Holster question (S&W 686 shoulder holster)

shotgunner11

shotgunner11

Joined
Dec 17, 2005
Messages
7,809
OK, so I ended up in possession of a really nice S&W 686 with a 6" barrel.

I want a nice shoulder rig for it but being a 6" barrel and me being left handed my options are slim.

Primary use for this gun is as a backup for hog hunting and to look cool while camping.:D The wife and I had some rather nefarious run in's with the local Texas wildlife our last two outings and she'd feel a bit more comfortable if I had a big, honking gun.

Anyway, I narrowed it down to two:

The Galco VHS

http://www.opticsplanet.net/galco-vertical-shoulder-holster-s-dbeede.html

I like the fact that it comes with a double speedloader holder and a full harness, but it's half again as much money and I've never seen one in person or even a decent picture of it for my 686. Also haven't seen any reviews for it.

The other is the Bianchi X15

http://www.opticsplanet.net/bianchi-x15-shoulder-holster-plain-tan-left-hand-12367.html

From what I've read, it's the industry standard. Read great reviews for it, like the look of it for my gun but I don't really know how I'll feel about the single sided harness with the cheap cloth looking strap for the other side. Also, I'll need to find something to do with my speed loaders.

So does anyone have any opinions on the quality between the two? Or about the companies in general?

I've never really owned a decent leather rig so I don't know what to look for.
 
Galco holsters are of excellent quality. I have one I've been using for more than 20 years. Let me suggest that you try wearing a shoulder holster with gun and whatever else you want to carry in it before you buy one. Many people find them uncomfortable to wear and that makes them difficult to conceal. If you're in the woods an uncomfortable holster gets old fast.
 
Keep in-mind that if you have a big chest, and fairly short arms, forget about a shoulder holster. You would be ALOT better off looking at a good high-ride (pancake) belt holster...Safariland and Bianchi both make a really good one.
 
i have a X15 for a 1911 and have always liked it, i dont do shoulder holsters much though as in my neck of the woods wearing a coat is rare its just too hot lol.

but when ya have a jacket on they work pretty good, or anytime else ya dont have to conceal it.

with a 6" bbl imho a shoulder holster is the best option vs belt carry especially if ya plan on driving any.
 
I wanted to carry my S&W 6 1/2" Mod 29 as a backup when I hunted. I bought a Bianchi rig but I could not get comfortable with it. It chaffed my armpits, never stayed in the same place as I walked and worst of all it was very slow to draw. I eventually settled on a nice crossdraw which I found much more practical. And when I buttoned up my jacket I was still able to draw the gun.
Good hunting!!:)
 
Alfaholic , an M29 and an ALFA ? you're all right !! I stilll have my M29 but the ALFA is a fond memory.
 
A good belt and a Blade Tech holster are hard to beat IMHO.

If you wear military gear, thread a good holster in different locations until you find which position works best. My vest has a holster above the 40mm pouches and it works well for me, though the Blackhawk quality leaves a lot to be desired.
 
A good belt and a Blade Tech holster are hard to beat IMHO.

If you wear military gear, thread a good holster in different locations until you find which position works best. My vest has a holster above the 40mm pouches and it works well for me, though the Blackhawk quality leaves a lot to be desired.
 
Cross draw on your offhand side..allows you to carry your rifle strong side. High ride cross draw will not give your trouble in vehicles however I am a right, carry left. Carried 6-6.5 28 and 29's for opportuntistic handgun shots on deer..got tired of humping the extra weight rifle/revolver.

My last two(2) holsters from Simply Rugged..good field holsters at a good price, IMHO. See http://www.simplyrugged.com/store/index.html

have fun.
 
Well, I think I decided on the Galco rig..... Of course, it's not available anywhere online or local right now. Everyone wants to drop ship it to me but USGalco is on backorder so I'll have to wait.

I left out a part of the story on why it has to be a shoulder rig. I lost my father a little over a year ago to brain cancer and this gun is a tribute of sorts to him. It's his grail gun. He always wanted a S&W in .357 in a nice leather shoulder holster and he never got it.

Honestly, it's not really my style. I'm a Glock and kydex guy myself, but this setup will always remind me of my Dad.

Thanks for all the advise.
 
As a lefty who uses a S&W 686-4 I have the same problem you are having....finding a comfortable, easy to use holster. I prefer cross-draw and would like to find a holster that I can wear both strong-side and cross-draw when needed.
 
Ken C. said:
As a lefty who uses a S&W 686-4 I have the same problem you are having....finding a comfortable, easy to use holster. I prefer cross-draw and would like to find a holster that I can wear both strong-side and cross-draw when needed.
Click to expand...

If I had a 4" I would be getting myself a Simply Rugged holster.\

It's not cross draw capable but I've heard nothing but good things.
 
I ended up ordering myself a Galco Explorer. It's discontinued now but it's the same style as the X15, spring loaded and open front.

I just got the holster component, not the full rig so I still need to find a harness and a speedloader holder but it's the best of both worlds for me. Glad I found it.

Not sure if I need the XL harness or standard. I have about a 50" chest and the regular harness maxes out at 52".
 
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