Hi again. As I mentioned in my "intro" post, I am currently in the process of applying for a Massachusetts LTC. I'm looking at the Ruger SP101 as my first purchase after securing my permit. I like the flexibility of .38 ammo for practice (save some bucks) and .357 for personal protection.

Also impressed with the reviews of the Ruger regarding its sturdy construction. It seems to handle any factory .357 load quite handily.

My question concerns carry techniques. (I know this issue has probably been batted around here quite a bit...sorry) I am interested in small-of-back and inside-the-waistband holsters. Does anyone have experience carrying the SP101 in either of these ways? How about regular vs. cross draw for IWB carry? i know it'll most likely come down to trying out a bunch of different holsters until i find a good match. I welcome any input.

And no, I'm not entirely sold on the Ruger, just leaning that way for now. Feedback on other small-frame revolvers would also be appreciated.

You cannot beat the SP-101 for a small carry revolver. The bobbed hammer SP-101 is what my wife carries and I do not think that we could find a better pistol for her. She does not like to practice much, so it is totally fool proof. No safeties to fool with, and is completely 100% safe unless the trigger is pulled. Of course, this can be said for most any revolver, but for such a small pistol, even full power .357 Mag. load are not too much for her to handle. It is quite simply a fantastic weapon, bar none. As to carry, I really cannot comment. I carry my HK in a fanny pack or shoulder, she in her purse. My build is such that hip carry is out and IWB and small of back carry are about the most uncomfortable methods I have ever tried, but every person will have a differing opinon of these methods.

Thanks for the feedback.

Not too thrilled about I W B holsters, but that's just my waistline talking, not sour grapes. Go with what you feel comfortable with. How-ever I'm crazy about the little Ruger. I've been carrying one every summer for six years, using a Bianchi #5 Blackwidow behind my strongside hip. I had to bob the hammer myself, as mine is an early model. There are several very good pieces out there, many of them a whole lot lighter, but I doubt you'll find any that are stronger.
I don't have big hands, but have been shooting for many years, and I stay with the 125 JHP's to help manage recoil. 2-3" barreled guns aren't made for target accurracy, and at 7-15yds you'll want fast recovery for follow-up shots. Good luck with your CCW, and I'll close with three words of wisdom, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE. Here's hoping you never need it.

Built like a tank and weight to match :)

Might look into the Taurus Ti revolvers - very nice for carry, though not so nice for extended shooting.

Kind of a tough choice when it's your only gun. Probably better off saving the lightweight guns for later, after you've had a bit more practice, honestly.

i'm kinda scrawny so the iwb works great for me, but only if it's cool enough so a jacket or sweatshirt doesn't look out of place. (i'm also a huge fan of the sp101 in .357)

monty

I would stay away from the small of the back holsters. You can't sit in a car or chair for any length of time comfortably. They also print bad if you bend over to pick something up. I've been carrying in NYS for close to 30 years and they are real picky about flashing and printing, you can lose your permit real easy here. I like an inside the waistband carried crossdraw or a shoulder holster. the advantage of the IWB crossdraw is that it can be drawn with either hand. It is also very accessible while seat belted in a car and is away from any passenger in the front seat with you (read hitch hiker). It is also more concealed from view through the drivers side window under a light jacket ( think traffic stop). I personally don't volunteer I'm armed unless asked to step out of the vehicle as I don't believe its any one's busyness but mine. You have to make your own decisions here but most cops are ignorant about guns in general and not friendly to ccw people.The other nice thing about IWB carry is that you can remove and secure your weapon fairly easily if you find yourself in a situation where you can't or don't dare carry. ie an airport. Its easy to just slip the gun and holster off of your belt and lock it in the trunk without anyone being the wiser. The next best carry is a verticle shoulder holster. Has the same ambidextrous draw characteristics as the cross draw but is alot more comfortable. Get a holster that is split in the front and doesn't require the gun to be drawn straight up as this can be difficult under a coat. the old berns martin or bianchi x-15 designs are good. Be caefull of horiziontal or upside down carrys as they have a tendency to drop your gun at the most inopportune moment. I remember having my personal .45 hit the floor in the arms room one time and we were not allowed to carry personal weapons at that time. It also scares the **** out of you when you realize you are looking down the barrel when it hits . The other thing thats nice about the shoulder holster is being able to take a crap in a public rest room without having your weapon visible or accessible to someone in the next stall. The bad thing is trying to draw in the winter under a heavy coat. Belt holsters whether cross draw or strong side usually hang down too low to be easily concealed especially when trying to retrieve keys or wallet from a pocket. If your going to carry in a belt holster I suggest you use a holster thaat completely covers the end of the barrel. the pancakes are good especially if the color and texture match your belt. IF someone does see it they would assume its a knife case. Unles they have some gun savvy. For summer carry in shorts and t shirt the only way I've found practicle is pocket carry and you need a small light gun for this. I carry a .380 Mustang Pocketlite alot just loose in my strong side jeans pocket. You can keep your hand in your pocket on the gun and ready to draw without attracting any attention at all.

