Drop holster for hiking

Status
Not open for further replies.
Prophet

Prophet

Member
Joined
Apr 7, 2008
Messages
453
Location
AK
I spend a lot of time hiking with my 1911 but I carry a backpack or a lumbar pack with me as well and I find that it’s constantly grabbing on my handgun and also makes it difficult to draw. I’m not interested in having a drop-leg holster, I was issued one and didn’t like it. Chest holster is out as well, I keep my sidearm on me when I’m hunting and my rifle slung up front on my chest. I’m looking for something similar to the attached photos to drop the firearm below where my lumbar/backpack strap crosses my waist. I’m not particularly fond of the one pictured because the trigger guard isn’t covered but it’s pretty close to what I’m looking for. Does anyone know of a company that makes something similar that drops the holster a couple inches lower than the waist/belt area but not all the way down to your leg? I’m not afraid of kydex either, just couldn’t find any photos of kydex holsters in this style. Thanks.
 

Attachments

  • B9042295-8F9E-4F20-8C25-23AEE3CE8140.jpeg
    B9042295-8F9E-4F20-8C25-23AEE3CE8140.jpeg
    144.2 KB · Views: 89
  • AC889F7F-8691-43A0-A6EB-EB7686F810DF.jpeg
    AC889F7F-8691-43A0-A6EB-EB7686F810DF.jpeg
    205 KB · Views: 87
As mentioned duty holsters are one option,

Davis Leather http://davisleathercompany.com/duty/

Ted Blocker https://www.tedblockerholsters.com/Leather-Duty-Holsters_c_25.html

El Paso Saddlery https://epsaddlery.com/product-category/holsters/classic-carry/

Black Hills Leather https://blackhillsleather.com

"Wild Bunch" is another category that may work

Mernickle https://www.mernickleholsters.com/bm_wb.html

or Cowboy

Andrews Leather http://www.andrewsleather.com/urbane.htm

Kirkpatrick http://www.kirkpatrickleather.com/semi-autos

or Field Holsters

Tauris http://www.taurisholsters.com/field.cfm

El Paso Saddlery https://epsaddlery.com/product-category/holsters/hunting-field/strongside-hunting-field/

Kydex

Comp-Tac International (should be available with drop and offset) https://comp-tac.com/holsters/competition-holsters/

Blade-Tech https://blade-tech.com

Hillsman http://www.hillsmanholster.com/STIEagleRangeMaster.html
 
Prophet said:
I’m not particularly fond of the one pictured because the trigger guard isn’t covered but it’s pretty close to what I’m looking for.
Click to expand...
This is a concern with a striker gun without a manual safety, though it generally isn't an issue with a 1911 since it has a grip safety and a thumb safety.
 
JTQ said:
This is a concern with a striker gun without a manual safety, though it generally isn't an issue with a 1911 since it has a grip safety and a thumb safety.
Click to expand...

Agreed. My concern is protecting the handgun. To me there’s no advantage whatsoever to having the trigger guard open and, lacking any advantage, I would rather protect that area from dirt and debris.

Thank you to all for your help. I found a leather maker called AE Nelson that still actually makes these swivel holsters, a mite cheaper than Dan Blocker as well. Apparently they are known as swivel holsters. I’m going to get one of the 709 models with the snap lock and I’ll let you all know how it works out.

http://aenelson.hostcentric.com/index.php?cPath=27_40_56_61
 
LRDGCO said:
A copy of the 1912 Cavalry Dismount holster. Drops below the waist out of the way of the lumbar support. I like a flap holster myself, but the 1912 also has a feature for securing the flap up.

Available at Pacific Canvas & Leather

View attachment 843435
Click to expand...


There are a bunch people who make swivel holsters similar to these. Full flap protects the gun.

Google is your friend.
 
I know just the sort of thing you're after, and it can be rather inexpensive. Safariland makes their low ride loop, One of these makes it more modular, but isn't necessary, and then you'll need a holster. This is essentially one of the duty setups I have for my Glock 35 which is remarkably close in dimensions to a 5" 1911. You're looking at about $70 if you buy from Safariland, but these items can be had less expensively from other sources, if you shop around. The QLS kit is around $30 from them, but I have it for quick on and off at places like the jail and courthouse. These holsters make for a very fast draw, and the rig I just described ride PERFECTLY for me. The down side is that the thumb release is just in front of where the safety would be on a holstered 1911, so it might take some time to get used to it.
 
