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Equipment & Gear => Archery Gear => Topic started by: matt345 on August 31, 2010, 04:10:31 PM


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Title: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: matt345 on August 31, 2010, 04:10:31 PM
I am relatively new to hunting with a bow, this will be my first season carrying a pistol 357 S&W while in the field bow hunting. Any suggestions would be great as I am confused about the best holster etc!!! I usually have on a pack with a waist strap and a pair of binoculars with a shoulder harness as well. What do you feel is the most comfortable and accessible holster???
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: carpsniperg2 on August 31, 2010, 04:18:57 PM
for my hunting holsters i like something with a good strap on it like uncle mikes sidekick holsters. when crawling threw brush and crap i don't want tot have to worry about back tracking a few miles to find my handgun. i always carry on my strong side which is my right side. since when i draw my bow it will be out of the way. don't like shoulder holsters for bowhunting myself. my inside the pants holsters are a little to easy to get my gun out of. i carried my xdm last year some and used a serpa holster and liked that but its to open and a bunch of dust and crap can get into your gun way to easy. hope this helps :IBCOOL:
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: GoldTip on August 31, 2010, 04:24:13 PM
I will carry both strong side as well as cross draw at times.  Sometimes will depend on which side arm I am carrying, other times I may just be feeling hinky and decide to carry cross draw.  I practice from both positions anyway.
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: FC on August 31, 2010, 04:30:29 PM
OWB or outside waist band is my preferred way to carry, get a good fitting belt holster. A pancake holster is nice for carrying in the woods or winter time under a coat or in the open which ever you prefer.
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: FC on August 31, 2010, 04:35:19 PM
One caveat to the pancake holster. Get a gun belt or you will HATE it! A proper belt will make all the difference in the world.
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: Drifterat on August 31, 2010, 04:40:53 PM
Strong side, well worn in Galco leather thumb break belt holster.

X2 on the gun belt. They are spendy, but worth every penny when wearing a 40 oz handgun.
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: bullcanyon on September 01, 2010, 05:04:05 AM
Like mentioned. GET A GOOD BELT:)
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: Shootmoore on September 01, 2010, 05:31:05 AM
X3 on the good belt.  Strong side carry is my suggestion for archery.  As it will keep the gun out of the way from the bow in a shooting position.  On top of that I assume that you have trained mostly in strong side carry, which I always suggest carry what you practice.  As it does no good to practice strong side then carry in a should rig.  When poo poo hits the perverbial fan your hand will reach for the gun where you trained with it.

I also like to carry a flap holster or a lvl 2 security holster as keeping the gun secure in the holster with the brush is important.  Just remember if you get a lvl 2 or 3 or a flap holster to practice with it so it becomes second nature to work the security features.

Shootmoore
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: wildmanoutdoors on September 01, 2010, 05:52:48 AM
I use a Bianchi Accumold belt slide holster for my SP 101. It can be snapped on any belt for what ever pack I will be be using. Strong side or cross draw. I dont like leather in the woods when it gets really wet out. It can be easily removed once your pack belt is unsnapped and transfered easily without removing buckles on the pack but stays secure once your belt is tightened.

Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: Stickerbush on September 06, 2010, 09:39:11 PM
my 357 mag is pretty bulky and heavy, I cant justify taking it with me if I am trying to pack light bowhunting. I think if I upgraded to a lighter synthetic pistol I might pack one around. I think a holster from the thigh would be pretty good though if I had a lighter gun
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: jackelope on September 06, 2010, 10:01:14 PM
I think the problem/question is where do you put your holster when you are wearing a backpack and the waist strap is riding on your waist?
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on September 06, 2010, 10:18:51 PM
With day pack, fanny pack, back pack, I never carry pistol on my hip.  Weak side shoulder holster. Leather worn in well so it doesn't make noise.  Is your Smitty a snub nose? then go spring held horizontal. If longer than 3" then go either vertical up or down.

I've carried pistol in the woods with rifle for the last 25 years and this has been the most comfortable for me. Not on my hip where the rifle hits it when I've got it slung or when I'm carrying in hand. -Which is how I bet you'll carry your bow; In hand. You want that pistol out of the way, but accessible. If you have a pullover camo shirt/jacket, this won't work. Button/zip up the front, with the zipper half open works great.

