Carrying sidearm while scouting/hunting/etc

[Miles]

I carry almost every time I’m out in the woods, especially in the spring while shed hunting.   Lately I carry my Sig p320 on my hip with the factory holster.   I don’t really have any complaints, or see a need to change anything.   It’s fine in the comfort department and quick/easy to draw from.

[E35alex]

Ruger .357 in thigh holster. Ready for quick draw if needed.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ljsommer]

As an interesting follow-up to this, what are your thoughts on caliber? I had a long discussion with a friend about the effectiveness of a 9mm against a cougar or black bear (however unlikely), and he was of the mind that a 9mm, even with multiple shots just won't get the job done.
I had planned on ordering a G20 anyway but the conversation did push me to order it a bit sooner than I would've otherwise.

[kball4]

cross draw since my bino case sits on my chest.

[dwils233]

Ruger .357 in thigh holster. Ready for quick draw if needed.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

On longer hikes does the drop thigh affect your gait or pace? I've got a Ruger blackhawk I've been trying to find a good carry for

[Stein]

As an interesting follow-up to this, what are your thoughts on caliber? I had a long discussion with a friend about the effectiveness of a 9mm against a cougar or black bear (however unlikely), and he was of the mind that a 9mm, even with multiple shots just won't get the job done.
I had planned on ordering a G20 anyway but the conversation did push me to order it a bit sooner than I would've otherwise.

Police use them on 300 pound people every day, so they would likely work but you won't see many people recommend them.  That said, the 9 mm is much better for multiple shot scenarios than a heavier recoil load and all of the advice is anecdotal at best.  Current bullet technology and +P or +P+ loads really made a difference in the effectiveness.

I do believe bears are harder to stop quickly.  Even vital shots take longer I believe, maybe due to their slower heart rate.  For a bear, I would always use spray if it wasn't on top of me.  10-20 9mm rounds flying around the woods under a stressful situation isn't the safest thing if you have hunting buddies.

[ljsommer]

As an interesting follow-up to this, what are your thoughts on caliber? I had a long discussion with a friend about the effectiveness of a 9mm against a cougar or black bear (however unlikely), and he was of the mind that a 9mm, even with multiple shots just won't get the job done.
I had planned on ordering a G20 anyway but the conversation did push me to order it a bit sooner than I would've otherwise.

Police use them on 300 pound people every day, so they would likely work but you won't see many people recommend them.  That said, the 9 mm is much better for multiple shot scenarios than a heavier recoil load and all of the advice is anecdotal at best.  Current bullet technology and +P or +P+ loads really made a difference in the effectiveness.

I do believe bears are harder to stop quickly.  Even vital shots take longer I believe, maybe due to their slower heart rate.  For a bear, I would always use spray if it wasn't on top of me.  10-20 9mm rounds flying around the woods under a stressful situation isn't the safest thing if you have hunting buddies.

I definitely agree with having spray around, but I just think back to all the interviews of bear attack survivors when they talk about using the spray and then the bear walking through it like nothing at all happened, and their gun was out of reach. Yikes. I'll take "both options", please.

[doubletall]

This is my next purchase related to carrying.

I carry a Glock 20 in my Gunfighter backpacking and mt biking and couldn't be happier with it; I forget its there.

[E35alex]

Ruger .357 in thigh holster. Ready for quick draw if needed.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

On longer hikes does the drop thigh affect your gait or pace? I've got a Ruger blackhawk I've been trying to find a good carry for

Not that I have noticed. That’s what I have in the holster “Blackhawk”. I’ve tried belt holster, shoulder holster and chest holster. I archery hunt only and with the shoulder and chest holster I have trouble carrying the gun and binos on my chest.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[coachcw]

I use a blackhawk holster on my belt for my pack . never enen know its there . i carry a px4 .45 with a decocker . never a saftey issue .

[pianoman9701]

I have a shoulder harness for my XD .45 from Camano Ridge Custom Leathers. It's very nice.

[C-Money]

As an interesting follow-up to this, what are your thoughts on caliber? I had a long discussion with a friend about the effectiveness of a 9mm against a cougar or black bear (however unlikely), and he was of the mind that a 9mm, even with multiple shots just won't get the job done.
I had planned on ordering a G20 anyway but the conversation did push me to order it a bit sooner than I would've otherwise.

I dont have an issue with the 9mm. It is effective. A Guide in Alaska put down a charging brown bear with his...

http://www.wideopenspaces.com/alaska-man-kills-charging-brown-bear-with-a-9mm-pistol/

[ljsommer]

@C-Money

Oh wow that's a great article, thank you! While maybe not the perfect caliber for it, it looks like 9mm could certainly handle a cougar or black bear.

[Cab]

@C-Money

Oh wow that's a great article, thank you! While maybe not the perfect caliber for it, it looks like 9mm could certainly handle a cougar or black bear.

just like when it comes to hunting it's all about shot placement  if I was in grizzly country then no question I would get a glock 20 in 10mm.

[fly-by]

A few that I use quite a bit.  See if you spot the theme...

Left to right:

S&W 696 3" .44 Special on a sling pack with basic L-frame 3-slot holster.   The 3 slot allows you to wear it like an in waistband booster, between the strap and your chest.  Very low profile and does not flop at all.  A lot of people discourage off body carry but I have look at this like a chest rig that just happens to hold water, trail cams, and bike repair stuff.

S&W 629 6.5" .44 mag and Hunter brand shoulder rig.  Only >4" hunting legal of the three.  I added the brass buckle at the bottom with some leather strands.  It is stiff, attaches to front left belt loop, and keeps the whole thing pretty solid despite just one strap.  Sits fairly vertically so my hand is at chin level before it clears leather, but not too bad to draw.  Fits a number of 6.5" revolvers and they are very reasonably priced.

Ruger SBH 3.75" .44 mag in Simply Rugged Pancake with Chesty Puller option.  Great quality, very adjustable.