TRR8 Holsters (any new developments?)

[barnbwt]

Hey guys,
I've got a dual-position Galco Phoenix holster (very nice, BTW) outside waist-band holster, which would work great as a hunting sidearm holster.

Unfortunately, I'm looking to carry the TRR8 as a backpacking sidearm, so a belt-mounted solution is probably a no-go. I've heard a fair number of folks on the forums here talk about owning/carrying TRR8's/M&P R8's, how do ya'll tote them?

I assume fully concealing a 5" full grip N-frame is mostly impossible (I'm 5'9", 180lbs), but I keep hoping there is a lower profile carry solution out there (I'd prefer not to invite annoying verbal altercations with hippies ). I'd also prefer not to attach the holster/gun to the pack itself. I'll be dumping the 50lb pack in a hurry before I even try to react to a threat.

A shoulder-slung holster of some stripe would seem to fit the bill, but there is precious little out there that fits the big-ass cylinder of an N-frame, and the large barrel shroud of S&W's aluminum frame revolvers. I do plan on wearing a loose, unbuttoned, nylon "safari" shirt over a T-shirt, so decent concealment seems plausible.

I've heard mention the Bianchi X-15 fits (but is a bit long, being meant for 6 1/2" revolvers), and I'll be buying a used one to try out shortly. A properly adjusted pack doesn't put that much weight on the shoulders, so I can hope that the harness bits around the back won't be that terrible.

I've also heard of "Tanker" holsters, which seem like a reversed concealment shoulder-holster. Is the only difference that the strap runs across the front? That might be slightly more comfortable for me. But they seem fairly uncommon, are there any good makes out there that could possibly fit my pistol (if it fits a 5" 629, it may be workable)? It seems like a good concept, except that the one's I've seen (nylon, for 1911's) look more tacticool than a dual drop-leg rig.

Again, I'm trying to be "respectfully" discreet with my carry, so as not to disrupt the hiking experience of others (whether or not their discomfort is justified, lets not go there...) Please let me know if you have any suggestions that may work for me, or experience carrying the TRR8

TCB

 

[Zundfolge]

Simply Rugged Sourdough Pancake with the Chesty Puller Conversion System.

Or just their IWB loops and CCW it like any other pistol.

 

[Upstater]

I use a Galco Miami classic shoulder rig with a 1911, I think you can get the revolver component for the same.

 

[JTQ]

I use a Galco Miami classic shoulder rig with a 1911, I think you can get the revolver component for the same.

Hey, in "48Hrs" when Nick Nolte lost his N-Frame S&W to the bad guy, didn't he just stick his replacement 1911 in the same holster? Those shoulder holsters sure are versatile.

 

[barnbwt]

I had actually looked into the Miami Classic setup, since it is very nice. It doesn't look like the TRR8 is on their list of acceptable guns, though. I'm emailing them to see if a 6" 27 or 6" 29 vertical holster component has been found to fit. Once I find a good deal on a Bianchi X15, I may try to re-form it to better fit the TRR8 (though I've heard it works as is).

I figured I'd have to go the custom route, I'm just checking to see if anything has changed in the last year.

A chest holster would definitely be the most comfortable to backpack in, but like I said, I'd prefer to keep the weapon out of sight (more or less) and I may not always be wearing a poncho over my gear. Seeing as I carry a 40+lb pack, IWB/OWB is not really an option.

I wonder if it's possible to rig an OWB duty-style holster up as a shoulder holster...?

TCB

 

[Backpacker33]

Backpacking holsters

You’ve asked a question right up my alley, though, like everyone else, I have my opinions. I’ve carried revolvers backpacking since the early ‘70s.

I started with a borrowed S&W 6”, progressed to a Ruger GP100 to an Anaconda, to a S&W Mountain Gun, to a Bowen-made 500 Linebaugh for brown bear country. Along the way I tried several other .357 Magnums until I found the 327 TRR8.

The attached photos show holsters for it. I asked RM Bachman to customize one for me to carry the Mountain Gun, with an open toe and cross draw loop. I hang the holster from a workman’s tool belt if I am day hiking. For backpacking I hang it from a short strap around the frame and straps of my Kelty outside frame pack. It is easily taken off to hang from my belt. As you can see in the photos, the TRR8 fits fine because it is a N-frame.

Then I show the Safariland 567-13 for S&W N-frames. It does not have a top strap but can be adjusted to hold the gun securely. I carry it exactly like the Bachman so I can easily move it.

The third holster is an Uncle Mike’s Ambi, for a 4” S&W on my Kelty. I have a longer Sidekick for the TRR8 but couldn’t locate it for this. You can see the strap I mount it to for easy transfer to my belt.

Hunter Holster makes a cross-draw for the N-frame, too, that fits the TRR8.

In all cases I carry cross-draw. It allows full movement, ready availability and I can sit without having to adjust it.

 

[Backpacker33]

Backpacking holsters

Additional photos.