Holster for a 6"barreled N-frame?

[DMK]

I have a 6" barreled Model 28 that I like to carry for SD when I go to the range (public, non-staffed range way out in the woods, right between No and Where).

Currently I use a belt slide, but it's awkward due to the long barrel length, especially when driving up there. I'm considering using a shoulder holster instead. I really like the Galco vertical holster below just due to the picture. It looks like it would tuck right in along the side out of the way. I've never used a shoulder holster before though.

Three questions:

Would a holster like this be convenient for use while shooting a rifle from various positions?

Anyone have any other recommendations for a quality shoulder holster?

Anyone have any recommendations for a different kind of holster for this use?


http://www.usgalco.com/HolsterG3.asp?ProductID=2976&GunID=145

 

[StrawHat]

Bianchi Model 5 (might be 5BH working from memory here)

Great holster for strong side belt gun.

 

[vanilla_gorilla]

If you have never tried a shoulder holster before, I suggest you give it a shot before you spend good money on one, if you can. Especially with a relatively heavy gun like the Highway Patrolman. I think once you realize the way the straps often dig in that you'll rethink shoulder holsters.

I doubt there's much of an easy way to carry a 6 inch N frame revolver. May be worth looking into getting another gun. I have both 4 inch and 6 inch Model 28s, and the 4 inch is ALWAYS the one that goes with me.

 

[DMK]

Hmm, hadn't thought about the straps getting uncomfortable. Do they make setups with wide straps?

OTOH, you make a good point about maybe this being a good time to buy that 4" barreled 357 I've always wanted.

 

[W.E.G.]

Unless you want to spend some serious money on a really good quality rig, I think you may be disappointed with the cheap cordura rigs. Myself, I think I'd just go with a cheap pistol case in a backpack. For CCW, I have other guns I would choose over a large revolver.

That Galco rig looks really sweet. Probably set you back some serious coin. And you still can't leave the blued-finish gun in it very long, or the hygroscopic properties of the the leather may lead to loss of bluing or rust.

Lastly, you DO know that if you wear that rig under your Sunday-go-to-meetin' jacket, you'll need to get a jacket in a good bit larger chest size than the one already hanging in your closet. Bad enough, somebody keeps sneaking in my closet and shrinking all my clothes.

 

[langenc]

If you are looking for a holster check ebay. There are hundreds for sale there.

 

[koja48]

I carry a full-size 1911 in a horizontal rig without any problem, but it's a flatter profile & not quite as bulky/heavy as an N Frame. I settled on Bianchi cross-draw rigs for longer-barreled revolvers (also for the 1911 when spending a lot of time driving in the summer).

 

[DMK]

Where could one buy a Bianchi or Galco holster for a good price?

 

[20nickels]

I too have been eyeballing the same rig, it seems to have it's good and bad points. It would take that N frame weight off your hips and they do make a wide shoulder strapped model (Jackass rig, or Miami Classic I forget which), but some think it's hotter in the summer. Once you have it all you need is to get a diff. holster for each pistol and Galco has a wide selection of popular models. Come to think of it, there does'nt seem to be too much bad except for the price and no side tie downs for the verticle models so it may be a pain when shooting prone with your rifle or running. I'm with W.E.G., the cheapo's are extremely uncomfortable.

 

[koja48]

Where could one buy a Bianchi or Galco holster for a good price?

To tell you the truth, I can't remember from whom I bought mine, it's been so long ago. Search on line. I did just buy some leather goods (including the 1911 cross-draw) from Kirkpatrick leather. Nice holster, reasonably priced but it doesn't have a thumb break.