Question for GP100 and 686 owners

[ErictheRed]

I am looking to get holsters for a 4" GP100 and a 6" 686. Both guns are stainless, if that matters. I don't want anything for concealed carry, if it was even possible with these tanks, but something for walking around in the woods. I will also be riding an ATV. After searching previous posts, I've seen Bianchi recommended as well as SimplyRugged.

I would appreciate any suggestions from people who have found one that works for them and why. Also, is there any reason to go with leather over nylon other than appearance? Does one have any benefit over the other as far as caring for your gun? I have never worn a holster before, so any tips would be appreciated as well as safety concerns. Thank you.

 

[Sniper X]

I'd suggest something like mine.

Perfect for what you say your use is and good looking. Here with a Security Six in it and I use the same holster for

GP100 4in, Security six 4in, and a 586 4in.

 

[Steve_NEPhila]

I recommend getting a holster that prevents the trigger from being accessed while in the holster. Holsters like the above are in my opinion substandard and lacking a very important feature, covering the trigger.

Simply Rugged is my favorite holster maker for revolvers. I have three of their sourdough pancakes. For around 60 USD, they are hard to beat.

 

[Ratdog68]

I prefer leather holsters, lined with leather, so that you have smooth leather against your gun. As with a nylon holster, the suede can/will hold foreign material ("dirt", etc) which can/will rub on the gun's finish. A well oiled leather holster will shed water better, and with the leather lined leather, will be less likely to hold debris/water.

I also prefer an "open" bottom to a holster. Reason being, anything which can get into the holster is more likely to pass through and fall out the bottom, instead of gathering inside the holster.

You're gonna pay more for one that is hand stitched with a saddle stitch, instead of being machine stitched. I prefer the hand stitched one... because, if one of the stitches gets "cut", the thing will not unravel (like a machine stitched one can/will do).

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

Also, is there any reason to go with leather over nylon other than appearance?

A leather holster can be fitted (i.e., molded to the contours of) to the gun, which will minimize (not eliminate, but delay for a good while) holster wear. With the exception of the Bianchi Accumold line, nylon holsters are not typically properly fitted. If the gun slips and flops around inside an ill fitting holster, it will suffer more wear than in a properly molded one.

 

[oldgoat46]

I agree with the observation that the holster should cover the trigger and guard. You don't want a twig catching the trigger and blowing a hole in your gas tank or worse. Here is what I carry on my trips along the pipe lines. Not a 4" I know but it works. Enjoy your gun, there is none better.

 

[W.E.G.]

Leather will be ruined if it gets soaked.

I would expect anything worn on your hip while riding an ATV would probably get soaked sooner rather than later.

If you are wearing the gun on your hip while riding, you must use a holster with positive retention features and/or install a lanyard. Otherwise, you WILL lose your gun.

 

[dashootist]

More than a month ago, I ordered one of those kidex holster from Blade-tech. Does anyone have a picture? I don't even know what it looks like, but it's suppose to be good--covered trigger guard and IDPA approved.

 

[GreenMTNLife]

I don't have experience with other holsters, but I love my simply rugged sourdough pancake for my 686. It doesn't have a retention strap, but it is molded well enough that I really don't think it needs one. Hiking running, treking through the woods it doesn't budge. I've turned it upside down and given it a good shake and it holds. Would definitely recommend it.

 

[Ratdog68]

Leather will be ruined if it gets soaked.

I would expect anything worn on your hip while riding an ATV would probably get soaked sooner rather than later.

If you are wearing the gun on your hip while riding, you must use a holster with positive retention features and/or install a lanyard. Otherwise, you WILL lose your gun.

Sorry, but leather isn't going to get ruined if it gets soaked. That's how you form leather to fit a gun, you soak the leather and as it dries it'll assume the shape you've given it. But, obviously, you don't want to leave your gun in a soaked holster while it dries... so other means must be taken to help it keep it's shape. Water soaked leather also needs to be treated when it's dry... neetsfoot oil is your friend. Room temp moving air is best for drying your leather... a lot of heat isn't going to do the leather any good during the drying process. Neglecting to care for your soaked leather may bring you some whoas.

 

[ErictheRed]

Thanks a lot guys for the suggestions, care and safety tips. It will be a lot more walking than riding. I think I will try one of the sourdough pancakes for my GP first, get some neetsfoot oil and go from there. Thanks again.

 

[Daniel1120]

I recommend getting a holster that prevents the trigger from being accessed while in the holster. Holsters like the above are in my opinion substandard and lacking a very important feature, covering the trigger.

I agree with the observation that the holster should cover the trigger and guard. You don't want a twig catching the trigger and blowing a hole in your gas tank or worse. Here is what I carry on my trips along the pipe lines. Not a 4" I know but it works. Enjoy your gun, there is none better.

Why would he need a holster like that? Not like they are semi-autos or hammerless snubs. A simple thumb break holster will cover the hammer, keeping it from coming anywhere close enough to fire.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

I think I will try one of the sourdough pancakes for my GP first, get some neetsfoot oil and go from there.