During the cooler months, I can comfortably carry a full size auto or revolver tucked into my waistband - I wear a jacket of some sort, so there's no problem.
If I choose to carry my S&W M337, (loaded with Cor-Bon 110 grain +P JHPs), I can do so in my jacket pocket.
For warm months, I suggest you check out "Thunderwear".
Total concealment & decent access with a little practice.

m60a3 I actually find small of the back holsters more comfortable than some of the side holsters I've tried. The holsters I really can't stand are shoulder rigs, the hanging weight there just completely distracts me.

The best shoulder holsters evenly distribute the weight across the shoulders and don't depend on any belt attachment for support. I find that having a double mag pouch on the opposite side really helps keep the rig balanced. you need to have a leather harness for both shoulders and a band of some type across the back to prevent the gun and mags from swinging forward when you bend over. I had a beautifull rig like this that I wore under my BDU jacket(shirt to you civilians), and it was very comfortable. I often wore it continuously for several days at a time even sleeping in it. This rig had some custom work done on it but it started out as a Bianchi, I forget the number.

Hi again. As I mentioned in my "intro" post, I am currently in the process of applying for a Massachusetts LTC. I'm looking at the Ruger SP101 as my first purchase after securing my permit. I like the flexibility of .38 ammo for practice (save some bucks) and .357 for personal protection.

Also impressed with the reviews of the Ruger regarding its sturdy construction. It seems to handle any factory .357 load quite handily.

My question concerns carry techniques. (I know this issue has probably been batted around here quite a bit...sorry) I am interested in small-of-back and inside-the-waistband holsters. Does anyone have experience carrying the SP101 in either of these ways? How about regular vs. cross draw for IWB carry? i know it'll most likely come down to trying out a bunch of different holsters until i find a good match. I welcome any input.

And no, I'm not entirely sold on the Ruger, just leaning that way for now. Feedback on other small-frame revolvers would also be appreciated.

GoPats,
The SP101 is a very good handgun for personal protection. I have two, one is the 2" barrel, the other the 3". Neither one is my primary carry gun.... that duty is for one of two Glocks. When I do carry the SP101's it is in a fanny pack, primarily when I'm walking/jogging. Like I said they are great hanguns. Just a word of advice....... you can't practice too much. Be Safe...

I have an sp101 in 2 1/4 in barrel, I carry mine in a galco *** holster and love it.Fits comfortable draws easy and you barely notice its there,also conceals real well.The only discomfort ive ever found was in the seat of a vehicle.Currently im in the market for a concealable crossdraw holster that will suit my needs.Hope this helps.

...
My question concerns carry techniques. (I know this issue has probably been batted around here quite a bit...sorry) I am interested in small-of-back and inside-the-waistband holsters. Does anyone have experience carrying the SP101 in either of these ways? How about regular vs. cross draw for IWB carry? i know it'll most likely come down to trying out a bunch of different holsters until i find a good match. I welcome any input...

My 2.5" SP101 is my daily carry piece. I have found only one holster/maker that makes a decent TUCKABLE IWB rig - and that is Bearclaw Holsters.

The "Covert Operative" line of custom moulded kydex holster is, IMO about the best holster value for the dollar you are likely to find.

Here is Mr Ugly carrying 2 guns and 30 rounds of ammo:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y180/MrMisanthrope/9f74606e.jpg

Here is the Holster (next to a G27 in a CTAC):

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y180/MrMisanthrope/IMG_0681.jpg

It's really a good rig and Dave at Bearclaw will make it to spec (rise & cant).

I have an sp101 in 2 1/4 in barrel, I carry mine in a galco *** holster and love it.Fits comfortable draws easy and you barely notice its there,also conceals real well.The only discomfort ive ever found was in the seat of a vehicle.Currently im in the market for a concealable crossdraw holster that will suit my needs.Hope this helps.
In the cooler months I wear the "convertable" fleece vest/jacket from 511 Tactical.

My SP101 rides in the front left breast gun pouch and does not impact the seat belt at all. I keep 4 Speed Strips in the Right Brest pouch to counter the weight. It even works decently with the sleeves zipped off.

... There are several very good pieces out there, many of them a whole lot lighter, but I doubt you'll find any that are stronger.
I don't have big hands, but have been shooting for many years, and I stay with the 125 JHP's to help manage recoil. 2-3" barreled guns aren't made for target accurracy, and at 7-15yds you'll want fast recovery for follow-up shots. ...

