Bandolier Holster Overview and Top Choices

Bandolier holsters may not be some of the more popular holsters around but they still do serve a valuable purpose when it comes to packing your handgun.  The main reason why they aren’t as popular is because many view bandolier holsters as impractical.  But is that really true? Why sling an entire bandolier over you when you could simply fasten on a hip holster or sling over a shoulder holster?  Shoulder holsters and bandolier holsters in particular garner the most comparisons and we’ll go over those comparisons below.

bandolier holsterWhen we think of bandoliers, we typically don’t think of holsters to begin with.  Instead, the images of wild west outlaws or military machine gunners with crisscrossing belts of cartridges come to mind instead.  Therefore, many discard bandolier holsters as ridiculous to begin with.

Some bandolier holsters do come with more than just the holster on the sling.  Some have pouches for spare magazines or accessories (such as a cleaning rod), or belt loops to store extra ammunition.  Generally speaking, bandolier holsters with belt loops will be built for revolvers, and those with spare magazines for automatics.

Nonetheless, bandolier holsters are not the best option for every scenario where you would need to carry a handgun.  But then again, is there any holster that fits each and every scenario? In truth, you’ll need a variety of different holsters for different uses, and you’ll also need a variety for different guns.  If you plan on packing a 9mm pistol, a hip holster or a shoulder holster would be a better choice.  But if you plan on packing a scoped long barreled .357 or .44 magnum revolver, then you’ll want to give shoulder holsters or bandolier holsters a look.

 

Top 3 Bandolier Holsters

There aren’t loads and loads of bandolier holster models like there are for other more common types of holsters. Since they are considered more of a specialty item, they aren’t continually mass produced with new lines coming out regularly from the top holster companies. But rest assured there are some diamonds out there and I’ll point out the top 3 below:

 

1. Bulldog Black Scoped Bandolier Holster

Bulldog Cases Right Hand Black Scope Bandolier Holster (Fits Most Revolvers Up To 8-Inch Barrel Length)
  • Durable heavy-duty Nylon
  • Fits most medium frame revovlers w/ 8" barrels
  • Adjustable Shoulder Strap
  • This model is with scope compartment

The Bulldog Black Scope Bandolier holster is a very affordable and simple bandolier holster that will be able to fit nearly any large frame and large caliber scoped revolver with a scope and a barrel length of up to eight inches.  If you plan on trying your hand at handgun hunting next time hunting season comes around, this is an excellent holster choice for you.

This bandolier holster comes with an adjustable shoulder strap, meaning that it can be adjusted for comfort and allows you to set it at the right drop length. And as we have mentioned, there is enough space in this holster for you to have a scope on your revolver. Common revolvers used with this holster, but not limited to, are: Ruger Redhawk, Smith and Wesson Redhawk, Taurus Raging Bull, Llama Super Comanche, Colt Python/Trooper/Anaconda and many others.

 

2. Bandolier Shoulder Holster Unscoped 7 ½ – 8 ½” Revolver

Bandolier Shoulder Holster Unscoped 7 1/2 - 8 1/2" Revolver
  • Fits Most Unscoped, Standard Sized 7 1/2" - 8 1/2" Barrel Large Revolvers but Will Not Fit X Frame, Taurus Raging Bull, Raging Hunter or Similar Extra Large Frame Revolvers - See Our Raging Series Holsters
  • Multi-Point Adjustment Allows Horizontal or Vertical Carry
  • Includes 1" Belt to Secure Holster in Position
  • Adjustable Removable 1 1/2" Wide Shoulder Strap
  • Snap Style Thumbreak Retaining Strap

There are many simple and low cost bandolier holsters for revolvers out there, but many of them are designed to accommodate revolvers with scopes.  If you plan on simply packing a revolver as a sidearm next time you go hunting, then this Bandolier Shoulder Holster Unscoped is one to give consideration to.

This holster comes with a number of important features, including a belt to secure the holster tightly and a thumb break strap that both keeps the revolver secure in the holster and allows for a fast draw if necessary.  In addition, this holster also has a shoulder strap that is adjustable, so you can set it to your specifications.

 

3. Blackhawk Scoped Pistol Bandolier Holster

BLACKHAWK Scoped Pistol Bandolier Holster, Size 04, Right Hand, (Scoped 6-8½ DA/SA Rev & 10" TC Cont )
  • Quality tested in the field, made of quality materials
  • Built to withstand the toughest Terrain and environments
  • Don't sacrifice price for quality, with Blackhawk you get what you pay for
  • Fits scoped 6"-8½ Medium and Large Double and Single Action Revolvers and 10" T/C Contenders
  • Ideal for carrying large, scoped hunting or target guns across chest or back

Many people searching for a high end bandolier holster for their scoped revolver may think that leather is their only option, but this Blackhawk Scoped Pistol Bandolier holster proves them wrong.  This bandolier holster is designed to accommodate any double or single action revolver with a barrel length up to 6 ½ inches, and made perfect for firearm owners who are packing bigger scoped hunting or target guns across their body.

What makes this holster unique is the padded flap that is made to protect the entire gun from all kinds of weather.  But in the event that you don’t want the padded flap covering the gun, you can also remove it and install a retention flap instead for a quicker draw.

