comfortable 44mag holster
- Thread starter Psycho D
- Start date
Preacherman
New member
Psycho, we need a whole lot more information before this question can be properly answered. For instance:
1. Under what terrain conditions do you hunt? If there's a lot of thick brush, thorns, etc. through which you're moving, a full-flap holster might be a huge benefit to protect the handgun from scratches and twigs, leaves, etc. being deposited in the holster with it. In more open terrain, or in a stand, this might not be necessary.
2. Do you need to be able to draw the weapon quickly, or would this be a more leisurely requirement? If the former, forget something with a safety strap; if the latter, a safety strap might prevent the gun being dislodged from the holster while you're moving (especially in thick brush), and might be an asset.
3. Do you need to access the weapon while carrying your rifle slung? If so, where do you sling your rifle (i.e. on which side of your body)? You don't want your holster on the same side of your body as your rifle, where it will bind on the rifle sling and either impede rapid deployment of the rifle, or the rifle may impede rapid deployment of the handgun, depending on the situation confronting you.
4. Is the weapon intended solely for backup while on foot, or will you perhaps consider it a personal-defence weapon while driving to and from the hunt? If the latter, a cross-draw holster, in front of your hip, will make it much easier to access while sitting in a vehicle, whilst still providing secure carriage of the weapon while hunting.
5. Do you have back problems? If so, slinging a heavy revolver on one or the other hip might aggravate the situation. For such a condition, I'd suggest a cross-chest-slung shoulder holster like those made by Uncle Mike's or other outfitters. This is supported on one or both shoulders, rather than the hips, and imposes less strain on the back.
I could go on, but you get the idea. Please tell us more, and we can then give more appropriate advice.
1. Under what terrain conditions do you hunt? If there's a lot of thick brush, thorns, etc. through which you're moving, a full-flap holster might be a huge benefit to protect the handgun from scratches and twigs, leaves, etc. being deposited in the holster with it. In more open terrain, or in a stand, this might not be necessary.
2. Do you need to be able to draw the weapon quickly, or would this be a more leisurely requirement? If the former, forget something with a safety strap; if the latter, a safety strap might prevent the gun being dislodged from the holster while you're moving (especially in thick brush), and might be an asset.
3. Do you need to access the weapon while carrying your rifle slung? If so, where do you sling your rifle (i.e. on which side of your body)? You don't want your holster on the same side of your body as your rifle, where it will bind on the rifle sling and either impede rapid deployment of the rifle, or the rifle may impede rapid deployment of the handgun, depending on the situation confronting you.
4. Is the weapon intended solely for backup while on foot, or will you perhaps consider it a personal-defence weapon while driving to and from the hunt? If the latter, a cross-draw holster, in front of your hip, will make it much easier to access while sitting in a vehicle, whilst still providing secure carriage of the weapon while hunting.
5. Do you have back problems? If so, slinging a heavy revolver on one or the other hip might aggravate the situation. For such a condition, I'd suggest a cross-chest-slung shoulder holster like those made by Uncle Mike's or other outfitters. This is supported on one or both shoulders, rather than the hips, and imposes less strain on the back.
I could go on, but you get the idea. Please tell us more, and we can then give more appropriate advice.
Gila Jorge
New member
Galco Pheonix is outstanding as can be worn strong side or cross draw. Well made and excellent leather AND does not collet debris. Can be blown out with air compressor or just dumped.
Ben Shepherd
New member
Entirely dependent on your clothing requirements for your hunting situation.
More info, and I might be of some help.
I've carried my 9.5" SRH just about every way possible. The trial and error phase was very expensive for that gun.
More info, and I might be of some help.
I've carried my 9.5" SRH just about every way possible. The trial and error phase was very expensive for that gun.
Homebuilt huntin' rig-
Discouraged with the inavailability of a decent crossdraw here locally, I built this one specifically for a 4" M29 about six years ago. It started life as a piece of saddle skirting and I think my cobbler cuused me for a week after I had him sew it. Since it was built a bit oversize to start with it wasn't hard to form-fit to the 5.5" .44 Redhawk I hunt with these days.
This holster is so stiff that it will hold the gun by tension alone, but for safety's sake I added a rawhide hammer thong. You can sit on the ground or in a tree stand without stuffing the muzzle into the dirt/seat, and it works well in & out of vehicles too. It has also proven surprisingly fast in the few instances where I have needed the gun quick.
This has worked real well for me, so well in fact that I stopped looking for another hunting rig. The belt is an old Don Hume River Belt and the speedloader pouches are from HKS. Here's another shot showing the angle of the crossdraw, which looks rather extreme but works great in the field.
Not for everybody I know, just one man's solution to the problem.
Discouraged with the inavailability of a decent crossdraw here locally, I built this one specifically for a 4" M29 about six years ago. It started life as a piece of saddle skirting and I think my cobbler cuused me for a week after I had him sew it. Since it was built a bit oversize to start with it wasn't hard to form-fit to the 5.5" .44 Redhawk I hunt with these days.
This holster is so stiff that it will hold the gun by tension alone, but for safety's sake I added a rawhide hammer thong. You can sit on the ground or in a tree stand without stuffing the muzzle into the dirt/seat, and it works well in & out of vehicles too. It has also proven surprisingly fast in the few instances where I have needed the gun quick.
This has worked real well for me, so well in fact that I stopped looking for another hunting rig. The belt is an old Don Hume River Belt and the speedloader pouches are from HKS. Here's another shot showing the angle of the crossdraw, which looks rather extreme but works great in the field.
Not for everybody I know, just one man's solution to the problem.
Thanks for the replies. When out hunting pig i can cover some country, which sometimes can be through the thick stuff. If a pig (or bear) were to charge me, i would hope to be able to draw rather quickly. i carry my rifle on my left and i am right handed. This gun is primarily a hunting backup gun (personal defense from charging critters). i also carry either a backpack or a fannypack while hunting. And lastly, my back gives me little troubles while out on the trail. Hope that this gives a clearer picture.
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Ben Shepherd
New member
When wearing fanny pack I would suggest a good bandolier style rig. It should put the gun right on your belly, and be built for right hand cross-draw.
When backpacking(assuming left shoulder rifle carry) a good western-style belt rig should work very well.
When backpacking(assuming left shoulder rifle carry) a good western-style belt rig should work very well.
TurkeySlayer
New member
I use an Old World (fairly inexpensive but it's been great for carrying in the woods) belt holster for my 629 Mountain Gun. I paid 39.95 for it and it looks and works very well as a backup. I think Old World holsters are made by Uncle Mike's, but they are <decent> leather at a fairly good price. I did look at the Galco Phoenix, but for the money I bought the Old World and some ammo. : ) I ordered mine from Cheaper Than Dirt.
BTW, I am going Hog hunting (again) in February and you can bet that I'll have my MG on my hip.
BTW, I am going Hog hunting (again) in February and you can bet that I'll have my MG on my hip.
Try here.
http://www.cowboyneeds.com/Holsters_for_SW_N_Frame-4.html
The #114 western style holster on a drop belt would keep the gun in easy reach, but out of the way of your rifle butt.
http://www.cowboyneeds.com/Holsters_for_SW_N_Frame-4.html
The #114 western style holster on a drop belt would keep the gun in easy reach, but out of the way of your rifle butt.