Chest Holsters

[BeeMaa]

I am on a saw pretty extensively while wearing a chest rig. It is handy and out of the way. I carry mine for snakes. I learned the hard way not to drop the chain on a rattler. Throws the snake right into you!

Have to get one of those with a reverse drive.

 

[HankBuck]

I am on a saw pretty extensively while wearing a chest rig. It is handy and out of the way. I carry mine for snakes. I learned the hard way not to drop the chain on a rattler. Throws the snake right into you!

@WAB - I am always amazed at how many real Outdoor guys - tougher than average guys - mention “snakes” as a reason for carrying a handgun. If you can handle a chainsaw, fell a tree, be in the woods alone, even walk up a steep hill - you don’t need a handgun for protection against snakes…Not even Doc Holiday or Wild Bill could draw fast enough to hit a snake As-it-struck. If you see the snake “first” then there is never a worry — walk away, or for more Fun - grab a stick or rock and smash it. And if you “Don’t” see the snake first it’s just too late anyway. I’m not mocking you in anyway and I know guys that carry a handgun only for snake protection, it seems common. I guess it could be a good idea because even if you Never see a snake - you are protected from the possible scumbags & low life’s that you might run into.

 

[WAB]

@WAB - I am always amazed at how many real Outdoor guys - tougher than average guys - mention “snakes” as a reason for carrying a handgun. If you can handle a chainsaw, fell a tree, be in the woods alone, even walk up a steep hill - you don’t need a handgun for protection against snakes…Not even Doc Holiday or Wild Bill could draw fast enough to hit a snake As-it-struck. If you see the snake “first” then there is never a worry — walk away, or for more Fun - grab a stick or rock and smash it. And if you “Don’t” see the snake first it’s just too late anyway. I’m not mocking you in anyway and I know guys that carry a handgun only for snake protection, it seems common. I guess it could be a good idea because even if you Never see a snake - you are protected from the possible scumbags & low life’s that you might run into.

Well, after three days in the ER and four courses of anti-venom, I likely have a different perspective on snakes than most.

 

[HankBuck]

Well, after three days in the ER and four courses of anti-venom, I likely have a different perspective on snakes than most.

@WAB no doubt - how did You get bit and by what? What were you doing and when did you first see the snake? A neighbor of ours was bit by a copperhead last Summer, 2 days in hospital and that was rough — and copperheads have the weakest venom of US venomus snakes

 

[WAB]

@WAB no doubt - how did You get bit and by what? What were you doing and when did you first see the snake? A neighbor of ours was bit by a copperhead last Summer, 2 days in hospital and that was rough — and copperheads have the weakest venom of US venomus snakes

Copperhead under our steps. Interesting fact I did not know, copperheads, timber rattlers and water moccasins share the same type of venom and a common antivenom. No need to ID the snake, just get to the hospital. I got nailed by a particularly large copperhead who managed to give me a serious dose of venom. He was still under the step when I got out of the hospital. Shot that son of a bitch right between the eyes with the pistol I now religiously carry in a chest rig.

 

[HankBuck]

Copperhead under our steps. Interesting fact I did not know, copperheads, timber rattlers and water moccasins share the same type of venom and a common antivenom. No need to ID the snake, just get to the hospital. I got nailed by a particularly large copperhead who managed to give me a serious dose of venom. He was still under the step when I got out of the hospital. Shot that son of a bitch right between the eyes with the pistol I now religiously carry in a chest rig.

@WAB - well you certainly have reason for a strong dislike of snakes and it must’ve “felt good” to shoot that bugger. I’ve handled a few live venomous snakes - 2 copperheads and a timber rattler that I caught by hand. I am careful and use a small stick to help me get control of their heads before I grab them - just back of the head.
The copperheads are slow and not very aggressive but the Timber rattler was slightly more agitated. Fortunately I’ve never been bit and the more I learn about the severe reaction many people get from the bite - the less inclined I am to “hand catch” any more…my Wife says I’m “stupid” for handling them and she has a point !

 

[WyoBull]

@WAB - well you certainly have reason for a strong dislike of snakes and it must’ve “felt good” to shoot that bugger. I’ve handled a few live venomous snakes - 2 copperheads and a timber rattler that I caught by hand. I am careful and use a small stick to help me get control of their heads before I grab them - just back of the head.
The copperheads are slow and not very aggressive but the Timber rattler was slightly more agitated. Fortunately I’ve never been bit and the more I learn about the severe reaction many people get from the bite - the less inclined I am to “hand catch” any more…my Wife says I’m “stupid” for handling them and she has a point !

In this case, listen to your wife!

 

[Chimp]

Safariland makes a chest rig that’s compatible with any of their holsters that run their 3-hole pattern. Pretty slick setup, especially if you already have a Safariland holster for your pistol.

 

[MTA]

I have used the kenai in the past and really liked it (G20 Gen 2). I am looking at some of the leather models that are on midway for me 629 performance hunter with scope.. that said if you end up making these holsters, I am in for a G40 model cut for optics

 

[MedRiver]

I have the Gunfighters Inc. Kenai for a Ruger Blackhawk that actually fits my Single-six pretty well so I can use the same holster for a bear rig or for running my trapline. I also have the Kenai for my Glock G20.