The only other way I'll suggest is a weak side cross draw that doesn't interfear with your daypack belt if you feel you must have it on your hip. Keep it out of the way of your bow and balance out the weight you're carrying in-hand/on your body. And yes, a thick leather belt is better than the best nylon web belt.

-Steve

Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: jackelope on September 06, 2010, 10:49:08 PM
Does a shoulder rig work comfortably with a backpack and a bino-harness?

Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on September 06, 2010, 11:55:34 PM
I do carry all three at the same time. Binoc harness on the bottom. Holster next. Day/back pack next.  I am going to employ a change to the binoc harnes, where I'll add elastic/clips to my day pack shoulder straps for the binocs and not wear the binoc harness. A different way to carry the binocs would be with normal wide strap over the neck and one shoulder on the oposite side of the holster, under the jacket, but above the pack-waist belt.  That makes them still accessable, yet out of the way of the handgun. Out of the way of the rifle/bow that's in hand, but out of the elements too. (even though they're fog/water proof, if you're not sweating then the outer lens and controls are dry. I hate it when wet binoc eye cups touch my glasses.) Also balances the load.

You have to find what works best for you and not every shoulder holster is going to be compatible with every binoc harness. Carrying a daypack, the holster needs to be low enough, whether up/down or horizontal to make getting to the gun a simple movement outsideof  the pack shoulder straps.
 
A snubbie/<3" under the weak side arm pit in a muzzle-up vertical holster has been by far the most comfortable and most accessible rig; as the grip frame pull is down and away to the front, never to interfere with shoulder straps of the pack or the straps of the binoc harness. Carry position is mid rib cage. Next would be a revolver or semi auto on the weakside in a muzzle-horizontal rig carried a little higher.  Next is actually how I carry most often- is one of my 44mags in a vertical muzzle-down shoulder rig.

I've shot several Blacktail with this last setup so I can tell you that there's plenty of access to the gun.

But, throw a jacket in the mix and the muzzle-down, top access shoulder holster with the pack straps over the top of the jacket severly limits access to the gun. You see... The holster needs to sit on the outside of the pack straps. You can't get to it if the jacket is under the pack straps. So.. Carry the gun/holster on top of the jacket. (All Pistols Carried in the Field should be Stainless!) That allows unobstructed access to the gun on top of the jacket, outside of the pack straps. It's not quite so bad with holsters that are horizontal or allow bottom drop out but there's still things to think of if you want fast access to your pistol. I'll change which way I carry, depending on whether I'm wearing a jacket, daypack or not.

Another reason I don't like a pistol on my hip. (now, I realize this is the archery thread) I carry my rifle in my strong hand. A pistol on my hip is normally carried on strong side. But that bangs on my rifle! So, cross draw comes to mind. But how much does that impair my ability to hike up steep incline. How much of that impacts the propper fit of my pack waistbelt? If it cramps my style, I'm not for it. OK... There are holsters that allow IWB 'small of the back' for strong arm access. I'd only even think of this with a high riding day pack, Probably not a full back pack.

Now... for anything on my hip the size of a pistol; (I carry my big Puma White Hunter on my weak side actually behind my hip- again, so it doesn't interfere with the rifle in strong hand), Has anyone ever slipped and fell down while climbing up a hill in the woods? Falling on a pistol on my hip has proven painful! Not to mention not so good for the gun. Using a shoulder rig protects the gun and you.

-Steve
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: BlackRidge on September 21, 2010, 12:13:09 PM
Shoulder holster FTW!
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: let.it.fly on September 21, 2010, 12:18:17 PM
thigh holster ftw. thats how i carried my side arm in iraq.
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: ratherhunt on September 21, 2010, 09:39:15 PM
 I carry a S&W 500 4 inch barrel in a leather thumb break holster on a duty belt, ( belt like cops use ) and it is totally comfortable since its on the duty belt and its a heavy pistol. I really can not even tell I am carrying it.
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: k_rex on October 05, 2010, 09:47:17 AM
I carry a S&W .357 with a 4 inch barrel in a leather hip holster on my strong side.  The only time it has become an issue is when I need to strap on a pack. 

