686 or GP100 and what holsters?

[adaman04]

Hey everyone, I know this is kind of a two in one question, but bear with me. I was originally considering an SP101 for my next revolver, but have recently decided I will hold off on that for a while and get a little larger frame. I have it narrowed down pretty well between the 686 and the GP100. I know asking which of these is better will be beating a dead horse, and I have read most of the threads on the topic through the search option. Anyway, one thing that would help my choice is holster options. I am mainly looking for belt holsters, not really CCW or anything right now, that will come later. Anyway, what kinda of leather are you guys packing your 686 and GP100 in? Any pics would be great! Thanks a lot everyone.

 

[SgtGunner]

My GP100 rides in a Don Hume pancake holster with thumb break, it is a great belt holster and conceals ok considering the size and bulk of the GP100.

I have a Desantis Pancake for my Model 66, I like it a bot more but that may be due to the 66 weighing ALOT less than the GP

Best
Bill

 

[adaman04]

I like pancake holsters as well. I have one for my Smith 9mm. I am mainly wanting something to wear hunting, hiking, and fishing, etc. I'm gonna look at some pics of what you have listed. Thanks!

 

[Cosmoline]

Some inexpensive options:

Surprisingly, I've always found for hip carrying the inexpensive padded Uncle Mikes are excellent. They ride soft and light, and are very durable. Plus they're about the same price as lunch.

For the Smith I'd also strongly suggest digging around in the used holster bins for an "L" frame duty holster. You can often get these for under $20 or less from the hundreds of thousands of 80's trade ins. They're excellent quality and very fast.

 

[BigBoar]

I carry the GP (and my 686 for that matter) in a Tauris High Ride (see link):

http://www.tsparksolutions.com/taurisholsters/reinhighride.cfm

I liked having the opportunity to order the thumb break. One can order it without and with or without
lining and tension screw. Tauris offers a number of other holsters, too, and his turnaround was about
a month as I recall. In fact, although not listed, he made up a holster for a 629 Mtn. Gun for me. They
are a bit more pricey than off the shelf (not much, though) and one can order the holster for different
gun belt widths. The latter was a consideration for me as not all my pants take a 1.5" wide belt which seems
to be the standard for off the shelf holsters.

 

[SACOLT]

I would go with the GP100, but I'm bias. I love Ruger revolvers, I think they are tougher than the Smiths, and good holster would be a Tommie Threeperson replica, from El Paso Saddlery.

 

[AStone]

ordering holster before buying the gun

Adaman04,

Your timing for this thread is excellent.

I was considering starting a thread about exactly the same issue, but decided to search the archives first. And here is your thread.

I'm looking at .357 revolvers now, with an eye towards buying one in a couple of months. I'm leaning very strongly towards a Ruger GP100.

Based on my experience ordering a holster for my Kahr K9, I'm thinking of ordering a holster NOW for a revolver that I won't buy until November. That's because holsters take months to make & deliver. After MUCH research aided greatly by my THR thread seeking advice about holsters, I ordered my K9 holster in late August (a "Topless" from High Noon), but it won't be delivered until some time in late November.

And, even though I like the Topless (at least, I think I do, based on reviews & web images), High Noon does not to make holsters for revolvers (at least not the topless). So, I'm back to square one with researching a revolver holster.

I'm watching this thread with interest. Thanks.

Nem

 

[Frandy]

I'm not clear what kind of holster you actually want...

I am mainly wanting something to wear hunting, hiking, and fishing, etc.

Given this criterion, do you want an all-purpose holster or a field holster. If I take my trusted GP-100 in the field, I want it protected. I was lucky to pick up a (barely) used Triple K holster for my Ruger. This is certainly not a good holster for concelaed carry or self defense, but it's perfect for the field. Of course, it didn't hurt that this holster cost me $10.

 

[Arch]

GP100 & S&W 686 are both fantastic, either one is a great choice.


However, not to throw a spanner in the works, if you are planning on carrying it alot (especially when walking long distances with your hiking), have you consedered something like the S&W model 620, with it's 7 shots of .357, still on an L-Frame, but a tad more geared toward carry?

Here is a link if you are interested:
http://firearms.smith-wesson.com/store/index.php3?cat=407533&item=1207358&sw_activeTab=1

As for holsters, no idea, I don't even own one

Cheers.

 

[Mark8252]

Holster

My 686 has a 8 3/8 inch barrell. Not suitable for carry. I just transport it in a zippered case. I only have holsters for guns that I carry concealed. No need otherwise. Case works just fine at the gun range.

 

[Lone Star]

I use the Banchi No. 5BH for both the S&W and the Ruger. I bought two (used) at gun shows, but in nice shape. Black, basketweave.

I use the Hume and Bianchi River belts. I think Bianchi has discontinued this style, but Hume may still make it. El Paso Saddlery does, and has the similar Tom Threepersons holster, which differs mainly in using a conventional retention strap in lieu of the Thumbbreak form.

Lone Star