OP
OP
Rockrivr1
Member
My 29 is a 8 3/8ths barrel and my 629 is a 6” barrel.
Anyone use a cross chest holster for large framed revolvers?
- Thread starter Rockrivr1
- Start date
- Status
My 29 is a 8 3/8ths barrel and my 629 is a 6” barrel.
dawei
Member
I use one for my Ruger® Blackhawk®, Diamond D® Guides Choice. The very best IMHO of a high-quality chest holster.
Pat Riot
Contributing Member
Thank you for clarifying and thanks for the info on the speed loader. I have been debating on a Diamond D chest rig and trying to decide if I wanted speed loader holders. I think I will skip those. Maybe carry a couple another way.
Thank you.
JFrank
Member
Great stuff guys thx for posting.
CodeSection
Member
- Joined
- Jul 2, 2011
- Messages
- 251
In addition to our order with Diamond D, we each ordered a .44 Mag speedloader pouch (https://www.craftholsters.com/leather-speed-loader-belt-pouch) from Craft Holsters. Since they are a custom order, they generally list that it will take 5-6 weeks before they ship. Ours were shipped within three weeks.....
Our Alaskans were purchased to really stop a charging black bear threat if bear spray did not work. So, in our situation, we have more than enough rounds. Frankly, we may only have the ability to get one round off so that is why we went with the .44 Mag. Your situation may be different......
https://ring.com/share/b810c761-e309-4786-8fd5-b7901b04729f
sean m
Member
- Joined
- Feb 15, 2007
- Messages
- 576
https://www.amazon.com/BLACKHAWK-40AG01BK-Alaska-Holster-Revolver/dp/B00AVBCB8C
Not a fancy leather rig but very usable
Not a fancy leather rig but very usable
Jackiesman
Member
- Joined
- Sep 26, 2021
- Messages
- 309
When salmon fishing in Alaska I carry a freedom arms 454 casual in an inexpensive padded nylon with adjustable straps. Sits high on my chest with athe butt of the gun protruding just above the top of my chest waders for quick access. 5 elastic ammo loops attached to the front for spares. Doesn't interfere with my fly fishing at all, and very comfortable. I have another one of the same material for my scoped 10.5" Super Blackhawk I use for hunting. It's just as comfortable as the other, with the same east access. Both have Velcro straps to secure if needed but they're large enough that I seldom use them.
Gordon
Member
If I was to name all the shoulder and chest rigs I have used over the years not many would read thru the long answer. Jump to here and now: me, two of my sons and friends in Alaska who are around the water all wear the Gunslinger Kenai rig for larger pistols.If you realize the actual value of a well made and designed Synthetic rig the Kenai is the way to go. They are not cheap, starting at $150 .The Company is a great small personal organization which aims to please. The holster is a phenomenal Kydex design, all my N frame Smiths snap in ( quietly) and you can do a back flip and gun is not going anywhere ! There are no straps to release. There harness system is the best of it's kind and doesn't flop around and the unique high draw angle enables a prone draw . Once you buy one system ,say for your N frame 629, other pistols of all makes and types can use the harness system by just getting another size holster which snaps in place. The harness is bomb proof, wide and soft and would support mountaineering ! I carry a bino harness over and lower than it when hunting. I have a Glock 20 holster and an S&W N frame holster and it carries a 4" or 8 3/8" equally well. It is a great , as in best holster to ride a recreational open vehicle with or horseback, I've done both. It does not block a back pack either. No moisture retention or maintenance required works 135 to minus 60 degrees and even under water 
https://gunfightersinc.com/shop/ready-to-ship-kenai-chest-holsters/[/QUOTE]
https://gunfightersinc.com/shop/ready-to-ship-kenai-chest-holsters/[/QUOTE]
ECVMatt
Member
- Joined
- Jan 7, 2004
- Messages
- 2,870
I have a Diamond D for my Ruger Toklat. My wife got it for me as a X-mas gift last year so I don't have a lot of time on it but I will say that the craftsmanship is first rate and it makes the gun very easy to carry and deploy.
Gordon's post now has me thinking that I now need a Kenai for my Glock 20 with the surefire light. That seems like a great way to carry the gun with a light and be able to scale up or down with clothing as the temperature changes.