I have been looking at one of these guide holsters to solve the pack + pistol equation.

http://diamonddholsters.com/Pages/Holsters.html (http://diamonddholsters.com/Pages/Holsters.html)
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on October 05, 2010, 10:36:26 AM
That cross draw holster would be sweet in many situations, but it would interfere with my binos unless I went to a side carry for the binos.

-Steve
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: MADMAX on October 05, 2010, 11:02:25 AM
.41 mag crossdraw, left hip
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: zpoolman on October 19, 2010, 12:47:53 PM
If you carry a pistol while bow hunting you better keep it out of sight. It is a no no in Washington State, check page 70 in the reg book.

I keep mine in my pack. lol   :guns:
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: BushMonster on October 19, 2010, 12:59:21 PM
If you carry a pistol while bow hunting you better keep it out of sight. It is a no no in Washington State, check page 70 in the reg book.

I keep mine in my pack. lol   :guns:

Looks fine to me on page 70.  I sure as hell want one when archery hunting

Archery Regulations:
1.  Rules pertaining to all archery
  a.  It is unlawful for any person to carry or have in his possesssion any firearm while in the field archery hunting, during an archery season specified for that area, except for modern handguns carried for personal protection
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: zpoolman on October 20, 2010, 09:09:18 AM
 :dunno:
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: Skyvalhunter on October 20, 2010, 09:21:12 AM
Meaning u need a CWP
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: big J on October 22, 2010, 12:35:03 PM
 I don't carry one, to much extra weight
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: FC on October 22, 2010, 12:51:04 PM
Meaning u need a CWP

What would you need a CPL for? This is an open carry state and if you read the pertinent laws you don't even need a CPL to conceal while fishing, hunting etc.
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: J Snow73 on October 22, 2010, 01:10:56 PM
Meaning u need a CWP

What would you need a CPL for? This is an open carry state and if you read the pertinent laws you don't even need a CPL to conceal while fishing, hunting etc.
This has come up before on another topic and thought I had the answer to this question :dunno: Is anyone 100% sure of this? It just seems too many not sure including me now :dunno:
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: FC on October 22, 2010, 02:05:28 PM
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=9.41.050 (http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=9.41.050)

http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=9.41.060 (http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=9.41.060)

RCW 9.41.050
Carrying firearms.   


(1)(a) Except in the person's place of abode or fixed place of business, a person shall not carry a pistol concealed on his or her person without a license to carry a concealed pistol.

     (b) Every licensee shall have his or her concealed pistol license in his or her immediate possession at all times that he or she is required by this section to have a concealed pistol license and shall display the same upon demand to any police officer or to any other person when and if required by law to do so. Any violation of this subsection (1)(b) shall be a class 1 civil infraction under chapter 7.80 RCW and shall be punished accordingly pursuant to chapter 7.80 RCW and the infraction rules for courts of limited jurisdiction.

     (2)(a) A person shall not carry or place a loaded pistol in any vehicle unless the person has a license to carry a concealed pistol and: (i) The pistol is on the licensee's person, (ii) the licensee is within the vehicle at all times that the pistol is there, or (iii) the licensee is away from the vehicle and the pistol is locked within the vehicle and concealed from view from outside the vehicle.

     (b) A violation of this subsection is a misdemeanor.

     (3)(a) A person at least eighteen years of age who is in possession of an unloaded pistol shall not leave the unloaded pistol in a vehicle unless the unloaded pistol is locked within the vehicle and concealed from view from outside the vehicle.

     (b) A violation of this subsection is a misdemeanor.

     (4) Nothing in this section permits the possession of firearms illegal to possess under state or federal law.

RCW 9.41.060
Exceptions to restrictions on carrying firearms.   