Good call on the holster. But you don't need the neatsfoot oil. It softens leather. This is OK for shoes and boots - especially those that have gotten wet - which need to flex with your feet, but a holster must remain stiff to function. Follow the maker's recommendations for care.

 

[Ratdog68]

Thanks a lot guys for the suggestions, care and safety tips. It will be a lot more walking than riding. I think I will try one of the sourdough pancakes for my GP first, get some neetsfoot oil and go from there. Thanks again.

My discussion on the neetsfoot oil was in reference to another's remark on a leather holster being water soaked, and the remark that water will ruin a leather holster. A piece of leather that does get water soaked can become "dried out" more than it should be (loss of oils in the leather). Keeping the leather healthy (and from drying/cracking) is what I was suggesting (use of neetsfoot oil). Moderation of the oil's use will allow it to remain supple (without getting mushy-soft). Water proofing protection before it's allowed to get water saturated (exposure to weather) will serve better (ounce of prevention/pound of cure).

The thickness of the leather the holster is made from will also have an affect on how "supple" the holster will become with the use of the oil. Obviously, thin leather will soften more than will thick leather.

As a side note (on the subject of neetsfoot oil), if you're going to dye the leather, an application of neetsfoot oil first will do two things. First, it'll work with the pigment in the dye to give a more uniform color appearance. Second, since most leather dyes are alcohol based carrier, the dye can cause the leather to dry out and crack when used, so... the neetsfoot oil applied "first" allows the oil to wick up into the fibers affected by the alcohol as it dries. Again... use of common sense with the application of the neetsfoot oil is a good thing. The idea here isn't to saturate the leather. Hope that helps.

 

[goodtime]

I gotta third that assertion that the trigger should be protected. Exposed triggers while carrying are accidents waiting to happen. If the trigger is protected (covered) by the holster, it can't be pulled accidentally, period. The strap holding the hammer might prevent an AD also, but, if it's inadvertently unsnapped, the piece is vulnerable. The thumb strap holding the hammer should be considered a secondary protection, not the main protection against AD. Covered trigger plus hammer retaining strap equals layered protection. I'd rether have two layers of protection than one.

 

[336A]

Be sure to check out the Simply Rugged's new Range Master line of Holsters as well. I think that they will be more in line for what you want. Though the Sourgh Dough Pancake holsters are very good (I own two) they are more of a concealed carry holster.

 

[W.E.G.]

I guess there is a way to "fix" anything.

You can be sure if you get a leather holster soaked, its gonna take a lot of "fixin'."

If your fixin' skills aint so good, or your opportunity to fix it doesn't come at the right time, you might wish you had the synthetic holster. You can leave the synthetic holster wet all week, and it will still be as ugly as it was when new,... and it will still work good as new.

Check with your holster maker before you get the idea to EVER put neatsfoot oil on a leather holster. All the manufacturer's advice I have seen on this subject has been to the contrary.

 

[LEVRLOVR]

Galco's some good leather.

For brush buster carrying I just wear my GP in a Triple K holster.

 

[madcratebuilder]

Galco's some good leather.

+1

Galco makes excellent stuff. I use a chest carry rig for hiking/hunting and ATV riding. This carries a scoped SRH, keeps it completely covered. Uncle Mike's I believe.

 

[touro1979]

I have the Galco DAO holster for my gp100 and like it a lot. It has a retention strap and the trigger is fully covered, an absoulte necessity for a woods carry DA revolver imo.

 

[Mr. T]

Bianchi makes a reasonable black nylon covered holster in 4 and 6 inch and it fits my Ruger GP-100 perfectly.

 

[RMc]

Good call on the holster. But you don't need the neatsfoot oil. It softens leather. This is OK for shoes and boots - especially those that have gotten wet - which need to flex with your feet, but a holster must remain stiff to function. Follow the maker's recommendations for care.

I have found Snow Seal to be an excellent product for treating/waterproofing leather. It does not soften leather.

 

[336A]

Bianchi makes a reasonable black nylon covered holster in 4 and 6 inch and it fits my Ruger GP-100 perfectly.

+1 I have one for my S&W M10 and I don't think that you can beat it for the price point. It is a very durable holster and you don't have to worry about it absorbing and retaining moisture. If for whatever reason it does get ruined I'm out only $35 and will buy another.

BTW has anyone here have any experience with the Galco Wheel Gunner holster? This one has piqued my interest and curiosity as well.

 

[ErictheRed]

That new Galco Wheel Gunner belt holster does look interesting, thanks for the tip. Looking at that, the Galco DAO, two from Simply Rugged (Range Master looks nice) and the Bianchi nylon. Now there's too many options. I've sent a couple emails out to Galco and Simply Rugged to see how long it should take. Thanks again.

UPDATE: 2 week turnaround right now for Simply Rugged

 

[Bula]

I like the Desantis thumbsnap scabbard. Great retention, full coverage, affordable and rugged.