Hunting holster for heavy, cold-weather clothing

[Adam in WI]

Anyone have suggestions for carrying a large frame revolver while hunting? I'd like easily carried and accessable, like for using the handgun as a primary. A waistband holster wouldn't likely work with the long, heavy coats and bib overalls underneath. I thought of having a basic nylon holster sewn to the outside of my outer jacket cross-draw style. I'm off course, open to alternatives. A chest rig would require removing each time I take off my coat, no?

 

[K22]

I hunted extensively in the 70's and 80's with N Frame S&W revolvers both in the summer (varmints) and fall and winter (predators and deer). The most effective holster I found was a shoulder holster (cross draw orientation.) It was easier to carry a heavy revolver in this manner without any compromise in having it immediately available if a shot presented itself.

I carried mine in the winter under the coat while moving and did not find it cumbersome at all. When set up on a stand I removed the revolver from the holster so it was ready if the moment arrived. While I never had a shot at either a deer or predator while on the move I don't believe it would have been anymore problematic with a shoulder holster than a hip holster.

 

[JEFFPPC]

Forget the holsters. I bought surplus Swedish army medical bag, one strap worn over shoulder like a purse. Revolver with redot lies in there, protected and quick and easy to get it out. First year I had the idea, I went to local Salvation Army store and found a purse for 1.00 that worked. Found the medical bag next year. Daily waolks in the woods still use the bag, much more comfortable than a holter dragging your pants down plus walk all day and the hip the holster hangs on is not happy.

 

[Kurz]

Anyone have suggestions for carrying a large frame revolver while hunting? I'd like easily carried and accessable, like for using the handgun as a primary. A waistband holster wouldn't likely work with the long, heavy coats and bib overalls underneath. I thought of having a basic nylon holster sewn to the outside of my outer jacket cross-draw style. I'm off course, open to alternatives. A chest rig would require removing each time I take off my coat, no?

I don't think you're off course at all. I used a nylon holster with flap to carry my T/C 14" in 30-30 Win. while hunting the thick woods in the UP. It was perfect, allowing both hands free to climb, walk beaver dams, etc. Yes, it had be unlatched before removing my coat but so what?

https://www.falcoholsters.com/chest-holster-571

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003GHRFGG/?tag=accuratescom-20

There are probably a strong dozen other makers with ideas ranging from nylon to the finest leather. Find the one which suits you and run with it.

 

[G Man]

Look at Kenia chest holster from gunfighters.com Good stuff.

 

[bluealtered]

Being a predator hunter all my life i have tried every single thing i could think of in that roughly 50 years. I don't use tree stands anymore but i do sit always with a tree or heavy bushes at my back since predators will almost always try to get behind you to see what you are. If the weather is good it may be a chest rig, however most of the time it is a simple cross draw with my coat tucked under the pistol or the pistol in my lap.

One of the best ways to find what works best for you is to just sit under a tree and then try to draw your pistol, what works best will become very clear to you as you do so.

 

[Rem06]

Anyone have suggestions for carrying a large frame revolver while hunting? I'd like easily carried and accessable, like for using the handgun as a primary. A waistband holster wouldn't likely work with the long, heavy coats and bib overalls underneath. I thought of having a basic nylon holster sewn to the outside of my outer jacket cross-draw style. I'm off course, open to alternatives. A chest rig would require removing each time I take off my coat, no?

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

browse around here a bit, i got a few belts and a custom fit hip holster for my Colt Anaconda Their favorite is center of chest version. Quality is remarkable!

 

[marazzi59]

K bar J leather.
That man is great. He made me a guide style holster for my s&w r8 with optic and light attached. Only person I found who would even try. Great American

 

[outasite`08]

Anyone have suggestions for carrying a large frame revolver while hunting? I'd like easily carried and accessable, like for using the handgun as a primary. A waistband holster wouldn't likely work with the long, heavy coats and bib overalls underneath. I thought of having a basic nylon holster sewn to the outside of my outer jacket cross-draw style. I'm off course, open to alternatives. A chest rig would require removing each time I take off my coat, no?

I`ve used a Bianchi X-15 Leather shoulder holster for years. Including lugging an S&W 83/8 .44 mag. Very durable and comfortable. I have one for a S&W 625 4in also. Work great. Easy rig to get into and out of. I can wear both over top a Woolrich coat. Jeff

 

[deepwater]

I have a custom leather chest holster for my 5" Redhawk, about $250.
I think what you are looking for is an Uncle Mike's nylon chest/shoulder holster setup. They have them for plain or scoped handguns:.revolvers or single shots.
I "just happen" to have one in like new conditon I will sell for $25 plus shipping. Check the websites for size.

 

[bpd459]

Greetings,
Check out the Gunfighter Inc Kenai Chest rig. Currently carrying a G20 in it. Have used for a 5" Ruger Bisley also. Very convenient way to carry.
John

 

[tominboise]

Greetings,
Check out the Gunfighter Inc Kenai Chest rig. Currently carrying a G20 in it. Have used for a 5" Ruger Bisley also. Very convenient way to carry.
John

I have the exact combo, except set up for G20 and N Frame S&W's. Easy to carry all day while wearing a pack frame and carrying a rifle. I wear mine under my coat so not necessary to take it off to remove coat.

I also have and use a Hill People gear kit bag, which rides on one's chest. It also works well and you have a little more room to carry a few things in the bag.

 

[RegionRat]

I came to favor a chest cross draw over a hip holster in case I was sitting in cover.
Just make sure you are comfortable with everything else you carry and that all the straps work together. Don’t forget to consider your binos will typically be on you too.

 

[Alex Wheeler]

Kramer, MSP will carry a heavy gun better than any other I have used.