The provisions of RCW 9.41.050 shall not apply to:

     (1) Marshals, sheriffs, prison or jail wardens or their deputies, or other law enforcement officers of this state or another state;

     (2) Members of the armed forces of the United States or of the national guard or organized reserves, when on duty;

     (3) Officers or employees of the United States duly authorized to carry a concealed pistol;

     (4) Any person engaged in the business of manufacturing, repairing, or dealing in firearms, or the agent or representative of the person, if possessing, using, or carrying a pistol in the usual or ordinary course of the business;

     (5) Regularly enrolled members of any organization duly authorized to purchase or receive pistols from the United States or from this state;

     (6) Regularly enrolled members of clubs organized for the purpose of target shooting, when those members are at or are going to or from their places of target practice;

     (7) Regularly enrolled members of clubs organized for the purpose of modern and antique firearm collecting, when those members are at or are going to or from their collector's gun shows and exhibits;

     (8) Any person engaging in a lawful outdoor recreational activity such as hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, or horseback riding, only if, considering all of the attendant circumstances, including but not limited to whether the person has a valid hunting or fishing license, it is reasonable to conclude that the person is participating in lawful outdoor activities or is traveling to or from a legitimate outdoor recreation area;

     (9) Any person while carrying a pistol unloaded and in a closed opaque case or secure wrapper; or

     (10) Law enforcement officers retired for service or physical disabilities, except for those law enforcement officers retired because of mental or stress-related disabilities. This subsection applies only to a retired officer who has: (a) Obtained documentation from a law enforcement agency within Washington state from which he or she retired that is signed by the agency's chief law enforcement officer and that states that the retired officer was retired for service or physical disability; and (b) not been convicted or found not guilty by reason of insanity of a crime making him or her ineligible for a concealed pistol license.

I bolded the pertinent part for you, hopefully this will end this debate once and for all.
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: J Snow73 on October 22, 2010, 02:30:21 PM
Cool that wraps that up thanks for the info FC no question in my mind :hello:
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: mjbskwim on October 25, 2010, 12:04:48 AM
You can open carry while bow hunting or need a CCL to carry it under your coat or shirt.

I use a pancake type holster,cross draw.It has a retention strap so it won't fall out when you crouch down to hide,or you just sit down.

I tried it on my suspenders,but it was too heavy for them.I did like where it was though.I would guess ,if you could attach it to your pack strap,it would work better.
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: Machias on October 25, 2010, 03:59:36 PM
You can open carry while bow hunting or need a CCL to carry it under your coat or shirt.

I use a pancake type holster,cross draw.It has a retention strap so it won't fall out when you crouch down to hide,or you just sit down.

I tried it on my suspenders,but it was too heavy for them.I did like where it was though.I would guess ,if you could attach it to your pack strap,it would work better.

Not completely true, you can carry a sidearm concealed without a CPL while bowhunting or engaged in any other lawful outdoor activity.  Please read # 8 of the exceptions rule.
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: FC on October 25, 2010, 04:07:03 PM
Good grief I even bolded that part!
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: J Snow73 on October 25, 2010, 04:18:50 PM
 :chuckle:
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: LittleJohn on October 25, 2010, 04:29:01 PM
My Badlands 2800 has a built in holster on it. It worked great in Montana.
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: mjbskwim on October 25, 2010, 10:25:25 PM
Good grief I even bolded that part!

Good for you.Proud of you too.
Guess I'm just stupid huh?Even though I have read to laws many times.

What was I thinking even trying to keep up with you guys?

Funny how many lawyers and holier than thoughs there are on line.
Must be nice never making a mistake huh?

OK I'm done being a bitch for tonight. :hello:
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: FC on October 26, 2010, 02:04:20 AM


Good for you.Proud of you too.
Guess I'm just stupid huh?Even though I have read to laws many times.

What was I thinking even trying to keep up with you guys?

Funny how many lawyers and holier than thoughs there are on line.
Must be nice never making a mistake huh?

OK I'm done being a bitch for tonight. :hello:

I guess I must be missing something here, there was an ongoing discussion, I rooted out the appropriate RCW's and bolded the pertinent exception. Two posts later someone (you) post an uninformed opinion and I answer it with true disbelief only for you to answer back that it made your butt hurt to find out you were wrong?

I certainly do make mistakes and I own up to them....You should try it next time with a little better grace.
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: Machias on October 26, 2010, 09:16:49 AM
The thing is 95% of gun owners and hunters have no clue this exception exists.  I would say for the non-gun toting public it would be 99.9% have no clue this exists.  Heck I imagine 90% of the Law Enforcement community is ignorant of this as well.
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: Snapshot on October 27, 2010, 08:27:17 AM
skwim,
Don't take it personally. This handgun issue has been watched, hashed and re-hashed over the past couple of years and some of the guys know it inside and out. If questions don't get asked, nothing gets learned.

