Buyer’s Guide to the Chest Holster

You want to be able to carry an iron up-top comfortably without worrying about concealment? A chest holster might be the best option for you. This is especially true for those who carry a gun outdoors, but have a pack around their waist. The niche is for handgun carrying when a belt holster is not available. They are worn by many people regardless of whether they are carrying a pack. Let’s find out more about chest holsters. We’ll be looking at which types are available, if they’re worth it, and how they compare to other open carry holsters. Chest holsters were created for backcountry hunters and hikers who needed to have a handgun that was easily accessible in the backcountry. The Kenai Scoped Hunter chest-holster can be worn with a pack. However, it is not the only way to carry a gun in the woods. Is there any reason to not carry in a chest-holster? How does this compare to other open carry types like shoulder holsters and drop-leg holsters, or how do they compare with chest holsters? Drop leg holsters were made to do the same thing: take the holster off your belt. But, most people don’t realize that they are supposed to ride high on their legs. The idea is to keep the gun in the same place as a standard belt holster. Drop leg holsters were initially designed to allow for more clearance for plates carriers or soft armor vests, but keep the duty gun in the same place. Drop leg holsters work well with backpacks as most can hang the gun low enough to reach the hip belt. Shoulder holsters can also be used to suspend the gun from the shoulder. However, they have their limitations. They don’t always work well with shoulder straps in a pack. Keep in mind that OWB holsters can be attached to MOLLE/PALS webbing hip belts (the “battlebelt” is actually part a modular system that includes a pack and shoulder straps). Every type of holster has its downsides. A shoulder holster can be used in a number of ways. They are popular, but they are rarely used for long periods of time. They can be used outdoors by a small percentage of people, but they are best for those who sit a lot. A holster is more beneficial for police officers who are often sedentary in their investigations and long-haul truckers than for anyone else. A U.S. Marine wearing a drop-leg gun holster. Photo: Wikipedia. Drop leg holsters or MOLLE holsters that attach to belt webbing stick out of the body. Backcountry hunting can be difficult because of thick brush. This means that there will be more snagging and being tugged at. It’s not a common problem for chest holsters to work with binocular harnesses. They can also take some adjustment to get the fit right. However, this is a common problem with any holster. There are four types of chest holsters. The holster material is what you choose. Nylon, Kydex, leather, and hybrid. All have adjustable straps. Most are made of nylon webbing, but sometimes leather. They come in a three-point harness with loops that loop under one shoulder and over the arms. Nylon chest holsters can be described as nylon cloth scabbards that have a thumb strap. These holsters are generally generically sized for large semiautos and revolvers. However, they are often cheaply made and should be avoided. A generic-sized, cheap chest holster is an example. Elite Survival makes this one. A leather chest holster typically has an open-top holster attached to a three-point harness. These holsters are usually suitable for semi-autos and large-frame revolvers. They are usually available for large-frame revolvers and semi-autos. The base attaches to the straps, and the shell is attached to it. Kydex chest holsters are made from a Kydex holstershell with nylon web straps attached at the wings. Chest holsters are usually made for large-frame revolvers or semi-autos. The most popular handguns that chest holsters can be used for are 1911s, large-frame Glocks (especially 10mm) and large revolvers. However, they can also accommodate almost any other handgun. The Kenai Chest Holster is made from Kydex and has a three-point adjustable web strap. It can be used with dozens of handgun makes and models, including multiple revolver options. There are many options for incorporating a scope, light, or red dot sight when ordering. It is slim and will fit most bino harnesses. MSRP: Starts at $159 // gunfightersinc.comDiamond D Guides’ Choice Leather Chest HolsterIf you prefer your fightin’ iron to ride in hide, Diamond D Leather offers the Guides’ Choice Leather Chest Holster. The Guides’ Choice chest-holster has been around since years and is a well-respected product. It is handcrafted in Alaska for outdoormen in the most rugged parts of the globe. It has been field tested more than any other entry on this list. It is available for more than 100 models of pistols (including semi-autos, revolvers, and revolvers), and comes with several options such as a thumb strap, retention flap, and optional ammo/mag pouches. It’s mostly designed for large semi-autos and large-frame revolvers, and while it’s compatible with some red dot sights, it isn’t compatible with scoped revolvers.MSRP: Starts at $185 // diamonddcustomleather.comAlien Gear Holsters Cloak Chest HolsterAlien Gear Holsters is arguably the largest purveyor of the hybrid holster design ethos, offering their Cloak Chest Holster–named for their Cloak series of molded Boltaron holster shells–on a multilayer base with adjustable straps. The Cloak Chestholster can accommodate a wide range of firearm models and makes, from small-sized to large-capacity. It can also be ordered to be compatible with lights, lasers and optics.The base has a backing layer of wicking neoprene and adjustable web straps.MSRP: $129.88 // aliengearholsters.comHosking Holsters Chest HolsterHosking Holsters, like a lot of holster companies, is a Kydex holster operation making its own molded polymer holsters. They also offer a chest holster, which is made from an OWB holster shell and has a three-point web attachment. They carry a wide range of firearms, including revolvers and micro semi-autos. You can also add lights, lasers and red dots sights to the holster. As a bonus, this is one of the most affordable yet decent chest holster options on the market.MSRP: $95 // hoskingholsters.comEl Paso Saddlery Tanker HolsterSome people find chest holsters to be a little awkward, especially if you also wear binos in the field. The El Paso Saddlery Tanker holster is a slightly different design. It was inspired by the holsters made for tank crews during World War II. The holster is a little lower with the grip of your gun just below the sternum. The tanker solves this problem and keeps the gun in front of the body. A tanker does everything a chest holster does. The gun just sits lower. El Paso Saddlery offers a faithful replica of the M3 Holster. It is made from leather and can be used with dozens of firearms, including semi-autos and revolvers up to 8 3/4 inches in length. An adjustable shoulder strap is included, as well as a tie-down strap and thumb strap that attach to the belt. El Paso Saddlery is a well-known name in gunleather. However, the company still makes high-quality, practical holsters for the armed citizen. Target grids and bullseye sizes can be downloaded in MOA. This is a great option for long-range shooting. Enter your email address below.