ed and Hobby info - S&W 329pd info

Overview I reload and probably shoot more rounds through my 329pd than 90% of owners and this write up reflects wear and tear that many owners will never see. This revolver sees a steady diet of real 44 mag loads. Some of the issues I bring up are unique to this revolver due to it's light weight

sites.google.com

 

[Hootybob]

Back before 10mm was worth a dog poop, I carried a S&W329pd while backpacking. I carried it in a top-flap holster connected to my pack using Vietnam-era military pouch clips. When I dropped my pack for the night, I unclipped my 44mag and carried it on my hip if fishing, or just kept it with me while sleeping.

Christian Ed and Hobby info - S&W 329pd info

Overview I reload and probably shoot more rounds through my 329pd than 90% of owners and this write up reflects wear and tear that many owners will never see. This revolver sees a steady diet of real 44 mag loads. Some of the issues I bring up are unique to this revolver due to it's light weight

sites.google.com

Have been mean-mugging the 329pd....worth the money?

 

[dla]

Have been mean-mugging the 329pd....worth the money?

Knowing what I do now - no. If you buy a 4+" barrel 10mm and don't put little kiddie stuff like optics and aftermarket barrels, etc., You'll have a heavier but adequate bear zapper for less money.

Last I checked the 329pd was $1200, and you can get a G20 for $650. The fully loaded G20 is 40oz versus 31oz for a loaded 329pd.

 

[Thinkingman]

I have been working with the same dilemma.
Hip belt holster for a SW 386 6" (357 7-shot relative of the 329).
I added heavy duty snaps to the belt loop of a Uncle Mikes nylon holster and snapped it into place.
It never failed but I never completely trusted that, either (I had an Uncle Mikes rip the plastic belt loop off one time) so next was to take stiff Scuba webbing and sew a loop on to the holster that would fit entirely over the hip belt of my pack.
Much more secure but the holster does flop a bit.
I might add a plastic stiffener to reduce the flop but still seeking the perfect solution.

 

[MHWASH]

I just use a paddle holster. When using the pack, I slip it in the pack webbing. When I take the pack off, I slip it in my belt or waist band if not using a belt.

 

[Where's Bruce?]

Need holster help

I am looking for to get a pistol holster set up for this elk season. I am so torn between ordering a razco bino harness holster or a NW retention for my kifaru belt. I like the idea of the chest holster for having with me with or without pack, but…… I am worried it might get a bit...

rokslide.com

 

[Tod osier]

I just use a paddle holster. When using the pack, I slip it in the pack webbing. When I take the pack off, I slip it in my belt or waist band if not using a belt.

I know a lot of people like paddle holsters, this is another option. I've transferred a holster between pack belt and pants belt and that works fine. The main thing that set me on the path to end up with his option is that a bulky holster, like a holster with paddle, is really uncomfortable for me in a helinox chair. This combo works great for me, the holster is securely clipped to the pack and doesn't come off when I swing the pack on and off and I can slip the pistol in the belt holster without adjusting my belt AND comfortably sit in a helinox chair.

 

[Fatcamp]

Need holster help

I am looking for to get a pistol holster set up for this elk season. I am so torn between ordering a razco bino harness holster or a NW retention for my kifaru belt. I like the idea of the chest holster for having with me with or without pack, but…… I am worried it might get a bit...

rokslide.com

How did you know the IWB clips would fit that holster?

ETA: And what pack belt?

 

[Where's Bruce?]

How did you know the IWB clips would fit that holster?

ETA: And what pack belt?

Look again, I wrote they both are OWB. I bought em and hoped for the best...it worked out (on all pack belts). Just be sure to Superglue the screws in otherwise they come loose over time when you hike. I'm a big boy and have not have any issues sitting in my Helinox with a sidearm. Even a big .44 wheel gun.

 

[Tod osier]

Look again, I wrote they both are OWB. I bought em and hoped for the best...it worked out. Just be sure to Superglue the screws in otherwise they come loose over time when you hike. I'm a big boy and have not have any issues sitting in my Helinox with a sidearm. Even a big .44 wheel gun.

View attachment 511617

It almost seems like you are challenged by there being another option out there than what you decided on. It is common knowledge that a paddle holster works for many. I'm glad you found what works great for you, I have different needs.

I'm carrying at 3-4-5 o'clock on my belt, which is where I always carry - not cross draw, which I have never done and don't plan to. The holster is inside the chair and with the bulk of a holster that stands off from the belt like a paddle holster is flat out unworkable.

 

[Fatcamp]

Look again, I wrote they both are OWB. I bought em and hoped for the best...it worked out. Just be sure to Superglue the screws in otherwise they come loose over time when you hike. I'm a big boy and have not have any issues sitting in my Helinox with a sidearm. Even a big .44 wheel gun.

View attachment 511617

I meant the IWB portion of the paddle. I've never used a paddle so nomenclature is a bit foreign to me. I have a variety of IWB snd OWB holsters but this year want to find an option for moving back and forth from belt to pack.

Up to now I just suffer with an IWB under my pack belt.

 

[Where's Bruce?]

It almost seems like you are challenged by there being another option out there than what you decided on. It is common knowledge that a paddle holster works for many. I'm glad you found what works great for you, I have different needs.

I'm carrying at 3-4-5 o'clock on my belt, which is where I always carry - not cross draw, which I have never done and don't plan to. The holster is inside the chair and with the bulk of a holster that stands off from the belt like a paddle holster is flat out unworkable.

I wasn't replying to you, I was answering fatcamp's question. Whatever works for the hunter works. It's not a competition.

 

[Beendare]

Back before 10mm was worth a dog poop, I carried a S&W329pd

I ‘ve always wondered about the durability and longevity on hose Scandium frame revolvers.

Whats been your experience?

Any blowby between the frame and barrel after awhile?

 

[Beendare]

I like your solution OP

 

[Fatcamp]

I wasn't replying to you, I was answering fatcamp's question. Whatever works for the hunter works. It's not a competition.

I'm gonna order one of the paddles you mentioned and try it with my competition Bladetech.

I was gonna mount a G-code setup this year but it's about $200.

 

[Fatcamp]

I ‘ve always wondered about the durability and longevity on hose Scandium frame revolvers.

Whats been your experience?

Any blowby between the frame and barrel after awhile?

LOL. I have spent a little time with them. I like recoil and would be hard pressed to put many rounds through that thing.

 

[mikeohrt82]

Been wanting to try the Razco mounted on the bino harness but now I'm leaning towards the new holster mount on the Exo K4

 

[dla]

I ‘ve always wondered about the durability and longevity on hose Scandium frame revolvers.

Whats been your experience?

Any blowby between the frame and barrel after awhile?

Durability is fine - and S&W Customer Service has been first rate when something needed work.

Since I already own it, I shoot it well, and the 44mag is big step up from the 10mm - I've no intention of swapping it for a heavier, wimpier, 10mm.
But if a guy has no revolver experience, doesn't reload, then the current crop of 10mm pistols is a cheaper bear zapper solution.

Btw, I like the 357mag too, but I actually like a diameter that starts with "4" better.

 

[MattB]

I have used a holster that mounts to the Molle webbing on my Kifaru belt and a paddle holster that rides in my lid until I drop my pack. Pretty quick switch when needed.

I do like the OP’s strategy, similar to what Nick Muche does.