Holster for a .357 mag "deer revolver"

[AStone]

I've been searching archives sporadically today
(instead of getting my work done )
for an answer to these questions. So far, no luck.

[If any one knows of a thread addressing this question,
it'd be great to post a link to it here. ]

Suppose you wanted to carry a 4" or 6" .357 mag revolver deer hunting,
or wanted to carry one in addition to a carbine suitable for deer or squirrels and rabbits).

That is, you want to be able holster the revolver.

Imagine that your revolver was something like a SW 686 or a Ruger GP100.
Which revolver is NOT the issue here. The point is, it's heavy, up in the 35 - 40 oz category.

(Yes, yes, I admit it: I've got .357 mag revolver fever.
I thought I was over it, but it's back. Recurring fever, it is ... )

For carrying such a revolver, what's your current holster (which model and who makes it), and why?

What holster currently available would you want for such a gun in the best of all worlds, and why?

(Don'tcha hate essay questions? )

In addition to information about OWBs, I'm also interested in alternatives,
like a shoulder harness or even one of these Grizzly Tuffs (both by Simply Rugged).

PS: I just found this review of the Grizzly Tuff by Jeff Quinn.

Thanks,

Nem

 

[culito]

I've gotta El Paso 2000 full flap for my 6'' S&W 28. Great protection !

 

[wcwhitey]

Try looking on Ebay for an old Police duty rig for a 4 or 6" revolver. You will see them all the time for cheap. Most times they will come with belt, dump pouches or other usefull asseccories. Sometimes a little shoe polish is all it takes. Bill

 

[TexAg]

I've got an Uncle Mike's shoulder holster for my 7.5" Ruger Super Blackhawk Hunter model and I love it. Conceals well if you need it (I wore it under a coat driving around town one day just becasue I could with my CHL, it was a hoot CHLing a huge gun like that) and it balances well. Out hunting it carries very well and you can easily carry a rifle too. I would recommend a shoulder or cross chest bandolier type for a hunting revolver. I find hunting with a handgun that you don't really want a strong side draw holster because it might "clack" against the chair or rock you sit on while hunting. So to me its cross draw, bandolier type, or shoulder holster.

 

[AStone]

Thanks for your advice, folks.

TexAg, I've bookmarked those Uncle Mike's holsters.
They have several of interest. Good stuff. Made in my state, to boot.

Wcwhitey, used can be good. I'll check ebay.

Culito, wow: nice looking leather goods from El Paso.
Clearly quality stuff backed by years of history.
Bookmarked. Got my attention.

 

[mike101]

If you get a 6", I would definately look into a shoulder holster or cross-draw. I used a Bianchi Cyclone for my 6" Security Six, and I loved it.

 

[farscott]

My preference is a Milt Sparks #200AW or HSR in full sharkskin. The #200AW is basically a strong-side HSR with a hammer cover. I like these revolvers because they secure the gun quite well while offering a fair amount of protection. The sharkskin is quite good at resisting the abrasion that an open-carry holster gets in the woods.

I use the #200AW for holstering DA revolvers when the revolver is used as my primary. I like the hammer cover as it stops me from getting snagged. I have two, one for six-inch K-frames and one for six-inch N-frames.

The HSR is available as a cross-draw (the #200AW is not) which I like for a hunting gun that is a back-up. I use the HSR for my FA 1997 in .357 Mag. I can keep it on my left side while I keep my rifle on my right side.

 

[wcwhitey]

I was browsing Ebay last night. There are two Don Hume Jordan Holsters one in black and one in brown up for auction. A great holster. Bill

 

[Jrsmith]

Well I ordered one of these from midway a few days ago for that very reason, for my GP 100

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=675971

I'll let you know how it works out next time I go hunting (maybe this weekend).

 

[RustyShackelford]

hunting grade handguns/holsters

I for 1 would NOT use small or low caliber handguns for handgun hunting. The smallest barrel I'd consider is the 6". I'd also use powerful loads designed for handgun hunting not some less powerful round that will not put a game animal down with a clean shot.

