Carrying a big sixgun.

[Scott Tschirhart]

The sixguns I tend to use the most have 4 3/4 or 4 5/8 inch barrels. They are easily carried on my right hip in a Simply Rugged Sourdough holster.

A 7 1/2 inch gun simply must be carried in a cross draw holster and even then it is ungainly.

I like the way my 6.5 inch Ruger handles and shoots but I’m looking for a comfortable way to pack it. Any ideas?

[JRD]

How about in a saddle holster on your horse?

At some point a big revolver holster has to come off your belt and onto a shoulder harness or chest rig.

[Steve in MO]

Yep. Crossdraw would be the answer for anything over 6.5", I would think. None of us are carrying big iron in a low hanging gunfighter rig anymore, so that seems the most practical.

[JimT]

I bought a Bianchi X15 shoulder holster back in the 1980's and it still serves me well when carrying any longer barreled sixgun. I've used it many miles horseback, backpacking and hunting on foot. I am satisfied enough with it that I've never even considered anything else.

X15.jpg

[tray]

I favor a cross draw for most handguns, but carry both cross draw and hip holster designs. I have a couple of chest holster designs, but use them only for 1911s. I favor a steeper angle than most commercial rigs are cut to, so will most likely make my own cross draw holsters in the future. I use them for 6 & 1/2 inch guns and guns shorter than 4 & 5/8". For me they are almost a requirement when carrying a rifle with a sling.

[jeepnik]

I've made no secret that I carry almost exclusively from my NAS Mini to full size service autos to long barreled revolvers. The only issue is the same faced by all belt carried long barreled guns. When seated, in a vehicle, they are darned in comfortable.

As has been mentioned, a shoulder or chest holster is about the only workable option. I don't really like them, they make me fidget trying to get comfortable. And most are for dedicated handguns.

Enter Simply Rugged. Their "Chesty Puller" harness accepts most of their belt holsters. It's one of those ideas that makes you ask, why didn't I think of that.

This is all leading up to, get a Simply Rugged holster that can be worn as a strong side, cross draw or some even IWB and a Chesty rig. You have quite a range of options.

[Rexster]

I will be paying attention, because I have a 7.5” USFA Single Action, and would like to acquire a Model 27-2 with a 6.5” or 8-3/8” barrel. (It seems that every Model 27 that I have seen, newer than a 27-2, will be “TT” and “TH,” meaning Target Trigger and Target Hammer. I prefer narrower triggers and hammers.) Thus far, a separate belt, for the longer sixgun, that allows donning the rig after stepping from the truck, has been my work-around, and that has been a rare event, perhaps only done once, as a trial run or “rehearsal.” (Just awoke from a nap, so the memory is not running on all cylinders.) “Ungainly” certainly does accurately describe a 7.5” sixgun, worn on a belt.

I do not have a 6.5” single action sixgun, but, do have a lefty Galco Kodiak chest rig apparently made for that configuration. I bought it pre-owned, through the evil bay, from a seller who had listed it as being made for the 7.5” length. Well, he either misremembered, or did not know what he had. Rather than return it, I kept it, to use with 5.5” sixguns, and to be ready to tote any eventual 6.5” RBH I might add later. It seems comfortable enough, though it is a cumbersome way to tote a 5.5” sixgun, which I can reasonably wear on a belt that threads through the trousers’ loops. This individual Kodiak seemed new, and fits a USFA Single Action snugly, but being obviously about an inch too short to fit a 7.5” SAA, was probably made to fit sixguns with 6.5” barrels, so is probably RBH sized.

Edited to add: The Galco Kodiak product page images promote it as a center-of-chest rig, but, it actually fits me best when worn most of the way over on my off-side.

https://www.galcogunleather.com/kodiak- ... _1178.html

[AJMD429]

Like JimT, I have been a Bianchi X-15 holster-fan for over 40 years. Old folks like me remember the X-15 "airplane" and so just the name was enough...!

My first handgun was a Ruger Mark-I Target Model, and I had a full-flap 'military style' holster for it.
But my SECOND handgun was a Ruger Super Blackhawk 7-1/2" and for that nothing was practical but the BIanchi X-15.