My point-of-view on the question has always been that I don't need a holster because I don't need a sidearm.
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: Cylvertip on March 15, 2011, 11:26:53 AM
I use the BlackHawk Special Operations Holster.  It's a tactical thigh rig with a flap to keep crap off of/ out of the gun.  I carry my 17-L in it and it fits perfectly.  The only issue I have had was due to the extended mag release on the gun - when you bent over or leaned just right, the mag would eject.  I cut the mag release down to normal size, and problem solved.  The flap secures up, out of the way with velcro if you want and there is a retention strap to keep the gun secure.  There is accessory pouch on the leading edge of the holster that you can keep an extra mag in or a flashlight like I do.  I don't even notice that I have it on when out and about.  I am in the habit of checking to make sure all is in place after I crawl through or over something, or have to jump down off of something.

You can see a bit off it in the pic with the "Supervision".


Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: GreatWhiteHunter on April 03, 2011, 09:59:52 AM
OWB on the front of my pack waist band. Its quick draw McGraw for me. Saved my butt, maybe even my life last season when I ended up between a sow and her cub. I spooked em in the brush, cub ran straight at me (could have kicked it) and momma was about 10 feet behind it coming straight at me! Drew fast and fired one off into the ground when the sow was inside 10 feet. She put the brakes on and turned left. If I would have had to fumble to get to my sidearm she would freight trained me. Then another one popped out of the brush, and they both tree'd up. I checked my shorts, and thanked my lucky stars.

And oh yeah, cross draw.
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: TheHunt on April 03, 2011, 10:15:34 AM
Good post FC.  When I fish in a place I have never gone before and I am by myself.  Hunting by myself is important as well.
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: FC on April 03, 2011, 10:54:39 AM
  When I fish in a place I have never gone before and I am by myself.

I recommend a stainless gun or one you don't care about but still trust. I've discovered that most wader pouches leak  :chuckle: and my fishing partner seems to think its pretty funny when I pour water out of my pistol's barrel after fishing.  :chuckle: :chuckle:
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: True Sportsman on April 03, 2011, 12:30:53 PM
I cruised timber for the last 5 years or so. I was in the woods almost everday. I had a pistol with me everyday. I grew to hate a shoulder holster because it got in the way all the time. (I was carrying a 6" Stainless 629 Smith, 44 mag).

The holster I ended up really liking was the Alaskan guide holster. I ended up carrying a 10mm Glock in it and it rides in the center of your chest. It is easily accessible and doesnt get in the way of a pack at all. (That is the most important plus of it.) The thing i dont like is having to wear a vest or jacket when I choose to conceal it somewhat.

For hiking in the woods with a pack, the guide holster is the best setup Ive found. They even work with my binocs on a harness. The binocs just sit right below the holster when hiking.
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: Jayfire83 on April 06, 2011, 11:21:39 AM
Nothin more comforting than the old 44mag at the hip!! And for any of you that are interested in carrying in the other states legaly i have Utah CFP classes! Good for 32 states. Just pm me.
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: RadSav on June 24, 2011, 04:02:56 PM
I am relatively new to hunting with a bow, this will be my first season carrying a pistol 357 S&W while in the field bow hunting. Any suggestions would be great as I am confused about the best holster etc!!! I usually have on a pack with a waist strap and a pair of binoculars with a shoulder harness as well. What do you feel is the most comfortable and accessible holster???

Getting back to the original question. I guess I would have to ask what pack you are using.  Some like Blacks Creek have very good straps for hip holsters.  Shoulder holsters are out of the question for me both because of shooting archery and comfort with the pack on.  I like tactical thigh holsters while I'm backpacking, but I'm not sure of anyone making a good one for revolvers.  (would love to hear from someone if there is)When carrying my 686 I had to modify a tac' to carry well on my leg.

Maybe take your pack into a store with a good stock of holsters.  Then you can see how compatible they are with your setup.  Just make sure the holster you choose locks the gun up good.  Last thing you want is to ruin a hunting trip looking for a lost sidearm.  No need to repeat my mistakes.

