I recently purchased a FA 454 with 7.5" barrel. I've been working up practice loads and hunting loads for it with good success. Now it's time to consider a holster for it. I've read a few articles on various holsters but I still have no idea what I need. I have not developed a preference for either strong side or cross draw. My only experience with holsters is an Uncle Mike holster that I have for my .44mag. It's no great shakes. I'll want to focus on mobility (climbing into tree stands, over logs, up hills, etc...). I want the material to be leather (for aesthetics). I will not be adding a scope to the pistol any time soon. I looked at the holsters on the FA website. They have a lot of unlined holsters. What's up with that? Do you need a liner to keep the gun from getting scuffed? I don't want a lot of frilly scroll work or design on the holster. I'm willing to pay up to $100. Suggestions please! Pros and cons of the various designs and options would be immensely appreciated!

recoil,why not go to Freedom Arms them selfs? They offer Holsters for their pistols

The best holster I've found so far is a Bianchi X-15 sholder holster. It's leather and has a clam shell spring that grips the gun to keep it secure. You can leave the strap off and do jumping jacks without the gun coming out. It's comfortable to wear. Mines hasn't scuffed anything yet. I've had it for about 15years now and still like it. I use it for all my wheelguns with bbls from 4 5/8" to 7.5". I wish they made a similar one to accept a scope, or 10" bbl.

For hunting use or general non-concealed carry like on a 4 wheeler, I've found the absolute best for me is the bandito shoulder holster. Good quality, belt can take different holsters for different pistols, and it is slip on and off, yet stays on unless you plan on standing on your head. Larry Weishun(spelling?, outdoor deer/pistol hunting writer) is usually shown wearing one in his photos.

www.pistolpackaging.com

Thanks for the link Fatcat. The Bandito shoulder set up looks like the way to go. Still don't know whether to go with the unscoped holster or the interchangeable one. Decisions, decisions.

Thanks to everyone else for their input.

Check out the holster made by Murray Custom leather. I don't own one yet, but as soon as I get my Ruger Bisley back from Bowen it is the one I will buy for my go to field revolver. It is the best holster I have seen/handled that offers complete protection, portability, and easy access.

http://www.murraycustomleather.com/holster.htm

Check out the el linko to Kirkpatrick Leather.

A friend of mine has one of these in a crossdraw rig and in a couple weeks so will I. Very nice workmanship.

I have been using this sling type (Bandito) holster for hunting for many years now and love it. I use it for the Contender, Encore, and FA. Here is a link to the Fox Ridge page and you can see a picture of the sling and they make holsters to fit all kinds of firearms, but they are not pictured. The unit slings over your right shoulder putting the firearm under your left arm in the vertical position. It is very east to put on and take off quickly with no straps or buckles to worry about. It hangs close and does not interfere even when climbing with a tree stand-gun unloaded of course.
http://www.foxridgeoutfitters.com/hunting/holsters.html

BigBore:

That is the Pistol Packaging holster I mentioned above. Fox Ridge just tacks on a couple of bucks. They are great, aren't they?

I was going to say, "Great holster, just $1.95" more than Fatcat's". Thanks again for all the helpful info. At first I was leaning towards a high riding hip holster but the Bandito set up looks like the ticket. I don't want to spend money on something, only to find out I should've bought something else (stingy with them greenbacks) so everyone's imput has been greatly appreciated!
Jake