Using a paddle holster shooting from bench at the range

[bushmaster1313]

No carry allowed in NJ so I know NOTHING about holsters.

But I would want to carry my SIG P226, a full size semi-auto pistol, while shooting rifle from the bench at the range. This entails quite a bit of getting up and down from the sitting position.

What simple holster do I want.
Will a paddle work
Should I get a positive thumb release at the top

I was thinking of the Fobus Paddle

 

[fredj338]

Is this a public range? Yeah any paddle rig will be easy on & off. Unless you think you are going to be rollling around on the ground, no retention device is really needed.

 

[bushmaster1313]

Is this a public range? Yeah any paddle rig will be easy on & off. Unless you think you are going to be rollling around on the ground, no retention device is really needed.

Private range in PA
I do not want to take the holster on and off each time I get up to look through the spotting scope.

 

[BlackTalonJHP]

Even with a paddle holster you will still need a belt and to me it's really not any easier to remove than a belt holster. If you get a Blackhawk SERPA or CQC they come with both paddle and belt loop and you can try them both out.
As far as retention, many holsters have adjustable retention and you don't really need another level of retention if it's just for the range. The gun should not come out even if the holster is upside down.
Also, is your SIG a P226R? Keep in mind most holsters won't fit the MK25 or other P226's with picatinny rails, only the ones with SIG spec rails.

 

[GerSan69]

I guess my first question would be: What?
"I do not want to take the holster on and off each time I get up to look through the spotting scope." Why would you need to do that?
I don't think a paddle is what you want, either. Most of the ones made these days have some means of "catching" the inside of your pants so the paddle stays in place while drawing. This hook-type device makes it a real pain to take off once it's in place. If you need to do this often, you'll probably just not bother to use it. If, and only if, you must have a holster, just get an old fashioned single-loop on the back leather one off eBay or GB. It'll suit your purpose without becoming more of a PITA than NJ gun laws.

 

[smoothshooter]

Why do you want to carry the pistol at the range?

 

[Porkie]

I’m having trouble understanding the issue here.
I do of course understand being armed st all times, especially at the range. Can’t you lay your SIG on the table by your elbow whilst you’re shooting your rifle?

Regards, Porkie

 

[bigwheelzip]

There are plenty of good choices, but for the use you describe, I wouldn't get a plastic paddle holster. I have one, and it is my least favorite holster, and I doubt I'll ever wear it again.

If I were buying a holster for that SIG, to only use open carry at the range, I'd get a Galco Combat Master for it.

I have one for my 686. It looks and carries great, it maintains it's finish well, is widely available, and is relatively inexpensive.

Since you probably need a holster belt also, check out their belts as well. I have used their 1 1/2 inch SB3 belt for four years EDC, and it is holding up great.

 

[Hang-Fire Hank]

CHOICES

Bushmaster: Be aware that the Fobus plastic holster (paddle style or other) will wear the blueing off the high spots on your pistol.

Galco makes the best paddle style available. If they have one lined, choose it. Reduces blueing wear.

Best all around are those made by Lobo Gun Leather, but no paddle style the last time I checked. You choose the options you like: lined or not, thumb break or not, FBI forward cant or straight up & down, color, plain or basket weave (or hand-tooled) & their pricing & availability are excellent.

Sturdiest & least expensive gun belt is the 5-stitch, Instructor's belt made by Wilderness Products (around $48). Buckle rated to pick you up by helicopter.

Have had personal experience with all products mentioned in this msg.

Best Wishes, Hank M.

 

[Muss Muggins]

I wear a paddle holster owb regularly, including a paddle style kydex magazine holder. I hardly know it's there, and I do a lot of standing, sitting, squatting, and stair climbing. For me, paddles are secure enough for duty, and easy to put on and off. One little trick about wearing a paddle is to not fasten your belt until the paddle is in place, and then loosen your belt first when you want to remove it. Both operations should be accomplished without the pistol or magazines in place . . .

 

[Muss Muggins]

Why do you want to carry the pistol at the range?

In case somebody needs shooting . . .

 

[THE PILGRIM]

My ‘shooting range’ is boondock BLM Land.
I wear a paddle holster most every time I go there.
Here’s mine with 640 onboard.

 

[Wise_A]

No carry allowed in NJ so I know NOTHING about holsters.

But I would want to carry my SIG P226, a full size semi-auto pistol, while shooting rifle from the bench at the range. This entails quite a bit of getting up and down from the sitting position.

What simple holster do I want.
Will a paddle work
Should I get a positive thumb release at the top

I was thinking of the Fobus Paddle

If you're concerned about retention, I would carry concealed. If it's not legal, and you're worried about being disarmed while rifle shooting (I would), think about a Level II or III retention holster, one that requires a particular angle or twist in order to draw the gun.

You shouldn't need retention just for walking around, unless you're walking through some serious brush on your way to the target.

