[rtl]

How do you carry your 'chores' gun?

I live in a rural area with pests to include coyotes, gophers and sparrows that want to nest in the barn. While working outside, my carry is a single action .357, usually loaded with mid weight .38 spl or shot shells when dealing with the sparrows. Since concealment isn't really necessary, I usually carry it strong side in a nylon Uncle Mike's on the belt in front of the hip under a t-shirt but would welcome other ideas.

[ChristopherG]

There's no reason at all a .357 SA isn't a great gun to have on hand around the home or farm. I've never found a nylon holster (you mean fabric nylon, right?) to hold a gun securely enough to let me move around without the gun sagging and banging around. I'm partial to kydex myself, and would probably consider something like this one from kytac:

http://www.kytac.com/page9.html

Of course, there are also lots of leather rigs that would work, if that's your preference, and folks will doubtless suggest particular makers.

[Stevel]

I have a DeSantis dual position (strong side and cross draw) which I like a lot but rarely get to use because I usually need concealment. It carries nicely and looks good.

[Smith357]

I started to to carry a Ruger Blackhawk .357 while hiking and fishing the back country in Colorado after seeing Mt. Lion tracks in the mud down by the Eagle river. I would carry 5 with the hammer on empty in a plain leather hip holster.

[redneckrepairs]

I dont worry about the birds myself , so normaly i just swap mag's in my carry gun ( usualy a kahr p9 ) and use ball for everything from snakes to the occational pot shot at jackrabbits . I normaly carry iwb so i dont modify that , come cottentail season i will either pack a S&W 6" mod 17 or a ruger single six owb tho because the meat is just too tastey to waste any due to a 9mm+ hit lol .

[Frandy]

For the brush or on my own property, my .357 is in a Triple K holster that I bought at a dealer for $10. It wasn't made for the GP100, but fits well enough for my purposes. It doesn't look this new any more. :D
http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=29531&d=1128344556

[ugaarguy]

5" S&W M&P (you know the real M&P, a revolver) loaded with standard pressure 158 gr. LSWCs in a very basic nylon Uncle Mike's holster OWB. In the high desert of SW Idaho I think it's a great setup.

[Vern Humphrey]

I make my own holsters. When riding or hiking in the woods, I carry strong side on a separate belt -- usually, I'll have a Colt Officers Model Target (.22 LR), a Colt Single Action Army (.357, usually loaded with .38 Specials) or a Colt New Service in .45 Colt.

[ArmedBear]

Since AZ is an open carry state, I once carried a .357 single action in an open holster while taking my dog outside to take a crap in the parking lot of a Phoenix hotel. A Days Inn, I think (I did pick it up and throw it away, BTW, which is more than I can say for some people who come here from Arizona.:p )

But I didn't really feel I needed it. There weren't any vicious attack sparrows around or anything. As a Californian, I just appreciated the opportunity to carry the thing.

So I guess that makes it a "chore gun" of sorts.

[Vern Humphrey]

Since AZ is an open carry state, I once carried a .357 single action in an open holster while taking my dog outside to take a crap in the parking lot of a Phoenix hotel.

Well, that's one way to get the dog to crap when you want him to.:D

[nelson133]

When I had a farm, I carried a Ruger .45 single action in an Uncle Mike's shoulder holster in the fields. The woodchucks learned to run when they saw a rifle, but the concealed pistol fatally confused a number of them.

[Otherguy Overby]

CCW, I normally carry IWB but on return to the house I often just change pants/levis. So, when going out to do something on my land I most often use an easily insertable paddle kydex holster and my Glock 34 or sometimes my SV 9x23. The holsters easily work with overalls, shorts or anything with a waist band.

I will also often go out with either an 1894P Marlin lever in 44mag or my "D" model SKS. My CMP Garand may be substitued into the long gun lineup when I get the stock refinishing done.

[wheelgunslinger]

When I restored log cabins, about 10 years ago, I carried a Bisley Vaquero in .45 colt and a 38 webley, alternately.
The Vaquero stuck around longer since I had a good holster for it, and I couldn't watch the bullets go from barrel to target. Holster was just a cheapo uncle Mikes, but with brush and hand tools brushing up against it, it kept a lot of damage away from the Vaquero. And, the gun never even tried to jump out and disappear in the leaves despite lots of vigorous activity.
Nowadays, I cut trees and write for a living (you can't tell by my posts, I know) and don't really need a chore gun much. But, a single action worked great for me. I felt good with the Vaq whether it was a snake, deer, or a giant rat I had to dispatch.

