Post by: ljsommer on May 23, 2018, 06:34:09 AM
I know some backpacks have handy little spots for sidearms which shifts the weight a bit. Post with your experiences!
Post by: MADMAX on May 23, 2018, 06:36:41 AM
Post by: headshot5 on May 23, 2018, 06:38:36 AM
Post by: Westside88 on May 23, 2018, 06:56:23 AM
Post by: syoungs on May 23, 2018, 07:00:47 AM
Post by: lewy on May 23, 2018, 08:15:59 AM
Post by: jstone on May 23, 2018, 08:20:49 AM
Post by: dwils233 on May 23, 2018, 08:24:50 AM
Post by: netcoyote on May 23, 2018, 08:25:24 AM
Post by: vandeman17 on May 23, 2018, 08:25:40 AM
Post by: Wazukie on May 23, 2018, 08:36:32 AM
https://gunfightersinc.com/products/kenai-chest-holster/
Post by: kselkhunter on May 23, 2018, 09:54:52 AM
I only carry my pistol for archery, muzzleloader, and for scouting trips. I don't carry my pistol for modern firearm. For modern firearm I wear my binocular harness for my larger Nikon binoculars. For archery and muzzleloader I have a compartment on the hipbelt of my backpack that holds my smaller Vortex binoculars. These two setups work for my purposes.
Post by: fish vacuum on May 23, 2018, 09:57:49 AM
Post by: Wetwoodshunter on May 23, 2018, 10:10:18 AM
Paddle holster for me or if I’m running a pack with a decent waist belt it goes on that, never leave home without it, it saved my ass last spring
Lewy, is there a story about "last spring" on here?
Post by: Fl0und3rz on May 23, 2018, 10:13:33 AM
Otherwise, a simple Galco Cop Leather OWB or kydex paddle holster, if I don't have a backpack belt going over it for a smaller semi-auto.
Post by: yakimanoob on May 23, 2018, 10:38:26 AM
:yeah:Paddle holster for me or if I’m running a pack with a decent waist belt it goes on that, never leave home without it, it saved my ass last spring
Lewy, is there a story about "last spring" on here?
Also, following. I have not found a system that is reasonably comfortable and secure. My EDC is a Beretta Nano which is magically low profile, so sometimes I get away with the hipbelt pocket of my Osprey pack. I'm thinking my next attempt will be a proper hipbelt holster.
Post by: ghosthunter on May 23, 2018, 11:01:42 AM
Post by: KFhunter on May 23, 2018, 11:02:35 AM
If I am going further out in the woods I have a Gen 3 G20 in a safariiland drop holster with TRL1 HL light. This works well on bicycle, ATV or just hiking with a pack on but not so well in the pickup :chuckle:
With a little work on the belt loops it doesn't flop around on my leg anymore, but I'll probably change it to a low ride with leg strap so it'll flop around even less.
Post by: ljsommer on May 23, 2018, 11:04:48 AM
Paddle holster for me or if I’m running a pack with a decent waist belt it goes on that, never leave home without it, it saved my ass last spring
I have a Blackhawk Serpa paddle holster I like quite a bit, but it slides around on my hunting pants material (even with a good thick leather belt).
I think that functionally a chest harness makes a lot of sense, but I was worried about it conflicting with my chest bino harness.
@KFhunter I'll be using a G20 as well.
Post by: Fl0und3rz on May 23, 2018, 11:08:17 AM
Check out the USGI M12 (IIRC) holsters. Safariland makes a lot of add-ons for that system, including shoulder harness.
Buy the holster surplus and save a bundle. It fits the G20 quite nicely.
Post by: Alchase on May 23, 2018, 12:42:16 PM
When wearing a pack, I carry crossdraw in a Serpa II. All my packs have Serpa IIs mounted or have quickdisconnects.
Post by: syoungs on May 23, 2018, 01:12:10 PM
Really gonna have to put both of em on before you'll know if they work or not for you, I can see some people not liking both in their chest.
Post by: Cab on May 23, 2018, 03:00:21 PM
Post by: b0nes on May 23, 2018, 03:11:19 PM
Post by: Ballard00 on May 23, 2018, 03:25:52 PM
Post by: BeWitty on May 23, 2018, 03:49:10 PM
Post by: Stein on May 23, 2018, 03:59:23 PM
Post by: lewy on May 23, 2018, 08:19:21 PM
:yeah:Paddle holster for me or if I’m running a pack with a decent waist belt it goes on that, never leave home without it, it saved my ass last spring
Lewy, is there a story about "last spring" on here?
Also, following. I have not found a system that is reasonably comfortable and secure. My EDC is a Beretta Nano which is magically low profile, so sometimes I get away with the hipbelt pocket of my Osprey pack. I'm thinking my next attempt will be a proper hipbelt holster.
Not on here, my friends and family know the story.
Post by: jrebel on May 24, 2018, 12:58:42 AM
This is what I use, and I love it. Doesn't interfere with my bino's or pack and it's always right there and easy to draw out if needed.
https://gunfightersinc.com/products/kenai-chest-holster/
Only way to carry. I have one and love it.
Post by: Sneaky on May 24, 2018, 01:42:36 AM
Post by: Miles on May 24, 2018, 03:22:38 AM
Post by: E35alex on May 24, 2018, 05:39:44 AM
Ruger .357 in thigh holster. Ready for quick draw if needed.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: ljsommer on May 24, 2018, 06:12:06 AM
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.