A couple of problems I found with belt carry in AK was my gun getting wet from the raft and when wadding and it getting buried under clothing as the temps went down. The chest rig seems like a good way to address these two problems.
Another nice holster is the FirstSpear Walt Torso holster. I use this to carry my Glock 17 while ATVing in the desert. It is comfy, light, and weather proof.
Gordon's post now has me thinking that I now need a Kenai for my Glock 20 with the surefire light. That seems like a great way to carry the gun with a light and be able to scale up or down with clothing as the temperature changes.
A couple of problems I found with belt carry in AK was my gun getting wet from the raft and when wadding and it getting buried under clothing as the temps went down. The chest rig seems like a good way to address these two problems.
Another nice holster is the FirstSpear Walt Torso holster. I use this to carry my Glock 17 while ATVing in the desert. It is comfy, light, and weather proof.
Gordon
Member
[/QUOTE]If I was to name all the shoulder and chest rigs I have used over the years not many would read thru the long answer. Jump to here and now: me, two of my sons and friends in Alaska who are around the water all wear the Gunslinger Kenai rig for larger pistols.If you realize the actual value of a well made and designed Synthetic rig the Kenai is the way to go. They are not cheap, starting at $150 .The Company is a great small personal organization which aims to please. The holster is a phenomenal Kydex design, all my N frame Smiths snap in ( quietly) and you can do a back flip and gun is not going anywhere ! There are no straps to release. There harness system is the best of it's kind and doesn't flop around and the unique high draw angle enables a prone draw . Once you buy one system ,say for your N frame 629, other pistols of all makes and types can use the harness system by just getting another size holster which snaps in place. The harness is bomb proof, wide and soft and would support mountaineering ! I carry a bino harness over and lower than it when hunting. I have a Glock 20 holster and an S&W N frame holster and it carries a 4" or 8 3/8" equally well. It is a great , as in best holster to ride a recreational open vehicle with or horseback, I've done both. It does not block a back pack either. No moisture retention or maintenance required works 135 to minus 60 degrees and even under water
https://gunfightersinc.com/shop/ready-to-ship-kenai-chest-holsters/
20-30 percent off for ready to ship inventory for Black Friday sale. I'm getting another holster for my rig.
I have used cross chest (Tanker) type rigs in the past, while fishing and hunting and long ago while flying in Vietnam...more apropos to this century, I like the positioning of the gun for trout fishing, as well as sitting in a deer stand. They even work under a jacket for CC purposes...just keep the jacket unzipped a few inches and you still have access to the gun. Gordon's suggestion for that Kydex rig seems like a good option and one that I'd pursue if I was still going west in the fall for elk.
For fishing back here, east of the Mississippi, down in the Smokies near Knoxville, I've used the Tanker rigs, as well as a shoulder holster that presented the gun in a horizontal fashion. While I'm not crazy about the muzzle direction for use in public places, it does well under a fly fishing vest...both concealment and ready access without impeding my fishing maneuvers.
Both types are gunna get the job done and there are myriad makers on the web for reasonable $. I especially like the Tanker as made by El Paso Saddlery...expensive, but absolutely first rate quality...a lifetime investment, IMHO. Best regards, Rod
For fishing back here, east of the Mississippi, down in the Smokies near Knoxville, I've used the Tanker rigs, as well as a shoulder holster that presented the gun in a horizontal fashion. While I'm not crazy about the muzzle direction for use in public places, it does well under a fly fishing vest...both concealment and ready access without impeding my fishing maneuvers.
Both types are gunna get the job done and there are myriad makers on the web for reasonable $. I especially like the Tanker as made by El Paso Saddlery...expensive, but absolutely first rate quality...a lifetime investment, IMHO. Best regards, Rod
Anchorite
Member
Check out mangearalaska.com.
No first-hand experience, but I’ve read some good things. My concern would be moisture, but I think that would be equally for leather or ballistic nylon.
No first-hand experience, but I’ve read some good things. My concern would be moisture, but I think that would be equally for leather or ballistic nylon.
I bought one from Western Images Leather Works a couple years ago. Mine is actually set up for a Desert Eagle. I had to modify it somewhat to work well for that gun, but it also works well with a Ruger Blackhawk.
