Shoulder holster for a Ruger GP100?

[sgtdraino]

I am looking to get a good shoulder holster for my Ruger GP100 .357 Magnum. Comfort is of the highest priority. I intend to wear the weapon concealed while hiking, etc., and open carry makes my wife uncomfortable.

I have had a few shoulder holsters in the past, and don't really find them that comfortable as a rule, but I think that is pretty much the only way to go for concealing a gun of this size. I got a cheap nylon shoulder holster, but I'm not happy with it. I feel like I can't get it adjusted right, it just doesn't hang right, and is not comfortable at all.

Ideas?

[Sourdough]

It will be cheaper to get a new wife, than find a comfortable shoulder holster. One of the many problems with shoulder holsters is your body weight must stay the same, and the shirt must be the same cut and weight material every day. If you delete the under shirt, you have to readjust the rig. Switch from cotton shirt to a light wool shirt....readjust the rig.

Safariland made a model #209; I don't think they still make it, but if you can find a used one start there.

Or a light weight vest like photographers wear, with the mesh back. And sew a holster into it.

Another problem with shoulder rigs, is if you need to wear a back pack.

Good luck....you have your work cut out for yourself.

It would be interesting to know how many plain clothes cops wear belt rigs after two years of chasing the shoulder rig quandary in circles.

[tsitenha]

look into Galco leather co. use to have the Jackass system SS??

[crashdive123]

What's the barrel length on your GP? The reason I ask is for vertical/horizontal carry.

[Pal334]

I would suggest looking at some sort of concealable belt holster. The only time I have ever found a shoulder holster that was comfortable and usable was a Tanker Style that was worn exposed over body armor http://www.ima-usa.com/product_info....roducts_id/523. It is simple and robust, and I guess it could be adaptable to under clothes wear. A bit of "googling" will turn up some that are suitable for revolvers.

[sgtdraino]

What's the barrel length on your GP? The reason I ask is for vertical/horizontal carry.

4-inch barrel. but I think I would tend to prefer horizontal (whoops, I mean VERTICAL) carry for this revolver anyway.

I would suggest looking at some sort of concealable belt holster.

Belt holster is a no-go. My normal outdoor clothes do not include items that hang over my belt, so a belt holster would not be concealed. I also can't stand the feel of inside-the-pants holsters.

The only time I have ever found a shoulder holster that was comfortable and usable was a Tanker Style that was worn exposed over body armor

That looks terrific! Exactly like what I need. I did try something similar, a replica of a pilot holster for the S&W M&P/Victory. Looks a lot like that, except it just uses a single strap that goes diagonally across the chest, looping over the shoulder opposite from the gun. But my experience with that, was that the weight of the gun would tend to tug the strap over towards my neck, and it would dig in where my shoulder meets my neck. This holster looks like it wouldn't have that problem. You say this holster really is comfortable?

However, it's for a 1911, and my GP100 definitely wouldn't fit that.

A bit of "googling" will turn up some that are suitable for revolvers.

Can you help me find such a thing? I'm not sure they made the tanker holster for revolvers.

[crashdive123]

While I have a few shoulder holsters, I am not a huge fan of them for the reasons that Hopeak stated. Here are a couple of horizontal carry options.

http://www.opticsplanet.net/bianchi-...ack-17031.html

http://www.opticsplanet.net/galco-s1...100-4-104.html

If you will be wearing a pack I would go with waistpack for concealed carry.

[sgtdraino]

If you will be wearing a pack I would go with waistpack for concealed carry.

I am considering that, but haven't really found any waistpack holsters that I like. Most seem built more for autos than revolvers. Are there any particular ones you would recommend?

I've been looking for a tanker holster for revolvers, no luck yet. I did see one for a Berreta. Do you think a GP100 might fit in a Berreta holster? It kinda looks like it could from the picture, but looks can be very deceiving:

http://www.ima-usa.com/product_info....roducts_id/938

[Pal334]

4-inch barrel. but I think I would tend to prefer horizontal carry for this revolver anyway.



