Handgun carry options with pack and bino harness

[338 win mag]

Looking for ideas on carrying a pistol in the backcountry. I've currently been using a conventional holster attached to the molle webbing on my packs hip belt which is ok, but I hate leaving my pistol everywhere I drop my pack. I'd prefer an on body option if possible. I'm aware several bino harnesses accept a holster underneath but I'm not wild about how the handgun is oriented (seems like you're always muzzle flagging your hunting partner). I'm also aware of some of the stand alone chest holsters that may coincide with a bino harness. Curious to see what other options I may be missing

 

[MTLabrador]

Gunfighters Inc Kenai is the best solution I have found. Unless you’re carrying a Sig 320 (which is a separate issue) it’s perfectly safe, and is always on your chest when you drop your pack and take your binos off. The main reason I want a pistol handy is for being bent over quartering an elk in grizzly country, and having your pistol attached to your pack and your rifle leaning on a tree doesn’t do you any good in that scenario. It doesn’t interfere with pack straps or binos at all. This is a 4” S&W .44 mag, not a small gun to pack and it’s very out of the way.

 

[INMT]

Gunfighters Inc Kenai is the best solution I have found. Unless you’re carrying an Sig 320 (which is a separate issue) it’s perfectly safe, and is always on your chest when you drop your pack and take your binos off. The main reason I want a pistol handy is for being bent over quartering an elk in grizzly country, and having your pistol attached to your pack and your rifle leaning on a tree doesn’t do you any good in that scenario. It doesn’t interfere with pack straps or binos at all. This is a 4” S&W .44 mag, not a small gun to pack and it’s very out of the way.

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That looks slick. I’m going to look into them.

 

[El Jason]

That looks slick. I’m going to look into them.

They are nice.

 

[Hammsolo]

I have an Alaska Guide Creations with a vertically mounted holster. On the website it shows it on the bottom, but it easily mounted pointing down on my left side. The only draw back on is belly crawling with your pistol trip ok the dirt is a bad thing. It holds my Spartan bipod super handy too.

 

[El Jason]

Unless you’re carrying a Sig 320

That’s a whole ‘nother thread…

 

[MTLabrador]

That’s a whole ‘nother thread…

 

[338 win mag]

Gunfighters Inc Kenai is the best solution I have found. Unless you’re carrying a Sig 320 (which is a separate issue) it’s perfectly safe, and is always on your chest when you drop your pack and take your binos off. The main reason I want a pistol handy is for being bent over quartering an elk in grizzly country, and having your pistol attached to your pack and your rifle leaning on a tree doesn’t do you any good in that scenario. It doesn’t interfere with pack straps or binos at all. This is a 4” S&W .44 mag, not a small gun to pack and it’s very out of the way.

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I like that idea, muzzle pointed in a safe direction and you're right about the 320. I wondered if that setup would still be comfortable being a harness over a harness

 

[MTLabrador]

I like that idea, muzzle pointed in a safe direction and you're right about the 320. I wondered if that setup would still be comfortable being a harness over a harness

It’s very comfortable for me under my binos. I would rather have that than the weight dangling below your binos.

 

[kodiakisland]

For a small handgun like a 4 inch FA97, I use something like this IWB clip on for when I drop the pack but want to carry away from it. I can clip it where ever I want it.
I have a better holster mounted to the pack and this is just for time away from the pack. If I'm really around bears, like on Kodiak, my rifle is never out of arms reach.

Single Action IWB Holster

Discover the perfect blend of tradition and modern convenience with the Single Action IWB Holster. Designed for single action revolvers, this inside-the-waistband holster offers secure, discreet carry with a hand-molded fit for all-day comfort and quick access. Carry with style and confidence.

mernickleholsters.com

 

[Potsie]

It’s very comfortable for me under my binos. I would rather have that than the weight dangling below your binos.

I carry my 329PD the same way, with the same set-up. Very comfortable. I’ve been thinking about another pistol lately, likely a G43X or G48. Will carry that the same way.

 

[Dan O]

Gunfighters Inc Kenai is the best solution I have found. Unless you’re carrying a Sig 320 (which is a separate issue) it’s perfectly safe, and is always on your chest when you drop your pack and take your binos off. The main reason I want a pistol handy is for being bent over quartering an elk in grizzly country, and having your pistol attached to your pack and your rifle leaning on a tree doesn’t do you any good in that scenario. It doesn’t interfere with pack straps or binos at all. This is a 4” S&W .44 mag, not a small gun to pack and it’s very out of the way.

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I have the same holster for the S&W N frame revolvers. I can swap between my 4 inch Model 57 41 magnum or my Model 29 6 inch 44 magnum. Both carry very well and are secure in that holster. I also have a 6 round cartridge carrier on the strap just above the holster for easy access for your reload. Access to your handgun is a fast as any other holster on the market. They have the correct holster for many revolvers and semi autos and are easily swapped out.

 

[MTLabrador]

I carry my 329PD the same way, with the same set-up. Very comfortable. I’ve been thinking about another pistol lately, likely a G43X or G48. Will carry that the same way.

I’m a big 43X fan. Especially with Amerligo sights and 15 round Shield Arms mags.

 

[Jbotto]

Venandi Holsters LLC | Veteran owned and operated

Venandi Holsters LLC. Custom Handmade Kydex Holsters. Home of the *Patented* Bino Pack Holster. Veteran owned and operated.

www.venandiholsters.com

Check out their bino pack holster. Haven’t bought one yet but this is the route I’m going. I convinced my brother to try one and he likes it.

 

[El Jason]

The only problem with those is they are a one trick pony. The Kenai allows you to use it fishing, mountain biking, snowshoeing, etc.