Holster for hunting sidearm

[jackelope]

I know this has been hashed out on here  before but I'm wondering what setups you all use for carrying your sidearm when you're hunting. I'm talking the SD sidearm you carry when bowhunting lets say for example.
I have a backpack, like most do, with a wide waist strap that prevents me from using a normal belt holster. I attached a MOLLE holster to the webbing on my Eberlestock pack's waist strap and carried my Glock but when my rifle is on my shoulder via the sling, the stock hits the pistol. The last idea I had is one of those drop-down thigh rigs...anybody use them?
I'm not interested in a shoulder rig. Between the backpack straps, the bino straps, jackets on and off, etc...it just seems like it would be a big pain in the asss.
 

[CAMPMEAT]

How about a belt crossdraw rig ? Opposite your rifle side.

[HardCorpsHuntr]

I would not like having a thigh holster on while doing any type of hard hiking or going through brush.  I've worn them for years and love them,  but they can be a pain at times.  

I generally have too much to do as far a cleaning and resupplying my hunting gear and myself to worry about a pistol everyday!  Weight and space play a big role too.  I chose not to carry.    

If I carried now I would mount a level 2 retention hard holster to the left side of my backpacks waist belt (cross-draw style).  Why, easy access while being the aggressor, and easy access when you're in the fetal position getting your ass handed to you.  I would pack an ultra light weight semi-auto (like a Kahr P series in 40cal).  

Good luck, and you'll have to show us your setup once it's put together.

[Kain]

I use a shoulder holster for my 44 mag.  Doesnt get in the way of my daypack and allows me to carry that heavy gun all day.

[timberghost72]

I had the same problem with the rifle hitting the sidearm or the rifle sling catching/snagging on the pistol grip. I ended up carring my rifle on the left shoulder. It takes a little getting used to but works ok. I had a thigh holster and it would still hit sometimes.

[jackelope]

If I carried now I would mount a level 2 retention hard holster to the left side of my backpacks waist belt (cross-draw style).  Why, easy access while being the aggressor, and easy access when you're in the fetal position getting your ass handed to you.  I would pack an ultra light weight semi-auto (like a Kahr P series in 40cal).  

Good luck, and you'll have to show us your setup once it's put together.

The challenge is getting the holster mounted to the belt strap of my pack. I have Molle web attachment points on either side. Is there a hard holster that will attach Molle style?


I probably would only carry while I'm bowhunting as I have the rifle so don't really feel I need a pistol much when rifle hunting, but I would like to have it turkey hunting or bird hunting. I guess I'd like to comfortably  have the option either way. I can't get used to carrying my rifle on my left side...ain't gonna happen.

[Alchase]

How wide is your pack waist belt? I use a BlackHack Serpa II w/paddle off hand (left side facing back) attached to my waistbelt so my rifle will not hit it while slung. I also use a Serpa tactical thigh rig sometimes as well.
http://www.reactgear.com/Blackhawk-CQC-SERPA-Concealment-Holster-p/4100-p.htm

[FC]

Look at some of the paddle holsters if you want to carry on or near your hip. The further back you can put your holster provided you can raise your pack high enough, the more comfortable you will be and no clunking either.

[jackelope]

I've got a Blackhawk Serpa holster for the Glock. Doesn't work with my waist belt and my pack.
This is my pack. It's a crappy pic but maybe it would clarify the issue. The waist belt is probably 4-5" wide and comes almost all the way around to where it buckles.
I'm 6'4" so I don't think if I use a thigh rig that the rifle would still hit the pistol. There's plenty of room there I've got to believe.

[Alchase]

Can you mount a Serpa belt attachment vertically on your chest straps? Or attach it to your cinch strap on the left side, might be hard to reach off hand though. Check out the accessories section on the BlackHawk site, they have a bunch of connection types, here is a Molle attach holster but I do not have any experience with it.

http://www.opsgear.com/index/page/product/product_id/986/category_id/284/category_chain/38,284/product_name/MOLLE+Clock+Ambidextrous+Holster

[jackelope]

Alchase...that's the other holster I have.
It works fine but the stock of the rifle hits the pistol. Maybe I should see about rigging it crossdraw style on the other side.

 

It will be a non-issue with the bow.

[JackOfAllTrades]

That's why I wear a shoulder rig on the weak side. Same could be done with a right hand belt holster on the left side. The gun will just be backwards but still accessible from a cross draw reach, and not hit the rifle when slung.

-Steve

[Bulldozer]

I prefer to carry crossdraw when hunting, it keeps the pistol out of the way of my rifle or bow. I just ordered this Holster setup for my Raging Bull 454. They appear to be very well made and have excellent reviews. Will let you know in 2-4 weeks when it gets delivered.

http://www.simplyrugged.com/long-hunter/

http://www.simplyrugged.com/chesty-puller-conversion-system/

[JimmyHoffa]

Have you looked into using a tactical sling for the rifle?  Keeps it across the chest below the binoculars.

[Alchase]

Alchase...that's the other holster I have.
It works fine but the stock of the rifle hits the pistol. Maybe I should see about rigging it crossdraw style on the other side.

 

It will be a non-issue with the bow.

That is what I do, I wear mine cross draw to avoid being hit by my rifle when slung. Here is another Molle option might be worth checking out.

http://www.safariland.com/dutygear/duty/mls.aspx