Good luck!
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: RadSav on August 23, 2011, 03:52:45 PM
Had some moron try to tag a deer of mine.  When encountered he jacked a round in his rifle and pointed it at me.  I would have walked away had he not realized that half the local Oregon State police officers were hunting with me.  Guess he didn't like being in the crosshairs of that many trained marksmen :chuckle:.

Shot a spike elk in the old Abernathy unit years ago.  I laid my bow on him and hiked to the truck to get my pack.  When I got back some JoeBob had stuck another arrow in him and said it was his.  He wanted a fight, but I just said, "If it makes you feel more like a man, it's yours."  Later that day I killed a real nice 5X5.  Wish I had gotten that guys address so I could have sent him a picture and a Thank You card!  Was a good day for me :tup:
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: Greg Mullins on November 23, 2011, 01:25:55 PM
Leg holster for my 1911
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: KillBilly on November 23, 2011, 01:49:33 PM
GUIDES CHOICE, CHEST HOLSTER by Diamond D  $155.00
 
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: wraithen on November 23, 2011, 02:20:21 PM
As far as comfort when doing a good amount of walking I like a snug fitting shoulder rig as my secondary. My favorite is a serpa rig on a gun belt on my strong side hip. My least favorite is the leg rig. I can never seem to get one with a good lower strap. It's either too tight and rubs the crap outta my knee area or its too loose and bangs on my leg which after a few days starts a dull ache in my hip. I'm a young guy and its just my  :twocents: but leg holsters are only a good idea in movies or when you can't possibly put it anywhere else.
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: chef bama on November 27, 2011, 09:47:35 PM
http://www.hillpeoplegear.com/    check out the kit bag

also check out the kifaru koala
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: Elkarcher on October 07, 2012, 05:40:49 PM
Didn't read all of the replies but, I carry on the thigh, strong side with a strap to keep the weapon in place and not have it come out when crawling around in the thick stuff.
I wear a pack and am an archer so this keeps the Glock out of the way but very accessable.
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: Mountainwalker on January 22, 2013, 08:54:17 PM
Search for: Wilderness Safepacker and Diamond D Custom Leather.  The Safepacker goes on the waistbelt of a backpack and Diamond D makes a chest holster.  I prefer the chest holster for heavier side arms and the Safepacker for lighter ones.

The chest holster can be adjusted so you'll be able to draw your bow.
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: Stick em on March 27, 2013, 03:54:31 PM
I use the old style, under arm holster. I hate extra stuff on my hip and I can draw it very quickly. Once I have my pack on it just hooks onto my shoulder straps. I like to keep it hidden because it does freak out some of the other hikers.
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: whack em on June 29, 2013, 06:58:52 AM
To chime in on thigh holsters, the Safariland 6004 has worked well for me.  When properly adjusted, it's very comfortable, and extremely quick and easy to draw from.  Just my  :twocents:

http://www.safariland.com/DutyGear/product.aspx?pid=6004 (http://www.safariland.com/DutyGear/product.aspx?pid=6004)
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: biggfish on June 29, 2013, 11:43:04 AM
I carry a .357 1873 sa on a gun belt just below my belt line that should clear a waist strap I don't have a waist pack so I can't say for sure.

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Title: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: paulf919 on June 29, 2013, 12:20:20 PM
Strong side IWB Alessi holster for the ppk/s.
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: pianoman9701 on June 29, 2013, 12:48:12 PM
for my hunting holsters i like something with a good strap on it like uncle mikes sidekick holsters. when crawling threw brush and crap i don't want tot have to worry about back tracking a few miles to find my handgun. i always carry on my strong side which is my right side. since when i draw my bow it will be out of the way. don't like shoulder holsters for bowhunting myself. my inside the pants holsters are a little to easy to get my gun out of. i carried my xdm last year some and used a serpa holster and liked that but its to open and a bunch of dust and crap can get into your gun way to easy. hope this helps :IBCOOL:

I've carried with the XD Gear holster in the woods for a few years and never thought about it falling out. It's pretty snug but it sounds like a strap is a great idea. New holster needed, for sure.
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: Slowdraw on July 03, 2013, 04:35:41 PM
I like shoulder holster, galco, I will carry my 45acp, with nolser 185 grain hollow points, with two mags on the other shoulder, that a total of 24 rounds 3mags,I do like my 357sig, sig sauer229, each mag carrys 12 rounds, Which means 36 round 3 mags, but I feel the 45 has more take down, with wolves I will carry just in case or if I get hurt, most people know 3 shoot one after each other mean someone need help,  :twocents:
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: xXLojackXx on February 24, 2014, 01:50:30 PM
I like shoulder holster, galco, I will carry my 45acp, with nolser 185 grain hollow points, with two mags on the other shoulder, that a total of 24 rounds 3mags,I do like my 357sig, sig sauer229, each mag carrys 12 rounds, Which means 36 round 3 mags, but I feel the 45 has more take down, with wolves I will carry just in case or if I get hurt, most people know 3 shoot one after each other mean someone need help,  :twocents:

I've never thought about being hurt and immobile. But otherwise I don't see a reason to carry a sidearm while archery hunting. Until I see a grizz where I hunt, the extra weight is the last thing to go in my pack (or on me).
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: aorams on February 24, 2014, 02:18:34 PM
I don't carry one, to much extra weight

+1
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: lostbackpacker on February 24, 2014, 02:34:23 PM
I will usually strap it to the waist portion of my pack. 
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: PlateauNDN on February 24, 2014, 02:37:44 PM
Didn't read all of the replies but, I carry on the thigh, strong side with a strap to keep the weapon in place and not have it come out when crawling around in the thick stuff.
I wear a pack and am an archer so this keeps the Glock out of the way but very accessable.

 :tup:  i utilize the same method.  downside to this recently was crawling through some brush and got mud allover my front side and partially on my holster and some on the glock but nothing a quick cleaning will take care of. :tup:
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: washelkhunter on February 24, 2014, 02:55:17 PM
Belt holster.   
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: Alchase on February 24, 2014, 03:15:53 PM
I carry cross draw with a Black Hawk Serpa (II) on my Ebelestock X2 waist belt when carrying a rifle. I also use a paddle attachment if not wearing a pack or tactical leg holster.

Oops, just noticed the Op was refering to archery
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: tonymiller7 on February 25, 2014, 12:35:42 PM
I carry with a hip holster strong side when bow hunting and cross draw rifle hunting.  The rifle but always hits my handgun when I carry on the strong side.
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: whack em on March 01, 2014, 11:52:56 AM
Does anyone have any experience with chest rigs like those from Hill People Gear or a Kifaru Koala?  (Specifically while wearing binoculars and a backpack)

http://www.hillpeoplegear.com/Products/InDetail/KitBags/tabid/922/Default.aspx (http://www.hillpeoplegear.com/Products/InDetail/KitBags/tabid/922/Default.aspx)

http://store.kifaru.net/koala-lite-p55.aspx (http://store.kifaru.net/koala-lite-p55.aspx)
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: bentley30-06 on March 01, 2014, 12:05:00 PM
Keep my Ruger P94 .40 on my thigh for multiple reasons..... 1) If it is around your waist on a belt its a pains in the a$$ carrying a .40 with 13 Round clips and spare clip in the holster and taking a pi$$ with your pants and belt creating all sorts of chaos.  Looks like I'm doing the limbo...  2)  If your an archer you will appreciate having a pack with all the essentials that you can clip around your waist for extra support from your shoulders carrying the load all day.  Carrying on my hip directly interferes with this and just makes my right leg go numb or I can never access my pistol anyway.  Thigh is way more accessable without any interference.   :twocents:   Trial and error....
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: Oldguy on March 01, 2014, 12:09:00 PM
GUIDES CHOICE, CHEST HOLSTER by Diamond D  $155.00
 

This is my choice also. Can wear it in many positions and with pack and binoculars.
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: GT on July 04, 2015, 03:55:22 PM
... this will be my first season carrying a pistol 357 S&W while in the field bow hunting. Any suggestions would be great as I am confused about the best holster etc!!!...What do you feel is the most comfortable and accessible holster???

I hunt alone in some pretty remote areas so I carry my S&W model 65 .357 mag in the Diamond D Guides Choice Chest Holster mentioned and linked to by several others in this thread.  Since I want to be able to draw it quickly should the need arise, it's always worn on the outside of any clothing i might be wearing at the time (which should also preclude any concealed carry issues as well). 
 