I wound up carrying that (it had to be one or the other of the above until I got a Charter Arms Bulldog 44 Special), when I worked part-time in ghetto-area pharmacies in bad neighborhoods while in college. (I'm sure had I ever had to use it, or even just been 'caught' with it, my college-education would have come to a halt, given that Ohio had no 'concealed carry' permit at that time.)

Enter Simply Rugged. Their "Chesty Puller" harness accepts most of their belt holsters. It's one of those ideas that makes you ask, why didn't I think of that.

I had to check that out - looks kind of cool in concept, so I'll try to post a picture I found on the net...



These days I only carry the larger guns (Redhawk, Super Blackhawk, Contender, Desert Eagle) when on foot in the woods, etc., and in a vehicle thus don't have the 'access' problem for the same reason, but my main CCW options are usually mid-sizers carried 4-oclock IWB or OWB, so to solve the 'vehicle problem' one option is to keep a separate loaded revolver handy somewhere.

[Grizz]

I bought a Bianchi X15 shoulder holster back in the 1980's and it still serves me well when carrying any longer barreled sixgun. I've used it many miles horseback, backpacking and hunting on foot. I am satisfied enough with it that I've never even considered anything else.

X15.jpg

I carried the 10" Ruger in one like that made of canvas. Really don't like it because the straps overlap the suspenders and the pack overlaps that. So it's nasty, but it works in the woods and the skiff. When walking in the woods the gun was in hand in case b'rer thug got larcenous. I carried it in a hip holster but quit that after i jammed moss into the barrel sliding downhill. Oof . . .

[Streetstar]

Lol

I am really enjoying my 7.5” .45 Blackhawk

But , at a lofty height of 5’8” and with a stocky build , I am laughing to myself thinking about the optics of carrying it on my belt - although I have looked for a Bianchi belt holster for it with no luck

That on one side and a 10” Bowie on the other would be a sight!

But that aside, a chest rig would seem to be a decent bet.

[Scott Tschirhart]

I have a nice Galco SAO holster that fits it and I think I have an old Lawrence 120 somewhere. But I definitely need to use a belt. I’ve never been able to get comfortable with a shoulder rig.

[Bill in Oregon]

Many years ago, when I aspired to be a Bob Milek döppelgänger, I set up a Thompson Center Contender, 10-inch barrel, in .30 Herrett and mounted a Leupold 2X EER scope on it. The best way to carry this rig was in the across-the chest "bandolier" holster that T/C marketed for the Contenders. It was nicely accurate with Milek's favorite 125-grain Sierra flat-base handload and I hunted mule deer in eastern Oregon very comfortably with it, but never had a shot. Now, the 14-inch rig would have been way too much of a good thing and would surely have started me down the path of "might as well pack a rifle."

[Scott Tschirhart]

I have a cautionary tale:

One of my old friends was carrying a Virginian Dragoon in some sort of crossdraw shoulder rig with no strap to restrain it.

He was crossing a barb wire fence and dumped the gun out where it promptly discharged and drove a 240 grain JHP through his left shoulder under the collar bone and through the scapula on the backside.

I don’t know how he threaded the needle and didn’t bleed out.

Ever since then, I am careful to never carry a single action without a transfer bar with a cartridge under the hammer. And the holster must be secure.

[Bill in Oregon]

Excellent advice, Scott! Your friend was most fortunate indeed.

[Walt]

Bill, I have a Contender set up exactly like yours; 10" bbl in .30 Herrett but I took the Leupold 2X EER scope off and put a 4X intermediate eye relief scope on it. I had tried shooting it from a prone position but my arms simply weren't long enough to achieve a proper sight picture.

[Scott Tschirhart]

I found an old Lawrence 120 that fits it perfectly.

[Galloway]

Great find! I just grit and bear heavy guns on my daily excursions. Im not out for days on end and we're trying to rough it anyway right?

[Pat C]

Only big handgun other than super Blackhawk was Contender in 35 Rem 14" barrel. Had one of those Uncle Mike's holsters which was handy once while dragging a deer.

[jeepnik]

Other than a little more sight radius a tad more velocity. And now with micro red dots sight radius doesn't matter. For those reasons and more I prefer shorter barrels.

There was a reason short barrels became popular with folks who carry handguns regularly.

[wvfarrier]

5" S&W 627

[JimT]

The other end of the spectrum ...