Ah, the differences in people... I'm not nearly as accurate or quick on the followup with 125gr or 158gr .357 loads as I am with 180gr .357 loads...

OTOH, my carry loadout is 5 158gr LSWCHP .38+P+ and 2 speed strips of 180gr SJHPs - 'cause I'm even quicker on the followup with the .38s.

IMO those "old" NYPD load LSWCHPs are still second to none in expansion & energy release at snubby range (since Nyclads are nigh unobtanium).

The BEST reason for carrying the Factory LSWCHPs though is the ability to load your own IDENTICAL practice ammo on the cheap. That way you can shoot bunches of bullets that have the same recoil and POA/POI as your carry loads without paying $1/round for "premium" SD ammo.

Been reading along, and it's been interresting.

Do have a 101, and will carry it in months cool enough to wear a jhackete or at least heavy weight pants/shirt.

GoPats...Chalk me up as a 101 fan. Mine has traveled all day, every day for several years now. 99% of the time it is in a Bianchi 7/7L pancake holster worn strongside. It rides high and outside the pants. A good belt is a must.

The 101 is TOUGH. It will handle more 180gr Buffalo Bore's than I can 8*)

In the truck, I slide the holster around a bit so that it is just ahead of my right hip, rather than behind me. Sitting for fifteen hours at a streach in the tractor would be torture with the ruger digging a hole in me!!

I also make use of one of them fanny pack things at times. Handy if you are wearing bibs and makes a great storage/transport spot when hung off the buddy seat.

Unckle Mikes little IWB holster works ok in the summer but you need to modify it with a better security strap.

Most folks up here are hung up on HUGE handcannons but my observations are that the realy big bores are not kept "handy", thereby making them worthless.

I doubt you could wear out the SP, or shake it loose, even with a steady diet of heavy magnums. Accuracy with 38's is well within minute of rabbit or grouse, penetration with 180gr. cast is enough for close range black bears and such. The extra weight of the gun, while a drawback if all you do is carry it, pays off when shooting alot.

It will also ride fairly well in the pocket of my carhart vest.

You could do alot worse than the Ruger SP. Mine sports the 3" barrel

Look into an aftermarket hi-viz sight. Being somewhat of a cheapskate, I use a "sharpie" pen to blacken the stainless sight notch which helps considerable for my old eyes

Hamilton Bowen does a custom job (action and sights) on the SP's now. Might be something to consider if you grow attached to the Ruger.

Shoot the heck out of it. Consider, at the least, one of the lee loaders, some bullsey, primers and a box-o-cast boolits. You can make fine plinking and small game rounds sitting on a stump with one of those little jewels.

Whatever you choose, shoot it lots, shoot it well.

Scotty

Been reading along, and it's been interresting.

Do have a 101, and will carry it in months cool enough to wear a jhackete or at least heavy weight pants/shirt.
Note that I'm carrying mine in Slacks and a Polo (office casual). I carry this way in all seasons... though in winter I'm usually wearing a Turtleneck or Mock rather than a SS Polo.

The only concession I make in my clothing is an extra inch of waist in the pants and my Mitch Rosen belt (mdl BHL). With a good belt & tuckable holster, carrying the SP101 is really just that easy.

Just about the only time that my carry method doesn't "work" is when I have to wear a fitted suit... and I have a Brooks Brothers cut for a shoulder holster for that.

...
The 101 is TOUGH. It will handle more 180gr Buffalo Bore's than I can 8*)
...I doubt you could wear out the SP, or shake it loose, even with a steady diet of heavy magnums. Accuracy with 38's is well within minute of rabbit or grouse, penetration with 180gr. cast is enough for close range black bears and such. The extra weight of the gun, while a drawback if all you do is carry it, pays off when shooting alot.


Since my "Deer Rifle" - here in Indiana anyway - is a .357, it's nice to know that my handgun will digest my rifle loads (equivelent to the BB 180s) without a hiccough. :D

Shoot the heck out of it. Consider, at the least, one of the lee loaders, some bullsey, primers and a box-o-cast boolits. You can make fine plinking and small game rounds sitting on a stump with one of those little jewels.
Yes, ABSOLUTELY get a .38/.357 Lee Loader. No matter what, no matter where, you can reload if you have one of those.

I keep mine in my BOB along with a Bullet mould, Lead Dipper and about 1000 primers... :cool:

Mr IronSights...admired your deer shots this year as posted on Paco's site. A little envious I might add ;*)

It took me a long while to get my hands on a .357 rifle up here. Got a little Marlin "C".

I used it this fall for hunting since my shoulder is torn up to the point I could not handle much recoil. Figgured to keep my shot distance at about longbow range if I got lucky enough to encounter Mr.Moose while plinking grouse with the Marlin.