Your pistol might be a smidge on the big side, depending on your butt-to-seat length. You should also note that if you're particularly fond of that Sig, you're going to be putting a few wear marks onto it with this plan. Not just holster wear, either--you're gonna wind up banging it on all sorts of stuff while wearing it.

 

[bushmaster1313]

Thanks for the above.

I’m having trouble understanding the issue here.
I do of course understand being armed st all times, especially at the range. Can’t you lay your SIG on the table by your elbow whilst you’re shooting your rifle?

Regards, Porkie

Why do you want to carry the pistol at the range?

I want a pistol at the range when the club is relatively empty, the line is cold, I am down range, and the guns I am shooting, along with ammunition, are 25 to 100 yards behind me without supervision. The range allows open carry of holstered guns when the line is cold.

I think I've settled on getting a Blackhawk cross draw shoulder harness which will be on my right side (I shoot from the left).

As to putting wear on the SIG, it will not be noticed. It is an all stainless steel that I got used and I have put 2000+ rounds of .40 S&W down the tube. The weight of the all stainless construction helps to manage the recoil.

(P.S. Gun was cleared -- by me -- multiple times, with no ammo in sight, before taking above photo)

 

[smoothshooter]

In case somebody needs shooting . . .

I carry a pistol at the range all the time, but I always have one in my pocket anyway. Have been to a public range in a remote area a once where I didn't like the looks of either of the other two shooters to the point that I took my loaded rifle with me down range to retrieve my target stand, went home, and never went back.

 

[Rastoff]

For what you want, the Fobus will serve you well and is the most inexpensive option.

No, you won't have to take the holster off as you stand or sit.

I don't recommend the shoulder holster. Since it's a horizontal position, some might take issue with the muzzle being pointed behind you. Further, comfortable shoulder holsters are usually expensive. Cheap shoulder holsters are usually uncomfortable. Also, since you are inexperienced with holsters in general, you will likely find the cheap Blackhawk holster uncomfortable and it will interfere with your shooting. Yes, I know it's on the side away from the rifle, but it will still bother you. Maybe not, but most of the people I've dealt with who are new to shoulder holster carry, were uncomfortable until they had quite a bit of experience with it.

The OWB Fobus holster will be easier to use and less invasive to your comfort.

I don't usually recommend Fobus because they are cheap and not super durable. However, you won't be using it a lot so, it's the right way to go for you.



Just a side note:
The vast majority of gun owners are conscientious, courteous people. This will be especially true at a private range. I understand you being nervous about leaving the rifle 100-200 yards away from you, but no one will bother it or even touch it.

 

[Wise_A]

I agree with Rast. Fobus holsters leave a lot to be desired, but they fulfill the basic requirement of holding on to the pistol. Practice your draw stroke with the belt you intend on wearing to ensure that the gun comes out of the holster, instead of the holster+gun coming off the belt.

The vast majority of gun owners are conscientious, courteous people. This will be especially true at a private range. I understand you being nervous about leaving the rifle 100-200 yards away from you, but no one will bother it or even touch it.

Most ranges here on the east coast are relatively remote, and in my experience, poorly-secured. I'm in the same boat as the OP--I don't care about my fellow members. What I do care about is the odd time I see somebody who doesn't look like a member poking around.

Mostly, though, I'm CCing anyway. And most folks would find OCing a pistol around the pistol range for the hell of it a bit strange.

 

[BAM-BAM]

I'd bite the bullet and get a "good" holster for your 226..... ya you can't carry in NJ but someday if the SHTF..... you might appreciate having spent an extra $50 or so for a decent Bianchi/Safariland (IIRC running about $80-90 these days) or other quality leather holster.

A vertical pancake or cross draw might work well...... depending on your 'bench" you may want your gun on the opposite/off side so it's not up against/hitting the bench.

Personally I carry concealed at our club as I'm often the only one there or I don't know the others who are. Your 226 or 220(my Sig)can easily be carried in a Milt Sparks Summer Special (worn at 4-5 O'clock) with a cover shirt or vest.

 

[WR Moore]

I don't like paddle holsters, but I expect I've never tried a really good one. I've used a number of Fobus belt holsters over the years and frankly prefer them to some of the other low end kydex holsters that are held together with screws. I used them while running tractors and despite the use of thread locking compounds, the cotton picking screws would back out.

A slightly more upscale belt holster is Blade-Tech. They've got a couple of holster lines maybe $10 more than the Fobus. If they've got one that fits your pistols, they might be a good choice. They have several different types of belt attachment that are available reasonably if you don't like what comes with it. When buying direct from Blade-Tech you can specify the belt attachment.

Just a few bucks more get you into Safariland 6377 territory, at least if you shop around.

 

[squidsix]

I get carrying at the range, but I can think of no holster that would need to be taken off and put back on for bench shooting. Get a good concealed carry holster because if you are traveling to PA for range time, you might end up traveling to some other part of Free America where you can CW without permits. Paddle holsters are great for walking the dog, but concealing one is hard. I like the old Safariland Klipspringer or all-leather Kramer for paddles.