OWB/Gunbelt "Rig" for OVER/Outside a hunting jacket- or a Drop Leg?

[bls72bmw]

Looking to carry a Smith Wesson N Frame "State Trooper" while hunting in the Northeast back country. 357, Moose/Black Bear and general personal protection (OK, so the chances of being charged by a Moose are low and black bear deaths are 'maybe' 2 per year. But the last one....

Already ordered a SourDough Pancake and it's being made now. But I would like to add a gunbelt/holster combo that could be worn on the outside of a hunting jacket OR maybe a Drop Leg type holster?

Prefer not to do anything with the chest or shoulder type rigs because I don't like the way they interfere with shotgun mounting while Grouse/Woodcock hunting.

Your thoughts are appreciated gentleman. I'm particularly looking for nothing 'fancy' and with a reasonable price....but want to go with Leather and something nice. No Kydex or Cordura. It has to still look good on in Grouse Camp after all.....

Don't want to be the guy with the Merkel O/U and a cheap cordura/nylon holster... Not the way to go...ahahahah

[SilentKnight]

Wow! You are doing the exact same thing I did about 6 years ago. I highly recommend you go to Mernickle Holsters. I had a custom rig made for my Thunder Ranch 44Spl with bullet loops for 44 and for 45-70. It is well done and the craftsman will talk to you if you call and tell him what you want. Took a few months to get it but not bad turn around. I have waited a year for two other holsters. Mernickle's quality is awesome and you will not be disappointed. Good luck.

[Eaglestroker]

It's really hard to beat a basic pancake rig just for the shear utility of it if that style lends well to your body type as it does most. The rig pictured below is one I did for a retiring Lawman who was looking for something just like what you described. You could get something similar or nicer from a maker like El Paso or Mernickle whose recommended above.

[Lt JL]

you don't want a drop leg if you are going to be walking/running/climbing. The durned things flop around, get caught on stuff, and are generally uncomfortable. The only reason for a dropleg is if you plate carrier/vest prevents a regular holster access . SWAT only uses them, and the military onlu uses them, for that reason. More and more of those guys are finding a way to wear it cross draw above the waist on their carriers.

[Peak53]

Wait ... there's BACKCOUNTRY in the Northeast?



Sorry - had to.

[Wsmitty01]

This is what I carry but holsters can be found for revolvers. I like a 2.25 belt for woods carry.
America's Gun Store, LLC : Triple K - Deluxe Holster Belt

[Naphtali]

A possibility you might consider is - I assume coat zips to close - to have a two-way zipper installed. This allows you to release the coat from the bottom. Coat remains closed while access to whatever is beneath the coat remains accessible.

I own a Steinbock (Austria) super-duper wool hunting coat that has such a device. . . . What a relief to have what I had never thought of.

Hope this helps.

[bls72bmw]

WS SMITTY
I like the idea of trying an extra wide 2.25" belt- I wonder what's the holster you have on that set up pictured?
The KKK belt seems reasonably priced- but makes me wonder how does it seem toehold up? I swore off Triple K after buying some of their magazines.

[Whitwabit]

Google Chest Holster .. might find what you want .. many different makers .. neighbor has one and wore it when he was hunting moose in Alaska in bear country ..

Looks something like this one ..



can be worn inside or outside of coat .. usually outside for accessibility ..

[Wsmitty01]

The KKK 2.25 belt is really heavy duty and holds up good! I'll be using it for my next L or K frame .357 4".

[elm_creek_smith]

Hanks Double Prong Garrison Belt 2 Inch - The Marshall

This is an Amish-made belt, and the whole series from Hanks Clothing are excellent value for money and tough as...all get out. Then all you need is a good holster with belt loops to fit.

[BAM-BAM]

Look at a Bianchi Model 111 Cyclone cross-draw......protected from rain and snow under your coat...... pull zipper down and there it is at 10-11 O'clock!

This is the way I carry my 3" 66. I feel a shorter/lighter .357 is better in the role described as it will be carried all day and....... in all likelihood...... never used.


Working almost the same way ......... look at

A vertical Bianchi X-15 shoulder holster only has a elastic strap around the strong side shoulder ..... so should not affect using a shotgun.



BTW.....Assuming your "State Trooper"....is a "Highway Patrolman"......hopefully a 4"barrel vs. a 6". If your HP is a 6" the X-15 may be the better option....

[Wsmitty01]

The holster pictured is made by Classic Old West (my Model 60 Pro fits perfect)!