I will probably add another Kydex chest rig for my 4.2" SP101 as it has proven to be a great little sidearm.

I just had a .454 BFR customized and am on the fence about what to do for a holster but it will definitely be a chest rig. I am leaning towards Diamond D but have also been in contact with a gentleman that does custom leather work. For some reason I just think that big six-gun needs leather.

To the OP, If you had an example, I would certainly consider looking into your product for the SP101 and possibly the BFR as I am 100% on the chest rig wagon. I just can't hardly stand a hip rig anymore. Always in the way and gets uncomfortable about halfway through most days.

 

[franzfmdavis]

I have three chest rigs from Diamond D and they are all excellent! They were kind enough to make a special one for my Korth, which did not fit a standard mold. Their rigs comfortably fit under a bino harness as well!

 

[WyoBull]

Kenai from Gunfighter’s Inc to carry my Glock twenty nine in ten mm.

 

[Desaad]

You definitely need to look into and consider the guides choice chest holster from Diamond D Custom Leather. I personally wouldn’t like a piece of hard Kydex on my chest all day long but that’s just me.

 

[RedTag]

Safepacker Concealment Holster

Safepacker concealed weapon holster made in the USA. Concealment gun holsters and pistol holsters for concealed carry use.

www.thewilderness.com

The Wilderness Tactical Safepacker is my personal favorite. I have used many, many different types of holsters in personal and professional capacities over the years and the Safepacker is the best holster I’ve found. Simple, rugged, and very effective.

 

[WyoBull]

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You definitely need to look into and consider the guides choice chest holster from Diamond D Custom Leather. I personally wouldn’t like a piece of hard Kydex on my chest all day long but that’s just me.

You don’t even feel it on your chest. What, do you think people are wearing a chest holster with no shirt on? You are going to have at least one layer if not more underneath your holster so I am not sure I understand your point.

 

[mdwest]

I finally got around to making a chest rig this past weekend... definitely some lessons learned that need to be applied in future builds.. the belt contact point underneath the trigger guard needs to be moved about 1/2" further forward.. I can get my hand around the grip and draw the pistol.. but a little more room would make it better.. I also need to insert a rubber washer where the grommet in front of the trigger guard is located to allow the tension to be easily adjusted.. I was able to get the tension right FOR ME with this holster, but some people like a looser fit.. others like a tighter fit, etc..etc.. a simple $0.05 washer and a tensioning screw and nut (another $0.05 to $0.10) solves that problem.. I also should have provided muzzle protection and not cut the kydex so short at the front of the pistol..

But, overall, for a very first attempt at making a chest rig, Im pretty happy with it.. I think the next one will be a lot better once I "fix" some of the design flaws I built in by accident..

 

[Corey0372]

How was the fit? Did it droop at all when u bent over or moved around?

 

[mdwest]

How was the fit? Did it droop at all when u bent over or moved around?

It’s a very snug fit. I’d trust it on an airborne operation… the pistol isn’t going anywhere without a very purposeful, hard pull in a specific direction..

Honestly I think most people would prefer it to have a little less tension, which is why I’m going to add a rubber washer and a tensioner screw to the next one.. that way it’s adjustable to whatever level of tension you like..

 

[Corey0372]

It’s a very snug fit. I’d trust it on an airborne operation… the pistol isn’t going anywhere without a very purposeful, hard pull in a specific direction..

Honestly I think most people would prefer it to have a little less tension, which is why I’m going to add a rubber washer and a tensioner screw to the next one.. that way it’s adjustable to whatever level of tension you like..

Yea chest holsters can be tricky with the tension.

The harness also has to be tight enough to not move when you go to draw the pistol. What kind of adjustment on the harness did you go with?

 

[mdwest]

Yea chest holsters can be tricky with the tension.

The harness also has to be tight enough to not move when you go to draw the pistol. What kind of adjustment on the harness did you go with?

I think I misunderstood your fit question earlier..

I used mil-spec buckles, mil-spec tensioners, and mil spec nylon webbing straps over the shoulders. You can cinch them down as tight/snug as you’re comfortable with.. it’s definitely not going anywhere… mil-spec elastic and buckles and a tensioner were used for the “belt”..

I intentionally avoided Chinese made plastic and nylon.. the US made (Rhode Island textile mills) stuff comes from the same factory that makes webbing and elastic for military items, meets all of the GSA schedule requirements, etc etc… it’s a lot more expensive than other options.. but the quality is there and since it’s made to certain specifications the consistency in color, tensile strength, and durability is there also..

On this holster I went with fairly lightweight hardware and 1” webbing and elastic.. I wanted something pretty low profile and as “light” as I could get it while still being practical…

On the next one I’ve got 1.5” hardware, straps, and elastic that I plan on using…

I don’t know that the additional strength of the thicker and wider nylon is necessary… but I’m thinking it might be a little more comfortable to wear for extended periods… (I’ll know more after I experiment some)…