Never did encounter a moose, but a nice little black bear came home to dinner. The BB 180's did the trick at about sixty yards.

Your mould is from the group buy at leverguns? Gotta head up that trial soon (casting)

My best,

Scotty

Thanks.

I got the mould from the Group Buy on the Cast Boolits forum.

I've since had a slightly modified version made up in a single cavity, but I've got to see how it works.

Old IRonsights:
I don't dissagree...with a tuckable holster, can carry it concelaled. But with a good tuckable holster, could carry several other choices just as conclealed.

True. Untill I sold my Glock, I carried it in my CTAC exactly the same. But the point is, some folks want a small wheel gun and there really isn't a good tuckable out there for them - especially the SP101 - except for the Bearclaw.

I went to the SP101 as my primary because I "downsized" my ammo production/expendatures to just .357, .45-70, .22 & 12ga. Makes life WAAAY more simple for a financially strapped schlub like me.

"I went to the SP101 as my primary because I "downsized" my ammo production/expendatures to just .357, .45-70, .22 & 12ga. Makes life WAAAY more simple for a financially strapped schlub like me."

Let us hope this is just a passing fad...for both our sakes 8*)

Kinda done the same thing up here. Bare minimum to get by. Waitin for the Gubmint to say "Watch me pull a rabbit out of my hat"

Hey Scotty, want to hear more on the bear / .357..... penetration, wound channel, how far did he go, etc.....

Mike,

After the field dressing the feller took after posting a pic of a cow elk he shot with the lowly 357 you want me to post about my little moose hunt last fall with a Marlin 94C? HA!

Ok, I'll bite the bullet and take a dressing down.

First, let me state the I fully understood my limitations as reguards to choice of firearm. A torn rotator cuff has prevented me from using my longbow or anything with substantial recoil. My son had come up to hunt moose and was packing the big iron (45/70) My goal was to enjoy the time afield, hunt grouse with plinkin loads in 38 brass, and only take a poke at anything larger if the shot was perfect (longbow range/shot angle/placement)

No moose were harmed in any way durring our forray into the puckerbrush.

Da bears, on the other hand, were quite prolific in the cranberry bogs. My son took a nice little boar from about six feet while hunkered on a dry spot. It got right up behind him. Overkill with the 45/70 by the way ;*)

The bear I took was eating berries about sixty yards out and slightly downhill. He kind of squinted at me facing uphill and I put the 180 grain BB just under the chin. No real bone to hit there. Bullet traveled down through the throat, cut both lungs, traversed liver, exited lower stomach. He just hunched up and went over. A good sucker punch that knocked the wind out of the sails.

He only went about 170 pounds but he tasted oh so good!

The little marlin was death on the grouse and a few rabbits for camp meat.

The upshot was that I was able to participate in a quality hunt despite being somewhat gimped up. I have no doubt that I could have harvested a meat bull with the little rifle given certain parameters.

Is the .357 the best choice? No.

Will it suffice in a pinch? Yes. One just needs to be a little more patient (and sneaky). It may not drop em in their tracks each and every time, but it will kill em dead.

It certainly fits my needs most of the time as I spend much more time these days shooting things that do not require three days to pack out of the swamp. Between the SP, a 6" GP100, and that sweet little Marlin, I can accomplish a pretty wide range of tasks.

I still have plenty of tools that measure .45 but just don't use em as much these days

Getting old and lazy I guess. Cheap too!!!

(I will now put on my flame retardent boxer shorts)

Scotty (who may not be to smart but remains well fed)

"Sneaky" is what they used to call "Proficient Hunting" back before the rags started selling NitroShortWinMagUltraExpress cartridges...

I like hunting Sneaky. I just prefer the quick followup my Lever provides over my Flinter. ;)

Coldfingers
Nice job on that Blackie!! I have no doupt with the right bullet and a good shot it would take a Moose! As to the Op's question I carry my SP101 IWB or I just strap on my belt as we can OC here in ID!!:)

I've used the SP 101 for years and can't praise them enough. Mine's a 3" in .357, my wife's a 2 1/2" in .357 loaded with Federal Hydrashock 110 gr .38 specials. As far as carry rigs, I have 2 that I wear regularly. When wearing a backpack, fannypack, or primarilary seated I favor the El Paso Saddlery "cross cover" it's a cross draw that allows access when seated or wearing a pack. The other holster is a DeSantis made for the strong side - I have not seen this one cataloged in 3" for the SP 101 lately, only the 2 1/2" . This one's stamped 001, 23. It's a pancake design, with a thumb break, comfortable, and rides great just behind the hip. Both are well made and quality leather.