Holster for bear country

I prefer a good rifle but- try a cross draw for easy access, no need for flash lites and red dot scopes.

Chest holster https://www.diamonddcustomleather.com/products/guides-choice-chest-holster

Id look at the chest holster

beeb173 said:

It looks like a high-quality holster but I’d like to keep it under $120.

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Still not under $120, but another option to compare

https://gunfightersinc.com/kenai-chest-holster/

Just for reference, a chest, shoulder, or thigh holster will usually have a lot of straps and mounts involved, and that is going to drive prices up over a typical belt holster price that will normally run around $100 without all the straps.

Adding the capability for a mounted light and red dot optic will also drive up the price.

Don’t forget bear spray. Keep it where you can get to it.

I have no grizzly experience except for standing beside a stuffed and mounted one but I would be looking at a larger caliber gun to carry and with no add on's, just iron sights.

I have a Gunfighter Inc. that I use for riding in the desert. It is comfortable and provides easy access to the firearm. However, things can get tricky with a backpack. You have to make sure the straps don't impede the draw.

Another option is the Hill People Gear Kit Bag. These are more discrete but hold the gun in a less secure manner.

Edit to add: I would spend a few more bucks for a quality holster, especially if you are looking at a chest rig type holster. There is nothing more miserable or unsafe than a cheap chest holster flopping around all day while you hike.

I like this because I wear my binos on a chest rig

https://www.glockstore.com/1942-Tanker-Shoulder-Holster?quantity=1&color=67&custcol7=92

This is just an example. There are many configurations of the Tanker Shoulder Holsters so if this looks like it would work do some searching

JTQ said:

Still not under $120, but another option to compare

https://gunfightersinc.com/kenai-chest-holster/

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This holster is nice, I have tried both this holster and the Diamond Custom and this holster is much more comfortable and stable than the Diamond Custom.


My Kenai with my S&W 610 in it. You'll notice I am wearing a hybrid vest/backpack over the holster without issue.

JTQ said:

Chest holster https://www.diamonddcustomleather.com/products/guides-choice-chest-holster

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If avaialble for that gun, their Alaskan Hunter Hip Holster with a drop loop is also extremely convenient and comfortable. I have two and will likely order 2-3 more for different guns.

JTQ said:

Adding the capability for a mounted light and red dot optic will also drive up the price.

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The mounted O-light is also probably not as common as a Surefire or Streamlight so you may be further limited with your holster options if that is the light you intend to carry mounted to the gun.

Given the firearm you've selected (including the add-ons), I'm going to suggest you consider the LGR version of the Wilderness Tactical Safepacker.

https://www.thewilderness.com/safepacker-concealment-holster/

I believe it will accommodate such a pistol, and will give you a lot of versatility. I suggest getting the velcro swatch they offer for pack belt use, and the 1" shoulder strap also.

mcb said:

This holster is nice, I have tried both this holster and the Diamond Custom and this holster is much more comfortable and stable than the Diamond Custom.

My Kenai with my S&W 610 in it. You'll notice I am wearing a hybrid vest/backpack over the holster without issue.

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Perhaps it's just me, but the idea of having to bring my hand up above my shoulder to draw a gun, when seconds matter, just seems like far too much of a struggle. Especially if I were wearing a backpack, the strap of which was pulling down on my shoulder. But I suppose everyone is different.

I don't suppose you've times that draw, have you mcb? I'm curious about it.

I've been thinking about a Hill People Gear Recon chest pack.

WrongHanded said:

Perhaps it's just me, but the idea of having to bring my hand up above my shoulder to draw a gun, when seconds matter, just seems like far too much of a struggle. Especially if I were wearing a backpack, the strap of which was pulling down on my shoulder. But I suppose everyone is different.

I don't suppose you've times that draw, have you mcb? I'm curious about it.

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Definitely slower than a belt holster but that said it's easier to get to than a belt holster with a heavy coat covering your gun. Also the straps have a ton of adjustability. You can wear that much lower on the chest and even move it left and right a good bit. You can almost have it under your weak arm if your so inclined. As pictured I was also carrying a rifle so I wore it high to keep it out of the way. If I was in bear country without the long gun I would wear it a few inches lower and swap the 610 for the M29.

I have not put hard numbers on draw times. From my USPSA rig I can draw an N-frame to a 7 yard Alpha in 1.0-1.25 seconds pretty reliably. From a leather scabbard style belt holster the few times I have shot matches with one that probably slows down to ~1.5 seconds. From the chest rig worn high as pictured I guessing 2.0-2.5 seconds. Its Kydex so the draw is smooth and fast since there is very little friction once the trigger guard clear the recess it snaps into.

mcb said:

I have not put hard numbers on draw times. From my USPSA rig I can draw an N-frame to a 7 yard Alpha in 1.0-1.25 seconds pretty reliably. From a leather scabbard style belt holster the few times I have shot matches with one that probably slows down to ~1.5 seconds. From the chest rig worn high as pictured I guessing 2.0-2.5 seconds. Its Kydex so the draw is smooth and fast since there is very little friction once the trigger guard clear the recess it snaps into.

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You're one fast cat! But I think you know that already.

Just for reference where the Safepacker holsters are concerned: I have timed my draw from concealed OWB, shooting a similar distance to you, and found I'm hovering around 2.0s with two-handed presentation. Last time I tried a Safepacker with a similar gun, it was around 2.5s. If the buckle is left unclipped, I find no appreciable difference in speed.

That said, 2.0-2.5s is a lot of time to give up to a charging Grizzly. I wish us all a speedy draw in that event.

When seconds count, the bear is only seconds away!

I’m in the chest holster group, I used one in AK quite a bit, easier to have for waders, or a parka and coveralls, or hip pack and back pack, or while fishing or whatever.

Mine was the “chesty puller” with a Simply Rugged Cuda, but I wish I had one of those Kenai ones, those look wonderful.

I might need to think on one for my deer hunting setup.

They seem to be out of stock. But I really like my Hill People chest pack. It works with that size gun very well and does not look like a holster. I've worn mine hiking and doing other things around people and no one had a clue I was carrying. Done right it is quick and easy to get the gun out if needed.

Hill People Gear | Real use gear for backcountry travelers

I use a chest holster rig made in Alaska out of cordura nylon. Very light & comfortable. Was under $90 when I got mine. They make them for pistols and revolvers.
https://mangearalaska.com/