Author Topic: open ended Contender holster (Read 1531 times)

yorketransport · « **on:** March 10, 2008, 04:55:31 PM »

Does anyone make an open ended vertical shoulder holster for scoped Contenders? I'm trying to avoid buying multiple holsters to fit different barrel lengths.

Tommyt · « **Reply #1 on:** March 12, 2008, 01:23:14 AM »

I think I own one let me look
I may just sell it now that i read this post
seems I never used it ............
I do hang carry mine off a neck strap

yorketransport · « **Reply #2 on:** March 13, 2008, 04:36:14 PM »

I saw one about 5 years ago, but never since. I've considered the sling carry, but my Contender is typically a secondary weapon for "targets of opportunity". I like to have it tucked out of the way until I need it.

onesonek · « **Reply #3 on:** March 14, 2008, 06:50:09 AM »

I could build one for you any way you want it,,,,,well within the limits of my machine

Dave

billjoe · « **Reply #4 on:** March 14, 2008, 07:26:08 AM »

I use a tool holster that I got from my local Menards store. It's made for a drill I believe, but works great for all my scoped contenders. It even has pockets that work great to carry 3 rounds of ammo. I use it all the time. Only cost $8.
bj

onesonek · « **Reply #5 on:** March 14, 2008, 07:52:13 AM »

Please take no offense bj,,,,I looked at that drill holster as an option b4 I started making holsters. Yes they do work, and are an inexpensive alternative. And the extra cost of one like I build isn't for everybody. But the problem I have with that type of rig, is that it leaves the gun pretty exposed. When I got 500-1000 dollars riding in a holster, I want it protected.
But each to their own, I'm not condemning what other's may want or think.

Dave

yorketransport · « **Reply #6 on:** March 14, 2008, 05:11:52 PM »

I could build one for you any way you want it,,,,,well within the limits of my machine

I actually looked at your site before posting the question here. It looked like you do mostly bandolier type holsters. I've tried that style before and they put the gun in an awkward spot, placing it in the way of my rifle. What I'm looking for is basically an Uncle Mikes verticle hoster with an open end. I would just buy one for a 10" barrel and cut the stitching at the end, but I've never been all that happy with material that the holster is made of.

onesonek · « **Reply #7 on:** March 14, 2008, 06:03:20 PM »

That is true, 90% of what I do is bandoliers. But if you want a vertical, no problem. You want it open muzzle, that's not a problem either. The basic design, is what works best for me. But I'm more than willing to go outside my own "box". My needs aren't necessarily for everybody else. But I will build whatever the need may be if I can. If you want something and if for some reason I can't build it, I will say as much.

Dave

yorketransport · « **Reply #8 on:** March 15, 2008, 04:03:49 AM »

I'm sending you an Email Dave. Thanks,
Andrew

billjoe · « **Reply #9 on:** March 17, 2008, 07:34:17 AM »

No offense taken at all Dave. I use my tool holster not because it is cheap, but because it is quiet, light weight, and is actually easy on the gun. It also keeps ammo available that otherwise gets lost in a pocket somewhere. I've tried the cordura holsters and they are so noisy in the brush, I really dislike them. The leather holsters offer great protection, but over time I'm afraid of "holster wear" on my expensive investment. When I go to the woods, I carry my gun in my hand. When I walk across an open field where a gun doesn't need much protection, I may holster it. If I am climbing a tree, I am careful. And it works for both my 10" and 14" barrels. I have plenty of holsters to choose from but I truthfully enjoy my tool holster the best.
To each his own.
bj

hank · « **Reply #10 on:** March 20, 2008, 11:33:35 AM »

I just received my new holster from Quiet Hide and am looking forward to using it.

jhalcott · « **Reply #11 on:** March 20, 2008, 04:59:00 PM »

Just to throw some salt into this thread, I wonder how the gun is held in the tool holster.? I've seen guns fall from shoulder holsters when guys were climbing in or out of treestands. The "dirty harry" one especially. The other concern I'd have is the muzzle being exposed to any dirt or what ever if I had to sit or go prone while the gun was still holstered! I have a wrist band that holds 5 rounds that my wife made for me. I hunt in some nasty weather so I PREFER a flap style holster . I have 2 Uncle Mike's and they are NOISY. I also have slings on a couple of my guns with bipods. A fellow that I worked with years ago ,maybe 20, dropped his super black hawk .44mag from his holster as he was climbing from a tree stand 20' up. It landed in soft mud barrel first. He would have been finished hunting if I didn't have a cleaning kit in camp.

billjoe · « **Reply #12 on:** March 22, 2008, 08:55:43 AM »

I'm sure there are plenty of tool holsters out there that would not work very well for what we are trying to do. You have to find the right one. The one I use has an open top which won't give you any protection in the rain, but it does have a snap down strap that holds the contender in the holster quite nicely. Using a longer leather belt with plenty of holes for adjustment, you can carry your gun around your shoulder or around your hip. I prefer the shoulder for my 14s and usually do the waist for my 10s. I fastened the holster to the belt so it won't slide around. I don't have the bottom of the holster tied down but you could if you wanted to. I've never had the need for it.

