I need Holster Advice (Back Country and Alaska Residents especially)

The tasks you’re doing while carrying are important to factor in. If working, crawling, leaning forward. Not merely standing vertical. You may not want one that allows the revolver to pendulum forward and aft.

With a back pack and handgun chest rigs. When you compress them to your body the friction holds it and it “feels” lighter with movement. Instead of swinging, bouncing and gaining momentum.
 
Laura AK64north said:
One choice is a chest rig from Diamond D. Many of us in Fairbanks use those.

In Fairbanks we also have a few people experienced making proper Kydex chest rigs for bear purposes with four quick adjustment points which makes it much easier to adjust size-wise when changing to a thicker coat and a few other adjustment points on the holster so you can decide the cant for your draw. Diamond Ds take more time to adjust the straps and the holster isn't adjustable. I have both types, but use my Kydex ones these days. It will be easier to attach a knife sheath to a Kydex rig. And if you want speed loaders on the strap, it is nice to have Kydex tube ones (quicker access) than leather or soft material with snap covers.

Both the Diamond D and the Kydex (if made correctly) are comfortable to wear.

My Diamond D has both the flap and a lash I can put over the hammer of my revolver if I think I need it. If I don't use the flap, I use the lash.

www.diamonddcustomleather.com

Diamond D™ Custom Leather, Home of the Alaskan Guides Choice® Holster

The original maker of the Guides Choice® Leather Chest Holster, leather gun holsters, leather belts & more holsters. Hand made in ALASKA and MADE TO LAST
www.diamonddcustomleather.com www.diamonddcustomleather.com

The maker for my Kydex rigs (S&W 686, Ruger GP 100, and a Glock in .357 SIG) has retired, but maybe some of the Anchorage people on the list can recommend a maker there.
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I’m with you on kydex. I initially used leather while fishing, but the elements, particularly salt when running the boat out of Valdez, are very hard on it. Kydex stands up better.
 
I get the weather on the leather concept. It definitely has an effect on the materials.
The GunFighters Inc Kydex/ Nylon is my other go to chest rig. Those are compression fit for the firearm.
 
Another vote for the GunFighter Inc Kydex/Nylon chest rig!! I have two and have used them on hunts, very secure. I intend to order more for different platforms.
 
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Milt Sparks HSR muzzle rake forward.
 

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rookhawk said:
I was thinking a wide leather strap that forms a loop, nicely padded, that you put over your head. Your left shoulder/arm goes through it, the handgun sits under the left armpit. Not the three-point attachment type that are common, but just sort of a sling bag style.
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I've always liked some of the holsters crafted by Lance Nixon in Nebraska. He makes a wide variety of stuff often customized to a particular client's request. I had seen him do some bandolier holsters that are effectively a sling & a holster so I thought I would mention it.

AH_LanceNixon_02.jpg


AH_LanceNixon_04.jpg


AH_LanceNixon_06.jpg


Personally I carry my SA-35 in a Crossbreed Chest Rig. Super comfortable & highly recommended. I just slip my arm through the loop & click one flat quick-release connector. Snug with no bouncing. Hangs by the loop that my left arm goes through wherever I want to hook it on something.

img_1670-jpeg.653988
 
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That's exactly what i'm looking for so one-size fits all and they can throw it over their shoulder when they take the dog for a walk.

I do have a question because I'm not a handgun guy. I've noticed a lot of these holsters have trigger exposed. Isn't that dangerous? If possible, I'd really prefer my children and wife carry the holstered weapon in a manner where the trigger cannot be snagged on something, causing an accidental discharge.
 
Did I miss this??? I never saw exactly what pistol you are asking about carrying?
Chest Holsters are good as you have been suggested a few good options. The other option (if you are carrying a Single action,) would be the Tim Sundles rig from Simply rugged.
A 1911 only could be carried in a Paratroopers rig. Similar to a tanker only better because it has an extra strap that goes around your body. With the small strap that attaches to your belt it can be placed in a shoulder holster position or a more of a chest holster fashion. Google 1940 or WW2 stuff this is a well made but inexpensive setup. Last one was like $40.00 USD
If you have a shorter pistol and like a strong side then you will strongly consider the weight. Hips can hurt after a very long walk and then the pistol might get left behind.
Those in the know will tell you that Bears are fast and your wife might want to strongly consider a chest holster for herself, with a 9mm or a 357 yes those are small but they will kill when the bullet is placed in the vitals. Also I am sure she can handle those easier than say a 44 mag or larger caliber. Two is one ans 1 is none. 2 times the noise or watching each others six would be better for both of you.
Just about as important is to practise using the new holster and making sure they holster you purchase will be one that the weapon can be drawn from quickly.
Good Luck with your choice.
CT
 
rookhawk said:
I do have a question because I'm not a handgun guy. I've noticed a lot of these holsters have trigger exposed. Isn't that dangerous? If possible, I'd really prefer my children and wife carry the holstered weapon in a manner where the trigger cannot be snagged on something, causing an accidental discharge.
Click to expand...

Since the holsters made by Nixon Leather are all custom, each one appears to have various levels of trigger coverage. I'm sure you could tell him your concerns & he would adjust your design accordingly.

Here's a link to his FB photo album showing some various holsters he's done for example:

Facebook

www.facebook.com www.facebook.com

Some of his holsters are made with the trigger completely covered:

AH_LanceNixon_07.jpg
 
You beat me to the post. you answered my question.
To answer your question I agree with the covering of the trigger. Please check out Simply rugged I do believe the Sundles rig covers the trigger and can be made for a double action. I know it has been made for a single action. that is what Mr Sundles carries most.
 
