Colt Trooper MKIII

[GRiddle]

Has anyone ever tried to carry a Colt Trooper MKIII? It's a .357 Magnum and a dang heavy gun. It's been in my family and I'd like to try to start carrying it.

Just curious if anyone has ever had experience carrying one and if so, what kind of holster?

[NMHunter]

I have and occasionally still carry a 4-inch Smith & Wesson M28 357 which is bigger and heavier than the Trooper. I've also been know to carry a 6-inch S&W M57 or 657 41 magnums and even bigger.

Holster choice is critical. Do not even think about cheap or lightweight.

How/where do you want to have it on your person? What choices of cover garments do you have? I am 6'3" and stocky, not to say fat now. It is still an option but options are more limited for me.

[GRiddle]

I'd like to do a shoulder holster in the winter. For summer/spring - inside the pants, hip holster, or small of back.

I'm 6'1" and slim. Unfortunately a lot of times I have to wear slacks and a tucked-in polo shirt for work...if you have any suggestions for carrying that type of gun with those restrictions, let me know! Normally I'll carry my Ruger LCP in a pocket holster..I'd just like something a little beefier

[Smokewagon]

I carried one for awhile as a duty gun, years ago. Great for that, but I wouldn't care to try and use one for concealed carry myself. Just personal preference, but light is better. Smaller too!

[.45acp]

I carry a 3" 629 on occasion, the real key with big (heavy) pistols is belt and holster. You will need a good stiff belt with lots of vertical stiffness.

As NMHunter said, don't even think of a cheap or inexpensive belt/ holster combo. I have been using a Mitch Rosen combo for a 5" all steel 1911 for 1.5 years. They work well but you pay the price, don't look at anything less than 1.5" in width http://www.mitchrosen.com/new_produc..._products.html

The Wilderness also makes a good stiff belt also the Instructor belt is in my opinion the best nylon belt you can buy, get the 5 stitch or CMS for vertical stiffness http://www.thewilderness.com/storepi...585&parent=142

Steve

[GRiddle]

Do those actually fit through your belt loops on your pants?

The problem arises when I'm working. I'm in dress slacks and a polo shirt. I can't see those belts fitting through my dress slacks...nor are they going to give the professional look I'm going for.

Am I out of luck?

[NMHunter]

I'd like to do a shoulder holster in the winter. For summer/spring - inside the pants, hip holster, or small of back.

I'm 6'1" and slim. Unfortunately a lot of times I have to wear slacks and a tucked-in polo shirt for work...if you have any suggestions for carrying that type of gun with those restrictions, let me know! Normally I'll carry my Ruger LCP in a pocket holster..I'd just like something a little beefier

Any bbl length over 4" forget about IWB carry, for long periods anyway. What Steve said about belt-holster combo and where to start looking, I agree. Shoulder holsters are good if you can get used to them. That's the way I carried the N-frame Smiths, mostly.

[shootin.targets]

You could also consider looking at Milt Sparks for quality holster and belt. I'm not familiar with exactly how heavy your revolver is but I carry a Sig P226 loaded 13 +1 w/ shirt tucked over top in the Versa Max 2 holster. However, just keep in mind that thickness makes a huge difference with a tuckable holster.

Mine carries just fine without sagging on an 1 1/4" belt which fits nicely with dress pants.

[miestrojerry]

I tried carrying a 6 inch L frame under my arm, during the winter would be fine, couldn't carry it concealed during the warmer months.

Jerry

[.45acp]

Do those actually fit through your belt loops on your pants?

The problem arises when I'm working. I'm in dress slacks and a polo shirt. I can't see those belts fitting through my dress slacks...nor are they going to give the professional look I'm going for.

Am I out of luck?

No, you are not out of luck, you just need to accept that carry of a large frame firearm on a daily basis requires some adjustment of the wardrobe. Believe me, when you take off your sportcoat and sit down at the conference table and that Trooper is seen strong side, no one is going to think...Damn his belt does not match.

I use the 1.5" belt with business casual khaki pants and Levis. Rosen make a belt that is tapered to 1.25” at the buckle and tip. Unfortunately, if you are going to carry a full sized pistol or revolver, you will need a substantial belt and holster to properly support it. . I believe Rosen or Sparks makes 1.25” belts. Just get the double thick leather. NMHunter is spot on, a big revolver will not be comfortable IWB

I generally order belt and holster from the same maker so that belt loop/slot is the same size as width and thickness of the belt. One of my pet peeves is a holster that slides around on the belt or moves on the belt during a draw due to oversized holster belt slots/loops.

One other thing to be cognizant of; the best holsters are built so they do not collapse when the firearm is drawn; you can reinsert the gun with one hand.

If I have started using top quality custom leather 30 years ago, I would not have a draw full of holsters that have not seen the light of day in 15 or 20 years. A top handmade quality holster/belt combo will last for years if properly cared for.


Steve