The recent thread on the 500S&W vs. the BFR in 45-70 got me thinking about holsters. Below is a picture of my FA in 475 Linebaugh in a Prezine holster. The holster is a competition holster (Bianchi Cup) and the holster shown was designed for the L frame Smith. My 686 fits extremely well. It is a break front holster. The FA is tight but does fit. Now, this is a competition holster so it is designed to hold the gun butt away from the body. Prezine no longer makes holsters under it's own name (as far as I know) but does make them for SafariLand, so they might still make a similar model.



Not, ideal perhaps, and I have not used it in the field, but it should work. The weather protection would have to be provided by your jacket or something. Just a thought!
Peter.

I like a shoulder holster as it keeps the revolver out of the way and out of the weather. Of course it's easier without a scope !!

Agreed mete! There is a company that makes a large, across the body, holster for scoped guns that does have a flap, but it is one size fits all and so a relatively small gun(!) like the FA kind of swims around in it! I have one. Can't remember the make, but Marko has one as well. It is not leather but some kind of soft material.
Peter.

Sweet looking setup Peter! I have everything from Uncle Mikes to Simply Rugged to Pistol Packaging to Wyoming Combination holsters...I think I get separate ones so i can keep 'em straight!

Off topic, but who did your grips on that FA?

Peter, I used such a holster from Safariland with my red dot equipped S&W 629 for several years, and it worked well. Later, I also tried it with a scoped Competition Target Ruger Mk. II auto for squirrel hunting, and it worked just as well.
I sold the holster several years ago to a friend who uses it for his scoped Ruger GP-100.
The tension screws make it quite adjustable. As you point out, it doesn't offer complete protection to the handgun, so wouldn't be good for really strenuous or foul weather hunting, but is a nice alternative otherwise.

quote:

I get separate ones so i can keep 'em straigh

Man, how do you keep 'em straight. I have a box full of holsters and I have NO idea, without trying the gun to see if it will fit, what goes with what!
Peter

I'm getting the Pistol Packaging Bandito for my long barreled revolver.
My N frame is carried in my Simply Rugged holster.
My Blackhawk is carried in my Mernickle holster.
My Encores have slings and get thrown over my shoulder and pack very easily and not near as cumbersome as a rifle.
Each weapon is carried differently and I'm ok with it.
I've heard that Barranti leather is very good.
Nothing fits them all perfectly.
That's all part of it...to have more things to play with!

quote:

I'm getting the Pistol Packaging Bandito for my long barreled revolver.

Excellent choice and a fine cross chest/"shoulder" holster that is easily removeable, a big plus in several situations. I really like mine. Plus you can get different holsters that fit the harness and simply change them out if you change hunting guns.

Look at: http://www.diamonddcustomleather.com/
The Guide's Choice Chest Rig.
I use it as it came with a 4" 500 XFrame with Trijicon RMR.
No alteration to the holster needed and the sight adds about 1 oz. to the rig.

I have used a Bianchi speed holster like the original poster for a red-dot sighted 6" GP100. That setup was just awesomely good for doing a long trek while bunny-hunting. I used the 4" model holster, but it all worked out just fine even with 2" of bbl sticking out the bottom.

I do have to say that the Diamond D looks dang good though! I've always thought a chest holster like that made some of the best sense.

I've gone to some Cowboy holsters for my big bores.

I don't have any scopes on my handshooters so a Slim Jim in a crossdraw stays out of the way of the rifle or bow on the right shoulder and allows for wearing the gun in a truck comfortably. Access is still quick when needed and rides nicely there on your belt.

I use an Unkle Mikes bandolier for my .44 SRH w/scope and a Mernickle FC13 crossdraw for my .41 RH. I have to find something for my .41 BH. I think I will carry it strongside.

I like a cross draw holster for hunting and field guns. It makes the handgun easy, and faster, to access when sitting or riding, especially if you are wearing a coat.
I just unzip the bottom of the coat a little so I can get a grip on the gun, yet it is still protected. [I always buy coats with a 2 way zipper, for that reason.

Also if you are knocked down by an animal the natrual reaction is to try to get on your back and fend the animal off with your feet.

With a cross draw [or shoulder] holster you might be able to get to your gun. A standard hip holster, maybe not...

I'm with N E 450 No2 on this one. My preferred is the Mernickle FC2 http://www.mernickleholsters.com/fc/fc2.html

for carrying my NMBH.





Always there but don't realize it.



Alan