Author Topic: How do you carry your pistol? Sling or Holster? (Read 829 times)

vol89 · « **on:** February 06, 2005, 10:14:44 AM »

Being new to handgun hunting I was wanting to know how most people like to carry their gun. Some folks like slings others use holsters. What are your opinions and why? Thanks, Vol89

deerstalker · « **Reply #1 on:** February 06, 2005, 10:32:08 AM »

I like to use a holster,I started out with uncle mike's or something like that, and now have a leather holster from pistol pack'in inc. I like it real well cause it holds the contour of my body, and is easy to carry. :-D

casper_zip · « **Reply #2 on:** February 06, 2005, 12:02:11 PM »

Hey there :grin: :grin: :grin:

Vol, I guess it's what you like. Anything over a 10" Contender, I put a sling on it. I do use holsters sometimes, but have found out that sometimes they'll squeak or make noise at a bad time.

I have no problem at all with my slinged T/C Contenders and all my Encores are sling equipped. Sure makes it easier to carry, especially if you use a tree climber or a tree stand.

Like I said, I guess it is what you like and consider it best suited for your needs/wants.

All the best,

Casper_Zip :grin: :grin: :grin:

Special Ed · « **Reply #3 on:** February 06, 2005, 01:03:24 PM »

I'm with casper. :grin:
The 14" Contender (usually with a bipod) goes on a sling. Almost everything else goes in an old Uncle Mikes shoulder holster, it will fit a 10 Contender, 7 1/2 Ruger or 8 3/8 SW.
The only handgun I never sling or holster is the 45/410 Contender.
I should add that if you decide to go with a shoulder holster, buy it someplace you can try it on, adjust it, make sure it's EXACTLY what you want & it's comfortable. Just because the manufacturer says it's "universal fit" don't mean it fits YOU. It's just like a pair of boots, if they don't fit you are miserable.

Duffy · « **Reply #4 on:** February 06, 2005, 01:10:42 PM »

I use a sling on my Encore and have used a holster with my SRH. Have mixed feeling about both of them. The shoulder holster tends to get a bit heavy after a full day and can be a bit noisy. It does protect the gun well though during bad weather. The sling can be used to steady on off hand shots and it carrys the gun ok. But sometimes the straps get wrapped up in my bino's and you stand there looking like your trying to get out of a fishing net.....as the deer walks away...

I've thought that a hip holster might work well but when sitting down or crouching it would be in the dirt too. What ever you choose it's a good idea to have something, cause when nature calls or your glassing a area you need to hang it up somewhere.

vol89 · « **Reply #5 on:** February 07, 2005, 03:55:02 AM »

Thanks everybody. I appreciate the feedback. It was very useful. Vol89 :-)

Hopalong7 · « **Reply #6 on:** February 07, 2005, 03:57:39 AM »

After trying several different holsters, I went to a sling 10-12 years ago and have been "happy camper" ever since. I've used the Uncle Mike's Contender kit to mount the sling. About 3 years ago I got one of Southern Utah's quick adjustable slings and LOVE it. It adjusts from a shorter carry length to a longer shooting length in an instant and does so very quietly. I usually have a Ruger BH on my right hip and my Contender slung under my left arm. The two get along good and don't get in each other's way and I can get my Contender into battery much quicker, quieter, and with less body movement(and this includes releasing the adjustment buckle) than any with any holster I tried plus have the aide of the sling in steadying the shot. Only problem now is I just don't have any excuse when I miss. GOOD SHOOTIN', Walt

Bullseye · « **Reply #7 on:** February 07, 2005, 06:40:19 AM »

To and from the woods and general moving about, hip holster (yes, even a scoped Super 14). Sitting in tree stands or still hunting, sling. I carry the gun in a holster and put the sling on it when I get there.

flyfisher · « **Reply #8 on:** February 07, 2005, 08:45:44 AM »

I use only 14" barrels and use an Uncle Mike's shoulder holster when walking to and from the woods, or while woodchuck hunting (when you have time to set up on the little varmints). For driving/tree stand hunting, I use a sling that I rigged up myself. Attaches to the forearm with a standard stud and the pistol grip with a heavy piece of velcro. It's quick to take on and off, sturdy, and doesn't harm the wood on my contender.

DropTheHammer · « **Reply #9 on:** February 07, 2005, 02:03:27 PM »

This was my first season carrying the contender. I used the JSI pistol sling and it worked very nicely. http://www.eabco.com/JSI01.html

However I also want a system for poor weather and am waiting on a 10" scoped contender holster from Pistol Packaging that I ordered a little while ago. Had to get a custom made to fit my GA Jim forend and scope/mounting system I use. I already have the bandito belt with a "Hunter" brand scoped contender holster on it, but it doesn't work so well with my contender.

rickyp · « **Reply #10 on:** February 07, 2005, 02:55:15 PM »

when I started hunting with my contenders I was using the 10 inch barrels. I bought a very nice black leather basket weave hip holster and black basket weave belt. I got it from fox ridge outfitters quite some tine back. I found this setup to be heavy and puled down on my pants.
When I got my 209x50 barrel I started to hunt with my 14 inch barrel and knew this would not work with a hip holster. I bought an uncle mikes bandoleer holster but when I would bend over to look at thing on the ground the holster would flop around and get in the way. I trashed it and bought a set of uncle mike's sling kit and went to walmart and got a 1" nylon webbing and 2 keepers (like $4.00 for all) and made my sling I loved it so much that I installed a stud on my 10 inch forend. My hip holster is now sitting on top of my gun safe collecting dust.

I have also gotten nice soft side handgun case and put a 2" wide strap on it, If the weather turns bad I can leave my contender in the case and use it as a holster.

Thomas Krupinski · « **Reply #11 on:** February 07, 2005, 03:12:49 PM »

It really depends upon the type of hunting that I am doing that determines the method of carry. Usually the scoped 15" Encores and 14" Contenders are packed in an Uncle Mikes Bandoleer holster that I carry either in front or behind my back for spot and stalk and still hunting. When gave is spotted at a distance and the stalk begins then it's out and in the hands. I expecially like the Bandoleer holster with a flap as it offers a lot of protection from dust and rail for the pistol especially when carrying a decent sized pack. I even configured one of their regular style into the bandoleer style as it is more comfortable than a shoulder holster style.

vol89 · « **Reply #12 on:** February 07, 2005, 05:48:46 PM »

Like I said before. Thanks a lot everyone for the good replies. I hope each one of you have much success in the game fields next year. This is a very good forum, and one that I have learned from. I think I will use a sling and see how that goes. By the way, I purchased a G2 Contender and a 30-30 barrel and I really enjoy shooting it. I am looking forward to deer season next year. Thanks again, Vol89