[neddles]

I bought a S&W 586 with a six inch barrell. I plan on using it mostly for backpacking. As far as I can tell, My only options for carry are a shoulder rig or a thigh rig. I dont much like shoulder rigs(although sometimes you gotta bite the bullet). And the only thigh rigs i can find look cheap.

ANY SUGGESTIONS?

[rdrancher]

Check out the Simply Rugged Chest Puller setup.http://www.simplyrugged.com/store/index.html

rd

[Guillermo]

Galco makes a DAO (Dual Action Outdoorsman) that I like. It can be worn crossdraw or on the belt strongside. I carry it crossdraw when hiking.

It is very comfortable. This afternoon it will be employed to carry a 686 as I hike a canyon near my home.

Remember that a good belt gun belt is the key to comfort when carrying something heavy.

[Oro]

You can get pretty affordable nylon shoulder rigs for field use. I splurged a bit and got a "Tanker" holster from El Paso Saddlery for a 3" N-frame I have. It is a pattern like the M3 1911 holsters from WWII forward. Very easy to carry. I also use a real M3 to carry a 1911 sometimes if bears aren't a serious concern.

I find not having a large handgun on my waist when riding/hiking/etc in the woods desirable and the shoulder rig the right way to carry it in that scenario.

Another option I have seen done in this scenario is to stitch a nylon holster to the offside of the backpack, grip towards you so you can get at it quickly with your strong hand as if it were an offside shoulder holster, effectively. It has the benefits of having no other straps on your torso, and also letting the internal frame of the backpack distribute the weight so you effectively never feel it. For the avid backpacker, this is a good solution.