The .357magnum is popular is some places for mid size game and smaller whitetail deer. I would buy a .44magnum .454Casull a .480Ruger or a .500S&W revolver or a .50AE pistol(like the great IMI/Desert Eagle) for these hunts.

The Ruger SuperRedhawk, S&W N frames or Freedom Arms Single Action(SA) revolvers would be a smart choice.

For hunting holsters; the Dick Metcalf designed HuSH rig from Bianchi looks like a good deal, .

Rusty

www.ruger.com www.gunsamerica.com www.bianchi-intl.com www.smithandwesson.com www.freedomarms.com

 

[dairycreek]

Nematocyst-870


I am an avid handgun hunter (use Super Redhawk in 44 mag) and can really give a good recommendation to the Grizzly Tuff made by Simply Rugged. Simply Rugged makes quality stuff.

It carries in a convenient place which allows me both hands free to climb through the brush and timber and I really do want both hands free.

An editorial comment if you will. I have hunted coastal blacktail deer with a 357 and really feel that it is marginal for that purpose. Suggest you take a look at a 44 magnum instead. FWIW.

 

[bhk]

I use a Bianchi Cyclone for my 4" SW .44 mag Mountain Gun. Works great when also carrying a rifle. This year, and again a couple of year's ago, I had does come by so close that the rifle hardly seemed fair. In each case I put the rifle across my lap, pulled the .44, and shot the deer through the chest. Both does were about 11 yards away.

 

[Hutch]

It ti sunlikely event you have the same affliction/circumstance I do, in that I shoot revolvers right-handed, but have to shoot long guns off the left shoulder. This permits me to holster a bulky handgun on the right side and still not have interference with shouldering a long arm. That being said, I still like strong-side, high-ride pancake type holseters, even for a 6.5-inch N=frame.

 

[Sniper X]

Geez! A 4!! for hunting deer!

A 4in .357 for hunting deer? Around here in New MExico our deer are too big to hunt with a 4in unless you are a great stalker or can call them in to say within 50 feet. I hunt with a 8 3/8in Model 29 and am going to hunt pigs with my 6in python and my 10in TC in .357 but don;t think I'd even hunt feral pigs with a 4in! More power to ya though! Do you also hunt Elk with a knife?

 

[Jim March]

This thing here has some merit:

http://www.mernickleholsters.com/ps/bwcc_daa.html

They sell a lot of the same holster but meant for SA revolvers - and most of those are basically 5". Take a look at the pics of that setup:

http://www.mernickleholsters.com/ps/bwcc_saa.html

There are more extensive pics here:

http://www.gunblast.com/Mernickle.htm

This rig is very "high and tight", hugging your body and raising the gun more than most rigs. Which works very well on a 4" or even 5" tube (in the last link above you see somebody seated in a car with a 4.75" barrel SA strapped on) and would be workable with a 6" barrel, in crossdraw mode if need be. The same holster supports standard and crossdraw wear via multiple belt slots.

 

[Majic]

If carrying a rifle in the shooting hand then I would use a crossdraw holster to keep the handgun out of the way. Strong side carry while strolling thru the woods and eventually the rifle will whack the handgun.

 

[hexidismal]

I've been having a very hard time finding something belt leather for a 686 6" myself, I've even had a WTB thread here on THR going with no responses. There was a guy selling DeSantis speed scabbards for it on ebay ( which strangely DeSantis does not list as something they make ) , but I didn't jump on that fast enough and he's all out. 4 inchers seem easy enough to find, but noone seems to have anything around for a 6.

 

[LHB1]

For non-scoped S&W M629 Classic revolver w/5" bbl, I use a Kramer holster. It is sturdy enough but the finished holster shows scribed layout lines and sloppy workmanship in the leather that detracts from the appearance. For scoped pistols, I designed and made my own holsters, complete with shoulder harness. See this thread for description: http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=243235


Good shooting and be safe.
LB

 

[AStone]

Wow. I go to sleep for a few hours and this thread explodes with new suggestions.

