Looking to get a holster for my FA83 for field carry. Trying to weigh the merits of a cross draw on a dedicated (2" or so) gun belt versus a shoulder/chest rig. I normally wear a belt with my pants with a 10mm 1911 IWB strong side and my belt knife on my off side.

If I opted for the cross draw and additional belt, I could just put the belt knife on the larger belt, but I'm concerned a bit about comfort with the 1911 being wrenched into my side by an additional belt over it.

Can't really find any huge downsides to a chest or shoulder rig. I see these style holsters offering some additional protection for the firearm with easily being worn under an outer garment. I've looked at offerings from Mernickle, Simply Rugged, and Diamond D. This is kind of the way I'm leaning. I do, however, have some concern that the strap going over my right shoulder with these rigs might cause some problem in mounting a rifle to my shoulder should I wear it as a backup on a hunt.

Just thinking out loud and appreciative of anyone's thoughts/experiences/recommendations.

Brandon, for a shoulder/chest rig, check these holsters out, they are great.

www.7xleather.com

Diamond D Custom Leather in Wasilla makes great holsters. Look at the guide choice.
It is what we use.
Hunters and Guides use them alot around here as well.

FFemt, you want to carry an FA 83, a 1911 and a rifle? Why not one of the load bearing vests that the military uses?
Slightly tongue in cheek!
Peter.

quote:

Originally posted by Peter:
FFemt, you want to carry an FA 83, a 1911 and a rifle? Why not one of the load bearing vests that the military uses?
Slightly tongue in cheek!
Peter.

I'd probably shake down to just the 83 and a rifle if it came down to that.

Agreed Brandon, or (gulp) a Glock!
Peter.

Brandon

FA has a pretty good crossdraw holster for their gun. I use one and it is comfotable to wear.

Assuming you are right handed.
If you are going to wear two handguns, ammo and knife etc... I would recommend you put all of them on a good quality pants belt. Wear one belt only. Wear your 1911 on your strong side hip, the FA in a cross draw holster.
Extra FA ammo to the right of the belt buckle, extra 1911 magazines behing the FA revolver.
Position the belt knife for right or left hand use, as is your preference.

OR, you could have a pants belt, to just hold up your pants, and put all the "hardware" on a seperate belt. If you do this your comfort will be greatly increased if you use what is called "belt keepers" like uniformed Police do.

You should be able to find them in brown as well as black, as some sheriffs depts. still wear brown leather...

quote:

Originally posted by Peter:
Agreed Brandon, or (gulp) a Glock!
Peter.

Haha, a G20 is what resides on my hip when the 1911 isn't there.