Hello all,
My first post here. I've gotten a lot of useful information off of this, and other, quality forums, most recently as I made a decision to switch from a Ruger Sp101 2.25" barrel .357 to a Glock 26 for my everyday carry. Just wanted to post my initial impressions of this switch for others to use as a data point.
I carried the SP101 (in a Bianchi #1S IWB holster) for about three years, both concealed carry and as my woods gun. I really liked it in the appendix position, about 1:30, it fit nicely there, I could forget about it, and it was quite concealable. After a lot of thought, however, I decided that I was really limiting myself tactically by only carrying 5 rounds, thus the switch to the Glock 26. I chose the 26 as it was pretty much the smallest (particularly in grip heigth) of the common double-stacked subcompact autos and has a very proven record of reliability. Yes, the grip is not ideal, but I can get used to that. I placed more value on concealability and function over ergonomics.
After a few days of carrying the 26 (in a Fist #1K IWB Kydex) I am surprised at how much more concealable/comfortable it is than the SP101. I have a hard time getting it to print even in a light T-shirt. The Kydex elminated most of the leather squeak that the Bianchi leather holster produced. The one downside, so far, is that the 26's handle sits lower, closer, to my belt, than the SP101. The SP101 was just a bit easier to get a grip on the handle with my fingers.
I was very satisfied with the workmanship and functionality of the Bianchi holster and in pairing it with the SP101. So far, however, I am pleasantly surprised at how much thinner the 26 and the kydex holster are, by comparison.
Hope this helps someone considering a similiar decision.
My first post here. I've gotten a lot of useful information off of this, and other, quality forums, most recently as I made a decision to switch from a Ruger Sp101 2.25" barrel .357 to a Glock 26 for my everyday carry. Just wanted to post my initial impressions of this switch for others to use as a data point.
I carried the SP101 (in a Bianchi #1S IWB holster) for about three years, both concealed carry and as my woods gun. I really liked it in the appendix position, about 1:30, it fit nicely there, I could forget about it, and it was quite concealable. After a lot of thought, however, I decided that I was really limiting myself tactically by only carrying 5 rounds, thus the switch to the Glock 26. I chose the 26 as it was pretty much the smallest (particularly in grip heigth) of the common double-stacked subcompact autos and has a very proven record of reliability. Yes, the grip is not ideal, but I can get used to that. I placed more value on concealability and function over ergonomics.
After a few days of carrying the 26 (in a Fist #1K IWB Kydex) I am surprised at how much more concealable/comfortable it is than the SP101. I have a hard time getting it to print even in a light T-shirt. The Kydex elminated most of the leather squeak that the Bianchi leather holster produced. The one downside, so far, is that the 26's handle sits lower, closer, to my belt, than the SP101. The SP101 was just a bit easier to get a grip on the handle with my fingers.
I was very satisfied with the workmanship and functionality of the Bianchi holster and in pairing it with the SP101. So far, however, I am pleasantly surprised at how much thinner the 26 and the kydex holster are, by comparison.
Hope this helps someone considering a similiar decision.
