Perfect Packin' Pistols?
- Thread starter Justin Holder
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rcmodel
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Half the battle of packin' a gun comfortably all day is picking a high quality holster that fits the gun & a wide stiff gun belt that fits you.
It will distrubate the load, and is not attached to your pants, so they don't fall down.
If you go cheap nylon holster, attached to your pants with a 1" dress belt, you will have problems packin' it all day, regardless of how light or heavy it is.
rc
It will distrubate the load, and is not attached to your pants, so they don't fall down.
If you go cheap nylon holster, attached to your pants with a 1" dress belt, you will have problems packin' it all day, regardless of how light or heavy it is.
rc
I agree. I carried a 4" Smith 29 all day every day for years without discomfort, same with other similar size guns. Having a decent rig makes a huge difference. It makes me smile to see some rigs some people use. They'll spend good money on a gun, but won't spend good money and a decent carry rig, then complain about how hard or uncomfortable it is to carry. Many seem to make up their mind how they're going to carry without much experience, and have similar issues with comfort. Some methods work well for some, some other ways work better for others, but a few seem to stand out in many different people experience as working well. Listening, and trying different ways can help get it sorted out. Having the belt loose and hanging down is a serious bummer, keeping it tight around my pants belt keeps it in place, from moving around and dragging your pants down. You definately don't want the holster to move when you pull your pistol, or not be where you expect it when you reach for it.
Most that carry much have a box of holsters that didnt work out as planned. May seem like wasted money to buy good quality holsters and not end up using them, but it's money well spent to me, it helps you figure out what works well. I've bought holsters other raved about, and hated them. Don't know if its just different opinions, or they just dont discriminate much as to function, fit and use.
After reading this thread I just realized I need to purchase a new gun with packin in mind. I hunt with all my handguns and I really never wanted the shorter barrels. The smallest SA I have is the 6.5" 41 Blackhawk it is my easiest packin gun at this time with meaningful power to kill game. All my other guns are 7.5" barrels or longer in bigger calibers. Im thinkin the 5" 44 Redhawk because you can easily install the fiber optic front site or the S&W 44 Mountain gun. There seems to be good comfortable holsters available for these guns also. Any suggestions?
Bmac1949
Member
I carry a CZ82. Mostly it stays in my truck. Hit's hard enough plenty of fire power especially with an extra clip in the holster and easily concealed. When I feel I need something stouter I'll take the Colt Commander 45ACP.
kenhwind
Member
Colt Lighweight Commander .38 Super Auto caliber.
Tomcat47
Member
I really love this little guy! Tomcat 3032
I know all the history with them, but it carries so well!
I would replace it with a new "Wide Slide" or Inox if it ever fails!
I know all the history with them, but it carries so well!
I would replace it with a new "Wide Slide" or Inox if it ever fails!
easyg
Member
Here are a few...
Ruger GP100
Ruger P95
Springfield Armory XD .45 Tactical
BigN
Member
If you can find a Taurus Tracker in 44 mag w/4" barrel that actually works, it's a perfect size for trail carrying
StrawHat,
And I thought my idea of a blue steel 45 ACP Mountain Gun was an original one (LOL). Might have known someone else would think of it too! Here's the one I had built from a M25-2 and an old Model of 1950 tapered 45 barrel.
I had this one out at the range on my last trip. Went though 20 full moon clips and was delighted with the performance and handling.
Dave
Gentlemen, I am already seeing pocket pistols creeping into the discussion. I don't think any pocket pistol meets all of the characteristics of a packin' pistol. This is not about what is comfortable to keep in a pocket, but what is can be comfortably toted on a good sturdy belt, and able to handle a wide range of targets and circumstances as specified in Mr. Taffin's articles. This indicates serious service cartridges, at minimum, I would think. Serious sights are also necessary to handle the ranges involved.
I love my 3" .357 SP101, for example, but don't consider it a PPP candidate.
I love my 3" .357 SP101, for example, but don't consider it a PPP candidate.
The first "P" in PPP is an indication that the PPP is a lifelong quest, more so than something one buys off the shelf. Even with a good packin' pistol in one's possession, there is always the possibility that a different sight set-up, or custom grips, could enhance the whole package.
