S&W 69 Holster Recommendations

[rangersedge]

O.K.  I've read enough.  The 69 is officially at the top of my next handgun list for when finances better permit.  The Ruger Single Seven in .327 Federal is second on the list.

i've settled on the idea of ordering a Diamond D Guides Choice for my S&W 629 Performance Center 5" v-comp that has been my main deer hunting gun for several years. www.diamonddcustomleather.com/Chest_Holsters.php

The primary use for the 69 would be just hiking through the woods.  It might see some use for deer hunting too.  Don't foresee ever carrying it concealed for self defense as have numerous other handguns that fill that role.

I've looked at the Milt Sparks AW200 as a possibility for the 69 for whenever I get one; but haven't really looked that much yet.

what does everyone use and/or recommend?

thanks in advance for any responses!

jeff

[ezekiel38]

I have a 69 and carry it in a Tom Threepersons rig. Rides high enough to get the weight up off the leg and onto the hip easier and keeps the weapon out of the brush. I also carry the 69 in the Threepersons with a 1 3/4" belt and a 6 round cartridge slide.

I've owned 2 Sparks 200AW and I don't like them for field use due to the weapon retention system.

[ezekiel38]

DoublePost

[rangersedge]

Exactly the type of feedback for which I was hoping.  Thank you.  Any recommendations for holster makers?

i've been reading some about Barranti leather.  Their website isn't really well laid out for sales, but they seem to have a dedicated following and their prices don't seem unreasonable.  I saw a Cape buffalo gun and knife holster combo on here recently that was really sharp.  Do they offer that style?

[2 Dogs]

I believe Mike Barranti had some model 69 holsters already made up. He can pretty much make anything you like.

[brionic]

Mike Barranti or Rob Leahy. Both are terrific makers and will get you exactly what you want. No better gentlemen are to found, anywhere.

[warhawk]

Does anyone know if the model 69 will fit a Bianchi 111 cyclone for the 4 inch 686? Or maybe a four inch Python?

That extra 1/4 inch of barrel could be troublesome.

[magman]

I went with the Threepersons style from Lobo Gun leather for mine. It's on the left, the one on the right is from El Paso Saddlery.

[ezekiel38]

Lobo Gunleather has retired: See Smith and Wesson forum: leather gear and accessories, sub-forum. Barranti is excellent leather, Simply Rugged can build you several different designs. El Paso Saddlery builds exellent Tom Threepersons! If Barranti has some already made up for the 69 I would go with him. Two or three days wait time, for the Brown truck to your door, possibly weeks for others as they are made to order as they work through their order list.

[Fowler]

I personally really like the AW200 holster from Milt Sparks, Mike Barranti builds his version as the Hank Sloan. I have carried my Smith Mountain gun many miles in this sort of a holster without issues, even when tossed from a horse in the dark. I have never worried the gun wouldn't be where I needed it when I needed it. However the draw back for this holster from Milt Sparks or Mike Barranti is since they are popular and well made holsters they are backed up 6-9 months most of the time. Good stuffs worth the wait even if you don't have the gun yet anyways.

Now the Simply Rugged Sour Dough pancake style holster is probably my favorite style of holster for big guns and working holsters. They control the weight of the gun very well, never slop around, stay tight to your side where you put them and are easy and quick to draw from when needed. The only real draw back to the pancake style holster is the mouth closed then the gun is out so I have to look at the holster to put my gun away. In hunting or general woods/ranch situations who cares? Plus they are very reasonable priced and generally no more than a couple of weeks out when you order. Plus Robb Leahy is a first rate guy to deal with like Mike Barranti is, men who stand by what they make with a great deal of skill and pride in their work.

[Ranger499]

As Fowler said, Rob's Sourdough Pancake holster will make a big sixgun disappear on your hip and ride comfortable all day. I have several and use them regularly. Highly recommend.

Mike Barranti's stuff is first rate as well, getting ready to order another from him in the near future.

Both top notch in my book.

B

[rangersedge]

Thanks for everyone's thoughts and suggestions. I decided on a Mountain Companion model with hammered background from Mike Barranti.

[Fowler]

Sept 22, 2015 17:06:56 GMT -5 rangersedge said:

Thanks for everyone's thoughts and suggestions. I decided on a Mountain Companion model with hammered background from Mike Barranti.

Excellent choice, I'm seriously pondering one of those for my Smith 19...