New gun owner and new to the forum. Anyone have a recommendation for a holster for a Model 686 with 4" barrel. Will be wearing while setting up camp, doing some hiking, and fishing from shore/canoe up in mountain lakes of Nevada and Utah. Will be open carry, no CCW as of yet. Looking for comfort and maneuverability.

I would go for a shoulder holster, maybe a Don Hume rig from Miami Ok or something like this. You will beat up the gripswith a belt holster and with a shoulder rig it will be somewhat protected. Jeff

I agree with jrm53 on the shoulder holster. Although I do not like nylon for holster's, in this case I think nylon might be the better choice, if you go for an unplanned swim.

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Stay safe people!

I like the Bianchi #5BH, belt holster with a thumb break retention. Retention is very important while wearing a revolver in the field, especially while in a canoe, don't want your revolver to go over the side...

http://www.bianchi-intl.com/product/...TxtModelID=5BH

The Bianchi #5BH cairries the revolver high enough on the belt that it doesn't get in the way when seated in the canoe. Also, you can wear a PFD (life preserver) and get at your revolver, can't do that with a shoulder holster.

Wearing a PFD is probably the best thing you can do to protect yourself while canoeing, especially in cold mountain lakes and streams. If you capsize in cold water, wearing heavy gear on your belt and in your pockets, without a PFD your chances of getting back in the boat are slim.

Also, carry a dry box (ammo can works good) to put your revolver in in inclement weather. Tie the dry box into the canoe, also put some basic survival gear like matches, knife, fire starting material, etc. in it. If the boat capsizes, your dry box will stay with the boat and you can dry out, and still have your revolver...

I have one of these I use for such outdoor expeditions.....
Mine is left handed, of course....
Pacific Canvas & Leather Co. INC

Take a look at the Safepacker holsters from The Wilderness(.com) in Phoenix. These hold a gun and a little ammo or extra magazine securely and discreetly, provide protective padding, can be worn or mounted in a variety of ways (including on an accessory gunbelt thingy, handy with watershorts or other garments that don't accommodate a conventional belt), and, don't look anything like a conventional holster, and so don't alarm "civilians".

I agree with the above comments. I was carrying my 629 in a cheap shoulder holster while boating up a creek in Alaska. We hit a submerged tree and over the side I went!! My friend could not figure out why I was messing with the gun instead of trying to swim!! The snap had come undone but the holster held the revolver.

I like the flap holsters for field use, and this one by Lobogunleather for a 4" k-frame is a good'un.

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Georgia On My Mind

When i carry my 686 4 inch i use a bianchi shadow II model 7.It makes my gun ride high and tight against me.My canoe is small and i don't sit well with a low hung holster.If you need a holster try this website www.packinheatleather.com

Thanks for the advice guys. Anyone have experience with Uncle Mike's Vertical Sidekick?

Yes and didn't care for it. It never held onto the gun and every uncle mikes holster with a snap on it I have had has gone bad quick.

However I love their pocket holster... And a lot of other UM products.

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One gun is never enough...

How about a chest holster?

SURVIVAL SHEATH SYSTEMS : Kydex Shoulder and Chest Holsters

Leather gun holster, concealed carry holster - Simply Rugged Holsters!" - Proudly made in the USA

Holsters

Thanks Celtic,
I'll cross that one off the list. Think I'll give the VICTORY PILOT MODEL SHOULDER HOLSTER a try.

Ducfat,

Before you order a Victory holster for your 686, verify if it will fit. I have one of the reproductons from Pacific Canvas and Leather, and it will only fit "K" frame revolvers with fixed sights.

If you really like that design, El Paso Saddlery can make one for you to fit your revolver, but they are a bit pricey and you'll have to wait patiently, you probably won't have it to use this summer....

The Uncle mikes nylon holster is what I was using when I went overboard. The snap did not hold when I needed it most!!

Thanks for the advice guys. Just put an order in for a Bianchi. Will explore the shoulder and chest holders as the season progresses.

I don't know about you but I sweat like a dog putting up camp and get drenched. I'd remove it until you cool down.

I have a fanny pack designed to carry a gun and I wear it when hunting or out in the field, I never wear it in town. I like how it protects the gun even when canoe paddles hit it or if I have to crawl through a barb wire fence, and it has a pull string and is even pretty quick to draw from once you practice a little bit. I like the romance of wearing a gun on my hip in a nice leather gun belt with cartrige loops filled with shiny brass and lead, .....and I would do it on my own land, but I would rather be a bit more discreet in public areas.