[Ala Dan]

I don't reck'on I have a dedicated "chores gun"; except for saving my bacon,
and any of the ones I own are very capeable of that~!:cool: :D

[jame]

Mine will vary, but I normally carry a Ruger SSM in .32 Magnum.

Lately, I picked up a little .22 Beretta 21A, and find I carry it often. I doesn't snag on things as I move about the farm, I can carry in without a belt, and it doesn't get as beat up as the OWB guns.

[Dienekes]

For years I carried a 4" Ruger Security Six in the old GI flap holster on a decent belt, which kept the gun high, comfortable, and secure under all circumstances. The only thing I didn't care for was the open toe bottom which could admit dirt and stuff when sitting down, etc. The cure for that was a strip of electrical tape that could be shot through if necessary. Still a very good combination and light.

Of late I have experimented with a 4" GP-100 in a Bianchi UM84 revolver holster (based on the old UM80 & 92/M12 military semiauto holsters). The gun is heavy but in this rig I don't notice it at all. Every bit as good as the above setup and no open bottom. Expensive holster, though.

For boondocking with single actions I use an old, modified Lawrence #120 Keith holster. Not ideal and would prefer a full flap rig like the others but after about 37 years I'm used to it.

[rtl]

I'm liking the idea of a flap holster as I have noticed my SA can get a little gritty from dust. Any recommendations where I can find an inexpensive one on line? Nylon (fabric) would suffice, this one certainly doesn't have to be pretty.

[Tigerseye]

Taurus Tracker in .45 Colt with Federal 250 gr lead semi-wadcutter hollow points. Only the birds are safe.

[gopguy]

When working around my place I carry a Browning HP35 MkIII in 9mm with a spare mag on hand....We have some coyotes but being in the country I worry about the two legged predator catching me on the property more. I do my best to make sure I am prepared for any such encounter.;)

[Iggy]

I am a rancher in SE Wyoming.. I use a pickup, ATV, and horses all the time.
I fix fence, load and unload feed, climb windmills etc.

I presently carry a 1911, CCO in 10mm in a Sparks or Alessi IWB holster any time I have my pants on.

I feel the IWB is more secure and safer in that it is contained inside my waist band rather than hanging outside where it can catch on fences, critters etc.

There has been a handgun of one form or another in my waistband for 40 years. It's there, I can feel it, and know it is where it belongs, and it doesn't feel right if it isn't there.

Now that and a $1.50 might buy you a cup of coffee.. Good luck in your quest!!

[TOADMAN]

Chores gun....I like that term...When I am out and about or in and around my spread - when any chores crop-up that need hand gun attention - my Glock 36 will suffice...Usually carried in a Uncle Mikes size 12 Sidekick. The Sidekick comes with thumbreak looking things - discard them - not necessary - Glocks shouldn't be carried in thumbreak type holsters, IMO...

[kbheiner7]

A .357 SA is a great choice, but I'd stoke it with full power magnums with a lead hardcast bullet for maximum penetration in case you ever needed it.

[RugerSAFan]

Partial to my 3.75" Ruger .45lc Birdshead Vaquero.

[V-fib]

My CCW is a 642 and sometimes I pop it in my pocket to go get the mail or load the outdoor stove but my everyday around the homestead carry is my Taurus 94 .22lr. I usually have it on a uncle mike’s paddle but when I’m out cutting firewood and I have my bib overhauls on I keep it in a belly bag under the flap of the bibs. The other day I had the Taurus on my side and was up at the front of my long driveway weedwacking when out of the corner of my eye I saw the familiar sheriff patrol car drive by. I looked up to see the car slowing down but then they continued on their way. I thought I was going to have to explain open carry to one of the deputy’s.

[Chuck Dye]

Out and about the property I usually carry the full sized 1911, either in a Ross Leather IWB holster or an old Bianchi Ranger Series drop loop holster. Occasionally I’ll have the Ruger MkII in a Bianchi Ranger or the scoped Redhawk .44mag in an Uncle Mike’s Sidekick shoulder holster. The drop loop holsters are not as likely as higher riding holsters to prang the ribs when I take a tumble.

