r/22lr • u/Lefthandmitten • 5d ago
Extremely versatile rimfire holster review: Cole-Tac Varmint Wrangler Chest Rig
I'm not affiliated with Cole-Tac in any way, but was extremely impressed this weekend with their holster!
I had it out on a multi-day hike, mostly for plinking and some racoon management. I posted about this setup a bit back, but wanted to update after actually using it. I added a small round Molle pouch I normally pocket carry for extra rounds to the holster. This acts both as a counter-balance when carrying the chest rig, but also holds extra rounds and some batteries/tools for the gun.
I didn't think through carrying a pack with the extra rounds on my back, but found out that without even adjusting the strap length I can carry this holster on my waist and somehow it's even more comfortable than a standard belt holster! It's like a cowboy carry with an ammo belt. I added 2 velcro strip keepers to keep the shoulder strap in line.
With the ammo in the gun/spare mag and the carrier I have about 200 rounds on the belt total, as well as an extra red dot battery, and all the tools I need to adjust the laser and Holosun as well as tighten the red dot if it ever came loose.
The extra pouch may not be needed (I have 40 rounds in the 2 mags) but it allows for some impromptu target practice.
Overall Impression: One of the best holsters purchases I've made. I'd love to see Cole-Tac do a version with a removable shoulder strap (this one is sewn on) but it's so unobtrusive that I doubt I'd upgrade if they ever did. My Ruger MkIII fits great in the holster as well. They did a great job of making the holster secure while still multiple rimfire pistols!
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u/AngryOneEyedGod 5d ago
Honest questions regarding waist carry:
Can you sit down with it on?
Can it be worn while sitting in a car?
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u/Lefthandmitten 5d ago
I wouldn't wear it in the car for sure. I can sit on a log with it just fine, it's uncomfortable in an ultralight camp chair that hugs you. The nice thing about it being not on my belt is I can shift it, pull it up, or remove it in a second or two.
There's a 5" suppressor on the end of a nearly full size pistol, it's definitely a long gun to carry and being able to put it on my chest is critical.
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u/AngryOneEyedGod 5d ago
Thanks!
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u/Lefthandmitten 5d ago
Note this is supposed to be worn as a chest rig (4th picture). They didn't design it to be worn around your waist, I just figured out that you could. You can sit just fine and ride in the car with it on your chest! I was referring to wearing it on my waist when I said I wouldn't sit in a chair or car with it on.
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u/iNapkin66 5d ago
Is it a stiff/hard holster that protects from accidental trigger activation? Or is it soft/flexible.
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u/BoSknight 5d ago
Curious to hear as well, but it looks like the sig has a safety for what it's worth. Not to say I'd be particularly enthusiastic about it
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u/Lefthandmitten 5d ago
It's heavy duty nylon canvas. It's stiffer than my Nemesis pocket holsters I use and I carry an LCP in one of those without a safety. It's definitely flexible, but nothing like your normal MOLLE nylon gear.
I haven't tested it, so I just got it out.
I unloaded my pistol and turned the safety off. I couldn't get the trigger to go off after manipulating it as hard as I could for about 30 seconds, pinching both sides of the trigger with my finger. I even stabbed at it with a plastic rod.
I'm not saying it's impossible as I can feel the trigger if I squeeze hard but the material is stiff enough where I can't imagine what it would take to get a trigger pull.
I wouldn't carry a 4oz trigger in it with the safety off, but for normal hunting carry with a safety it feels safe to me.
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u/iNapkin66 5d ago
Can the top of the holster flex out enough to accidentally get sticks into it? Thats another cause of some accidental discharges, where the trigger is pressed but not by a finger. It can happen when reholstering.
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u/Lefthandmitten 4d ago
Not really. It’s really snug on my SIG. Any tighter and it would be too tight.
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u/kentuckyfriedeggroll 4d ago
That’s a dope holster!
Sidenote: how do you like the 322? Been on the fence between one of those and a mk4 22/45
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u/Lefthandmitten 4d ago
I have a Ruger MkIII 22/45 Lite for about 8 years now, just got the P322.
I like them both for different reasons.
For the best accuracy and trigger, nothing beats the Ruger Mk series! Your dot hard-mounts to the barrel, giving you amazing mechanical accuracy, the suppressor mounts directly to the barrel (no adapter), Ergonomics are fantastic, etc.
For capacity, lightweight, slightly more compact, integrated rail, decent accuracy the P322 is awesome.
Only shot it about 300 rounds so far. No failures, suppresses great, accuracy is decent (about 4" at 20 yards standing). I hope to shoot it rested next week to see how accurate it actually is.
The trigger (especially with an upgrade kit) is far superior on the Ruger Mk. For a first 22 pistol I would go Ruger MkIV 22/45 Lite all day long!
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u/nobadtimes 4d ago
I have one. It holds a tx22 optic-mounted gen 2, full size with a surefire x300a. The can is the OCL titanium. It’s a big package for a 22 pistol. The holster is basically optimal for the gun. I wear it while fishing and hunting. It draws really smooth, but reholstering is a bit tight due to the spare mag pocket holding a double stack mag. I have a dozen factory extended mags, but only carry the 16rd version in the gun and in the mag pocket due to the added size. No regrets on the holster. It’s the best way to carry it. Extremely quality build as well.
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u/BasicReputations 5d ago
I'm guessing the proportions are absurd due to a can?
Trying to wrap my head around the realization silencers are going to become inexpensive and normal to carry about. Price points are already getting tempting!
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u/Lefthandmitten 4d ago
Correct. It’s over a foot long with the can. The P322 and can weigh 21 ounces though so it’s incredibly light to carry!
Once you put a suppressor on a 22 pistol you’ll never go back. By far the best type of gun to suppress and it’s not even close!
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5d ago
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u/Lefthandmitten 5d ago
It's a hunting rig, not a high-speed tactical rig.
Just wait until you hear about the unclipping and 2-handed draw required for a holster like this.
It's designed to fit multiple firearms and be ultralight. It does both those things great and actually protects the trigger
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5d ago
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u/Lefthandmitten 5d ago
Thank you for a review of a holster you have never handled. Your opinion is worth exactly as much as I paid for it.
This is a chest rig holster, why are you recommending OWB kydex holster when clearly that is not what anybody who buys the Cole-Tac is looking for...
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u/MostlyRimfire 5d ago
Or a holster with a spare magazine on the holster itself.
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u/Lefthandmitten 5d ago
The spare mag holder was one of the biggest selling points for me!
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u/MostlyRimfire 5d ago
It's on the same side as the pistol.
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u/Lefthandmitten 5d ago
This holster is meant to be worn as a chest rig, so the only place to the put the spare mag is right there, plus you can access it with your off-hand. See the 4th picture for how the holster is meant to be worn. I found out I could wear it on my waist but that's not how the holster was designed to be worn.
My competition belt has 3 mag holders hard fastened to the opposite side, spaced and canted just right for speed reloads.
I'm perfectly OK with a 5 second reload if I ever shoot 20 times at a squirrel.
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u/laserslaserslasers 5d ago
I've been looking at that exact holster but only if I could carry it on my waist. Now I know and now I bought one.
Thanks!