Prophet said:
...a mite cheaper than Dan Blocker as well.
Click to expand...
From "Bonanza"?:) https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0088779/

Ted Blocker is the holster maker, but it is hard not to default to Dan.

I found a leather maker called AE Nelson
Click to expand...
That's good. Nelson (along with Aker https://akerleather.com ) was going to be in my next round of recommendations, if you had focused on the duty holster genre from my earlier groupings.

As also mentioned above, in the duty holster group, Safariland should have a solid product, and they may be even a little better for hiking over rough terrain and adverse conditions.
 
Last edited:
LRDGCO said:
A copy of the 1912 Cavalry Dismount holster. Drops below the waist out of the way of the lumbar support. I like a flap holster myself, but the 1912 also has a feature for securing the flap up.

Available at Pacific Canvas & Leather

View attachment 843435
Click to expand...

I was suggesting Google to the OP.

I know that what you posted isn't a swivel but the OP posted one.

All good advice :)
 
I would suggest safariland.

They have low and mid ride holdersh that aught to do the trick.

I pair mine with the qls mounting system so I can switch things in and out.

I typically end up using an old military full flap holster. Made by bianchi I think. It's green and has a clip system on the back. With pack on, clip to pack belt, with pack off, clip to pants belt.
 
JTQ said:
From "Bonanza"?:) https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0088779/

Ted Blocker is the holster maker, but it is hard not to default to Dan.
Click to expand...

HAH. You’re not kidding. Guess my appreciation for good television is showing.

Thanks to all for the suggestions, this has been an incredibly helpful thread. I’m currently working with AE Nelson, they’re going to make me the 709 with a slightly longer length to accommodate my 460 Rowland conversion. I’ll take photos with it in use when it arrives so you all can see how it works out with my lumbar pack etc.
 
Prophet said:
Agreed. My concern is protecting the handgun. To me there’s no advantage whatsoever to having the trigger guard open and, lacking any advantage, I would rather protect that area from dirt and debris.

Thank you to all for your help. I found a leather maker called AE Nelson that still actually makes these swivel holsters, a mite cheaper than Dan Blocker as well. Apparently they are known as swivel holsters. I’m going to get one of the 709 models with the snap lock and I’ll let you all know how it works out.

http://aenelson.hostcentric.com/index.php?cPath=27_40_56_61
Click to expand...
I see you ordered one already, but I thought I'd share.

I use one of these with an additional drop loop.

It's my favorite hiking/field holster. It's very comfy and keeps my gun out of the way of my pack. I have one for a 3" 686+, and just ordered another one for a sig a few weeks back.
https://www.diamonddcustomleather.com/collections/holsters/products/alaska-hunter-hip-holster
 
I hike with a G20SF in the Bianchi M12 flap holster. The quik-lok attachment system allows it to be fastened over the pack belt.

NOTE: With most backpacks you will not be able to thread the belt thru a traditional holster because the buckle is way too big.

I took a pretty good end-over-end tumble down 50' into a ravine with my heavy overnighter backpack and the gun was well protected. ;)

EDIT to add: You can find a surplus M12 for around $20 - $30, a significant savings over anything else. It's also NOT leather, so you don't need to deal with that.


Holster.jpg
Holster.png
Packinsnow1.png
Packinsnow2.png
 
Last edited:
I agree with mainsail. I use one and it fits alot of different firearms. Been thru rain and snow. Protects the firearm good. bought mine used for 10 bucks 6 years ago. still going strong.
 
I have temporarily attached my favorite belt holsters to my pack or my deer stand safety harness via heavy duty zip ties.
Handgun on one side, fixed blade knife on the other.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

<*(((><
  • Locked
Backpacking with GP100
Replies
19
Views
2K
The Evangelist Cowboy
The Evangelist Cowboy
C
  • Locked
Holster for hiking
2
Replies
25
Views
9K
roscoe
R
M
  • Locked
686 Plus Drop Leg Holster, Does Blackhawk have one?
Replies
8
Views
2K
JTQ
J
wiiawiwb
  • Locked
Chest holster
Replies
7
Views
3K
johnandersonoutdoors
J
lpsharp88
  • Locked
LH Glock 20 Options
Replies
2
Views
871
Mainsail
Mainsail
Back
Top