I am looking for a holster for my 6” s&w 686. It will be carried while hunting occasionally, often riding an atv and usually with heavy clothing on, rarely or never for everyday use. Sitting for long periods in a deer stand so something comfortable in that position is a must. I see galco, tripple k seem to make decent quality stuff, but I could definitely use suggestions on what to avoid, or what to look for. I have never really carried a revolver or used this type of holster I am looking at, Just concealed carry stuff.
Revolver holster advice
- Thread starter john 800
- Start date
Dusty Stevens
Shiner
A 6” revolver is just big
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If you don't have any back problems, a shoulder holster may be the answer. Many good quality products out there. Remember, you get what you pay for - sometimes less.
SSL
Gold $$ Contributor
In my own case, I have always preferred a good cross-draw holster for longer barrels. Less chance of scratching rifle stocks if carried as well, and a lot less difficult to sit without a barrel getting in the way like a normal hip-worn position. I have carried (and still do) barrels from 4.5 to 8 inches in comfort this way. Works for me, but probably not for everyone.
John 800 -
Howdy !
First off... would you prefer your holster made from leather, or ballistic nylon ?
Both Bianchi an Safariland have provided leathers ( Rt ) strong-side thumb snap holsters made from leather, that the called 5BH. Bianchi's was a 5BHL.
+2 on what Gargoyle said. For a long time, I carried a 5" M-27 S & W in a Safariland M111 " Cyclone " crossdraw holster, that I wore strong side. That practice gave me the fwd muzzle rake that I like, as an aide
to drawing the gun w/ the wrist and fore arm maintained in a straight line relative to the bore. ( No bent wrist )
The 111 is a thumb snap, made from ballistic nylon; w/ a polymer thumb snap backer and also plastic on the back of the holster for the belt loop slots; and back side of the belt stiffener on the holster. It is a closed muzzle end type of holster. I've had mine for decades ( to carry a 4" custom heavy barrelled "N" frame
.357Mag ). It does have some wear spots, but is still serviceable.
Leather holsters can weep or leach some, when allowed to get sufficiently wet. Wet holsters can also impart corrosive agents to the gun's outer surfaces.
Some carry their ( large ) revolvers in a sort of " pouch " type of holster, which can be worn mid-chest.
These sometimes have some type of flap to help shield the gun from inclement weather.
With regards,
357Mag
Andy Work
Gold $$ Contributor
When bundled up for cold weather hunting I like this Galco for a 4" K frame worn crossdraw:
DAO STRONGSIDE/CROSSDRAW BELT HOLSTER
DAO STRONGSIDE/CROSSDRAW BELT HOLSTER
https://www.mernickleholsters.com/shop/Chest-and-Hunting-Holsters-c53157574
His place has been recommended here in the past and I had it bookmarked.
His place has been recommended here in the past and I had it bookmarked.
Gargoyle
Finder Outer
The problem with the chest rigs, shoulder holsters is they get restrictive with heavy clothing. You would wrestle with it once and then say, F this. The cyclone 111 can be put onto a regular worn oversize belt, like a riggers belt, and on the cross draw it rides practically where I chest rig holster rides without all the restrictive fuss.
Alex Wheeler
Site $$ Sponsor
Kramer msp. Nothing carries a large gun like it.
In the 70 and 80's I hunted extensively with a revolver, an S&W Model 27, N frame 357 Magnum which was heavy. I roamed the vast hay fields of Greene County in western PA hunting ground hogs and foxes. Also did some limited deer hunting with the revolver.
While I use a Safariland hip holster for most of the period, believe me, a shoulder holster is much easier than a hip holster to carry a large revolver. I switched to a shoulder holster, a cheapy, Uncle Mike's brand late in my pistol hunting days and regretted that I didn't make the switch much sooner. In my opinion, it's so much easier to carry a pistol than a hip holster especially if you are going to walk a lot.
If you decide on a hip holster, wearing in a cross-draw fashion worked much better for me than on the side of my hip.
While I use a Safariland hip holster for most of the period, believe me, a shoulder holster is much easier than a hip holster to carry a large revolver. I switched to a shoulder holster, a cheapy, Uncle Mike's brand late in my pistol hunting days and regretted that I didn't make the switch much sooner. In my opinion, it's so much easier to carry a pistol than a hip holster especially if you are going to walk a lot.
If you decide on a hip holster, wearing in a cross-draw fashion worked much better for me than on the side of my hip.
I carry 2 revolver side arms, in my opinion with my way of doing things with anything over 4 inches I prefer a cross the chest holster. Anything that big around the waste impared my movement, I tried cross Draw but it didn't work for me.
My use was is a hunting backup with my model 29 Smith with a 6" barrel, usually in colder weather. For hiking I use a 4" model 10 Smith strong side on the hip with an old Gould and Goodrich, I believe. I believe I use a Galco or a Bianchi for the cross chest. I do have a synthetic cross chest for my model 29 when I had the 10" barrel on it for competing and quite frankly the 10" is a pain to carry, I would never consider it a viable working situation.
I tried synthetic and leather and ended up with leather because after a few days or more under your coat the synthetic really stank, the leather much less so. The synthetic seemed to stink faster and were harder to air out. After a few days in the woods hiking around I really stink to but I can bathe, or my wife won't let me in the house!
My preferred carry is with the grip near center just under the breast, inside the outer layer of clothing. I wear a heavy Carhart outer coat the allows me to easily reach under the outer snaps unzip and draw.
10XSHOOTER
Gold $$ Contributor
I have a Gunfighters Kenai chest holster from Midway. I carry a 6" Smith model 57. (large N frame .41 mag)
Hiking in Bear country and riding an ATV. Kydex holster holds gun very securely. Nylon straps, very adjustable.
Hiking in Bear country and riding an ATV. Kydex holster holds gun very securely. Nylon straps, very adjustable.
Kittitas George
Gold $$ Contributor
I've used shoulder holsters for many years, especially with heavy revolvers. I carry S&W Mod 27, 5" in a Bianchi shoulder holster. Out-a- site and out of the way. I also have a custom made holster that can be worn strong side or cross draw, it doesn't get much use. Warm weather carry, either horse back or ATV I prefer the cross draw, but it's heavy when walking and always tugging at my pants. Shop on line for a used model, try the nylons to see which model you prefer then find a good used leather holster. Check 'Guns International'. In my opinion a nice fire arm belongs in a leather holster, not plastic or some other synthetic material. What would John Wayne or Clint use?
Kittitas George
Gold $$ Contributor
There is a Bianchi shoulder holster on the Seattle Craigs list today for $20 bucks. That's a good price.
Dusty Stevens
Shiner
Whats the best way to carry an 8&3/8 model 29?
Fully loaded
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