Moreover, advancing age changes things. My formerly strong right hand, for example, has become skinnier and bonier, so what once pointed well for me may no longer do so. I used to like black sights, but that is not the best for my eyes anymore, so I am researching gold beads, gold blocks, colored engraved lines, and even fiber optics, though I find the latter distasteful. (Yes, I am a lefty, but pack my primary on my right hip. Long story!)
It helps to have more than one near-perfect packin' pistol, so that there is something to carry while another pistol is away at a gunsmith.
OK, I will stop rambling now.
Moreover, advancing age changes things. My formerly strong right hand, for example, has become skinnier and bonier, so what once pointed well for me may no longer do so. I used to like black sights, but that is not the best for my eyes anymore, so I am researching gold beads, gold blocks, colored engraved lines, and even fiber optics, though I find the latter distasteful. (Yes, I am a lefty, but pack my primary on my right hip. Long story!)
It helps to have more than one near-perfect packin' pistol, so that there is something to carry while another pistol is away at a gunsmith.
OK, I will stop rambling now.
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Justin Holder
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A CZ 82/83 might pass as a trail/camp gun but it is not really a PPP.
A Tomcat as a PPP, well that's why I started this thread in the first place.
I have two that qualify, a Glock 20 10mm and a Ruger Blackhawk 4 5/8" convertible 45 colt/acp. But my search won't be done until I've amassed 30 or so.
A Tomcat as a PPP
, well that's why I started this thread in the first place. I have two that qualify, a Glock 20 10mm and a Ruger Blackhawk 4 5/8" convertible 45 colt/acp. But my search won't be done until I've amassed 30 or so.
tprice
Member
I like my S&W model 66-7 4" loaded with either 357 mag leverevolution for woods carry or 38+p SWCHP of social work is expected. Cross carried in an Uncle Mike's pancake with two speedloaders.
Shadow 7D
Member
Personally what ever works for you
be it a .40 auto, or a TTC
or even a revolver, what ever you feel like lugging, me I take something in 7.62 Tok, as it's Bear country, and no, I'm not talking about those black teddy bear creatures you have in the lower 48.
Usually, if I'm out, I like to take my Mossy 500, with a youth stock and 18.25 barrel, as it's going to get the job done, when a pistol, well, at least they will know you tried.
be it a .40 auto, or a TTC
or even a revolver, what ever you feel like lugging, me I take something in 7.62 Tok, as it's Bear country, and no, I'm not talking about those black teddy bear creatures you have in the lower 48.
Usually, if I'm out, I like to take my Mossy 500, with a youth stock and 18.25 barrel, as it's going to get the job done, when a pistol, well, at least they will know you tried.
sonick808
Member
my ppp is my glock 23. Which is rarely what i carry in AZ summer because of the heat and light clothing; ending up usually with a P32.
My god, there are some gorgeous revolvers in this thread though. wow. I almost choked when I saw CraigC's pictures. Sure wish I had the money to add some of those to the collection!
My god, there are some gorgeous revolvers in this thread though. wow. I almost choked when I saw CraigC's pictures. Sure wish I had the money to add some of those to the collection!
saltydog452
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Unless I were to stumble onto a pot farm or a 'shine operation and couldn't back up, a K-22 would seem to suit my notion of a" 'packin pistol".
If I were stolling around the Re-Oh Grande, I'd want a platoon of GI-Renes for company.
salty
If I were stolling around the Re-Oh Grande, I'd want a platoon of GI-Renes for company.
salty
mr_goodbomb
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It's not "supposed to be a revolver," but if you're talking about the best tool to dig a hole, by definition the answer isn't "supposed to be" a shovel, but it will probably work best.
merlinfire
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Just on youtube? XD
OP, sounds like a revolver in .357 or .45 colt or an auto in .45acp is really ideal. I mean, as long as we're not talking grizzly bears here, which I assume we're not.
NMGonzo
Member
sp101 with the heaviest and nastiest load.
Yikes! I don't want to be on either end of that!
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