 

Who are Bandolier Holsters Designed For?

Bandolier holsters are primarily designed as a chest rig in order to pack large frame revolvers.  Yes, bandolier holsters and other chest rigs do exist out there for automatics.  But by and large, the market for bandolier holsters is dominated by hunters.

Many hunters prefer to go handgun hunting; .44, .454 or .500 Magnum long barreled revolvers with scopes are largely gaining in popularity as hunting weapons, but just as you would sling a hunting rifle or shotgun over your shoulder, you will also want a place to store your revolvers.

bandolier holster 2A major plus to bandolier holsters in regards to hunting is that there are many on the market that are specifically designed to hold scoped revolvers.  These holsters also have special padding to ensure that the scope is kept in good condition even as the hunter traverses over rough terrain.  One of the problems that hunters can face is slipping or letting their scoped weapon fall. But when they pick it back up to take a shot at their prey, they can have the animal in their sights and miss completely, because the scope was knocked off topic.

As a result, keeping your scoped revolver holstered in your bandolier is a far better option in comparison to simply holding it in your hand or keeping it jammed in your belt as you walk.  Plus, a bandolier holster is a better fit for a long barreled revolver to begin with, as it will allow you for a faster draw in comparison if you were to draw it from either a quick draw or cross draw holster on your hip.

Drawing a long barreled scoped revolver from a bandolier is also a better choice than if you were to draw from a shoulder holster, for a number of reasons.  This also leads us into the next topic of discussion: what is a better option between shoulder holsters and bandolier holsters?

Deciding Between a Shoulder Holster and Bandolier Holster

Generally speaking, a shoulder holster is a better choice for any gun if your goal is concealment, but a bandolier holster is a better option if you want a faster draw.  Why?  Because bandolier holsters wrap around your torso, so they are hardly concealable.  But because they wrap around your torso, they will provide better support for your handgun, especially if it’s heavy.  For a clean draw from a shoulder holster, one hand should be placed on the holster to secure it, while the other draws the gun. You can then assume a two handed grip to begin firing.

But with a bandolier holster that’s tied on tightly, the holster should already be properly secured.  This will allow for a faster draw and also allow you to assume a two handed firing position faster as well.

 

Weight and Comfort

Another bonus with a bandolier holster versus a shoulder holster is its ability to let you hold more weight on yourself without as much exertion.  Packing a large frame revolver in a shoulder holster puts much weight on your shoulders that can be tiring after traversing the countryside for extended periods.  But with a bandolier holster, your entire torso largely holds the weight of the gun, taking much of the weight off from your shoulders.

A bandolier holster can be one of the most efficient and comfortable ways to pack a large frame hunting revolver when you trek out into the wilderness.  Beyond that, it’s also the holster of choice for those who choose to pack a smaller revolver or semi-automatic pistol while hiking, as it takes the weight off their hips and shoulders that their backpack would already be putting more than enough weight on.

 

Material and Ease of Use

Bandolier holsters can be found made out of a variety of different materials.  Lesser expensive bandolier holsters are typically made out of nylon, while some higher end and more expensive ones are made out of leather.  Some bandolier holsters are very simple and only have the holster for the gun, while others have places and holders for spare cartridges, magazines, and other accessories.  You just have to decide what works best for you.

8 thoughts on “Bandolier Holster Overview and Top Choices”

  1. I’m looking for a bandolier holster for a s/w 686 7 shot 357 Ma with a 4 inch barrel

  2. I am looking for a bandolier leather holster(right hand draw) for my S&W model 686, 4 inch barrel. I would like to have an attached cartridge sleeve to hold a minimum of 6 (.357 caliber).Holster should be adjustable. Please advise.

  3. Will this holster work for Taurus raging bull 8 3/8 barrel with scope

  4. I ran across a picture shown in your website for a bandolier holster when doing a google search for holster for scoped revolvers. A similar picture is shown on your website. (a man in a blue denim shirt with brown leather holster). This is one of the cleanest holsters I’ve seen for packing a pistol with a scope.
    I am interested in that style of holster for a S&W 66, 6″ barrel with scope mounted. Also for a .44 with a scope.
    Do you custom make these holsters? Or can you direct me to who does?

  5. I am interested in obtaining a price on the leather bandolier with cartridge holder that you have pictures on your website. The holster is beeing worn by a 40ish gentleman who is dressed on blue jeans and a blue denim shirt. My pistol is a Taurus model 608 eight shot 357 revolver with a 4 inch barrel. Thank you for your attention to this request.

  6. Wanted: Leather bandoleer for large scoped Dan Wesson 44 Mag, with lots of extra ammo loops 24-30.

  7. Why has no one ever came up with a concealable “bandolier” holster? If I wore snap-up shirts everyday, packing a 9mm this would be the most perfect way, comfortably. BAR NONE. All one would do is place the “hammer” end of the gun between the pecks, canting it at an angle, thus completely reducing any “shadowing”. Still maintaining speed and comfort. I don’t get it.

  8. where can i buy the shoulder holster pictured in your article???

    the leather single strap bandolier shoulder holster with the smith revolver

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