[trickyasafox]

stainless ruger mk II small of back carry in a cheapie uncle mikes nylon rig.

it'll drop anything up to a yote if i do my part, i shoot it well, and i know sweat won't hurt it. that and i can keep three spare mags in the holster where it is meant to carry a single double stack 9mm or 40 mag. 40 rounds of 22lr will take care of most any small critter/critters you might have roaming around, and it's just so convient to grab.

i also carry like this well doing some light exercise with my dad. he's 57 and likes to walk for exercise, so we'll head out and stomp around and that mk II and a walking stick in case of a mean dog really covers most any ground we'll need :)

[Jimmy Newman]

For a while the only hangun I had that was more than a .22 was my .40S&W Walther P99, so it was what I carried out in the country. I killed several wild hogs with it, and was confidant that if any critters attacked me (doesn't happen often, but does happen - for example if you get between a sow and her piglets) I could kill them with it. It's also very comfortable to carry because it's pretty light.

I've gotten some more handguns now, and I'll either carry my Sig P220 if I'm feeling automatic (.45ACP) or S&W Model 57 (.41mag) if I'm feeling revolvery. They're both heavier, but boy are they fun to shoot!

[Mortech]

Taurus 669CP 357 Mag stainless in a Uncle Mike's holster especially during deer season .

[M2 Carbine]

Along with whatever I might have on me I have a 50 cal ammo box on the tractor with one or two pistols that I leave in it. Usually one 38 is loaded with shot shells for Copperheads and Rattlesnakes.

At night when checking out the place I stick a laser/light equipped FN 5.7 in my pocket. More for the light than the gun.

[Rickstir]

I carry a 92FS for the most part. Outside, strong side, 4:00 in Bianchi leather holster with a thumb release. Someone makes a bag type holster that straps to the front of your chest. I always thought this would be a good rig with overalls, like I wear a lot in fall and winter. Can't find the link though.

[confed sailor]

a 1895 nagant in the full flap holster it came with.

[Gordon]

I feed livestock twice a day. There is a Nylon 66 .22 stashed in the barn loaded with Stingers for most vermin. Used to be a single shot .410 , but I replaced it with the .22 . When go around property lately my S&W 242 7 shot L frame .28spl scandium snubby is clipped to me with the Clip Draw I recently installed on it and my CCW listed 296 .44 twin to it.
Lately I have put 110 grain +P+ gubbament surplus 'Treasury' loads in it as it is rated for them and none other of my .38s are -and I have alot of those loads!If I think there are too many ground sqirrels building up ; I sling my Uncle Mikes bandolier flapped holster for the 2x Burris sighted .17HMR Ruger single six 'Hunter' which will nail the pesky critters to 100 yards.:)

[ROCKSHUND]

Mostly Glock M27 with Trijicons for me, a nylon outside belt holster in the summer. In the winter, it might often be in an IWB holster, or the same outside holster, depends on what I'm doing. Even though it's a Glock, I just try to avoid sweating all over it if possible.

In the summer, the first round in the mag is JHP, the second is CCI snakeshot, then JHP, then snakeshot, and the rest is JHP. Eastern Rattlesnakes and Copperheads aren't scarce around these parts...

In the winter, I like to install my Glock .357 Sig barrel, and carry all JHP. I have been partial to Remington hollowpoints, but I believe that I'll start buying Speer Gold Dots.

Sometimes I'll carry my Ruger MKII stainless Standard, if the mood strikes. On rare occasion, the Browning HiPower makes the rounds. The Kimber .45 doesn't come out for chores much, I just don't like beating the rosewood grips up unnecessarily. All of these ride in OWB holsters 'round home.

My OWB's are strong side, the Glock IWB is worn over the appendix. The BHP and Kimber are usually strong side rear in a belt slide.

My truck always carries a No.4MkI Long Branch Enfield. :D -FNR.

[Dr.Rob]

any 2-4inch .357 with 2 rds of snakeshot and the rest for 'business'.

That's a very versatile 'working' load, and usually what I take in my 'fishing' gear.

[420Stainless]

If I'm working around the yard and its less than 95 degrees, I pocket carry in bib overalls. The pockets are so deep you can slip anything into them - my favorite is a 5-1/2" .45 Vaquero. Only issue is quick draw from deep pockets, but I am not skilled in quick draw from holsters either.

[Bulldozer]

Usually a 3" Model 65LS or Model 66 with 4 rounds of snakeshot and 2 150 JHP magnums.

Have a spare speedloader of each on the belt in a dual pouch in case I need to switch stuff around.

Have had to handle a den of rats, a rabid squirrel (foamy), and a nest of snakes in the past three months along the property.

Seems the construction up the road is stirring up all the wildlife and it is heading through my land and out shelters.