Holster opinions

[Slowhand Bob, 24229]

I think I am getting close to what I want and would like some input from you guys who are using either one of the two Long Hunter models by Kirkpatrick. Both rigs are pretty close, based on the web page, is the tension adjustable screw the only real difference? If you have one of these rigs how about give me an opinion on it and if you would rather keep it under the cover, that is fine with me also, just shoot me a pm. I am thinking they are pretty popular as I have not seen them showing up on sale sights such as EBAY.

[Gateway Kid SASS# 70038 Life]

I have both the LH04 double straight hang (x2 sets) and a LH09 double cross draw with tension screw.

much prefer the LH04 as I have (in the past of course ) practiced enough to wear out both holsters and then replaced with the same.

I am comfortable with how my transitions to other guns work out with the straight hang setup as that is what I have used for the last 8 years.

Bought the LH09 as a flyer 3 years ago to see if I could work out the transitions from a cross draw and just have never practiced enough to feel good about changing.

Also the LH09 is a "crotch rocket" set up and did not want to deal with having to be wary of holsters being to close together.

I wear the LH04 with the holsters on my quadriceps and occasionally get laughed at for their positioning but don't have to worry about them being at least 2 fist width apart.

As far as the tension screw, I have yet to find a use for it. The LH04 doesn't have it and the LH09 I leave it set as loose as it will go. Good retention either way.

YMMV

 

Regards

 

 

Gateway Kid

[Noz]

I have a steel lined straight hang set with a little cant from Hastings Leather and could not be happier.

[Doc Fill 'Em 67797]

I have the Long Hunter LH04 rig and it's a dandy. It's well-designed and well-made, if I ever wear it out I'd buy another just like it.

[Assassin]

Evidently the retention screw does makes a difference or Longhunter would not have gone to it on his holsters. I was a counter when he dumped a pistol @ WR. He was having the best shoot of his life and it was over that quick. I have a Longhunter rig with a straight up cross draw, very little cant. On a sprint I hold onto my pistols to insure they do not bounch out. If a shooter moves like a cheetah you might want to purchase a rig with retention, if the shooter moves like a sloth, no worries. Most pistols are dropped on the reholster or bouncing them against a prop when they are pulled.

[Buck N Bronco]

Howdy Bob, I hope I can be a little help to you. The advertisements show that there are three models. I have experience with the LH-09 which I have owned for over two years and am very happy with. I have seen and handled all three, but own the LH-09 in a double straight-drop gunfighter style. I would say that you will be satisfied with whichever of the models that you choose. They are not the most decorative or fancy, but they are solid heavy-duty, high quality, and well-made holsters. I beat the hell out of mine, they have absorbed many gallons of sweat, dirt, and rain, but they continue to work, look, and most importantly – feel great.

 

The model LH-04 holds the revolvers a bit closer to the body, has a 3 inch-wide tapered gunbelt, and a smooth holster without a trim-belt around the holster pouch. The LH-05 has a 3 inch-wide tapered gunbelt, a trim-belt around the holster pouch, a metal reinforced skirt which holds the holster out slightly from the body and positions the revolver grips out from the body for a faster grab. The LH-09 has a 2and3/4 inch-wide tapered gunbelt, the skirt holds the holster out away from the body for a faster grab on the revolver grips, there is a hard kydex reinforced mouth to the holster which keeps its shape, and a screw to adjust the amount of tension at the mouth of holster. When new, I initially adjusted the screws to provide what I felt was a light tension for my revolvers. With a couple months of use the leather liner takes a perfect fit to the revolvers and I had to tighten the screws maybe an eighth of a turn to maintain that same light tension. They have stayed at the setting for two years maintaining the exact same perfect tension. If you shoot multiple different revolvers, the screws are handy for making fine adjustments to fit whichever guns you carry that day. The holsters are cut low in front and back so the revolvers sit proud. Having the screws to adjust a bit of tension ensures that the guns are seated & secured just to your level of comfort. Good luck with your decision, and congratulations on getting whichever model you choose!

[Blackey Cole]

I've seen both and the tension screw is the main difference but not the only one. I do not have a older set to compare with so I can't be exact. I have two of the straight drop 09 s one in plain black and the other in russet. They Fitbit my OM Ruger Bisley vaqueros and my USFA SAAs. But not my UBERTI S&W no2s but I'm getting ready to order a set of the 09 muzzle forward holsters for the S&W copies.

[Shooting Bull]

I like the LH-09 so much I custom ordered a second complete rig in black. As has already been said, they're not the fanciest out there but they work and feel great.

[Slowhand Bob, 24229]

Kirkpatrick is one of the vendors I think of when making the complaint that there is not enough descriptive or photo display with their products advertising. I do not understand, as it looks good enough to be proud of.

 

Ok, from what they say and show PLUS you guys input, yall keep me straight, I am considering either the LH-05 or the LH-09 with the 09 sounding most likely. I do not like the crotch rocket cants but after going back and looking again, both are described as 8* which should not be a problem, worn closer to the hip than the belly. I am getting pretty long in the tooth and a a little muzzle forward rake helps the wrists a lot BUT to much hampers my ability to walk or sit comfortably. I am thinking both models are capable of being locked to the belt position so that should help keep them out of the crotch also. Sounds like the two big factors is the actual holster tensioner and the colour option. If the tensioner is well done and does not affect the rigid structure of the holster then its being there shouldnt matter, take it or leave it. The $25 deal breaker on the LH-05 model for me will end up being the colour . I like Kirkpatricks brown a lot better than tan and with the tiny price difference between the two I do not understand why one gives a free colour choice and the other does not.

Is my reasoning correct on the difference between the '05 and '09. Add a matching shotgun belt and there goes my govt check fer a whole month!!!

[Blackey Cole]

The lh 04/5 are the old stock probably whereas the 09 s are made to order and they have to dye them anyway. I getting ready to order a third set of 09s for my no2s.

[Slowhand Bob, 24229]

At somewhere north of $600 for one rig complete with shotgun belt I am going to have to start saving up and thats for sure. When I decided to replace my old beater to restart SASS anew, I was looking hard at several rigs by as many makers but in the end I kept getting pulled back to one of the two latest LH models so you guys zeroed it for me! Guys I really do appreciate your input and patience on this one and when the time comes I will try and post a couple of photos.