2.JPG

[jeepnik]

The other end of the spectrum ...

2.JPG

Not really

[JimT]

yo da man.JPG

[marlinman93]

I have a nice Galco SAO holster that fits it and I think I have an old Lawrence 120 somewhere. But I definitely need to use a belt. I’ve never been able to get comfortable with a shoulder rig.

Same here Scott. I can't get used to shoulder rigs, and chest rigs put the gun much too high and it feels awkward to try to draw the gun up so far to get it out.
I do like a crossdraw almost better than anything for a revolver as it works standing, or sitting, and I can draw the handgun quickly. It works well when seated for me unless I'm seated on the passenger side of a rig and then the seatbelt can be an issue. But I don't own a SAA longer than a 5.5" barrel as I also prefer the two shorter length barrels of 4.75" and 5.5"

[Grizz]

The other end of the spectrum ...

2.JPG

.

Dad's Holster.jpeg

.
Oddly enough my Dad's holster carries my 7" 45 Auto just as well as the Wrangler
.

a 2-shooter.jpeg

.
my Mom's two-shot. handy boot gun. pocket gun. possibles gun. etc.

[Scott Tschirhart]

I have a nice Galco SAO holster that fits it and I think I have an old Lawrence 120 somewhere. But I definitely need to use a belt. I’ve never been able to get comfortable with a shoulder rig.

Same here Scott. I can't get used to shoulder rigs, and chest rigs put the gun much too high and it feels awkward to try to draw the gun up so far to get it out.
I do like a crossdraw almost better than anything for a revolver as it works standing, or sitting, and I can draw the handgun quickly. It works well when seated for me unless I'm seated on the passenger side of a rig and then the seatbelt can be an issue. But I don't own a SAA longer than a 5.5" barrel as I also prefer the two shorter length barrels of 4.75" and 5.5"

I can’t figure out how to wear binoculars and a shoulder rig at the same time…….and I really like using binoculars.

[Scott Tschirhart]

Between these two I think I have all of my outdoor needs covered.

[marlinman93]

I have a nice Galco SAO holster that fits it and I think I have an old Lawrence 120 somewhere. But I definitely need to use a belt. I’ve never been able to get comfortable with a shoulder rig.

Same here Scott. I can't get used to shoulder rigs, and chest rigs put the gun much too high and it feels awkward to try to draw the gun up so far to get it out.
I do like a crossdraw almost better than anything for a revolver as it works standing, or sitting, and I can draw the handgun quickly. It works well when seated for me unless I'm seated on the passenger side of a rig and then the seatbelt can be an issue. But I don't own a SAA longer than a 5.5" barrel as I also prefer the two shorter length barrels of 4.75" and 5.5"

I can’t figure out how to wear binoculars and a shoulder rig at the same time…….and I really like using binoculars.

I went to compact 10x binoculars that came with a nylon belt pack so I carry them on my off side on my belt. Or if I have a pack I often put them in the pack also.

[Scott Tschirhart]

I have a small pair of rather expensive compact binoculars. But I end up using some much better glass because I simply cannot see much in low light with the little glass.

[Scott Tschirhart]

I absolutely love this revolver, but I’m not loving the 6.5 inch barrel.

I may send it to Bowen to do his Perfected Bisley No.3 package, but chopping the barrel to 4 5/8 inches.

6.5 inches is just a bit much for getting into and out of the pickup.

[Scott Tschirhart]

I was on the phone with Bowen’s shop this morning and it appears that Belt Mountain (they make the base pins) has shut down.

Not good news.

[OldWin]

For strong side, my cutoff is a 5.5" Colt SA, and I prefer a 4.75 if I'm in and out of vehicles. My 6" 629 and my old 3 screw Super Blackhawk go cross draw, but only for 3 seasons if on my primary belt. Cant really leave my coat open this time of year so it needs to be on another belt outside my coat, which I don't care for. Consequently, if I carry a 44, it's usually a 3" round butt 629. I also don't like shoulder holsters.
All this really means is that I don't use my longer barreled revolvers much. I will usually opt for a small carbine over a longer barreled revolver for field use, but use a 4-5.5" handgun more than either choice. I keep threatening to send my SB out for a chop. I've always loved Jason's.