Belt holster is a no-go. My normal outdoor clothes do not include items that hang over my belt, so a belt holster would not be concealed. I also can't stand the feel of inside-the-pants holsters.



That looks terrific! Exactly like what I need. I did try something similar, a replica of a pilot holster for the S&W M&P/Victory. Looks a lot like that, except it just uses a single strap that goes diagonally across the chest, looping over the shoulder opposite from the gun. But my experience with that, was that the weight of the gun would tend to tug the strap over towards my neck, and it would dig in where my shoulder meets my neck. This holster looks like it wouldn't have that problem. You say this holster really is comfortable?

However, it's for a 1911, and my GP100 definitely wouldn't fit that.



Can you help me find such a thing? I'm not sure they made the tanker holster for revolvers.

I find the "tanker" quite comfortable. Have used it or a variant for 30 years whenever it was possible.Wore it virtualy 24 / 7 for two seperate 12 month tours (minus shower time ) in the sand box and actually wore it to sleep frequently ( I get paranoid). The chest straps are what seems to make it the most comfortable. It is definitely not a "Miami Lice ( or is that Vice) style holster, is a simple, sturdy, straight forward pistol sheath. And is not made for "fast draw" stuff ( I suspect that is not what you are looking for anyways). Here is a link that shows the style for revolvers http://www.epsaddlery.com/c-25-shoulder-holsters.aspx , they are a bit expensive, but you get what you pay for. I hope this helps, just my "nickels worth"

[Sourdough]

That looks terrific! Exactly like what I need. I did try something similar, a replica of a pilot holster for the S&W M&P/Victory. Looks a lot like that, except it just uses a single strap that goes diagonally across the chest, looping over the shoulder opposite from the gun. But my experience with that, was that the weight of the gun would tend to tug the strap over towards my neck, and it would dig in where my shoulder meets my neck. This holster looks like it wouldn't have that problem. You say this holster really is comfortable?

However, it's for a 1911, and my GP100 definitely wouldn't fit that.

Can you help me find such a thing? I'm not sure they made the tanker holster for revolvers.

If you feel that is the answer, wrap your ruger in thin plastic like sran'wrap and put it in a inside the belt holster with the clip removed. Now put shoe'goo on the outside of the holster and stick it firmly in the WWII holster and leave it set for two days or longer.

[Pal334]

Hope has a good point. Like with any new leather holster or any good leather product for that matter, "fitting" is important. Take the time to fit it in and break it in.

[crashdive123]

I am considering that, but haven't really found any waistpack holsters that I like. Most seem built more for autos than revolvers. Are there any particular ones you would recommend?

I've got a few that work equally as well for revolver or semi-autos. Maxpedition and Bagmaster are two of the brand names that I have.

[Sourdough]

I find the "tanker" quite comfortable. Have used it or a variant for 30 years whenever it was possible.Wore it virtualy 24 / 7 for two seperate 12 month tours (minus shower time ) in the sand box and actually wore it to sleep frequently ( I get paranoid). The chest straps are what seems to make it the most comfortable. It is definitely not a "Miami Lice ( or is that Vice) style holster, is a simple, sturdy, straight forward pistol sheath. And is not made for "fast draw" stuff ( I suspect that is not what you are looking for anyways). Here is a link that shows the style for revolvers http://www.epsaddlery.com/c-25-shoulder-holsters.aspx , they are a bit expensive, but you get what you pay for. I hope this helps, just my "nickels worth"

Did you wear it with a thin shirt only, or over Armor Vest...? or both on different occasions.

[sgtdraino]

Here is a link that shows the style for revolvers http://www.epsaddlery.com/c-25-shoulder-holsters.aspx

Unfortunately those are the M3 style, with the single strap that goes across to my other shoulder. That's like what I have now, which I find tends to dig into my neck. That M7 style looks much better to me.

