Holster question. Forward or rearward facing butt?

[Dusty_Traveler]

Good morning all.

For those who carry a longer barreled belt holstered revolver with them in the woods, on the ranch, on and off of equipment: Which direction do you like your iron to face; butt rearward or butt forward?

I understand this is mainly personal preference. I am asking from the perspective of which direction 'rides' the best for you in such scenarios. I'm having a slim jim built for my London navy and need to decide on butt direction. I want it to ride well and be unobtrusive as possible while being on a tractor, road grader, in and out of the truck, fixing fence, etc.

What has been your experience?

 

[Tom A Hawk]

Its easier to draw a long barreled revolver from a cross draw.

 

[CaptainVane]

All my holster are butt forward. 3 have flaps (better to protect the equipment) especially when transporting in car.
1 western style, left side butt forward cross draw.
I find western cowboy style right side are very uncomfortable to pull a long barrel revolver out of holster. See above.
Honestly, for use as you are describing, get a left side, butt forward, full flap, to protect it. You dont need a quick draw holster.

 

[Tom A Hawk]

All my holster are butt forward. 3 have flaps (better to protect the equipment) especially when transporting in car.
1 western style, left side butt forward cross draw.
I find western cowboy style right side are very uncomfortable to pull a long barrel revolver out of holster. See above.
Honestly, for use as you are describing, get a left side, butt forward, full flap, to protect it. You dont need a quick draw holster.

And if hunting this will prevent accidental dings in the buttstock of your long gun.

 

[Johnny Tremain]

Only have one holster, its a slim Jim cross draw.

 

[Sam squanch]

Shoulder holster. Keeps it dry and under a coat it will not alarm anyone.

 

[oldwood]

I can't wear a belt due to medical reasons , so use a shoulder holster under my ieft arm , to carry my heavy .45 auto. Spare clip where my left hand can serve the gun , for mag. change.

 

[tenngun]

Butt forward cross draw for me

 

[Dusty_Traveler]

Honestly, for use as you are describing, get a left side, butt forward, full flap, to protect it.

I forgot to mention I'm left handed. Does that change your recommendation? Barrel length is 7.5"

 

[CaptainVane]

Shoulder holster. Keeps it dry and under a coat it will not alarm anyone.

I am short, an 1851 Navy in a shoulder holster, the barrel is half way down my thigh.
YBMV. (Your body may vary).

 

[CaptainVane]

I forgot to mention I'm left handed. Does that change your recommendation? Barrel length is 7.5"

Ok, right side butt foward. Easy to find, all civil war cavalry hoster are made that way. Sword was main weapon worn left side for cross draw with right hand. Revolver was worn right side cross draw for left hand cross draw.
My main holster is that way.

 

[CaptainVane]

Dusty,
Try Dell Leather Works, google it. Small bidness guy. Can make you anything, working man prices. Give him a call, wife or him answers phone, quick shipment.
Check it out. Not related or employee. Satisfied customer.

 

[M. De Land]

Good morning all.

For those who carry a longer barreled belt holstered revolver with them in the woods, on the ranch, on and off of equipment: Which direction do you like your iron to face; butt rearward or butt forward?

I understand this is mainly personal preference. I am asking from the perspective of which direction 'rides' the best for you in such scenarios. I'm having a slim jim built for my London navy and need to decide on butt direction. I want it to ride well and be unobtrusive as possible while being on a tractor, road grader, in and out of the truck, fixing fence, etc.

What has been your experience?

Actually both of my long barreled .44 mags carry best in a shoulder rig, butt forward, under the off side arm. Her is AK a jacket serves pretty well as the flap.
I've worn my 4 inch 629 like my pants day after day for 30 years while rafting, cutting wood or working up at our cabin in Willow. Had several Brown, black bear and moose come in close over the years.
Short barrel 44 Mag works best for me strong side , butt to the rear and tilted forward. I can work and cut wood all day and forget I have it.
The Walker, as long and heavy as it is I don't think is going to work for me with any type of holster I currently have hence the Bandoleer or quiver carry notions.

 

[Johnny Tremain]

I forgot to mention I'm left handed.

Dont matter. I can pull my 1860 with either hand. Same with my shoulder rig (45ACP).
A lot of right handers wear a butt first holster and draw with either hand.
I carry mine on the left side. Much faster left handed.

 

[Notchy Bob]

Butt forward, left of the belt buckle, for a right hand cross-draw for a long-barreled revolver. A shorty might work in a strong-side draw with the butt to the rear, but for a 7-1/2” or 8” barrel, cross draw is the way to go. I’m not talking about “quick draw,” per se. Just the most comfortable and efficient way to handle the firearm.

…for me. Others’ opinions may be different.

Notchy Bob

 

[GYJ]

Butt forward, either cross draw or twist draw.

 

[R Ellis]

Cross draw is the only way to go

 

[Bad Karma]

With the full length barrel I carry mostly crossdraw although I do have a couple Threepersons rigs for the long barrel guns. I really prefer 5.5” barrels on field pistols carried in the Threepersons rigs which have a standard cant. Easy draw, good retention and they just don’t get in the way.