What Holster for 5.5" Freedom Arms 97?

[farscott]

I have a 5.5" FA 97 in .357 Magnum with the fixed sights that I want to carry on my property in Alabama. This is not really for hunting but for snakes (part of the land seems overrun with cottonmouths after every rain storm) and plinking. I am looking for a good holster that will secure the pistol during physical activity. Part of the land is heavily wooded, so a holster with more protection for the holster gun and better retention is better. I am not looking for something like a Threepersons holster. I am leaning towards crossdraw or a shoulder holster with crossdraw leading at the moment.

I am considering the FA holsters, Milt Sparks, and Mernickle. Any other suggestions? What has worked for you?

 

[RCL]

http://www.simplyrugged.com/

Check out his "Sourdough Pancake...........good retention and protection for your revolver. I have three or four of them for various revolvers................

 

[farscott]

After looking at lots of offerings, I went with two: 1) The Sparks HSR with a twenty-week lead time and 2) The Andrews crossdraw with the complete metal coverage with a lead time of "months".

 

[paul s]

I have the same gun in .22LR and I am thinking about the Elpaso Saddlery 1942 shoulder rig, I have used these before (GI) with 1911's and they wear well and keep the gun out of the way.

 

[David E]

For a shoulder rig, Lawman Leather is back in business making the "Dirty Harry" shoulder holster for ANY gun made, they claim. Not cheap, tho, @ $199. I haven't used one, but I hear/read they're pretty dang good. I'll order one for myself, soon.

For a crossdraw, I've always used the Bianchi Cylcone #111. The Galco Phoenix appears very similar, but I've never used one.