 Page 85 of the WDFW Hunting Regs states:
"Archery Regulations
1. Rules pertaining to all archery hunting seasons:
.
  b.  It is unlawful for any person to carry or have in his possession any firearm while in the field archery hunting, during any season specified for that area except for modern handguns carried for personal protection.
Modern handguns cannot be used to hunt big game or dispatch wounded big game during any archery, big game hunting season.




.
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: JoeE on July 04, 2015, 04:14:28 PM
I carry a Glock in the field, with a compact 30 or a full size 20. I usually use a blackhawk serpa holster and I haven't had a problem with the function of the holster or it failing on me in several years. When I float hunted Alaska this year I ran into a problem because I was wearing chest wader 90% of the time and the belt on the waders wasn't good for carrying a firearm. I think I'm going to get one of these Alaskan guide chest rigs for my next float trip and I'll probably use this instead of the serpa.

http://www.diamonddcustomleather.com/Chest_Holsters.php
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: BGLEMIN on July 04, 2015, 05:12:28 PM
I have a Badlands 2200 pack that I carry my .45 or .357 on. The hip belt has large loops that I strap a holster to that has a Velcro attached belt loop. Once the holster is attached and the pistol is seated, I put the pack on. The batwing design of the 2200 cinches down snug around the pistol. My hip never feels the gun, it's very accessible, and always in place.
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: ML_Hunter on August 02, 2015, 09:52:10 PM
So as you can tell...There are many answers to your question!  :chuckle:
Carry in a way that feel comfortable to you and in a way that keeps your sidearm secure so that your not tracking it for hours or loose a pistol.

I carry my 5" XD inside waste band with a solid/sturdy holster and I keep the gun covered to keep sticks and dirt out of the gun. I do carry outside waste band when I have my .44 with me, only because its not that comfortable to carry IWB.

Practice your draw, and practice "clearing" on your draw (getting all your clothing out of the way). I recommend practicing just the way you hunt, with bow in hand, in your hunting cloths, and with a pack on. I find the hardest part is to clear your pack depending on the type of pack you wear so you may have to adjust how you carry.

Hope this helps.
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: Calvin Rayborn on March 15, 2018, 01:57:47 AM
Caldwell ITP
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: Skyvalhunter on March 15, 2018, 05:16:14 AM
old thread
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: runamuk on March 15, 2018, 06:48:28 AM
old thread


Its a pinned topic because it gets asked frequently. Go to the archery board and look at the pinned topics  :)
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: bornhunter on August 18, 2018, 11:22:43 AM
Thigh holster. Out if the way and fast access.
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: KFhunter on October 23, 2018, 08:23:11 PM
Thigh holster. Out if the way and fast access.

I'm leaning towards going away from a thigh holster, its loud and grabs brush.  I filled my holster so full of wet leaves, sticks and crud it didn't want to draw, got sticky. 

Slowed me down 1/2 a second which is loooong time. 

I might try adhesive suede


 
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: ghosthunter on October 23, 2018, 08:42:09 PM
I carry two Bond Hand Cannons in a double shoulder rig.
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: Knocker of rocks on October 23, 2018, 08:56:05 PM


I hunt alone in some pretty remote areas so I carry my S&W model 65 .357 mag in the Diamond D Guides Choice Chest Holster mentioned and linked to by several others in this thread.  Since I want to be able to draw it quickly should the need arise, it's always worn on the outside of any clothing i might be wearing at the time (which should also preclude any concealed carry issues as well). 


You won't have a CC issue no matter what.   Washington state gives an concealed carry exemption to any otherwise legal individual carrying a concealed handgun while participating in a legitimate outdoor activity.
Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: Special T on October 23, 2018, 09:30:02 PM
I carry two Bond Hand Cannons in a double shoulder rig.
I curious if anyone has printed you with this setup? That seems like the hardest to detect combo I can immagine.

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Title: Re: Which method of carying your side arm do you like best??
Post by: ghosthunter on October 23, 2018, 10:06:51 PM
Well Costco has a strict no gun policy and I carry in there all the time.
Just tonight in fact.
Just wearing a light Pendleton over the top.
I doubt any one can tell as they are under my arm pits . It helps to be a little heavy set.

They are very comfortable.
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