IWB Revolver

[Skribs]

I'm looking for a revolver to carry IWB, I'm thinking 3-4". I'm torn between a blued GP100 4" (I prefer the blued look to stainless, and would like the 6-shot), and a SP101 3" (which I could get with the spurless hammer).

Which would you recommend? If the hammer spur isn't an issue for IWB carry with a t-shirt, I'm definitely leaning towards the GP100.

 

[willypete]

I'd get the SP101. Lots easier to carry IWB or OWB than the GP100. It's a lot lighter. I don't really think you're going to miss that sixth shot, and the smaller cylinder and lighter weight (3/4 of a pound!) are worth it, IMO.

Why are you interested in 3-4" guns? I appendix carry an SP101 with a 2.25" bbl almost every day, and it's sooo much nicer than carrying my 4" GP100. Just a thought.

 

[meatballs]

I agree with willypete. I have two GP100s and they are fantastic revolvers, but they are big and HEAVY. The SP101s are much lighter, and probably easier to conceal. I would get the SP for IWB carry. Good luck!

 

[Skribs]

So...anything on the spur question?

 

[Remllez]

It's more of personal preference on the trigger spur...if you shoot DAO it's not a problem, however for the occasional SA shot you may prefer the spur model. The difference in barrel length and weight would be the deciding factor for me. Many people carry spur model revolvers IWB every day.

 

[sidheshooter]

I can think of few finer CCW revolvers than a 3" sp101 with a bobbed hammer/DAO action and a bit of polishing internally.

YMMV.

 

[willypete]

Ah yes, the spur . . .

All of my guns have "normal" hammers, so I can't really give you a personal comparison. However, I have not found the hammer spur to be an issue on the draw, and it is nice to be able to cock and fire single-action when testing ammo for accuracy purposes. I'd say get one with the spur. JMO.

 

[Warp]

I'd get the SP101. Lots easier to carry IWB or OWB than the GP100. It's a lot lighter. I don't really think you're going to miss that sixth shot, and the smaller cylinder and lighter weight (3/4 of a pound!) are worth it, IMO.

Why are you interested in 3-4" guns? I appendix carry an SP101 with a 2.25" bbl almost every day, and it's sooo much nicer than carrying my 4" GP100. Just a thought.

The power of a full house .357 out of a heavy 4" barrel gun would seem to trump whatever you put in a 2.25" barrel. That is one reason to consider a GP100, I'd say. I haven't IWB carried either so I don't really know.

 

[Skribs]

The reason I'm looking in the 3"-4" range is because I want something to replace my XDm for warmer weather. I discovered with my Mom's SP101 how much less a revolver prints thanks to its curves. However, in that gun, the magnum rounds hurt my hand a bit, so I want something a bit heavier.

Weight on my belt isn't too big of an issue. I'm used to carrying a bunch of things in my pockets, anyway.

 

[redraidermgr]

I dont know if anyone mentioned it already or not but you may try looking for a used S&W model 19. The barrel on these guns are usually about 4" and it does have a hammer (no spurless option sorry). Used you can get them for around 300 or so depending on the quality of the blue left on the gun and overall condition. I own one and it is the best shooting stock revolver i have ever shot (and i have shot quite a few revolvers from Taurus, Smith, and Ruger). Around my property i can carry it IWB without a problem. The recoil is very manageable even with a fairly heavy Magnum round. They are a bit older and were designed for Highway patrol and other police agencies for carry weapons starting in the 50s and were made until the early 2000s. They are recommended for use with 38 specials for regular shooting and occasional Magnum loads (to practice with and to carry for SD).

If you look around in the revolver section of this forum you will find many threads that extol the quality of this gun and I am a firm believer. The accuracy and fit of this gun is exceptional.

That being said. I have shot a couple of Ruger revolvers and they are great guns that are well made and accurate. It really comes down to what you want. A used S&W in good shape or a New Ruger. If you have any questions about the S&W M19 just shoot me a PM or ask in the Revolver section about them.

Hope i helped and didn't aggravate you or anyone else by giving you another option.

Thanks Red.

 

[BullfrogKen]

What's wrong with carrying and shooting 38 Specials? They're pretty much identical in performance to a 9mm.

 

[Warp]

I can't speak for the OP, but if I was to carry something IWB "pretty much identical" to 9mm I would carry my G26 or G19 and get 11-16 rounds on board.

 

[kynwatch]

Go to the local range any weekday morning and you'll be surprised what revolvers you can carry IWB. No wonder some of those old guys limp!

Every time I read one of these threads I have to laugh.

***Warning grammar police! Sent from an android phone using Tapatalk.***

 

[CTGunner]

What Warp Said ^ This is why I stopped carry an SP101. 5 Shots vs. 11 with a G26 and you aren't giving up anything on reliability. The SP101 is really nice though and if you prefer a revolver, well then it's hard to beat.

 

[Skribs]

I can't speak for the OP, but if I was to carry something IWB "pretty much identical" to 9mm I would carry my G26 or G19 and get 11-16 rounds on board.

The whole purpose for me going for a revolver is to get rid of the square butt.

 

[Warp]

And you think a GP100 will conceal better than a Glock 26??

Have you carried a Glock 26?

