Carrying REVOLVER on HORSEBACK

[Claymore33]

I see a lot of beautiful holsters for revolvers however most have the gun positioned very high . I assume this is to facilitate easy and quick draw. However as a rancher who carries MODEL 29 and 27 on horseback every week , I like to have my gun seated far down in holster in case I need to gallop or run. As a result , I currently ride with a flapper that holds the gun securely and also protects from brush scrapes when bushwhacking. Does anyone know of open holsters that serve the horseman ?

 

[BAM-BAM]

I use a Bianchi 111 Cyclone; thumb break, cross draw when riding a 4-wheeler.

At 10 O'clock it's secure and easy to monitor.... thumb snap is good retention on bumpy rides.... gun is accessible to either hand.

 

[Mule Packer]

This is the rig I use while horseback. It's a Tom Threepersons style made by Dave Clowes of Dave's Saddle and Tack out of Bonanza, Oregon. While the revolver is positioned somewhat high, it has always been very secure in the holster. The retention strap helps of course. Dave is a horseman, as well, and he uses a similar rig. This particular rig is probably a good 20 or 30 years old. Can't remember exactly when I got it, but it has logged literally hundreds of miles horseback and has gone with me on practically every pack trip when I was volunteering with the Forest Service and Park Service packing gear, equipment, and supplies into their wilderness trail crews.

 

[Biggfoot44]

Reality #1 - Most belt holsters designed within the past 100 yrs or so , were designed with automobiles as primary transportation , not horses . The above mentioned Threepersons style was designed by Mr Threepersons , when he was still on horseback along the Southern border , but he also designed it as multi function to also work with newfangled autos , and conceal under suitcoats circa 1920 styles .

Rick Bachmann of Old West Reproductions makes many holsters and rigs exactly faithful to 19th century rigs , and many of them are also offered to fit popular DA Revolver . If it worked in the Cowboy Era , it will work just as well for the same purpose today .

There are a plethora of holsters and rigs designed for CMS ( Cowboy Mounted Shooting ) , but they are more intended for competition than working in the brush .

 

[Charlie Foxtrott]

I do not ride horses much.

But I hike a lot using a chest rig. I am thinking that a chest rig might work well on horse back also.

 

[Maddog 521]

Ruger has some flap holsters that are pretty rugged. Might be worth a look.

 

[fishwishin]

This is the rig I use while horseback. It's a Tom Threepersons style made by Dave Clowes of Dave's Saddle and Tack out of Bonanza, Oregon. While the revolver is positioned somewhat high, it has always been very secure in the holster. The retention strap helps of course. Dave is a horseman, as well, and he uses a similar rig. This particular rig is probably a good 20 or 30 years old. Can't remember exactly when I got it, but it has logged literally hundreds of miles horseback and has gone with me on practically every pack trip when I was volunteering with the Forest Service and Park Service packing gear, equipment, and supplies into their wilderness trail crews.

There is good, honest wear on that holster- nice!

 

[crazyphil]

In Chic Gaylord's Handgunner's Guide he tells us that you put your
unloaded gun in the holster, hold it over your bed upside down, and
shake it. If it falls out, it's not tight enough. If I wanted an open top
holster for horseback I would take a serious look at a custom maker
like Ken Null or Kramer for instance. Here are some examples.
The RSS, on the left, was in my mailbox 8 days after the order.
The VAM, 2nd from left took 12 days. Both by Ken Null.
I think Kramer's wait list is a little bit longer. His Vertical model
is shown 3rd from left.

 

[dwh]

I tend to carry shorter barreled revolvers 3-4in on horseback. So I can’t speak to how longer barrels would carry in these holsters. My preferred holster are a threepersons or a Jordan border patrol. The Jordan sweeps the muzzle rear of your hip and leg. It also sits lower and stays out of the way of ropes and reins. I also want a retention strap that goes behind the hammer. I had a hammer get cocked by a branch in thick brush using a thong once.

 

[Iggy]

I carried various handguns in Simply Rugged pancake holsters during all my ranch activity for 20 years.
Horseback, dirt bike, and ATV.
Never a problem.
High enough not to interfere in the saddle and tight in enough not to interfere with daily chores.

 

[Biggfoot44]

Ironically during my horse owning years , I didn't carry in the saddle .

Working in the barn , various rigs , notably a 3.5 in non- catalogue Vaquero Sheriff in El Paso pancake .

 

[gerhard1]

When I ding around on my farm I carry whatever I have that day rides in an old military web belt with a Hunter holster.

You might also think about a lanyard.

Lanyards

 

[BigMuddy]

One that I like a lot when carrying my N frames is the Galco Wheelgunner. It does carry a bit high but also tight and offers good protection for the gun. The already mentioned Bianchi 111 works great. Can be carried strong side or cross draw. Any of the Threepersons designs work well if they have a strap n snap. I often use a Milt Sparks 200AW when in a saddle. No straps but has a tension screw that functions well.

I really like my Diamond D Guide’s Choice when hunting or hiking. It is a chest holster. Not my favorite for horseback as it gets in the way when working.

Great topic.

Dan

 

[Oracle]

My 629 is in a chest holster, works for me.

 

[luvsmiths]

Just use whatever John Wayne used...

Or buy a pickup truck.

 

[Igiveup]

Mule Packer, I think Dave is finished in business. The last time I stopped in his store he wasn't doing much. He had a stroke and I think he slowed down after that. I now don't ride much, but when I did, I just used my every day carry in a pancake holster, sometimes in a Hunter like holster.

 

[BAM-BAM]

This is the rig I use while horseback.

Mule Packer inspired;...... Mule Packer approved !! And he's got the hat!!!!

Wish I could pull that off riding the "Eastern Continental Divide". Closest I can get is a 4" 681 in a Bianchi Cyclone with double speedloader pouch and a stag Puma Catamount on a B-12 fancy stitch belt.
Well I do have a matching Winchester .357 Trapper!!

 

[michaelp00]

gun leather & carry gear

The best holster I found that works on a belt or ammunition belt is a S&W B04 24. My N frames ride high like a pan cake with a forward cant on a waist band belt. With a ammunition belt a little lower. It`s a Toms Threepersons design with a leather snap in the middle. I got it on ebay years ago. Since then I`ve never needed another one. Too bad S&W does not make their holsters like this. By far the best there is IMHO.

 

[Onomea]

... You might also think about a lanyard.

Lanyards

Hamilton Bowen is a lanyard fan.

 

[Cisum]

I recently acquired a S&W 629 with 6" barrel and I'm on the search for a just right holster.

Craft Holsters makes a shoulder holster called the "Roto" which may be of interest to you Claymore. They have leather and nylon version.