Hunting Holster for Revolver

[Sinistram]

Since straight wall cartridges have been legalized for late season deer hunting in my area, I'd love to take a 44 out and shoot a doe or two with one this upcoming season. Guns aside, what's the preferred way to carry a large framed revolver while wearing a pack and bino harness? My first thought went to ye olde chest holster, but that's too much bulk and straps with all the other stuff on. I can also see the gun getting in the way of the pack straps.

My next thought would be to get something that attaches to the molle webbing on the pack belt. That way, I can carry it cross draw and leave my dominant side unmolested. I also wouldn't hate the idea of being able to remove it from the pack when I sit down or if I need to stalk something. That adds another layer of complexity. I can't seem to find a holster that is made for this application. What's everyone doing to carry in this manner?

Feel free to offer other suggestions, as I'm not married to any of the above.

 

[KGLee357]

Kenai Chest Holster - Across the Chest, Fast & Efficient Draw | GunfightersINC

Carry your firearm confidently outdoors with the Kenai Chest Holster. Perfect for hiking, camping & hunting. Your ultimate outdoor companion.

gunfightersinc.com

I have one of these and I like it. I wear it lower than my bino harness and it seems to work out well.

 

[Sinistram]

Kenai Chest Holster - Across the Chest, Fast & Efficient Draw | GunfightersINC

Carry your firearm confidently outdoors with the Kenai Chest Holster. Perfect for hiking, camping & hunting. Your ultimate outdoor companion.

gunfightersinc.com

I have one of these and I like it. I wear it lower than my bino harness and it seems to work out well.

Do you wear a pack with it too? Does it get in the way of the hip belt or straps?

 

[KGLee357]

I bought the holster for a hunt on Kodiak Island. I did wear a pack. It was important to me that I have access to my sidearm at all times, even when my pack was off. With my 6” barrel S&W 629 it was certainly a lot, but it worked fine. The staff at Gunfighters Inc were great to deal with and answered a lot of my questions. I would say that I’m not sure it would work if you have a barrel longer than 6”, or if you are running a scope. That would just be a lot with a pack and a bino harness. I also considered RAZCO, they look like they have some cool modular options. It might be worth considering, given that your application appears to be different than mine.

Razco | Roam Confidently | Bozeman, MT | Chest Holster

At Razco we enable outdoorsman to Roam Confidently. Proudly made in the USA. Veteran owned and operated. Chest Holsters/Bino Holsters/Pack Holsters

www.razcogear.com

 

[Sinistram]

I bought the holster for a hunt on Kodiak Island. I did wear a pack. It was important to me that I have access to my sidearm at all times, even when my pack was off. With my 6” barrel S&W 629 it was certainly a lot, but it worked fine. The staff at Gunfighters Inc were great to deal with and answered a lot of my questions. I would say that I’m not sure it would work if you have a barrel longer than 6”, or if you are running a scope. That would just be a lot with a pack and a bino harness. I also considered RAZCO, they look like they have some cool modular options. It might be worth considering, given that your application appears to be different than mine.

Razco | Roam Confidently | Bozeman, MT | Chest Holster

At Razco we enable outdoorsman to Roam Confidently. Proudly made in the USA. Veteran owned and operated. Chest Holsters/Bino Holsters/Pack Holsters

www.razcogear.com

Maybe similar application, but different personal preferences.

I've never heard of Razco (at least that I can remember), but I checked out that link and their system might be just the ticket. A bunch of mounting options and easy to attach and detach. Thanks for the recco!!

 

[KGLee357]

Absolutely! If you try the RAZCO I would be really curious to hear what you think of it.

 

[Hoopleheader]

https://www.diamonddcustomleather.com/products/guides-choice-chest-holster

I can’t speak to your concern of a bino harness but haven’t had issues with pack straps.

 

[TaperPin]

I just don’t understand the interest in quick draw holsters that leave the gun exposed, but that’s just me. It’s exciting to imagine your life will depend on half second reflexes, but the reality of 99.99% of bear encounters is much less demanding. If you ever have time to read a large list of historical accounts it’s well worth while, and quickly becomes boring, which jives with most people’s experiences who live around bears.

An exposed pistol gets wet, covered in tree sap and junk, and caked in dust - all of which a flap prevents. A soft nylon holster with a generous flap is my choice by a very large margin.

 

[KGLee357]

I guess for me it isn’t any more exposed than my rifle, and it’s a stainless revolver which further lessens my concern.

 

[Sinistram]

I just don’t understand the interest in quick draw holsters that leave the gun exposed, but that’s just me. It’s exciting to imagine your life will depend on half second reflexes, but the reality of 99.99% of bear encounters is much less demanding. If you ever have time to read a large list of historical accounts it’s well worth while, and quickly becomes boring, which jives with most people’s experiences who live around bears.

An exposed pistol gets wet, covered in tree sap and junk, and caked in dust - all of which a flap prevents. A soft nylon holster with a generous flap is my choice by a very large margin.

View attachment 874382

My interest wasn't for bear defense purposes, so that doesn't apply here. I can certainly see the appeal of the flapped holster. I don't need to necessarily be fast on the draw, only smooth and snag free. The trouble I'm having is I need those attributes both while walking with my pack on and sitting in my hunting spot, pack off. Something that could move conveniently and discreetly between those two scenarios is what I'm after.

 

[Jesse Jaymes]

I wear a revolver almost daily and carry many types of handguns often. What specific revolver are you looking to carry? Scope, Dot, or Irons?

 

[Sinistram]

I wear a revolver almost daily and carry many types of handguns often. What specific revolver are you looking to carry? Scope, Dot, or Irons?

Fair question. 629 classic 6.5" with factory irons. I was thinking cross draw but could probably also go strong side.

 

[Jesse Jaymes]

I have lots of holsters and carry systems. The idea of straight walled handgun hunting is a neat one. I will be doing the same this season in a weapons restriction area of Montana.

But a handgun that large is simply going to be a Chore. You are correct in stating "once you have straps, buckles and harnesses things get overbearing". 100% correct.

Having hunted PA prior...your best bet might just be carried traditionally on the belt. Really.

I have on order a Diamond D guide shoulder rig. Many others I respect hunt the west also and swear by it. But I can't provide an option on it w out having it and using it.

I have several Kenai chest rigs and swear by them. But for different uses. I have the large Glock G40 6" 10mm with an MRO on it. It's very flat. Wears tight to chest. And I can/do run an Alaska Guide Creation big bino chest rig over it. But that's not what you're asking.

What I THINK is a benefit to the Diamond D is that you can possibly wear it lower slung and more "intercostal" area. Modified chest/shoulder area. But again....I won't know until I receive it. And I will be carrying Ruger single actions in 4 5/8" and 5 1/2" Anything large starts to get ridiculous. But I get the desire.