Have you compared these two firearms side by side?

 

[BullfrogKen]

Capacity isn't everything.

I hate Glocks personally. They're so awfully thick.

 

[oldfool]

"I would carry my G26 or G19"
if you really want a Glock revolver, buy one (???)
hint = "I want something to replace my XDm for warmer weather"

GP is a tad large for IWB, yes
snubbies not a lot of fun with 357 mag full loads, and snubbie barrels do very little extra with magnum load powder
the SP101 is one that handles it better than most, especially in 3" barrel
"I discovered with my Mom's SP101...the magnum rounds hurt my hand a bit,
yes, but...
"What's wrong with carrying and shooting 38 Specials?"
not a thing, and 38+P suits 3" barrels real well, far better than 357s do

"The power of a full house .357 out of a heavy 4" barrel gun would seem to trump whatever you put in a 2.25" barrel."
YES, it does, but 'tis a tad large/heavy for IWB

"So...anything on the spur question?"
minor relevance, hammer spurs not friendly to IWB (under shirts), matters significantly less for OWB.. BUT it's really not that big a deal to take the "spur" off for DAO (any DA/SA revolver), as was noted above
"which I could get with the spurless hammer".. yes

PS
no offense intended WARP, but the OP asked 4" Ruger GP revolver vs 3" Ruger SP revolver, not Glock vs XDm

 

[Skribs]

Warp, it's what's out of my shorts that I'm having trouble concealing. My shorts are baggier than my t-shirt. So while my XDM fits just fine IWB, it prints like the News Tribune under a T-Shirt. The part that prints isn't the bottom of the grip, it's the butt of the slide.

So if I had a Glock with a shorter grip and shorter slide...the butt would still print. The revolver, on the other hand, has a nice curved butt that hides really well.

Plus, my revolver isn't replacing my XDM. It's replacing my LCP. For cooler weather, I'll gladly take my XDM. The way I see it, I can go out and buy a whole new wardrobe to carry my semi without printing, or I could buy a new toy and carry a full-size firearm with my current clothes. I'm more prone to buying new toys than new clothes.

 

[Sam Cade]

Which would you recommend? If the hammer spur isn't an issue for IWB carry with a t-shirt, I'm definitely leaning towards the GP100.

Its not a big deal to bob the hammer....

A 3" GP100 is pushing 40 oz empty though.

 

[Lawdawg45]

Pardon a comment from the "old school"

For deep cover or IWB carry a 4 inch wouldn't be my first choice, and I'm hearing you need a larger frame to absorb the recoil of the .357. Might I suggest a S&W model 10, carried one for several years and loved it. It's a K frame 6 shot .38 which can be loaded with very hot ammo with the heavier frame, and the short barrel is unnoticeable in a good IWB holster such as the Crossbreed.

LD

 

[Armored farmer]

I carry a SP101 in a Don Hume iwb. It is plenty large enough. I don't want the extra diameter of a full size six shooter.
As for the higher cap 9mm question, I already reload .357, cast bullets, keep powder, etc. so the .38/.357 was a no brainer for me.
My favorite handloads are accurate and far from 'full house', very manageable in a 2.25" sp101.

 

[357 Terms]

For me it's a 2.25 DAO sp101 appendix carry, in a thin leather IWB it completly dissapears and rides very comfortably, I do on occasion carry a 4in service six at the 4 o'clock position, not quite as concealable. The gp would be a little more bulky than the Six. I think that if you intend to carry your best bet would be to start small.

 

[Warp]

Warp, it's what's out of my shorts that I'm having trouble concealing. My shorts are baggier than my t-shirt. So while my XDM fits just fine IWB, it prints like the News Tribune under a T-Shirt. The part that prints isn't the bottom of the grip, it's the butt of the slide.

I don't know Springfield's lineup so you'll have to walk me through it (or just be specific and I'll look it up) but which model XDM are you referring to? What holster, belt, and carry location/cant/height?

I just want to make sure you aren't missing something that could give you more options. Even if you do indeed get a revolver to carry IWB it would still be nice if your XDM could also be concealed, right?

no offense intended WARP, but the OP asked 4" Ruger GP revolver vs 3" Ruger SP revolver, not Glock vs XDm

I don't believe I said anything that could be construed as Glock vs XDM. My post that involved carrying a Glock was a direct response to the comment about .38spl +P being pretty much the same as 9mm, and it stated what *I* would do, not necessarily what I thought the OP should do.

 

[Lucky Derby]

I carry a 3" SP101 nearly every day. Either OWB or IWB while at work. I really don't like IWB with any gun, but required work attire limits my choices to IWB or pocket carry.

I also sometimes carry a 4" Colt Trooper .357, which is similar in size to the GP100, but slightly lighter. The SP101 is so much nicer to carry. Unless pocket carry, or perhaps appendix carry, is the order of the day, no reason to go shorter than 3". IWB or OWB it doesn't make much difference and there are advantages to that longer barrel.

As to the hammer spur, we are back to the pocket carry thing again. Thats the only time I've found it adventagous to not have a spur. It is really a non issue. That being said, The spur can be shaved off on the GP 100 as easily as the SP101, and you won't get a 3" SP101 without the spur from the factory.