Thanks! I'm going to consider all of them.

I'll make a few clarifications about my own particular needs that will influence my holster decision for this gun. These are specific to my needs, but they need not prevent anyone from posting information about their holster setup regardless of whether it will work for me or not. (THR threads are a community resource. I don't expect responses to be limited to only what works for me.)

First, I'm right handed. I tend to sling all my long guns (even my 870 wears a sling, as will my 336 and a .22 carbine, when I get them). Further, I tend to carry my long guns "African carry" on my left side. That would insure that a strong side carry of this revolver will not cause collisions between them. It may however, make a cross draw holster, including a shoulder holster set up, more problematic. I don't think it would negatively impact some of the chest carry pieces, however.

Also, when hunting, especially small game, I tend to be a walker (I sometimes hunt as an excuse to go for a long walk) and usually carry a sizeable daypack with food, raingear, extra layers, first aid, bivuouac gear, etc. (Comes from my long backpacking/mountaineering experience.) My main daypack has a waist belt, which will conflict with a belt holster, yet be less problematic with a "chest" holster or a shoulder holster rig.

Now, for a couple of non-holster points. Note: this admittedly may be better discussed in another thread, but since they came up, I'll clarify my intentions, and risk us getting OT. I'd prefer to keep this thread mostly about holsters, and save the caliber and barrel discussions for another thread.

1) I suspect that, except in an emergency situation, I will rarely if ever hunt deer exclusively with this revolver. I intend to use a Marlin 336 for that purpose. I see this revolver as being a utility weapon with several uses: A) mainly, a camp carry piece suitable for social work in the great outback; B) a revolver for "deer use" in heavy thickets (very common where I live) where a rifle is impossible to point, and for dispatching a wounded deer or other game; C) a "deer-capable" gun (even if admittedly marginal) for use in some future survival scenario where I'm out hunting squirrel with my .22 carbine, but stumble on a close deer, etc. I'm not yet ruling out a 6" barrel, but am leaning towards a 4" because this revolver will be more of a utility gun with multiple uses and not specifically to be used as a primary deer-hunter.

2) I hear what several of you are suggesting about .357 not being the optimal deer cartridge, especially for a handgun. Points taken. However, in researching this revolver, I've read a bunch of archived and current threads on THR and elsewhere. Here's one that continues to be particularly informative and interesting to me. The consensus seems to be that .357 revolvers can have, and still do take deer. Again, barrel length is better off in the 6" range or longer, and hotter loads are preferable. But again, for me, this revolver is NOT going to be a primary hunting weapon. (I named the thread as I did because the revolver will be used in hunting situations, so I'm looking for a holster suitable for that kind of purpose instead of a CCW holster suitable for dinner at a restaurant.)

Also concerning caliber, I'm a minimalist when it comes to guns, action types and ammo diversity. As I've discussed in other threads, because of my financial situation AND my lifestyle (semi-nomadic, and likely becoming more so in the future), I'm looking to hone my weapons tool kit to a few guns that meet most of my needs. I'm not a gun collector, but use them as tools. I want no safe queens. Along with three long guns (a centerfire rifle, a shotgun (see user name) and a .22 carbine), I only want two handguns, three at most. I've realized that I am more of a wheel gun guy, so I'd like all to be revolvers, and I hope to have the handguns use the same ammo, or at least for there to be a significant overlap.

My main carry piece is a SW 642 revolver in .38 spl. (It has convinced me that I'm a wheel gun guy, and am probably going to sell my K9, sweet as the latter is.) A .357 will allow me to use .38 ammo for practice rnds, but beefier rnds for "hunting" and other needs. (Yes, I know I cannot use .357s in the 642.)

All in all, though, that strategy will allow me to minimize my ammo types.