I keep thinking I need to incorporate a belt loop to keep it from riding up when I draw. That’s not so much an issue with the revolvers, but the Desert Eagle tends to grab it a bit more.
I keep thinking I need to incorporate a belt loop to keep it from riding up when I draw. That’s not so much an issue with the revolvers, but the Desert Eagle tends to grab it a bit more.
Anchorite
Member
That looks cool. Some of these posts that I see look like a cross between a “tanker style” and a “cross-draw chest holster.” I guess one needs to evaluate how their holster will integrate with the other equipment they carry…. how will it interfere with my binos? Can I wear it under a garment and still get quick access? Vertical? Horizontal?
Clearly to me, across the chest provides the fastest access to your firearm. Just my thoughts.
I have one of those Uncle Mikes horizontal shoulder holsters that holds the gun under the arm pit and you connect it to your belt - an easy, almost idiot proof system, but the draw stroke to get your gun out is a great arc - something that is *not* quick.
I sure like reading the responses on THR and the experiences each have had. Thanks for that, fells! What a resource!!
trackskippy
Member
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2010
- Messages
- 3,509
Back in the early 90's, I had a chest holster for my 1911 that was made by a British leather company (name escapes me now, Paul ... something or other) whos main trade holster-wise, seemed to be a lot of undercover stuff for NATO and the British government/police. Compared to what US makers offer, it was pretty plain and basic, nothing really special leather-wise, but that chest holster was something unique.
Their holster was worn pretty much vertically on the centerline of the body with a slight muzzle cant to the left for a right handed shooter. The main loop looked like a typical soft, wide shoulder holster strap, but instead of going over your shoulder, it went over your head. Another strap attached towards the bottom of the holster and went around your waist. The holster was well fitted and there was no retaining strap for the gun. It was worn with the muzzle end of the holster at the belt line, and the gun cleared the holster at about your nipples.
It was easily hidden under a light jacket, and full access to the gun was about halfway down with the zipper. It was quick to access, worked really well, and worked best with the zipper down most of the way and using the velcro wind flap taps instead of zipping all the way up. It was fairly comfortable, but not something Id want to wear all day.
Bad part was, it (as was most of their other stuff) was saltly price-wise, and shipping just added to the burn. Cost me about $250 by the time it finally showed up.
At the time, I thought the idea was a good one, compared to traditional shoulder holsters, and the Tankers, but also found it a bit limited in use because of how you had to cover it. After using it a while, it wasnt all that great in practice, except for maybe a couple of uses, and I moved on. At least I got a good chunk of my money back selling it on eBay, so it turned out sorta OK.
Their holster was worn pretty much vertically on the centerline of the body with a slight muzzle cant to the left for a right handed shooter. The main loop looked like a typical soft, wide shoulder holster strap, but instead of going over your shoulder, it went over your head. Another strap attached towards the bottom of the holster and went around your waist. The holster was well fitted and there was no retaining strap for the gun. It was worn with the muzzle end of the holster at the belt line, and the gun cleared the holster at about your nipples.
It was easily hidden under a light jacket, and full access to the gun was about halfway down with the zipper. It was quick to access, worked really well, and worked best with the zipper down most of the way and using the velcro wind flap taps instead of zipping all the way up. It was fairly comfortable, but not something Id want to wear all day.
Bad part was, it (as was most of their other stuff) was saltly price-wise, and shipping just added to the burn. Cost me about $250 by the time it finally showed up.
At the time, I thought the idea was a good one, compared to traditional shoulder holsters, and the Tankers, but also found it a bit limited in use because of how you had to cover it. After using it a while, it wasnt all that great in practice, except for maybe a couple of uses, and I moved on. At least I got a good chunk of my money back selling it on eBay, so it turned out sorta OK.
rdmercer
Member
As many have mentioned, the 80 years old tanker design holster works as good as any. A 1911 along your ribcage is quite comfortable with an extra mag or the K frame holster of similar design which comes with a canvas ammo belt that slides onto the main leather strap if very easy to carry. Over the years they have not improved the shoulder carry much at all. Besides it doesn't pull your pants down.
- Status