If I had to bugout my sidearm would be my 4" barrel Ruger GP100 357 mag. revolver. I also like to carry a firearm when I go hiking . The GP100 is kind of heavy but I like it and I don't mind the added weight. I'm not worried about any 4 legged creatures I might run into - black bears,coyotes,and an ocasional moose. There is no way I would stop a charging moose with a 357 revolver and I wouldn't try to. Actually, when I do spot one of these creatures it makes my day. I hike alone alot and these days you never know what kind of 2 legged predators you will run into. I also feel that I'm a good enough shot that I could bag some small game shooting 38 special ammo if I had to. I also feel more secure having my bugout sidearm with me in case tshtf when I was out hiking. If I was home and had to bugout I'd also grab my shotgun. My problem is that I can't find a good holster. Most holsters I see are made for semi auto pistols. I like to carry it on my belt , stong side carry, or a good gear belt if I could find one Ilike. Would like to have a holster with a flap on it to keep off rain and dirt. Also would like to hear any suggestions on good ways to pack cleaning kits .

Made to fit your GP 100. I use one and like the way it protects my Colt from weather.
Bianchi UM84R

El Paso Saddlery is the successor of the famous S.D. Meyers Co. They make classic patterns for proper wheelguns with optional flaps. If your piece is heavy buy a SAM BROWN BELT to go with it. I'd add a D.I. campaign hat and practise glaring in the mirror with a photo of Bill Jordan. If you can get his look down even a drug crazed biker gang is going to back off <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />. And don't let the nimrods badmouth full flap holster either. I was taught a fast draw with the 1911 by this old chief. Rigid thumb undid the flap as you raised your hand and grabbed the grip, another few inches and it was twisted outward and shoved back down, racking back the slide against the leather and putting the weapon in condition #1. We still used old S&W Victory revolvers and the Gunner's Mate issued me one to stop replacing the strangely worn sites on my 1911s <img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />. I quietly carried a 1917 as substitute-substitute standard, saving many a 1911 and probably my foot <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Rod, brush, wipe fits in the handle. I use 1 for camping and hiking and like it. I also have one in my handgun BOB.

Klean Bore Handgun Kit

When I hike with a pack I use the Wilderness Safe Packer Holster . It was made for the High Angle Rescue crowd and goes really good with the pack. It looks like just another piece of outdoor gear. For belt carry I use the Galco #FL1058 on my GP100 4? but being a lefty I am sure the number is one or two off from what a right handed person would need.
Dillon Precision makes pretty good leather I use their revolver ammo pouch and Bianchi Speed Strips with all my revolvers.
Hope this gives you a couple of ideas!!

<img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Go to http://www.uncle-mikes.com/ and look to the right. They've got a holster selector that will lead you to their models that will your gun.
I prefer leather, but have never had bad luck with any of the Uncle Mike's products.

Also, if you want to use gun-cleaning stuff you already own, I've found a clear, zip-close cosmetics pouch from the drug store works pretty well. I've got one full of shotgun cleaning gear, including take-down rod, that rides in a pouch on the side of my gun case. Been using it for years. If see-through isn't important, a little currency pouch from an office-supply store works about the same.

As a matter of fact, both kinds of pouchs are pretty nice for organizing/packing small gear.

I just looked at the Galco catalog and they make 4 different strong side holsters molded specifically to your firearm. www.usgalco.com I have owned several Galco holsters and have nothing but good things to say about them.

I just bought a holster, belt and speed holader from Simply Rugged. Hand made and I paid 90 bucks for all 3. I dont know how they guy does it so cheap, but I love the holster. I use ot when hiking, fishing and hunting. SIMPLY RUGGED WEBSITE

I urge you all to check out his offerings.

Here's Bianchi's site:
http://www.bianchi-intl.com/
They've also got a holster selector ... it's on the left side of the screen.
Looks like they've got both Accu-Mold and leather models for your gun.

