Recommendations on a shoulder rig

[littlecanoe]

Gents,
I've been pondering what type of rig to use for a Ruger 357 Maximum with 10.5 inch barrel.

I've thought about the Uncle M's but really like leather.  It's a bit shocking to realize what good leather can cost.

What are you guys finding practical for field use?  Style, setup and all.

lc

[madcratebuilder]

I've tried several different shoulder rigs over the years for long barrel scoped hand guns.  The Uncle Mikes chest rig 'works' the best.  It's not pretty but when in the woods who cares.

[rpharder]

Look at the Bandito rig from Pistol Packaging Inc.

[Graybeard]

Look at the Bandito rig from Pistol Packaging Inc.

Dat's what I use.

[John R.]

I use a shoulder rig from Mernicle holsters for my Bisley, it works great.

[littlecanoe]

I like the looks of the Bandito.  I hadn't seen that one yet.

At 5'8" would that be a comfortable fit with a 10.5 inch barrel?

[Graybeard]

Yup I'm 5' 8" and the rig is as comfortable as any for me.

[Ladobe]

So when are you two going to grow up?   

Many years ago I tried an UM Bandoleer for a Super Blackhawk 10.5" and mule deer hunting - for one year.   Nearly knocked myself out trying to get the SB out in a hurry when I nearly stepped on and jumped a buck from its bed.   Went to a sling myself and never looked back on the long barreled specialty pistols.

Did however pick this up a few years ago... placement would make it more user friendly than the UM IMO.    I never got around to trying it though.

[Axehandle]

I have one that looks like the holster above..  It came with a ten inch Magnum Research BFR.  They show them on their web site...

http://www.magnumresearch.com/Browse.asp?Category=BFR:Holsters

[Ken ONeill]

I have one Pistol Packaging Bandito Bandoleer holster rig for a 7 1/2" barrel, that I've had for 15 years, and a couple of custom rigs made to a similar pattern by 2  different local craftsmen, that I've had almost as long. One is for a 9 1/2" SRH and it works easily and well.
littlecanoe and Graybeard,
Evidently, all of us handsome dapper young men are 5' 8'' tall !!!

[Axehandle]

Leprechans!     It has been my experience that guys who say they at 5'8" are stretching it a bit!   You should consider getting some of those high heeled boots and put inserts in them to keep the muzzle out of the mud....

[Graybeard]

Been 5' 8" since I was a teen. I have grown some since then so as I then weighted around 140 and now have managed to attain a weight of 260-270 which I've stayed at the last several years. That height is what the doctor's office got from the sliding rule thing they have on all their scales so I reckon it's right.

[Swamp Rat]

I have been using an El Paso Sadlery "1942 Tanker" for about a year now with a 6 1/2" Blackhawk. I like it alot, very comfortable does not get in the way when wearing a pack(Becker Patrol Pack) or when sitting canoing or in a vehicle. I was going to wear it chasing trout up creeks this spring/summer but got a Maxpidition Jumbo as a "tackle box"/gear bag and took my SP101 instead.

The one rig I wish I would have seen/tried before getting the Tanker is the Simply Rugged Chesty Puller rig . I have receinty aquired a SR Loaded Pancake for a GP100 and will probably get the CP conversion just to try it out, and if I like it who knows. You certainly wouldn't go wrong with the Tanker and I will continue to use it as my primary hunting pistol rig

[Gun Runner]

The holster that Ladobe has the picture of looks identical to the one I carry my 71/2" Redhawk in.Got mine from Sportsmans Guide for $90.00.

Gun Runner

[Ken ONeill]

My next one is going to be a flower carved El Paso Tanker for a 4 3/4" FA 83. Just because. That holster type likely would not work for the long barrel .357 Max. you are asking about.

Bill and littlecanoe: Ignore Axehandle's disparaging remarks about height and Leprechauns. What else could you expect from a man who has a Pachmayr grip on a FA? 

[Axehandle]

Hey now...  We have been known to value leprechans here in North Alabama... On St Patricks day for sure!   
I remember a BG pilot who had a special pad made for the seat just so he could see out of an RF4C!
And...  I'll have you guys know that only 12.5 percent of my FAs wear rubber grips...
FWIW For the 10 inch guns those rigs that strap the gun accross your chest look like a better idea than the entire length running down your side... 

[Dale53]

I have two rather large .44 magnums with scopes that are my deer hunting revolvers (an S&W Model 29, 8 3/8" and a Ruger Red Hawk 7½") that I use with a Bianchi Hush System across the chest rig. I also have a shoulder holster and after I tried the Hush System it is all I am interested in using. It works well in rugged country and it is very easy and quick to adjust for varying clothing (heavy to light in just a minute or so). It also can be easily worn with a pack.

I give it a BIG "thumbs up"!

Dale53

[BigMuddy]

My favorite for leather holsters and long barrels would be those sold by Freedom Arms, although I am not sure they are available now.

If not using leather, the Bianchi HUSH is my favorite.

[SHOOTALL]

how about a Galco Kodiak ?

[SHOOTALL]

BTW they are on sale at L A police gear $140.00 no shipping .

[bigoledude]

Shoulder rigs just got in our way.  I spent waaay to much money trying to find a shoulder rig that was comfortable to hunt with.  I finally heard of Wes Daems of Montana and, had him build me a chest-rig for hunting with my Redhawk .44magnum.  We are constantly getting in-and-out of our airboat.  We walk though bottomless marsh.  Busting through thickets is a constant part of our routine.  Wearing a holster was MISERABLE!  They hung-up on everything.  

This 7X Leather shoulder-rig simply puts the gun where it interferes with nothing!  His prices are pretty fantastic for custom-made stuff.

This rig Wes Daems built for me has made it a pleasure to have my handgun on hunts, again.  This has been a blast for me and my 4 sons, as we all enjoy making kills with the handgun when the opportunity presents itself.  And we have taken great advantage of having our .44 magnum with us while in big Russian boar country!  There has now been a steady supply of pork going into our freezers.

I can wear the chest rig with a Tee-shirt only or, over my heaviest coat.  My heaviest coat ain't exactly Arctic-class since I live in SE Louisiana.  I copied and pasted his "Contact" info below.  You will talk to Wes himself when you call.    

   7X Leather
PO Box 812
Ennis, MT 59729
United States

www.7xleather.com

[Swamp Rat]

Pics, got any pics?

[Autorim]

I think I am going to follow Dale53's recommendation and go with the Bianchi Hush for my Bisley's. I nearly always have my day pack.

Ken

[Heavy C]

Look at Quiet Hide.  Dave makes an awesome rig for a very reasonable price, and will be completely customized to you.

[2 dogs]

If you are going to pay for leather, pay for the best. Look here:

http://barrantileather.com/Home_Page.php