I have a 625 that I'd like to carry as a backup gun in the field. It's got a 4 inch barrel. I'm not used to carrying, so I want a comfortable hoslter.

I think strong side would be uncomfortable / difficult when driving / climbing tree stands. I could be wrong.

Any advice?

I think a crossdraw would be more in the way than a strongside carry. I carry a G21 in a K&D snap holster. Lobo leather also makes some nice holsters for Nframes. Strongside carry would be my choice.

I frequently carry my 4" N-frames in a Bianchi "Cyclone" cross draw thumb snap holster. Works great while hunting from a climber/tree stand etc.. I position it in front of my left hip. Quick and accessable.

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S&W Accumulator

Mike,

Do you wear the holster on a separate gun belt?

QD

I have the same question for the 5" barrel, and would appreciate input from the group.

I know there are pros and cons to hip vs shoulder rigs; and various manufacturers have innovative features for addressing these. I'm agnostic at this point b/c I don't try to carry this gun concealed, and am more interested in best choices for the field or range.

Thanks and regards - this forum is a terrific resource!

Usually on my pants belt. Which is a 2" wide fairly rigid leather belt.

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S&W Accumulator

This forum is awesome. It does lead to lots of purchases!

For what you want, I recommend you seriously consider a holster from Simply Rugged, either their Chesty Puller or their Pancake holster. They would suit you perfectly.

Doc

Groo here
Simple rugged is the one I use..
They will make one in most any barrel length..
The holster is a pancake style that is cross draw, strong side draw
or can be inside the pants..

If I was planning to carry my 625-3 in the field, I'd strongly consider the..

Haugen Model 20 Rancher Magnum Carry

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-jwk-
US Army '72-'95

I'd go with a Lobo that has a retention snap on it if your using it for a field gun. The Bianchi Cyclone can be used either strong side or crossdraw, but costs more than a Lobo. The Lobo is a true custom and the Cyclone slots are too wide for my 1.5" belts making for a sloppy fit, which IMO is the perfect width for a belt as any wider they do not fit my jeans. I like a cross draw for field/woods work as I'm usually toting a rifle or shotgun and it stays out of the way.

There also great for packing in your vehicle and are easier to get to either right or left handed, which is very difficult with a strongside rig.

I also highly recommend a quality holster. The Beltman makes the best for the money and a sturdy holster will support that 625 so well you won't notice the weight. Have four of his belts and for the money are the best out there. One is going on 7 years of almost daily carry and the only problem is the finish on the buckle has worn. Thing has been soaked to the bone numerous times and still is stiff and supports the Springer .45 and 2 eight round mags very comfortably. One is an Impression elephant hide belt for dressing up and looks fantastic IMO. A lttle pricy but was a Christmas present from my wife and matches my Lobo Avenger very well with my old High Power tucked safely and securely away. It's my go out on the town rig and have got plenty of compliments on it.

http://thebeltman.net/

Heres a link to them and two of my favorites, with the Tom Threepersons coming in first place:

Lobo Gun Leather - Model 1-SL Pancake style with Snap-Loop belt attachment
Lobo Gun Leather - The Classic Tom Threepersons style holster

Know this sounds like an advertisement for Lobo but for the money he makes the best holster out there IMO. You can't buy a mass produced Galco or Bianchi for less and Ray will make sure the rake and ride height are perfect for your particular weapon and its intended use.

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Roger / SG

Check out the "Tanker" by El Paso Saddlery.
I just received one. Waited only 3 weeks.
Impecable quality and super comfortable for woods carry.
Doesn't put any weight on your belt.
I've been very impressed with El paso's work and own several holsters for various guns.

Take a look at the Galco Wheelgunner. It sits up high and tight to the body. You can wear it strong side or crossdraw on both right and left side all in one holster. I'd rate it as one of the best holster purchases i've ever made. I use it for my JM625, 625 Mountain gun, and 624 3" Lew Horton. A+ rating.

Very nice rig! I carry my 6" 57 in a Bianchi SH as it protects the revolver, is comfortable and gets the gun out of the way. This is a much nicer set up and has more carry options.

Excellent recommendation and another holster I must have. Thanks!

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Roger / SG

I prefer the Lobo belt holster for my 3 & 4" N-frames, mounted on adequate trouser belt works fine for my use.

Longer barrels I tend to prefer the 'tanker style' chest mount similar to the Haugen Rancher 20 as illustrated above.

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Dum vivimus Vivamas

Another vote for Simply Rugged.
The Sourdough Pancake can be used strong side or crossdraw. Get it as the Flapjack if you want a removable flap to protect the the grips.
The Chesty Puller System can be used with this, or almost any other holster, if you want to go with a field shoulder holster.
I have no experience with Simply Rugged belts, but I am sure they are high quality.
I can highly recomend the Beltman belts.

Simply Rugged Holsters ? Holsters, Gun Belts, Ammo Pouches and Accessories
Gun Belts by The Belt Man

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Formerly know as Lucky Derby

I have a couple Simply Rugged "Sourdough" and a Lobo "Enhanced Pancake". For field carry I think you would be hard pressed to beat the Simply Rugged.

The Simply Rugged will come with slots for Strong side and cross draw add the Chesty Puller straps and you're good to go for any situation.

Guides Choice from Diamond D Customer Leather in Alaska is what you need .
Diamond D Custom Leather

Or, take a look at the SideArmor kydex holster --- a pretty good choice for a stainless revolver, in that, like the gun, it's impervious to weather and wear and tear. These holsters are "modular", being comprised of the "pouch" which holds the gun, and "mounting plate" which rides on the belt. The attachment arrangement is adjustable through a wide range of angle, allowing radical forward or rearward cant or anything in between, and so can be adjusted to your preference for weak or strong side carry etc. Dillon Precision sometimes has them in stock...

I have both a Simply Rugged Sour Dough and thier Range Master holster for my S&W M10, I strongly recommend the Range Master. I use my M10 for back up while hunting and general woods bumming. I did a lot of reading on holsters in general which led me to purchasing the Sour Dough. Everyone who had one who said nothing but great things about these holsters so I figured why not, and you cant beat the quality for the price point or delivery time either.

As great as the Sour Dough is it is IMHO that it is better suited to concealed carry than it is for outdoors work. The reason is it holds the revolver to high and close to the body for my tastes. After the Range Master came out I quickly placed an order for one and couldn't be happier. This holster protects the revolver very well. Though it don't have a retention strap it don't need it as it has a tension screw. The grip of the revolver is not snugged up against your ribs so it is easier to get a good purchase fairly quickly. The other great attribute of the Range Master is the ease of reholstering.

The revolver sits quite deeply and is very snug in the holster as well so don't fret about it some how falling out. Hope this helps.

Range Master ? Simply Rugged Holsters

here are some pics of mine.

Tough to beat the Lawman shoulder holster for any S&W large frame revolver, more comfortable for me than a belt (waist) rig.

www.LawmanLeatherGoods.com