If you feel that is the answer, wrap your ruger in thin plastic like sran'wrap

Okay... Wuzzat, to keep the glue off the gun?

and put it in a inside the belt holster

Belt holster? Do you mean shoulder holster?

with the clip removed.

Clip? You mean, like, magazine? My GP100 is a revolver.

Now put shoe'goo on the outside of the holster

Shoe goo... you mean the rubbery glue? Wouldn't I have trouble getting that off the leather holster later? Or will it peel off without much trouble?

and stick it firmly in the WWII holster

Wait... stick the gun in the holster, or the glue in the holster? 'cause you already had me stick the gun in the holster, right? But I don't think you mean glue.

and leave it set for two days or longer.

Kay...

But for a revolver like the GP100 to fit in a 1911 holster, wouldn't the stitching have to be different? The profile is completely different than a revolver, and much narrower. You really think it will go in there? I've eyeballed 1911 holsters in the past, and never thought I'd have much hope of getting anything into them that wasn't a 1911.

[Pal334]

Hope: was adjusted for body armor (most important for a good fit). But did wear the same without adjusting in shorts and T shirt (a bit sloppy, but was not in t shirts that often)

sgt draino: I see your point. I goggled and did not see the M7 style for a revolver. Perhaps a good leather worker can help (read good old fashioned shoe repair guy) even if you are using a fabric/synthetic holster. Heck, a good one may be able to take apart a 1911 holster, and sew back together for you handgun. I can't imagine it being difficult for a good leather guy.

[Sourdough]

Inside the pants holsters have a plastic or metal "SPRING" clip.

[Sourdough]

Okay... Wuzzat, to keep the glue off the gun?

YEP.....



Belt holster? Do you mean shoulder holster?

NOPE



Clip? You mean, like, magazine? My GP100 is a revolver.

GLAD YOU FIGURED THAT MUCH OUT....



Shoe goo... you mean the rubbery glue? Wouldn't I have trouble getting that off the leather holster later? Or will it peel off without much trouble?

THE IDEA IS TO GLUE ONE HOLSTER INSIDE ANOTHER



Wait... stick the gun in the holster, or the glue in the holster? 'cause you already had me stick the gun in the holster, right? But I don't think you mean glue.

PUT LOTS OF GLUE ON IT AND JUST "STICK IT"......


Kay...

But for a revolver like the GP100 to fit in a 1911 holster, wouldn't the stitching have to be different? The profile is completely different than a revolver, and much narrower. You really think it will go in there? I've eyeballed 1911 holsters in the past, and never thought I'd have much hope of getting anything into them that wasn't a 1911.[/QUOTE]


I WOULD HAVE HAD YOU RESHAPE THE 1911 HOLSTER BY HAND BONING. BUT AS THE EASY STUFF WAS OVER YOUR HEAD. HAND BONING WILL NOT BE COMMUNICATED TO YOU.....

WE WOULD NOT WANT YOU HAND BONING THE WRONG EQUIPMENT..........you might have an accidental discharge.......

[SARKY]

Well it's not exactly a holster but specopsbrand.com makes a pouch called the frontal assault, I have one and a small pistol like the walter p-22 fits in there very nicely. So it got me to thinking, what if the demensions were enlarged? I am looking at takeing it to a pouch and pack maker next to my local REI and see if they can make me one to the demensions i need inorder to carry my 4 inch tracker discreetly. I'll give you an update when I have one. The pouch would attach to the shoulder strap of your pack so it would be right up front in plain view but wouldn't look like a holster.

[crashdive123]

Sgtdraino - if you look at the second link I gave you, it is just the holster component - you can attach it to a system that is comfortable to you.

[Sarge47]

Sgt. Draino, you're active Military & you can't figure this stuff out for yourself?
You keep asking simple questions that I would expect a man of your experience to already know or have some local resources to help you. Hmmmm.....