[grade8holsters]

I thought y'all might find this useful, or at least mildly interesting.

I spend a lot of time in a canoe, and I wanted a waterproof way to keep my PF9 close at hand. After taking some careful measurements and perusing the stuff available at several stores, I came up with a system I'm happy with.

The fanny pack and waterproof box pictured are both currently available at my local (Charlotte, NC) Wal-Mart. I think I paid $10 for the fanny pack and $8 for the box. My PF9 in a Blackhawk pocket holster fits perfectly in the box, but only with the flat magazine floorplate--that's how close it is. The box fits perfectly in the main compartment of the fanny pack.

It's pretty easy, with a little practice, to get the gun out quickly. There's only one latch on the box, and the compartment zips wide open very easily. After careful testing, I can verify that this rig is completely waterproof and even floats.

 

[mtn_chef]

If I was using all this in a canoe I'd have some paracord attaching all of the above to the boat or my person. Having played in canoes on lake wylie actually more than a little bit when younger, there are no less than two rods and reels that we dumped on the bottom there; when said canoe flipped. I like to run a line from the bow to the stern, loose like and clip everything in the boat to it.... except the paddle and fishing rod; both of which should be in your hands as you go overboard.

 

[grade8holsters]

My (similar) philosophy is that all non-buoyant items are tethered. The fanny pack is always either attached to my waist or sealed in a waterproof bucket with my book and pipe pouch.

 

[Pinstriper]

Be careful about too many tethers. You could get snagged when it rolls and that's not a good thing.

I carry either a P-32 or a stainless, hammerless .38 snubby in the pocket of my PFD.

Don't wear a PFD ? Then whatever happens, well, knock it off. Wear one.

 

[haertig]

I would recommend that you test the waterproofness of your box frequently. These inexpensive ones are not known for quality/durability, and their waterproofness may vary with each use. If the seal is a simple o-ring that can be popped out, sometimes it helps to remove and thinly coat that o-ring with Vasoline and then pop it back into place.

However, the chances of you actually needing "waterproofness" are probably slim anyway. Unless you fall out of your canoe and have to swim for it a lot. "Splashproof" is probably good enough. Just the fanny pack, without the waterproof box inside, would probably cover 99% of what you need. A wet gun probably shouldn't be shot, but it's not the end of the world. Just dry and oil it quickly and appropriately and it should be fine.

Also, I wouldn't leave the gun in a waterproof container any longer than necessary. Only when you're really worried about it getting dunked. Waterproof containers no only keep water out, they keep residual moisture IN. And that is not good for your gun. I have a PF9, love it, but I will admit that the bluing is not high end, wears off easily, and they can rust if not taken care of.

 

[mtn_chef]

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OubvTOHWTms[/ame]

...and apparently you don't have to worry too much about the water problem, apparently they'll still go bang

 

[Pinstriper]

I can't explain why, other than OTIS dry lube, but I've had my P-32 in the pocket of my PFD out on saltwater bays in my kayak any number of times, and not seen a speck of rust. When I get home I just give it an outside rinse and wipe, then reapply. I haven't ended up in the water this way, yet, but I've had plenty of spray and it has gotten wet.

 

[Steve912]

I can't explain why, other than OTIS dry lube, but I've had my P-32 in the pocket of my PFD out on saltwater bays in my kayak any number of times, and not seen a speck of rust.

Check the exposed loop of hammer spring at bottom of butt--where it crosses over the roll pin.

I carried a P3AT as a boat (more 'boat ramp', actually) gun for several years. No rust showed up on slide or barrel, but the hammer spring rusted right at that pin, and it finally snapped. Even after it broke, the rust was barely visible.