I saw the other day an outfit that make a flap holster that you can remove the flap when you want.
Duhhh If I could just remember.
 
rookhawk said:
View attachment 766731

That's exactly what i'm looking for so one-size fits all and they can throw it over their shoulder when they take the dog for a walk.

I do have a question because I'm not a handgun guy. I've noticed a lot of these holsters have trigger exposed. Isn't that dangerous? If possible, I'd really prefer my children and wife carry the holstered weapon in a manner where the trigger cannot be snagged on something, causing an accidental discharge.
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The double action pull should be hard enough to prevent any accidental discharge. Just make sure the hammer isn’t cocked.
 
Just to put a bow on this thread, this is what I selected for our use case.

www.blackhillsleather.com

BH5 Hunting Bandolier Rig - For all double and Single actions

Buy The BH5 Hunting Bandolier Rig – Designed for all Double and Single actions revolvers including the .460 Casull and 500 Magnum and all large caliber handguns
www.blackhillsleather.com www.blackhillsleather.com

It doesn't look very comfortable for a hunting holster because it doesn't have a three point harness. It does look like it will work perfectly for any member of the family to grab it, throw it over the shoulder with the e-collar, and take the dog for an off leash walk on our land. Perfect for leaving on a post while working in the garden or orchard in case human-wildlife conflict occurs.

Thank you to all of you for brainstorming on the process with me.

If I was to hunt or fly fish in backcountry with a sidearm, I suspect I would go with something that allows for a faster draw and that would sit higher and more centered on the chest.

The unrelated thing I'd point out is that Colt now makes two ideal back country stainless steel, weather resistant firearms and I'm not sure which is "best". I bought the Colt Kodiak, which is a 44mag, 4.25" anaconda with two differences: ported barrel to reduce recoil, and a non-fluted cylinder to add weight. The revolver weighs 48 ounces. This year they invented the Colt Grizzly, its a Colt Python with a 3" barrel in 357 magnum, again with the ported barrel and the non-fluted cylinder. I like the shorter length and milder recoil of the 357, but it weighs 41 ounces so its really not saving much in weight and the frame sizes are identical. Either way, perfect for someone that finds no pleasure in modern guns and has no intention of cleaning it, shooting it, or hopefully using it. (beyond practicing for familiarity) Both guns have a $100 colt rebate right now and EuroOptic has them for an unbeatable price.
 
Cherokeetracker said:
Did I miss this??? I never saw exactly what pistol you are asking about carrying?
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Colt Kodiak 4.25" 44mag (a slightly modified Anaconda)

1779896014264.png


Colt Grizzly 3" 44mag (a slightly modified Python)



1779896136368.png
 
Those are cool. I hope you pick a solid bullet in your ammo selection. The Federal Fusion is a good choice and if you prefer cast then Garrett cartridges with the 310 gr Defender. Both for the 44.
For 357 have no idea other than a solid. Too much hair and fat on Bears HPs don't give enough penetration.
 
rookhawk said:
Just to put a bow on this thread, this is what I selected for our use case.

www.blackhillsleather.com

BH5 Hunting Bandolier Rig - For all double and Single actions

Buy The BH5 Hunting Bandolier Rig – Designed for all Double and Single actions revolvers including the .460 Casull and 500 Magnum and all large caliber handguns
www.blackhillsleather.com www.blackhillsleather.com

It doesn't look very comfortable for a hunting holster because it doesn't have a three point harness. It does look like it will work perfectly for any member of the family to grab it, throw it over the shoulder with the e-collar, and take the dog for an off leash walk on our land. Perfect for leaving on a post while working in the garden or orchard in case human-wildlife conflict occurs.

Thank you to all of you for brainstorming on the process with me.

If I was to hunt or fly fish in backcountry with a sidearm, I suspect I would go with something that allows for a faster draw and that would sit higher and more centered on the chest.

The unrelated thing I'd point out is that Colt now makes two ideal back country stainless steel, weather resistant firearms and I'm not sure which is "best". I bought the Colt Kodiak, which is a 44mag, 4.25" anaconda with two differences: ported barrel to reduce recoil, and a non-fluted cylinder to add weight. The revolver weighs 48 ounces. This year they invented the Colt Grizzly, its a Colt Python with a 3" barrel in 357 magnum, again with the ported barrel and the non-fluted cylinder. I like the shorter length and milder recoil of the 357, but it weighs 41 ounces so its really not saving much in weight and the frame sizes are identical. Either way, perfect for someone that finds no pleasure in modern guns and has no intention of cleaning it, shooting it, or hopefully using it. (beyond practicing for familiarity) Both guns have a $100 colt rebate right now and EuroOptic has them for an unbeatable price.
Click to expand...
Since sixguns have been my obsession for the past two years, I have a few points.
A 44 260 Keith bullet at 1000 fps has about the same recoil as a full power 357, but far more killing power and far less noise and blast. Buffalo bore loads a 44 special at that speed if you don’t want to handload.
Barrels less that 4” give up balance and point ability in my experience, as well as increased muzzle blast. Bill Jordan (famous quick draw man and designer of the combat magnum) found no difference in draw speed between 7 1/2 and 4” barrels. The extra inch of barrel is no harder to carry or hide for the additional advantages it gives you.
Unfluted cylinders add rotational weight and are hard on bolts and bolt cuts when used in fast single action or especially double action use.
Colt double action revolvers are more fragile than Smith and Wesson and Ruger double actions. The front of the cylinder is not held true and it tends to cause timing issues.
The Colt anaconda is basically the old Colt New Service with fancy cloths on. Elmer Keith thought the New Service was a good serviceable revolver especially for men with large hands.
The holster looks to be perfect For the use which you describe and I expect you will have good service from both the gun and the holster. If you need a new hobby I suggest to start casting bullets. Once I started I saved a ton of money on my shooting, and lead bullets are much easier on the barrels.
 
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