Does anybody have a recommendation for a shoulder holster and a hip holster or across the chest holster for a nickle 27 with a 8 3/8" barrell? This would be used for 1) hiking with either a small back pack or fanny pack or 2) deer hunting. The location would be the Cascades or Blue Mountains. Possibly some rain in the Cascades or snow. Usually dry in the Blues. I am 5'8" and weight is 155 pds. Thanks.

I've hunted the Starkey Unit of the Blue Mountains in the Grande Ronde, Fly Valley, Tower Mountain area for over thirty year .... with handguns for both black bear and elk with great success..

I've used Mod 29's and 57's with 8 3/8 bbls. and used Bianchi and Safariland shoulder holsters with both guns. The best-bang-for-the-buck holster, however, can be found right here in Oregon at the A. E. Nelson Leather Company in Scio, Oregon. I have one for a 500 I started hunting with two years ago.

Check out their "Untouchable" model for your gun. It's extremely well made, comfortable, classic looking and the price at $80 dollars is unmatchable anywhere...

The "Untouchable" model page is below ( they don't list the 8 3/8 barrel length but they'll custom make it for you).

A. E. Nelson Leather Co.

Their main website address:

A. E. Nelson Leather Co.

I like the Haugen Model 20 Rancher Magnum Carry:

Haugen Handgun Leather Model 20 Rancher Magnum Carry shoulder rig - Haugen Handgun Leather

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-jwk-
US Army '72-'95

Funny! I hunted the same areas surrounding Fly Valley in the Starkey Unit as well. Last year I re-visited the areas to find more evidence of bear and cats. Thanks for the note on AE Nelson; I will give them a call but that shoulder holster looks like it could do the job. You carry a 500 with that as well. Any additiional shoulder support or pading? Thanks.

Yeh, the cougars are really having a devastating effect on the elk and deer herds in that area now. Same throughout the whole state until people get wise and reinstate hound hunting to protect the herds.

I shot my largest bull in the Lehman Springs area and my biggest bear up on Sheep Creek before the road closures. Both were shot with S&W handguns.

My latest holster from Nelson is their Mod. 55 for the 500. It's a top snap pouch holster they produced prior to the "Untouchable" model I mentioned to you. The #55 holster is OK for a 6" of shorter barrel but the break open, spring closing type of the "Untouchable" is the only way to go for an 8 3/8".

I'd have probably selected the "Untouchable" for my 500 if they had been available at the time..

Nelson makes some of the finest law enforcement leather available anywhere. They have many options as to color, lining, basket weave, etc, etc, available if you search their website. The quality has been top notch and the price, well, ya just can't beat them IMO... Below is a picture of mine.

Good luck hunting next year.....

Has anyone tried an El Passo "Tanker"?

I have used one in "rough out" finish with a 4" 29-2 for several years. It is very nice.

Take a look at the Simply Rugged Sourdough Pancake. I'm not a hunter, but I have two of these holsters and they can't hardly be beat. They make a harness system for them also that allows you to use it as a shoulder or chest holster. I think they are reasonably priced and are custom made to your order in a reasonable time period.

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Member MVGCA, OGCA, NRA Life

i suggest mernickle holsters shoulder holster model sh7