Hunting Handgun Holsters

[nygunguy]

Help !

I'm currently using an Uncle Mike's bandolier holster to carry my scoped Super Redhawk .44MAG. I would REALLY like to keep my gun holstered until I need to use it. This includes still hunting and tree stand hunting. But...

The thing is so noisy I can't get away with drawing or walking through brush without scaring every deer within a 1/2 Mile. The outside of the holster is very hard codura and a branch touching it sounds like a 757 taking off. The same with the inside surface, making a draw a painfully nosiy experience. The snap on the flap is another problem, it's louder than gun (or seems that way when I'm trying to be quiet). So, I cary my pistol unholstered when walking and hold it in my hand when sitting - not what I'd like to or recommend doing.

Any Ideas? Uncle Mike's are you listening?

 

[Slingster]

How about something like Galco's SAO?

http://www.usgalco.com/HolsterG3.asp?ProductID=2562&GunID=262

I carried a 5.5" Bisley Blackhawk in the crossdraw version on one hunt, and it was out of the way, quiet, and comfortable.

[on edit: Oops, I forgot that you have a scoped gun! Sorry...]

 

[OH25shooter]

I also carry my 44 (S&W 629) in a shoulder crossdraw. But, it is not scoped. Here are a few holstermaker websites that may help in your search:

www.blackhillsleather.com
www.sanpedrosaddlery.com
www.huntercompany.com

 

[Steve in PA]

I use the same holster and gun and don't have a problem with it. But then again I carry the gun in my hands when I'm hunting. Carrying the gun in the holster, then trying to draw and shoot it takes way too much time.

I've never noticed any "noise" from drawing my SRH. As for going through brush, I just move the holster around so it is in the middle of my back and continue on with the gun being held in my hand.

What is the matter with walking with the gun in your hands, or un-holstered when sitting? I don't get it, isn't that what is done with a rifle?

 

[nygunguy]

Hi Steve

Walking with the gun in my hands isn't as much a problem as sitting in a tree stand. I do like to walk with both hands free and is the primary reason that I started hunting with a handgun. In the hilly terrain that I hunt this is a big plus for moving quietly up the slope of a gully.

I also believe that muzzle control, especially during a fall, is more critical with a handgun than a long gun and thus would prefer to keep the gun holstered as much as possible. On the flip side of this are Ruger's built in safety mechanisms and why I chose the SRH - but you can never be too safe.

In a tree stand I tend to nod off once in a while and don't want to drop the gun. I hang my bow and long guns on a hook and want to be able to secure the pistol likewise. I've thought about a tether.

 

[BlkHawk73]

I rarely use a scoped handgun when hunting and when I do, I carry it in hand. I'm not a big fan of those huge bandolier rigs either. So, I'm not likely to offer much firsthand help for ya.
I do remember a company that made kydex holsters for scoped revolvers. they were esentially molded/shaped for the gun. Lost the company link a while ago thoguh. They were special order models and at the time weren't taking any more order for them (backlog) so I opted to go handheld or just unscoped and use a standard rig.

 

[Greybeard]

Bianchi HUSH holster has severed well thus far for my SBH - altho it is still far from totally "stealthy".

I too like to keep gun in one hand or the other much of the time, especially when walking and stalking in a likely area. I usually keep the holster mentioned above adjusted in low, cross-draw fashion and use left hand to push the rig behind hip when trying to be "stealthy" thru especially dense cover.

 

[AStone]

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