HOLSTER - SLING - OR? What is the best way to carry an Encore pistol?

[lastchanc54]

I am looking forward to my first big game hunt with my Ecore pistol. It just occured to me, how am I going to carry it through the woods? A bandolier type holster works with my Scoped Super Blackhawk but it is big and awkward. I just remembered seeing some slings on a T/C pistol and got to wondering about that method. Some of you hunt with your Encores and so I need your experiance. Let me know how you get er done. 

[Hopalong7]

It's definately a SLING for me. Not even close.  GOOD SHOOTIN',  Walt 

[Graybeard]

If when you say "carry it thru the woods" you mean while you are actually in hunting mode then the ONLY place for it is in your hands. If you are talking about on the way into the stand and back in the dark or when NOT in hunting mode then to me the proper way is in a soft case with full zipper. Even in such a case the gun can be left loaded and the short end left partially open so you can grab it for use about as quickly and with less motion than from most any holster. This is one JD Jones and I agree on and came to totally independent of each other.

I've tried holsters and they are nice for the purpose of carrying and once game is down for sure they are nice for hands free carry while dragging out game. If that's the route you elect to go look at what Onesonek a GBO Sponsor sells, he's even having a sale right now on his.

[hank]

The holster is my choice and the Quiet Hide holsters are, in my opinion, the way to go. Not only are they soft leather, but comfortable, quiet, and well-fitting.

Dave has a web presence and posts regularly on these forums.

[Dezynco]

I've thought about slinging my Encore pistol, but the problem with that is there will be the sling swivel stud sticking out the bottom to the grip.  That would make it a real pain to use when bench resting, since you would have to place some sort of padding under the grip to keep it from wobbling.

I have a Koplin zip-up case that I'll be packing mine in and out of the woods, and storing it on the 4-wheeler.  It has a nice shoulder sling so that you can get it out of your way if you need both hands free.  Seems like the best idea to me.  If I'm hunting, I'll be carrying the Encore in my hand, with the empty Koplin case slung over my shoulder.

[onesonek]

I am looking forward to my first big game hunt with my Ecore pistol. It just occured to me, how am I going to carry it through the woods? A bandolier type holster works with my Scoped Super Blackhawk but it is big and awkward. I just remembered seeing some slings on a T/C pistol and got to wondering about that method. Some of you hunt with your Encores and so I need your experiance. Let me know how you get er done. 

I'll throw my 2 cent in here, albeit it might be a tad biased.

Slings work great for certain situations and not so well in others, The same can be said for holsters. Slings are great for added stability in shooting offhand. But when working around in rough terrain, they  let the gun flop around or you have to keep a hand on it. I agree if you are still hunting, the gun in hand is the way to go. And with that, the sling is alil quicker than my prefered, holster shooting/walking stix method. As to the big and awkward part,,,that's poor design issues involved with the holster for the most part, and is the part of the reason I stated making holsters.   Holsters for me, have to have 3 characteristics besides quality first. Functionable, user friendly, and comfort, I think you'll find mine have all these. And JD Jones has endorsed QuiteHide Holsters as well.
FWIW, I have made holsters where the use of a the lighter weight webbing type slings can be left attatched to the gun and yet fit properly in the holsters as well. This gives you the best of both worlds keeping your options open and at hand.

Hope you don't mind my ramblings

Dave

[lastchanc54]

In fact, I appreciate everyone who takes the time to share their thoughts and experiences with me. I am forced to think of how I hunt, where I hunt and work out some of the details. I am planing on using my Encore 15 inch handgun in 308 with a 4X scope and 150 grain Nolser Ballistic tip bullets for an upcoming elk hunt. As an archer, I have ground blinds, tree stands, game cams and other related tools of the trade. I got invited on a rifle elk hunt in a limited access area. I dusted off my Remington 700 BDL with a Harris bi pod, soft recoil pad, 6X18 scope and more. At 200 yards I was shooting 180 grain factory ammo very well. A bad fall off a deck changed my plans by messing up my left shoulder. I simply cannot carry and shoot a rifle at this time.
I used to own T/C contenders and loved them. My buddy recently bought a Encore rifle and I fell in love with it while helping him work up some loads and sight it in. I decided to buy an Encore pistol in my favorite 308 configuration. I bought a shooting stick so I can use it for walking in rough terrain and also to steady the handgun for a killing shot. I won't shoot unless I know I have a steady and accurate setup.
I have a couple of questions here on Greybeard to help me make use of your combined experiences. I don't have time for experimeting as the hunt is coming up quickly. Also, it is an hours drive to the range each time I want to try something. I really do value your input, each and every one. Many thanks

[onesonek]

Well in that case of hunting mountains , where one can be climbing over deadfalls, possibily slipping on steep terrain and such hazzards. I have to say, a sling offers little protection for the gun and optics. Just my biased opinion again, with the above a holster will serve you better. Again fwiw, I plan on loading 150 gr. Nosler E-Tips or TSSX  in my Encore .308 pistol. With the weight retention, they should perform about the same as or close enough, as the 180 Partiton.

Dave

[Hopalong7]

I use a quick-adjust pistol sling sold by E. Arthur Brown.  I also carry A Mon-pod shooting/walking stick.  The sling is over my right shoulder, across my chest and back with my Contender ridin muzzle forward, upside down under my left arm just about my belt line when the sling is in the "short" position and well down on my left hip when the sling is let out to the "long" position.  Adjustment is quick and quiet with a plastic buckle.  In either position, my left hand most often rides on the forend of the Contender.  The Mono-pod is in my right hand.  From the long position, my left hand brings the gun up, rotating it over and putting it on top of the shooting stick while my right hand slides back to the grip.  With a little practice this became one smooth, quick, silent move.  Even with the sling in the "short" position, I can reach around with my right hand and pop the buckle and bring the gun up pretty quickly.  With proper adjustment in the "long" Position and the gun in place on top of the shooting stick, I extend my arms forward tightening the sling around my neck and under my arm and I'm in a good steady standing  shooting position.  Works for me better than anything I've tried.  Granted, way back when I tried holsters, Onesonek's fine looking rig along with most of the bandoleer types were not yet available.  GOOD SHOOTIN',  Walt 

[Davemuzz]

I have a disability and I must walk using the aid of a "walking stick". My "walking stick" of choice is the Stoney Point monopod with the "Y" That being said I have carried my Contender pistol (not Encore) in a Holster and on a Sling.

I find the Holster to be a PITA. However, I will admit that I've only used the "bandoleer" type holster and I think these vertical holsters are just too big for the Contender\Encore type of gun. The "Quiethide" Holster is probably the most well though out style of holster for the Contender\Encore.  The sling is handy and along with the Stoney Point, provides a rock solid shooting position no matter where I am at. If the going gets "rough" I simply break open the gun, remove the cartridge and "tuck" the gun inside my hunting coat\jacket.

I think it's a matter of personal preference. If your unsure, then why don't you just bring both? It's only a matter of minutes to change the screws to accept sling swivels. Heck.....throw the holster in the truck and if you hate the sling that much, change it out in the field.

Then if you decide you really, really hate one or the other....just sell it right here on GBO!!! Just remember to put the price in the listing or someone we all know will get grumpy and tell you about it!

JMHO

Dave

[lastchanc54]

sounds like good advice. I found a Quiet hide on GBO and it is on the way. I have't shopped for a sling yet. I will try the holster first. I haven't found any slings yet. anyone got a link to one?
Thanks and Happy shooting 

[Hopalong7]

Google E. Arthur Brown and then look for JSI Sling.  $20.00 if I remember correctly.  Walt