Holster for Elk pack

[Big Bore]

I made this holster to fit a Freedom Arms 97 with RDS. Made to fit/snap over a hip belt of an elk pack. Assuming my 97 in 45 Colt arrives in time, this is the rig I’ll be carrying for elk this year. Well, also assuming it passes all my test hikes with it. I welcome criticism on functionality from those with experience.

[bula]

Saw the first pic and thought, I'd prefer crossdraw. Then scrolled to next pic and, am smiling here. Like it. Like to see Synd chime in here. He has packed a big handgun with a pack in rough country more than most.

[KRal]

Randy, I have no experience carrying on a pack belt, but have often wished I could. I like that design and it looks functional.

[junebug]

Very nice work on the holster! Is this going to be a primary hunting firearm or an o-sh&% weapon, and are feet going to be your means of transportation. Ounces turn to pounds at the end of a long day as you already know. My 4 5/8 th .45 carries better for me than a heavier longer gun, horseback or 4 wheeler and is lighter on my belt. GOOD LUCK ON YOUR HUNT!

[Big Bore]

Jun 26, 2022 8:52:21 GMT -5 junebug said:

Very nice work on the holster! Is this going to be a primary hunting firearm or an o-sh&% weapon, and are feet going to be your means of transportation. Ounces turn to pounds at the end of a long day as you already know. My 4 5/8 th .45 carries better for me than a heavier longer gun, horseback or 4 wheeler and is lighter on my belt. GOOD LUCK ON YOUR HUNT!

Primary and only firearm I carry. And my feet are my transportation. That was the premise of this design - it completely eliminated a gun-belt/weight.  Also why I love the FA 97 - unloaded is less than 3 lbs. 

And thank you for the compliment!

[junebug]

Well thought out design, easily switched from pack to pants belt for stalks and around camp. I don't like being separated from my firearms at any time when in the field or camp and your design ensures you don't have to be. WELL DONE!

[sixshot]

Very nice looking holster, I like it. I especially like that little bit of extra leather on the tie down snap, makes it much easier & faster to get the gun out of the holster when you are wearing gloves & that can be important. You can just sweep your hand up past the longer leather & the holster to get at your gun rather than have to feel for it, nice feature!

Dick

[bula]

In camp, pack off, can still work with regular belt or loop a sleeping bag strap thru for an under the arm, at least its always on ya rig.. For middle of night outhouse trips, etc.. I have some miles under  Kelty and Lowe's packs..

[jfs]

 ............... This is your year

[alukban]

Gorgeous work!

For the way I move, sit, squat, etc. I find that a rig that rides higher works better for me. It looks like yours is adjustable by snapping on a different belt loop configuration?

[gunsbam45]

Looks good and looks like a good setup.

[Big Bore]

Thanks everyone! I appreciate all the comments and feedback. I'm heading to my lease this weekend and will start my hike-testing of this rig combination.

[45MAN]

Jun 27, 2022 15:01:36 GMT -5 Big Bore said:

Thanks everyone! I appreciate all the comments and feedback. I'm heading to my lease this weekend and will start my hike-testing of this rig combination.

ACTUAL FIELD TESTING SETTLES ACCOUNTS.

[parallaxbill]

Excellent looking rig. Best of luck to you.

[bigbrowndog]

Having the rig that low will probably work better than a chest rig. I’m always banging my binoculars into my gun when it rides on a chest rig.

Trapr