[JimT]

I was on the phone with Bowen’s shop this morning and it appears that Belt Mountain (they make the base pins) has shut down.

Not good news.

He has retired. I received an email from him a few months back saying he was retiring and closing the business.

[348win]

Ill second the coldest months making cross draws inaccessible under jackets = no good

But I also agree, big revolvers in cross draws work. If you have soft enough garments to access it or its open.
In and out of truck, rigs works good. Also you don't bang your long gun on it when its on your cross side if your hunting. Lots of long guns get dinged and dented from strong side pistols. It can be a pain. Especially the old throw long gun under your armpit and curl it. With same arm like a shotgunner does. Idk what the term is. Its the way you would sometimes hold a break open gun under your armpit and forearm under belly of action, that scratches up a stock good when you have strong side carry.

Carrying a big six gun is good peace of mind, if your in country you can run into big critters that may want you for lunch.....but practice practice practice, big wheel guns aint for everyone, if you can't hit anything with it (use it proficiently) leave it at home until you can or sell it for something you can make hits w.

Over my years I have seen: 45 auto (semi but snappy) and 44 magnum be two of the "flinch" or "shot anticipation" cartridges where shooter/operator is more scared of gun or not experienced enough and can't make hits on their target. IMO That could really get you into a big mess one may not be expecting.
Ammo tech has come a long way, smaller calibers in CERTAIN LOADINGS are something that I trust now, I would have left at home or never used for application years ago. Once you practice, test, see results, only you can determine if your ready and your gears up to the task. Know how to use it. Great thread. Holsters are a HUGE piece of the puzzle, putting time in w them is what it takes, or like this, hear it from guys who have time on them.
Holsters that dont work or get taken off for "x" activity = no gun w you. To me that's no good. I demand a setup that will ride w me all day and get through all my activities.

Great forum I have enjoyed it so far!

[Scott Tschirhart]

I get that and welcome aboard!

[CowboyTutt]

i didn't read every post in its fullness, but it seems from the outset the 5 1/2 which is a traditional barrel length was left out of the conversation. I now have a 4 3/4th FA and my Ruger Bisley in 5 1/2. The Ruger at 5 1/2 is just a tad too long so I would say that the optimal length is 5 inches flat or 5 and 1/4. Anything over that, you get into shoulder or chest holsters really IMHO. -Tutt

[drjjpdc]

I had this custom rig made for me by Karla Van Horne, known as Purdy Gear. Her leatherwork is among the best. This is a cross draw rig for my SA/DA long barreled revolvers. My Ruger BH .45 LC with a 7 1/2" barrel works for me. In truth I have not worn it frequently, which is a shame because it is a beautiful piece.

https://purdygear.com/about-and-contact/

[Scott Tschirhart]

I sent it off to Hamilton Bowen and it should come back in a more packable package. Problem solved.

[CowboyTutt]

Why do I suspect a "nose job" or "bob" is not the only thing your having done? -Tutt

[Scott Tschirhart]

Why do I suspect a "nose job" or "bob" is not the only thing your having done? -Tutt

Look up the Perfected Bisley No. 3 on Bowen’s website plus a couple of extras.

[CowboyTutt]

Scott, the cylinder looks funny on the Bisley. No flutes or factory laser engraving like my early one? Was the scrolling removed or maybe the cylinder replaced? Is it a 5 shot already perhaps? I have a piece meal one with similar upgrades to what your having done. Most of the work was done by Bob Munden but Milt M. has it now to make a custom front sight, Taylor throat it and fix the trigger reset glitch. The one upgrade I had done that I really prefer is the free pawl conversion. I couldn't go back to a one way auto indexing set up except for my new to me FA.
I also prefer a narrow "waisted" or the reverse, a palm swell grip for my +P 45 Colt loads. The factory shape is just too squirrely for me. -Tutt

I found a photo I took before I sent it off to Milt. Nothing too fancy , it looks stock except to the discerning eye.

[Old Savage]

Andy, have you shot your FA? And I am wondering about my lifetime pizza schedule

[Scott Tschirhart]

Scott, the cylinder looks funny on the Bisley. No flutes or factory laser engraving like my early one? Was the scrolling removed or maybe the cylinder replaced? Is it a 5 shot already perhaps?

Five shot .454. The cylinder was that way from the factory.