[ACF24]

I recently picked up a Ruger Redhawk with a 7.5 inch barrel. I would love to find a leather shoulder holster for it. It wouldn't be for heavy duty use. I was hoping someone would have experience with the Bianchi X-15 and the Redhawk and could tell me if it would fit. I'm open to any other suggestions as well.

 

[dfariswheel]

First, what is your intended purpose, concealment or as a hunting holster?

Concealment shoulder holsters usually don't work as well as you'd like for field and hunting use, and a hunting holster totally fails as a concealment holster.

The Bianchi X-15 is an old Bianchi design, possibly his first shoulder holster design.
It's been modified sometime in the past 20 years or so to add an extra retention strap arrangement to retain the gun in the holster.
The powerful wire spring in the front edge of the holster opening was always enough for good retention, and the extra strap and snap arrangement over complicates it, but does make it more secure.

The X-15 is available for the Ruger Redhawk.

Not many companies still make upright type shoulder holsters these days, most are the "Miami Vice" type horizontal shoulder holsters and certainly won't work fit the Redhawk.

A number of companies make hunting/field type shoulder holsters. These are not suitable as concealment holsters, usually are worn over the neck and shoulder and have straps across the chest to secure it from flopping around.

Here's just a few:

http://www.epsaddlery.com/c-25-shoulder-holsters.aspx
El Paso Saddlery is an old line company apparently related to the original 1890's company.
Their "1942 Tanker" is a replica of the USGI M3 Tanker shoulder holster and they make it for ANY gun. They also offer lining, carving, and hand stamping.
Quality is up there.

http://www.galcogunleather.com/shoulder-holster-systems_8_2.html
Galco Kodiak.

http://www.desantisholster.com/BLACK-MAMBA
DeSantis Black Mamba

http://www.unclemikes.com/holsters/sidekick-holsters/sidekick-vertical-shoulder-holsters
And
http://www.unclemikes.com/holsters/sidekick-holsters/sidekick-bandolier-holsters
Uncle Mike's are inexpensive nylon, which stands up in the woods well.

Other quality makers:

http://www.mernickleholsters.com/bm_chh.html

http://www.mountainhomeleather.com/shoulderholsters.htm

 

[pacific keeper]

I have a Milt Sparks 200AW that I use with a FA 83 and it is surprisingly comfortable . I wear it with a separate belt and it seems to stay in place better .

I also have a Milt Sparks HSR that I use with a smaller revolver and it is a little easier to reholster .

They are both pretty comfortable on a horse or quad but usually have to be taken off to drive a truck .

 

[Capt. Methane]

I liked the Bianchi I had for a 7 1/2 in barreled Blackhawk. Don't remember which one it was so long ago. Stupidly sold them...oh well.

 

[doghawg]

I hunt with single actions but would heartily recommend the Von Ringler Wyoming rig which I'm sure he makes for Redhawks also. I use mine as a shoulder holster and it is very comfortable and rides close to the body. I have a couple of scoped FA 83's and a MR BFR and it works well with all of them.
http://www.ringlercustomleather.com/catalog/i2.html

 

[Taroman]

Something like this one by HAUGEN might work:

 

[Matquig]

A Bianchi XL Model X-15 will probably work, as it is intended for revolvers with 7-5-8.5" barrels. You can find them in excellent shape and for good prices used on ebay.

 

[emptymag]

I carried a 7.5" Redhawk in the Bianchi X-15 when I was a much younger man.
It concealed well under a heavy jacket, and I could sit down in a vehicle...
but that Redhawk was so heavy that moving around made the harness shift and pull down on my shoulder, and the off-side strap dug into my other shoulder... causing me to have to re-adjust the rig if I bent over or leaned to my right (left-handed draw).
I switched to a nylon Uncle Mike's (I think?), with wider straps/harness that criss-crossed between my shoulder blades, and had an off-side tie-down. It was only slightly more comfortable, but didn't draw as quickly as the X-15. I think the 7.5" Redhawk is just too long and heavy to try to hang directly under your armpit.
I then occasionally carried a 5.5" Redhawk 'Mexican crossdraw' in the front of my jeans... again, younger when I had no gut!

 

[pacific keeper]

I carried a 7.5" Redhawk in the Bianchi X-15 when I was a much younger man.
It concealed well under a heavy jacket, and I could sit down in a vehicle...
but that Redhawk was so heavy that moving around made the harness shift and pull down on my shoulder, and the off-side strap dug into my other shoulder... causing me to have to re-adjust the rig if I bent over or leaned to my right (left-handed draw).
I switched to a nylon Uncle Mike's (I think?), with wider straps/harness that criss-crossed between my shoulder blades, and had an off-side tie-down. It was only slightly more comfortable, but didn't draw as quickly as the X-15. I think the 7.5" Redhawk is just too long and heavy to try to hang directly under your armpit.
I then occasionally carried a 5.5" Redhawk 'Mexican crossdraw' in the front of my jeans... again, younger when I had no gut!

This is the same scenario that led me to the belt holster . It comes out quick and carries well .

 

[Capt. Methane]

I've got a Diamond D Guide's Choice chest holster for the N-frame now and while not for concealment it works very well and is quite comfortable.

 

[USMM guy]

I have carried a S&W model 329 for many many miles.

This in an El Paso Saddlery 1942 tanker rig. They made me a twelve round spare ammo strip that goes right on the belt also. It is a top notch rig. Not great for concealment, but a great all around rig.

 

[drail]

A revolver that heavy in a shoulder rig will make you lean to port after a while unless you add some weight to the other side to balance it out. I would strongly recommend the chest rig with wide shoulder straps.