I have a 629 5" 44 mag. Want leather. Thinking of ordering a simply rugged pancake. Any other suggestions out there for carrying it hunting?
Any pics would be appreciated!

I have a 629 5" 44 mag. Want leather. Thinking of ordering a simply rugged pancake. Any other suggestions out there for carrying it hunting?
Any pics would be appreciated!

The Tom Threepersons rig from El Paso Saddlery is a favorite.

I guess it depends on the kind of hunting you do, and the affection you have for your gun and its condition. Where I'm from, hunting involves trees, brush, briars, thickets, and impenetrable tangles. A nice condition gun won't be that very long if taken in the field. Most of us prefer to use holsters that provide some protection for our guns. I tend to use a full flap holster for that service.

This is different from concealed carry. Access to the gun isn't instant or effortless, but the gun survives in much better shape.

A 5" barrel won't lend itself to some forms of carry that a short barrel gun will.

__________________
Dick Burg

I carry my N frames in a Crosshair from El Paso Saddlery. I'm probably going to try for a Simply Rugged next.

I carried my 6" gun for years in a Bianchi Cyclone because it could be worn strong side or cross draw. When I cut my original gun to 5" I couldnt find a 5" holster I liked so I cut off the cyclone.
For a working gun rig with big guns, I have always preferred crossdraw due to the amount of sitting sometimes involved (ie horse, truck, tree stand, etc.)
The Tom Threepersons in crossdraw would be a good choice, or the Cyclone (they probably make a 5" now) if you want versatility.

I find an El Paso #77 Tortilla very comfortable and also a Galco Dual Position Phoenix.

Personally, I prefer a cross draw rig for hunting. I find it stays out of the way better when carrying my rifle slung over either shoulder and is more accessible when carrying a large back pack. I note that you live in N.Y. I live in Alaska. Here brown, grizzly, and black bears are commonly, unexpectedly encountered, sometimes with less than desireable results. Every year, there are several reports of maulings. Fortunately, none of my bear encounters have resulted in such. Regardless, I never leave home, not even walking the dog, or fishing without a minimum .44 mag, normally a 454 Casull, with hard cast heavy loads.

When deciding, you should do a few tests regarding accessibility. Try to draw an UNLOADED revolver from a strong side holster using your weak hand. Now try drawing a revolver from cross draw position using your weak hand. Much easier. Next, lay down on your back and try drawing a strong side revolver with either hand... kinda hard to do. Then, on your back try drawing from cross draw with either hand... you can do it. Repeat the exercise when laying on your left and right sides, both strong side draw and cross draw. You can try this "Mexicen Carry" with the revolver in your belt if you don't have the holsters. It will give you an idea of the mechanics involved. IMO cross draw is the only way to go for hunting, hiking, etc. activities, though not necessarily the best for CCW.

Now a word about holsters, the Bianchi 111 Cyclone is my holster of choice. There is enough wiggle room in the belt loops to help ease drawing with the weak hand from the cross draw position. You can actually grab the butt, rotate the gun in the holster and complete the draw weakhanded WITHOUT sweeping your torso with the muzzle. This is not the case with some other holsters that hold the gun tightly against the body and at an sharp angle relative o the belt. The DeSantis cross draw rigs don't work for me for weak hand draw. Someone mentioned the Galco Phoenix, I have no experience with these.


Just my thoughts for your consideration. Good luck with whatever you choose.

I still like my old #10 Bianchi. I can wear it strong side or cross-draw.

I use the cyclone too for my model 28 in crossdraw.

For that use, I would get the Flapjack version of the Sourdough Pancake.
That will cover and protect the gun nicely.

__________________
Formerly know as Lucky Derby

which is the best from these two holster ?
and

__________________
trainning strong, easy war.

These are all good, but you might try:
www.haugenhandgunleather.com and look under hunting for the Md 32 'Sportsman". I have one for my 629 MG and while not as fancy as some, it does the job.

I LOVE SimplyRugged. I keep trying to buy a couple more but the family economy is not allowing it! If you order it with the third slot it works strongside or crossdraw. Here are my two current ones (649 and 629)...


As you can see, they do a good job cover the gun while still keeping them accessible.

Galco makes a nice one.

I posted an inquiry on this site not too long ago asking similar advice on an N frame holster for the 4 inch. I decided on the Bianchi Cyclone for the same reasons that Muzzleblast posted. I received it this week - have not carried it yet, but the M29 is resting in it, stretching the leather a bit and finding a snug home.

I noted Swat74's post showing the El Paso Holsters which were highly recommended. I ordered the El Paso No. 5 lined Patton for my Ruger 5.5 inch Accusports - still 7 weeks out on that.

I have a Kramer vertical scabbard, and a Milt Sparks HSR vertical for a four inch "N" frame Smith. Both can be used strong or weak side crossdraw. They are both of high quality and design, but the Sparks is a bit more compact and I find myself wearing it more. I am left handed, and also find I mount it on my belt easier, and draw more easily while in a car with either hand if used crossdraw. I can also "sense" whether I have it totally concealed by my jacket or shirt while in the crossdraw position, as a jacket can ride up while bending over if worn in the "FBI" or strong hip position.

The type of holster really depends on the terrain your hunting in. I typically open carry in the woods using a full flap holster. In my area, the mountains are steep and rugged. The under brush makes some area all but impassable. Retention is also very important to me.

If I wasn't going to carry with a flap holster, I'd go with a holster that the gun rides deep in with only the grips exposed.

Triple K has a model called the Woodsman that fits this bill nicely. It can also be worn either strongside or crossdraw. My dad has a couple of Triple K holsters, and while they aren't Milt Sparks, they are very nice field holsters.