Most comfortable "outdoor" holster?

[Mamba]

We have 5 acres of mixed open/wooded land here in N TN, with mixed critters around often. When outdoors I always carry my Judge Public Defender Poly with a mix of shot for small/large pests. It carries well in a Fobus paddle, but can get in the way when doing chores and sit'n on the lawn tractor. It's most comfortable in a full shoulder rig or Kangaroo Carry but that can get sweaty and sometimes in the way also. How well does a cowboy-style gun-belt work in regards to comfort and convenience? Or should I look for a chest x-draw style? I open-carry on my property but prefer to be as discrete as I can.

Tx, M

[Erik88]

What about a leather pancake style holster? They are typically really comfortable and keep the weapon closer to the body than a paddle holster will.

Something like this but not cross draw.

[mikegideon]

Leather and Tennessee = lots of sweat. 

[Erik88]

That is true for most. I use a comp tac paddle holster 90% of the time but the OP felt his current paddle holster sticks out too far. 

[gjohnsoniv]

An OWB leather or kydex holster is your best bet. 

[Mamba]

That pancake would be too hot (and in that position, in the way when bending), but thanks.

I really want to get the holster off my belt if I can. I ordered a cheap nylon bandolier-style (tank gunner-ish) to test out that concept.
Another suggestion I got was ye olde fanny-pack style which has the advantage of being easily movable, and on/off, along with holding extra ammo and providing protection from the elements....slower draw though.

[peejman]

On 5/24/2017 at 2:39 PM, gjohnsoniv said:

An OWB leather or kydex holster is your best bet. 

This. Mount a holster on the tractor. 

[Ronald_55]

1 hour ago, peejman said:

This. Mount a holster on the tractor. 

Thought about moving it around to small of the back and then slip it into a holster on the tractor when riding?

A cowboy gun belt has upsides, but is a lot of extra weight and will get in the way when handling things too.

 

So what kind of pests are you dealing with that a sharp stick would not handle?

[Ugly]

I have experienced the same dilemma and have found that a compact .22 semi auto in a fobus paddle works best for me. 

Works on the mower, and when I'm doing anything else. 11rds of mini mag and I could use rat shot as the first round if I wanted.

i haven't had to kill anything yet but  deduced that .22 is enough for what I would cross paths with. 

The Judge is kinda big, if I were to carry one I would probably use a chest rig. Or get a small .22 

Edited May 25, 2017 by Ugly

[Mamba]

> Mount a holster on the tractor. 
Needs to be on me, not just there. But tx. I'm often doing weeding or brush-work too.

>So what kind of pests are you dealing with that a sharp stick would not handle?
Variety, from mice to squirrels to snakes to coyotes & stray dogs to stray outlaws. Most times the inlaws are ok....most times. Besides, ever try finding a good holster for a sharp stick?

>The Judge is kinda big, if I were to carry one I would probably use a chest rig. Or get a small .22 
Yah, I'm gonna try the chest rig. Only .22 handgun I own is an old Sterling pocket SNS. Not safe to carry, or accurate.
I do carry a pocket .380 BUG, but I like the Judge's versatility. The PDP model ain't all that large 'cept for the Pachmayr Diamond Pro grip I added.

Edited May 25, 2017 by Mamba
resize pic

[Ugly]

We do have some talented members here that could custom make what you need. I like the versatility and have the same critters running around. 

I recently picked up a Bersa Thunder for cheap to use as my yard gun, so far I love it!

That's a good looking shotgun you got there!

[peejman]

3 hours ago, Ronald_55 said:

Thought about moving it around to small of the back and then slip it into a holster on the tractor when riding?

A cowboy gun belt has upsides, but is a lot of extra weight and will get in the way when handling things too.

 

So what kind of pests are you dealing with that a sharp stick would not handle?

Absolutely not small of the back. If you fall on it, it'll hurt. A lot. 

[Ronald_55]

46 minutes ago, peejman said:

Absolutely not small of the back. If you fall on it, it'll hurt. A lot. 

How often do you fall flat on your back working around tge house? Lol

[Jeb48]

1 hour ago, Ronald_55 said:

How often do you fall flat on your back working around tge house? Lol

Once would be to much if you landed right on the gun and it drove it into your backbone. I have been hearing for years that it isn't safe to carry the middle of the back because of back injuries. It may be all wives tales but scared me away from that location.

[Ugly]

1 hour ago, Ronald_55 said:

How often do you fall flat on your back working around tge house? Lol

I've got a 45 degree hill that I weed wack and while I haven't fallen on my back, I have slipped and wound up on my side :/

It's been the unarmed side though

[peejman]

11 hours ago, Ronald_55 said:

How often do you fall flat on your back working around tge house? Lol

Once would be one too many. 

I slipped on a patch of ice I didn't see years ago and landed flat on my back.  I was carrying SOB because I was young and didn't know any better.  I wish I'd taken a pic of the bruise.  Thankfully it only hurt when I was breathing. 

Generally, SOB holsters don't have much in the way of a body shield  or any sort of padding, and neither does a person's lower back.  I can't speak for everyone, but I've got lots more padding on my hips.  

It's also one of the slowest locations to draw from and you're likely to point the muzzle at any one/thing standing on your strong side while in motion. 

[Mamba]

15 hours ago, Ugly said:

We do have some talented members here that could custom make what you need. I like the versatility and have the same critters running around. 

I recently picked up a Bersa Thunder for cheap to use as my yard gun, so far I love it!

That's a good looking shotgun you got there!

Tx! Yah the Judge is a lot o'fun and useful too. I've owned two Thunders (9 and 380), great value and accurate. They relocated to good homes.

As for SoB holsters, no interest there. Only time I've fallen around here was a classic faceplant when my boot caught in a tomato cage buried under brush. Bruised a rib and decided to be more careful after that...so far so good.
 

Edited May 26, 2017 by Mamba

[Erik88]

I don't want to poo poo someone's choice of gun but I've watched 2 videos where someone used a Judge for personal defense and the results were less than adequate. I did see one video where a guy killed an intruder with his Judge but it was a point blank shot.They were wrestling with each other at the front door.

I would just avoid using those shot gun style rounds and go for solid lead.

Sorry to get off topic but just wanted to throw that out there.

[Mamba]

So far the bandolier is working out. It works well in a chest-rig configuration, but most times I'm using it outside my waist/belt in a gunslinger fashion. This is comfortable and lets me easily move it around my waistline as needed, whether walking or sitting while mowing. Probably not the most durable rig, but so far so good.

[10Kilr]

https://www.hillpeoplegear.com/Products/CategoryID/1/ProductID/1

I have used this when hiking/backpacking and it has proved most useful. Comfortable as well.

[leroy]

34 minutes ago, 10Kilr said:

https://www.hillpeoplegear.com/Products/CategoryID/1/ProductID/1

I have used this when hiking/backpacking and it has proved most useful. Comfortable as well.

What 10Klr said... Got one too... I like it... Hid in plain sight... Holds everything...

leroy...

[Ronald_55]

1 hour ago, 10Kilr said:

https://www.hillpeoplegear.com/Products/CategoryID/1/ProductID/1

I have used this when hiking/backpacking and it has proved most useful. Comfortable as well.

I bet it is a nice bag, but at $105 I would be afraid to use it. Maybe I am just a tightwad though.

Plus, I think it might be a little big for the OP's desired use.

[bud]

. 

Edited June 11, 2017 by bud

[Mamba]

Pretty happy with what I have, but thanks for the link. Yah, a bit pricey and might be too sweaty for my needs. Always good to have options.