As far as poking the barrel into the ground when you sit, you'll find that with a heavy gun like the scoped 14" contenders, you hardly forget you're wearing it and it's quite easy to slip the holster into your lap as you sit. Never been a problem.

bj

Davemuzz · « **Reply #13 on:** March 22, 2008, 09:12:16 AM »

I'm kind of with Tommyt on this one. For my Contender anyway....I use a strap and a shooting stick. I find the gun very easy to carry with the strap...less weight as I don't have the holster to deal with, if I'm climbing up or down sumpin, I just crack it open and unload..'cause it's right there...no need to un-snap and yank from a holster....And when it comes to shooting, there is nothing more solid than a strap around your back and the gun on a shooting stick.

MHO

Dave

rural17 · « **Reply #14 on:** March 22, 2008, 09:20:39 AM »

Hey Billjoe, what is the brand name of that holster of yours? Looks like it works out pretty well. Wonder how it would hold a super 16?

Thanks Jeff

billjoe · « **Reply #15 on:** March 22, 2008, 02:46:09 PM »

BucketBoss is the brand name Jeff. I've had it a few years (still looks new) so don't know if they still have this model or not. A super 16 would fit but you'd want to carry it from the shoulder. It won't go anywhere, but that's a lot of barrel for any holster.

bj

rural17 · « **Reply #16 on:** March 22, 2008, 04:28:34 PM »

Thanks BJ, I'll have to check into those and see if I can come up with one.
I think that one of those or even something similar would fit the bill.

Jeff

billjoe · « **Reply #17 on:** March 23, 2008, 05:13:22 AM »

Try this.
http://www.all-spec.com/1/viewitem/54006/ALLSPEC/prodinfo/w3path=cat
$10
bj

onesonek · « **Reply #18 on:** March 23, 2008, 05:45:30 AM »

Again, each to their own. But the one thing I totally dislike on the "tool" rig, is the hang angle. It creates a center of gravity that puts weight on the scope.

Dave

onesonek · « **Reply #19 on:** March 23, 2008, 06:11:17 AM »

Quote from: jhalcott on March 20, 2008, 04:59:00 PM

Just to throw some salt into this thread, I wonder how the gun is held in the tool holster.? I've seen guns fall from shoulder holsters when guys were climbing in or out of treestands. The "dirty harry" one especially. The other concern I'd have is the muzzle being exposed to any dirt or what ever if I had to sit or go prone while the gun was still holstered! I have a wrist band that holds 5 rounds that my wife made for me. I hunt in some nasty weather so I PREFER a flap style holster . I have 2 Uncle Mike's and they are NOISY. I also have slings on a couple of my guns with bipods. A fellow that I worked with years ago ,maybe 20, dropped his super black hawk .44mag from his holster as he was climbing from a tree stand 20' up. It landed in soft mud barrel first. He would have been finished hunting if I didn't have a cleaning kit in camp.

I do rigs with flaps on them also, naturally being custom built for what customer wants.
here's a removable "1/2 flap" for a S&W .500

And here's a rig a customer wanted it to ride "hand warmer" style.
(my son checking it out)

Dave

Davemuzz · « **Reply #20 on:** March 23, 2008, 08:16:26 AM »

Dave (onesonek),

That's a nice looking rig for a holster. I like the horizontal carry of the gun 'n scope.

I bot the Uncle Mikes Sidekick Bandolier flap holster about 3 years ago http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=120994&t=11082005 and have never used it. Not long after I bot it, I got the strap and havn't used anything else but the strap.

I really should post the holster for sale instead of looking at it hangin in my garage every day.

Dave

hank · « **Reply #21 on:** March 24, 2008, 08:01:18 AM »

Although I have used many substitutes for a well-made holster, I have never been completely satisfied with anything less. I remember losing a pistol out of my back pocket, fortunately without damage to myself or the gun. I have laid them on the car floor boards, which never benefits the finish of the gun.

Cheap holsters feel, look, and sound cheap. They are, however, better than no holster. I would rather think, since I have such a high investment in frames, barrels, optics (future), I CANNOT AFFORD a cheap or no holster.

Davemuzz · « **Reply #22 on:** March 24, 2008, 08:08:43 AM »

Hank,

You are hitting the nail on the head. Last winter I had my $700 revolver in a $12 holster and I was walking back to my truck thru the 6" deep snow. Well, I got to my truck and went to pull the gun out.......yeah...no gun in the holster! I had made a few stumbles in the snow, so I back-tracked and fortunately found the handle of the gun sticking out of one of my boot tracks. That week I ordered a Simply Rugged holster and never regretted it.

Dave

yorketransport · « **Reply #23 on:** April 05, 2008, 12:54:28 PM »

I ended up having Dave make one of his QuietHide holsters for me. I couldn't be happier with the result. The holster fits the gun perfectly, but isn't so tight that you drag the entire holster with you when you pull the gun out. The price was good, the turn around time impressive for a one man operation, and the overall work excellent.

This is a 12" hunter barrel just to give everyone an idea of how it fits. I'll see if I can talk my wife into taking a picture of me wearing the holster. Of course, she'll have to stop laughing first. There's nothing funnier to her than watching me adjust a holster.