Up here at the “Ultimate Reloader Outpost” you never know when you’ll step near a rattlesnake, come upon a bear, or anything in between! For that reason, I like to carry a 44 Magnum: power to stop a bear, and compatible with snake-stopping shot shells. The issue? WEIGHT. My 4″ S&W 629 weighs about 2.6 pounds. Then you add ammo and you’re talking about a “belt dragger”. Enter the Smith and Wesson 329PD. The same 44 magnum capabilities (including 6-shot cylinder) but weighing only 60% of what the 629 weighs.
My only issue has been finding the right holster. And then I found GunfightersINC. In this article, I’ll cover two of their most popular holsters!
GunfightersINC Ronin: All-Day, Everyday Carry
When I’m working up at the Ultimate Reloader Outpost, guns are everyday tools, and my sidearm is no exception. In a typical week I’ll draw my sidearm multiple times: it could be to shoot a rock chuck that’s trying to dig under the shop, a rattlesnake lurking near the cabin, or to shoot a target. I always need to have my 44 magnum ready to go in case of animals (nuisance or threat), protection from “bad guys”, and for fun. For these reasons, I like to use an outside the waistband (OWB) holster. I made a leather holster for my previous woods carry weapon (4″ S&W 629 revolver), but that leather holster wasn’t compatible with the 329PD due to the different underlug profile between the two revolvers. In talking with the team at GunfighersINC, the Ronin OWB was a clear choice. This holster is very robust, fits the 329PD perfectly, has great draw/re-holster retention (just enough but not too much) and looks great. It also has grip tape type material inside the belt loops to prevent the Ronin from “walking” your hip- it stays in place. I’ve worn it for a day, and love it!
GunfightersINC Kenai Chest Holster
Above: GunfightersINC Kenai S&W N-Frame Chest Holster in Vista Foilage Camo
Almost anytime I go shooting in the hills or hunting, it’s with a backpack on my back! The more gear you haul, the more difficult it can be to find an appropriate place for your carry weapon. It has to be out of the way of pack straps and belts, but available for quick access. Again, I found a great solution from GunfightersINC- the Kenai Chest Holster. With this chest holster I will always have my 44 manum with me: when I’m hiking with my pack, when I’m taking a pee without my pack (that’s when the bears attack, seriously), and any other time. It’s really empowering to think that I can be prepared at all times now. Makes me want to go out and hunt!
And that’s what I did on my first outing with the Kenai- I headed up into the hills with my new CMMG 6.5 Grendel rifle to hunt rock chucks. And I was prepared for that bear in case it came too close. From that trip:
I’ve got more “woods carry” stories coming up, including 44 magnum shotshells and more, so don’t miss out on Ultimate Reloader updates, make sure you’re subscribed!
Thanks,
Gavin