Post by: kball4 on May 24, 2018, 06:30:36 AM
Post by: dwils233 on May 24, 2018, 07:10:17 AM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180524/6debda789b262404d09e763d3e4c1650.jpg)
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
Post by: Stein on May 24, 2018, 08:15:54 AM
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.
Post by: ljsommer on May 24, 2018, 08:18:16 AM
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. ;)
Post by: doubletall on May 24, 2018, 01:39:12 PM
This is my next purchase related to carrying.
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I carry a Glock 20 in my Gunfighter backpacking and mt biking and couldn't be happier with it; I forget its there.
Post by: E35alex on May 24, 2018, 03:08:41 PM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180524/6debda789b262404d09e763d3e4c1650.jpg)
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
Post by: coachcw on May 25, 2018, 07:03:30 AM
Post by: pianoman9701 on May 25, 2018, 08:09:52 AM
Post by: C-Money on May 25, 2018, 08:36:07 AM
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/
Post by: ljsommer on May 25, 2018, 09:39:29 AM
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.
Post by: Cab on May 25, 2018, 10:29:03 AM
@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 :tup: if I was in grizzly country then no question I would get a glock 20 in 10mm.
Post by: fly-by on May 25, 2018, 10:42:33 AM
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.
Post by: Cab on May 25, 2018, 11:13:11 AM
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.
Revolves might be heavy but man oh man are they cool! Love the S&W 696, what a great hiking gun.
Post by: bearpaw on May 25, 2018, 12:24:23 PM
Post by: Alchase on May 25, 2018, 01:38:52 PM
Post by: tgomez on May 25, 2018, 05:10:26 PM
Post by: fish vacuum on May 26, 2018, 12:59:08 AM
Post by: KFhunter on May 26, 2018, 04:45:00 PM
Post by: fish vacuum on May 26, 2018, 05:12:34 PM
Post by: KFhunter on May 26, 2018, 05:14:40 PM
Post by: hunter399 on May 26, 2018, 05:20:13 PM
Anything your sidearm can do ,my rifle does ten times better. :chuckle:
When I do wear sidearm which has not been in years it's a 357 blackhawk.
Post by: KFhunter on May 26, 2018, 05:21:17 PM
Post by: Alchase on May 29, 2018, 09:46:23 AM
Anyway this topic always comes up a few times a year.I think you all wrong. :chuckle:
Anything your sidearm can do ,my rifle does ten times better. :chuckle:
I would love to see your rifle fire 12 rounds of .40 cal before reload. :chuckle:
Post by: Molon5labe on May 29, 2018, 01:36:43 PM
If i did not use a bino harness I would probably use the chest rig from Hill People Gear
Post by: Scheindogg on June 11, 2018, 04:38:37 PM
This is the holster I use, it’s a drop leg. It’s surprisingly comfortable. A great deal for the price, it’s pretty much universal for handguns. It also never feels like it’s in the way
Post by: hunter399 on June 11, 2018, 05:02:14 PM
So you don't think a ar15 that holds 30 rounds won't put more down range than your 40 cal,also I hold more range and accuracy. :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:Anyway this topic always comes up a few times a year.I think you all wrong. :chuckle:
Anything your sidearm can do ,my rifle does ten times better. :chuckle:
I would love to see your rifle fire 12 rounds of .40 cal before reload. :chuckle:
Post by: BKMFR on June 11, 2018, 07:24:55 PM
Post by: Alchase on June 11, 2018, 07:39:35 PM
So you don't think a ar15 that holds 30 rounds won't put more down range than your 40 cal,also I hold more range and accuracy. :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:Anyway this topic always comes up a few times a year.I think you all wrong. :chuckle:
Anything your sidearm can do ,my rifle does ten times better. :chuckle:
I would love to see your rifle fire 12 rounds of .40 cal before reload. :chuckle:
Well played !
Post by: The scout on June 11, 2018, 08:09:57 PM
Post by: Mallardmasher on June 12, 2018, 05:09:21 AM
Post by: The scout on June 12, 2018, 06:09:47 AM
Post by: ljsommer on June 13, 2018, 01:19:02 PM
Gunfighter chest harness, does not interfere with anything and ready when you need it
I just received my Gunfighter Kenai chest harness, a couple questions:
With moderate tension it appears to impede full-draw breaths, like if you're really hiking or climbing hard. Have you had this experience? I am going to go field-test it today and see if it's an issue.
I notice some rattling at the buckles when moving about in different positions, as the bands tense and ease due to chest movement. Have you noticed any excess noise from the buckles and if so how did you mitigate?
Post by: Tbob on June 14, 2018, 10:48:26 AM
Post by: ljsommer on June 14, 2018, 11:24:22 AM
Ive been putting my Blackhawk holster on the belt of my pack and it seems to work out just great for me. I carry a SnW 40 cal MnP. On the other side of my hip belt is my bear spray. I’d rather be over prepared I guess..
I also have a Blackhawk paddle holster and it also fits on my pack belt and I love it, though I definitely prefer the weight balance of the chest-carry, so I hope I can get the noise issues sorted out with the Kenai.
The customer service at GunFightersInc is pretty amazing and they're going to take the holster back and fix it for me and send it back for free.