4" GP100 CCW (or: packing your fatty)

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craig_o

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I love wheelguns. Love them. I'm getting close to being able to buy a GP100, then a holster, then a belt, then pay my CHL permit fee (dirt poor college student).

A 4" .357 is, for me, unbeatable... I love the feel, I love the power, I love the simplicity, I love the aesthetics. I understand an L-frame type revolver will never be a J-frame; I understand concealability isn't going to be a walk in the tulips all the time. Be that as it may, I want the right holster for the job.

I've looked at Tucker Gunleather's HF3, Galco's FLETCH and the CABO line of holsters (has anyone else even HEARD of those guys?). IWB, OWB, I don't care, I just want it to work with a fairly simple cover garmet (button up shirts, slightly large polos, etc. etc.)

Opinions and pictures are very welcome. Thanks guys!
 
A 4" Mid frame Revolver is very easy to cary with a decent IWB holster. I carry a 4" I frame Colt Army Special IWB with just a T shirt for cover for 12 to 14 hours a day with no problems at all. It's not nearly as hard as you might think.
 
I don't know about packing larger guns, but i know that i have had fantastic experiences with AKJ Concealco- www.concealco.com - have been fantastic. Very nicely made IWB holsters. Strong, beautiful leather, nice stitching, meant to last a long time, etc... and great value. for $60 i have gotten holsters from them that are on a quality level i usually see on holsters costing in the $85-100 range.
 
I'm also interested in that particular holster Savit.

Craig_O, I use a simple Uncle Mike's Shoulder rig in the cool months in SE GA/NE FL for my 4" 686. I'm a short and fairly built fella and find it challenging to hide my L-frame.

-L7
 
IWB carry with a 4" 357 isn't that hard.
Decide where and how you want to carry it. Crossdraw? Strongside? 5 o clock?
Then, decide on the holster to do the job.

I carry cross draw with the grip canted back a bit. It's easy to deploy in the car or walking around, doesn't stick out like the proverbial sore thumb, and isn't in the way while I'm walking around.
 
I sold my GP100 in favor of N frame S&W guns. They feel and shoot better to me, and I much prefer the heft.

I'm waiting on an IWB holster for my 4 inch N frame guns now.
 
I have a 4"ss gp100. I carry it in a desantis speed scabbard and have no problems. It's not the smallest gun, but with a long t-shirt or a sweatshirt there isn't a problem
 
I used to conceal an N-frame S&W IWB, using a universal leather-strap-and-velcro rig from Desantis. I don't think Desantis still offers it, but Kramer offers a similar rig. I have often concealed a GP100 IWB using a nylon rig from Eagle Industries, which last I checked was no longer in production. I presently have a Milt Sparks Summer Special, which conceals a 5.5" Colt SAA just fine, so one made to fit a GP100 should work. Milt Sparks Leather does have a waiting list, however. It may take a few months.
 
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For those that asked.

I've used a few different holsters. Carry in the 3 o'clock position.

AJK Concealco. Great holster made for a K frame. The Colt fits, but it wasn't made for that particular gun. Works just fine though. VERY comfortable.

A Modifed Brauer Bros.

An OLD Cheapo Uncle Mikes #2, That's what its riding in on my hip as we speak, and it's been there since 6:30 this morning. Very simple but effective.

Also sometimes use an old leather S&W branded clip on IWB holster. Simple but effective.



Ordered up a Simply Rugged Sourdough Inside Out, that can do dual duty as an IWB and a pancake belt holster, because I'd like something a little fancier than the old stuff I'm using now. This one is being made specificly for the Colt. The Colt doesn't like sharing the Concealco with it's S&W cousin ;)

The AJK Concealco is a great holster for those that aren't familiar with it.
 
If you want to carry it concealed, why don't you buy a 3" GP-100 with fixed sights? Great guns and very concealable.
 
I've CCW'd a 6" Security Six Mexican style- don't make a habit of it but it's not all that difficult. Rubber grips are important in this context.
 
First thing, wait thirty years. Then you'll be a fat old man like me. Well, not TOO fat. Grey hair helps. Then you can wear a vest and not worry about fashion or females. My wife, an otherwise bright person, hasn't noticed anything in the year that I've had the vest.

I can tote anything this side of an M-4 carbine: 4-inch K-frames are a cinch; six-inch N-frames don't "print"; ANY pistol almost gets lost in those large, inside pockets - - - and there's always plenty of space on the other side for reserve magazines or speed loaders.

. . .just a thought. . . .
 
I ordered an IWB holster from El Paso...but my I love my OWB #9 FIST for my 3 inch GP100.

FIST2.jpg

FIST1.jpg

I find it very comfortable...but must admit, I live in the northwest where sport coats, wind breakers, guide shirts, etc., are worn three seasons of our year, thus, it is very easy to conceal OWB carry.
 
recommended

The El Paso saddlery pancake; is OWB, and a high mount, but for the money one of the best, and great price too.

Available w/wo the thumbstrap.
 
R.e. gun and holster

Some here ask why a 4" instead of the 3" and I will tell ya that on a magnum wheelgun, adjustable sights are great, because one can use both .38 and .357 ammo of various weights and velocities and adjust POI easily. Also, the 4" gives a bit more velocity and weight up front. And as far as carrying, I carry 4" N-frames and Redhawks as well as GP100s routinely, without problems. I prefer OWB strong side, high-rise. I would take the gun and try some different holsters on your gun belt with whatever over-garment you use. You might be able to cut a better deal if you buy all the stuff together from the same dealer. Worth looking into.

I bet you will enjoy magnum wheelgunning. Once I tried it, I was hooked.

Shooter429
 
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