That said, I will consider your recommendations about other calibers like .44 mag.

Thanks for your ideas.

Please continue.

Nem

 

[JD_LION]

My Blued 6" GP100 is begging me to buy this for her, Its expensive but it sure is beautiful!

They make one for the 4" also. You can order them on Rugers website.

Tan leather dual position Phoenix Holster with Ruger logo stamped on front. Fits GP100 with 6" barrel. Fits belts up to 1 3/4". Made in USA by Galco.

 

[461]

Nematocyst-870, Your post is very well thought out as usual and Ican't fault your logic in any way.

The .357 is fine for deer if the load is right and the shooter does their part, remember that it's taken every game animal in North America. There are way too many gun magazine guru types that believe you need a howitzer to take out a lowly little deer. I actually know a fellow who took one with a .17HMR believe it or not, and in no way do I reccomend or condone it but just to show perspective.

Good luck to you.

 

[John C]

N-870;

I appreciate your philosophy vis a vis safe queens and nomadic lifestyles. To me, that means you'll want to buy quality from the get-go, rather than buy something that might not meet your needs.

I know you don't want to talk caliber here, but I strongly feel that if you try a Ruger Redhawk in .44 mag, you'll never go back. Do you reload? If not, you should look into a portable reloading setup (lee hand press and lee speed dies).

To the topic at hand, have you considered this setup? http://www.survivalsheath.com/holsters/index.htm Click on Chest Holster at the bottom right hand.

Chest holsters have the advantage that they can be worn beneath the coat in inclement weather, with the coat unzipped as needed to keep the pistol at the ready. Plus, you can wear the holster no matter what kind of pants you have on (waders, sweats, polartec and other trousers that don't have belt loops).

While this holster might interfere with "african carry" of a longgun, it won't interfere with with a waist belt of a pack.

Finally, you can use it for CC when in town.

-John

 

[Texas Colt]

I always carry my 4" Colt Trooper MkIII when I'm in the woods. I use a Bianchi 5BH leather hip holster. It is a strong-side, belt mounted rig with a slight forward cant. It has taken all the abuse I have given it. Whether I'm cutting brush and dragging branches or crawling through brush tracking a deer, the holster has always retained the gun.

One thing that is very important to remember is the belt. A quality holster will do you no good if you don't have it mounted on a sturdy double thickness gun belt. it will just flop around and get in your way without a good belt.

 

[jad0110]

(Yes, yes, I admit it: I've got .357 mag revolver fever.
I thought I was over it, but it's back. Recurring fever, it is ... )

Ah crap, I'm sorry Nem, I had no idea those pics of my 686+ over in The 642 Club were that contagious!!!

BTW, just a word of caution, once the wheel gun bug has bitten, you are basically screwed! Wheel gun fever is impossible to cure, and is expensive to keep in check.

That said, maybe some can suggest some good deer loads for the 357. The 357 Magnum is a tremendously flexible platform, as you probably well know. Everyone needs at least one! With the right ammo and careful shot placement, it will get the job done. I wouldn't think you'd want to use anything lighter than 158 grain. For example, as effective as the 125 may be on upright bipedals, I'm not sure it would have adequate penetration for a decent sized deer. Something in 180 or even 200 grains may be a good bet, but again, maybe others can chime in with some suggestions.

 

[AStone]

Ah crap, I'm sorry Nem, I had no idea those pics of my 686+ over in The 642 Club were that contagious!!!

You aren't solely to blame for this, Jad, but your pics didn't help any.

And yes, wheel gunning for this sized revolver is an expensive proposition. I just got back from "my" gun store looking at 686+. Ouch.

The problem is, as always, I'm still poor (still waiting for a new business to improve) and have several gun projects running at once. Gonna have to set some priorities for a while.

Still looking, still reading. I'm paying attention to every piece of advice here.

(Those Survival Sheath chest holsters are very interesting, John C.)

Thanks, all.

Nem