New side arm, new holster.

[ORHNTR]

Hey guys and gals,
I just bought a springfield armory XD 4" mod 2 and I need suggestions on a holster. I Need a holster that I can mount to my waist belt on my pack while archery hunting. I currently have a simple uncle mikes neoprene holster but it leaves the end of my barrel exposed on my Taurus. With that being said, I would like the bottom of it to be enclosed so that when I slip and fall I don't end up with a barrel full of mud. I like the idea of the blackhawk serpa but im afraid that the kydex or plastics will be extra loud when walking through brush. I realize walking through brush will make noise anyway but when bitter brush branches scrape against my composite rifle butt, I can only imagine that is the same sound I may get with a plastic holster. Im leaning toward leather for that reason but that concerns me as well due to leather and weather not mixing well. Just looking for thoughts and suggestions.
Thanks,
Cody

 

[Xxtavixx]

Kydex won't hold scent and it's relatively quiet. I use TR holsters ISS mule (basically a modified drop holster) or a belt mount. I don't care where you hunt, it is not thicker than what I deal with - I could remain very quiet using it. The holster itself is not totally sealed, but it should prevent any mishaps. I like the ability to keep the firearm in the holster, and move it from my drop leg, to my belt, or to any other attachment point.

There are really too many holster makers to narrow it down easily. In my experience, the cheaper one seems to do great too. I'm just looney.

 

[Desk Jockey]

+ 1 for kydex.

The serpa has some haters. Get mud or dirt under the button and it won’t release apparently. Mine works fine but it honestly doesn’t make it off the range.

Check out:

Blade tech
Raven
Comp tac

Safari land also has some great holsters and a big Leo following. Look at one of the als or sls styles with a paddle or molle Attachment like the 6378.

 

[BRobertson]

Look at the Garrett holsters. Expensive, but worth it!!
They are the only kydex that I would use for any hunting. They are leather lined, and it is amazing the difference that makes!!. They have a huge number of mounting choices.

 

[ORHNTR]

Thanks guys!

 

[Desk Jockey]

Look at the Garrett holsters. Expensive, but worth it!!
They are the only kydex that I would use for any hunting. They are leather lined, and it is amazing the difference that makes!!. They have a huge number of mounting choices.

May I ask, what is the utility of leather lining for hunting. Honest question.

Feels to me like it would hold water more than straight kydex. It might be quieter on the draw but I am assuming that a pistol for bear protection. If that is the case, a quiet draw is probably not as much of a concern. I almost feel like you would prefer wrapped kydex, which would be less noise when it bumped things.

 

[NebraskaStickHunter]

Another brand to look at is alien gear but that is Kydex as well.

 

[Jskaanland]

I would avoid leather, I jumped to kydex a few years ago and I'm glad I did. If you like doing DIY stuff, look into doing your own. I did a write up a while ago on going the DIY route[here], I run a G40 with a medium belt pouch over it. Keeps it concealed from most people on the trail and would keep noise down if that's a concern. I've also seen guys put a felt backing on the outside of the kydex as well.

 

[PNWTO]

The Safariland 7TS holsters are very durable and well priced. My $.02.

The old-school Safariland M12 (or M11?) flap holsters are a decent option for cheap.

 

[303TrophyHusband]

I'm sure JCCustom Kydex could probably work something up for you, worth hitting him up, he's a member on the forums.

 

[BRobertson]

May I ask, what is the utility of leather lining for hunting. Honest question.

Feels to me like it would hold water more than straight kydex. It might be quieter on the draw but I am assuming that a pistol for bear protection. If that is the case, a quiet draw is probably not as much of a concern. I almost feel like you would prefer wrapped kydex, which would be less noise when it bumped things.

A revolver is ALL I hunt with. The last sheep I got was approx. 25 yards away. So quiet is important.
I always carry my holster under a vest, usually a nylon or a leather bandolier type.
I don't personally use kydex for carrying my large revolvers. I experimented with one of the Kenai Gunfighter chest holsters for my 7 1/2" Freedom Arms, but did not care for it . Everytime I would remove it , I would get the "click" sound. I even took it apart and lined it with some light weight leather, copying the Garretts. Never could get used to the gun hanging out both sides of the holster. A relatively short barreled defense handgun would be no problem.
He was asking about kydex holsters specifically, ergo my suggestion on the Garretts, which are the best I have personally used.

Bob

 

[kingfisher]

I have a serpa blackhawk for a glock 40 that I carry here in bear country. I love the holster and use it extensively throughout the year. It has been in some rough country and have never had any issues. I bow hunt, and have never noticed it making any noise sapping up against vegetation. I currently run a kifaru pack with pals webbing, and found an awesome attachment for the serpa and pals. I keep this holster on my pack at all times and have another serpa with a paddle for the pants. I liked it so much I bought one for my brother as a gift for his xd. He likes it.

Here is the link to the pals attachment.

Amazon.com : BLACKHAWK! SERPA S.T.R.I.K.E. CQC Platform (Ambidextrous), Black : Gun Holsters : Sports & Outdoors

 

[JA03]

Which ever holster you pick I cannot emphasize the training that you need to put in. Make sure you get plenty of practice prior to taking the holster afield. I also like the safariland and serpa style holsters. They are durable and have been tested around the globe in many different environments.

 

[MontanaMarine]

I've been using the Blackhawk Serpa for an outdoors holster probably 10 years now. Never a problem.

I use it with the paddle, on my belt or pack belt. They have a mounting plate option for other ways to mount it to gear.

 

[ORHNTR]

Lots of reply’s! Thanks guys I truly appreciate it. I found a retailer here locally that I can try the mentioned brands here. Thanks again.

 

[icemanls2]

Big fan of the Crossbreed holsters, especially the Supertuck. I use one for my Colt CCO 1911 and my M&P shield 45.

 

[Where's Bruce?]

The downside of a pack attached holster is that if you drop your pack for a stalk, you're unarmed.

 

[Backpack Hunter]

Vedder has always treated me well.

 

[Gobbler36]

What about mystery ranch holster?

 

[Beendare]

FWIW, I packed a revolver in a leather holster on my hip hunting hogs behind dogs for over a decade probably averaging 50 days a year....and a lot of rainy days as we would take off work on every one of those rain days.

I would stay away from leather. It gets waterlogged. Holds water against your weapon. the letter loses its stiffness in wet....then gets overly stiff when dry. It takes some maintenance to keep up- conditioning, etc.

We have so many better options with the Kydex now especially for a semi auto.