OK guys, I came into some unexpected cash birthday gifts so I am on the edge of pulling the trigger on a new shoulder holster for my 7.5" 480 SRH with Ultradot 4 on Weigand rail.
I wear a backpack most of the time when hunting & also carry binos on the chest.
My choices are the 7X Chest Holster & the Galco Kodiak. No scope protection on the Kodiak but lycra scope coat takes care of that.
What I would REALLY appreciate is all the pics I can get of these holsters in hunting type situations in one place, along with personal experiences.

7x all the way........

This is the one I have for my SRHs with an Ultradot 30. I couldn't be happier.

Thanks whit. I know you are a fan of the 7x, & it seems with good reason!!!
Have you (or anyone else here) tried the Galco? Opinions on it?
What seems one of it's advantages might be a drawback to some 9not me I don't think) & that is the open holster top that leaves optics exposed. A person can change optics 7 mounting systems, or remove them completely with no need to change holsters. The scope is more exposed to weather but rain looks like it could to the eye piece of the optic in the7x anyway.
Harness systems look very similar in function & style. One web, one leather.
7x says theirs only fits guns with stock rings (I have a Weigand rail & Warne QD rings on mine), but they can maybe work around that...
I have never seen either holster in person. my PP Bandelero does the job but I'm ready to step up to a different harness system.

Vance, I too like the 7X leather shoulder holster. Well made, quality leather that is very comfortable. Haven't used the Galco Kodiak yet but will be receiving one in the next few days. Barranti Leather has also got a following and I'm looking forward to trying their rig out shortly. Simply Rugged is another good option. We are lucky to have some great leather-stretchers to accommodate our passion.

Thanks Mark. I'm hoping you can give me first impressions as soon as you receive it. :-)

I am a fan of 7x as well, this is a new color he is offering in chocolate.

I like the galco kodiak hunter. My son used it in africa with his 460 and didnt protect the scope but didnt need too. Best thing is if the scope woulda got damaged he coulda used it without the acope as well. Made the amith seem not so big and he carried it fine and it never felt like a large ingainly firearm

Any pictures TM?

Mark Hampton, did you get yours yet?

Hi Vance, I keep looking for it any day now. Surely it will be here in the next few days.

I did receive a Barranti Leather North West Hunter rig. It is well made and comfortable with a Freedom Arms Model 83.

Ditto on a Simply Rugged across the chest design with their chesty puller system.

Like others have mentioned, the 7X Leather holster is dandy. I'll keep you posted on the Galco whenever I receive it.

Cheers

Ill try and post one of the galco.

I have not seen a 7X in hand but the quality looks to be superior from these photos.

I do own several Galco's and I can vouch for their quality: Second to None.

I have Galcos, but I prefer the 7x holsters.

For the record, i have no doubts about 7x's qaulity! My biggest concern is harness feel with full size backpacks. I almost always vave a fullsize pack with at least 30# on when hunting.

The chest rig is designed to be worn with a pack and not be intrusive. Go take a look at their website: http://www.7xleather.com

Believe me Whit, I've looked at them on their site literally dozens of times

As a matter of fact it was one of the article links there that has me a little concerned. Venturino's AH article shows a picture of the rig from the rear. The piece of leather at the junction of the straps in the rear looks like it would be right under the back pads on my Kifaru pack. I'm afraid it would create a pressure/abrasion point.
I think you should stop by my place for a cup of coffee & bring your holster with you so I can try it with the pack in person

I can't check out Mark's article on the sight because I don't have a Yahoo account & don't really want one.

I would love to!

Thank you very much Whit, Mark, and Seasons for sharing your experiences with my Holsters! And for showing the Great pictures of your holsters! I really put an effort into making these holsters the very best, most functional, holsters that you can buy.



Vance...Fear not. During some early field testing of the holster I carried many different handguns, including my 7 1/2" SBHH Bisley with a full sized 2x7 Bushnell Elete 3200 scope in this holster. I used the holster with a heavy pack to hunt high county Mountain Goat, Mule Deer,and Elk in Montana. During this phase I did discover and correct a few issues with the harness system and holster itself.

On a 3 day backpack trip, at 11,000ft, I did develop a "hot spot" on my back where that buckle was. I modified the system in the field and when I got home I "fixed it". It is no longer made that way.

I now have what I believe to be the "perfect" system for backpacking with a revolver. As a professional holster maker, I can have any holster that I want...and this is the way I carry my personal revolvers. Yes, I do have/use belt rigs, but the "only" time that I prefer the belt rig is when I'm on a horse. If I'm "hunting" from the horse, I often have a day pack, so the chest holster is what I use even on the horse.

My dad is in the mountains on a horse almost every day during the summer, and he uses my chest holster for his 6 1/2" 629 Classic. I made him a really nice belt rig for it...but he won't use it...he said it was in his way and pulled his pants down...Oh well..lol