Handyman, every one of the holsters suggested are great ones, but don't forget to check them out first to see which one fits you the best. Have seen to many slingers get a well fitted firearm and get a lousy holster. I have even went to such lengths as to pick one out with my hinking stuff on to see if it fits. (talk about the looks) Since I also would grap my shot gun if I had to a great little cleaning kit is the Otis tactical kit (www.otisgun.com) This thing is a little bit bigger then a chewing tobacco can and will clean anything from .17 to .50 plus shotguns!!! It is about $44, but you only need one kit to clean everything. I carry this for my muzzleloader, hunting and target firearms. Also it cleans from the chamber out, which is the best way to clean. By the way think finding a good holster for a Ruger GP100 is hard, try finding one for a Mark II Gov't model with bull barrel (My bugout gun). Hope this helps and stay safe.

I have found that for outdoor purposes, I much prefer flap holsters. They are designed to tiny bits of trash from finding their way into your gun. They save a lot of cleaning and generally protect the gun more. The challenge is to find flap holsters. Uncle Mike used to make them. I think Galco and Mitch Rosen have also made them. The variant of Bianchi's military holster is only one currently mfgd. of which I am aware.

I also prefer holsters of Cordura Nylon for outdoor use. They can take a lot of abuse without showing it.

I have happily used Bianchi's current thumb break holster of cordura nylon in both belt loop and paddle attachments. Both have their pros and cons.

These comments apply only to belt/waistband holsters. I still haven't gotten around to trying the other modes of carry.

Good luck,

John

My peference is for a synthetic, full flap, cross draw. However, if you want strong side, high ride leather, look for a Bianchi #5BHL. I use one for a S&W K frame 1 1/2, and I think it isw nearly perfect short of a custom from El Paso.

For a holster I use a Bianchi 111. It covers the cylinder and hammer area very well. Also gives you the option of wearing it crossdraw or strong side draw.
My travel cleaning kit is a Otis Kit & Kaboodle. It's a flex rod system. Stores in a round cordura container just a little bigger than a Skoal Snuff can.

JAF,

Have never had the Gov't Model, but did have a bull barrel 5.5" barrel Mk2 in stainless.

Oddly enough there was a leather Bianchi or Galco holster made for a revolver (perhaps a single-action revolver?) that fit that fit that gun nearly perfectly. The snap-over strap went snugly over the curve in the backstrap of the gun and secured it nicely.

Sadly, I no longer have gun/holster, so I can't tell you which model the holster was. But if you have a dealer who will let you take the holsters out of their packaging and test the fit using one of his in-stock guns, you might fool around a bit and find a holster that fits your Ruger.

Mark

All right, Randjack, let's have some details. You can't just coyly comment that you have an S & W model 1 ½ and leave us hanging. We have laws against cruel and unusual punishment you know.

Incidentally, if your reference was just a typo (the only S & W model 1 ½ of which I know was the SA revolver mfgd. 1878-1892), I still can't figure out what model you mean.

I also like Bianchi's 5BHL, but I never quite feel comfortable with the fully exposed trigger in an outdoor setting. Too many branches and other graspy things are lusting for the chance to pull the trigger, stopped only by the thumb strap over the hammer.

Regards,

John

I'm sorry: its a Model 66 (stailess version of the m 19) in a 2 1/2 barrel. I don't type worth a danm.

Have you considered the Barami Hip Grip. Not sure if I spelled it correctly. It's a grip that replaces your original grip. It has an extra lip on it that hooks onto your belt and will not let the gun drop below your belt line?

Barami is very insecure for outdoor carry. Much better suited for IWB strong side carry. But I promise you that with acrobatics it is apt to pop loose. Acrobatics like tripping over a log, etc.

I like nylon or Kydex for exposed outdoor holsters. I've had no problems ever with Uncle Mike's products (though they aren't glamorous). As for Kydex, well.. I make Kydex holsters and I often carry a pistol in a Kydex holster with a Kydex "flap" (actually a swing-back cover) in the woods. HOWEVER, it IS noisy!