IWB Revolver

[ChasMack]

I like to try to "use" my revolvers and carry either SP101 or S&W J-Frame around town...small town. If I go to the "big" city I carry my Glock 27...more rounds and is as just as concealable or more so than my SP101. I practice with both just so one does not feel so different. I use 158gr LSWCHP in my SP101...Gold Dot in my Glock

 

[IBEWBULL]

Sp 101 G-27 K frame hammer shroud.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.202769496449567.55485.202623946464122

https://www.facebook.com/WISCONSINUSACONCEALEDCARRYOPTIONS

First let me say Bianchi made the Lightning Grip which was designed to conceal the hammer of the round but K frame Smith. I have the grips but still no M 19 or 66 well someday.

I like my Glock 27 but also my SP 101 each has its advantages.
The SP 101 need to be deburred , mainly the hammer.

On the links above are some links to snub information for some great information.
As for the floppy IWB suede holsters practice and see if you like it. I ordered a Simply Rugged with loops for more options like OWB , IWB.
What feels good in your hand is comfortable to carry, hits good and will do the job is what counts.

If I felt 5 rounds were not enough then I would carry a back up.
Ever hear of a New York reload? Having two guns gives you the option to pass one to a friend. Tossing your spare magazine will do no good at all. That was supposed to be funny.

 

[Skribs]

Now what about the .327 models they have? Ammo doesn't seem to be *that* prevalent, but I think I'll be able to find at least some SD stuff.

 

[Warp]

Why would you pick .327 over .357?

 

[Dollar An Hour]

I think too many guys rush to remove the hammer spur and think DAO is the only way to go on the SP101. I like having the spur, and find it's not an issue for high OWB carry under a tucked out t-shirt or similar casual garment.

 

[willypete]

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.

Ah yes, the voice of inexperience. Since I primarily carry (and shoot, barring .22lr, of course) .357 magnum, I can tell you that there are factory loads that will do close enough from a 2.25" bbl vs a 4" bbl as doesn't matter. I carry Georgia Arms 158 gr Speer Gold Dots, and I've chrony'd them at 1150 from my 2.25" SP101 vs. 1250 from my 4" GP100. The 158 gr SJHP Remington's are pretty similar.

Also, if you haven't carried either gun, why are you trying to advise the OP on carrying either one? That's not helpful.

As far as the hammer issue goes for IWB carry, I carry my SP101 at my appendix. This is probably the worst location with regard to the hammer digging into my belly. Guess what: it's not an issue. I experience more discomfort from the rubber grips chafing my skin, and that's easily alleviated by wearing an undershirt. Same goes for the 4" GP100, except that the barrel typically pokes into my thigh, and the grips jab my ribs. Neither of these are an issue with the smaller SP101.

I carry the SP101 in one of these: http://www.elitesurvival.com/index.php?p=product&id=28

I think it's a size 9, but I've had it so long that the writing on the tag has faded. The holster material is still strong, though.

I can also carry the GP100 in that rig, if need be. However, I prefer the Simply Rugged Pancake with IWB straps. Well worth the cash!

I used to own a Glock 27. I carried it in an IWB rig similar to what I use for the SP101, as well as a Fobus holster. Didn't like it, so I sold it. Too thick and blocky, printed too much, and performance wasn't what it should have been from the 3.5" bbl.

Also, the GP100 is more concealable than the Glock 27 FOR ME. Fits my body better, whereas the Glock just wants it's sharp little edges to stick out all Teutonic-like and whatnot. The SP101 is waaaaay more concealable than the Glock 27 FOR ME, and more concealable than the GP100.

Just FYI, OP, from personal experience and experimentation.

 

[Skribs]

Why would you pick .327 over .357?

Same reason the army chose 5.56 over 7.62. Same reason the army chose 9mm over .45. If I can get 20% more capacity and reduced recoil while still having an effective stopper, I don't see the problem. From what I've read, the .327 does this.

 

[Rexster]

I fully agree that the trouble with concealing a "baby" Glock, and many other double-column striker-fired auto-pistols, is the rear end of the slide, plus the bulky width. I would rather conceal a SIG P229 DAK than a "baby" Glock, and yes, I do have experience with both. I seriously tried a G27 during the 2002-2004 period that I carried a G22 on duty. I soon went right back to my SP101, and bought a second SP101. I have been using a P229 as duty pistol, and for much concealed carry, since 2004. With a less-protruding, less squared-off slide, the SIG hides easier on my anatomy than a "baby" Glock.

Back to the subject at hand: Either a GP100 or an SP101 can be concealed IWB. Much depends upon one's anatomy, but some find a longer-barreled weapon to be more stable, and in my case, a 4" revolver will tend to bridge over a certain place where a snubbier weapon will poke me. During the latter half of the 1980s, I carried an S&W Model 58, which is a tad bigger in some dimensions than a GP100, IWB at the 0330-ish position, using a now-discontinued soft-sided adjustable Desantis leather rig, and later a nylon Eagle Industries IWB holster that is NOT the same as that company's later nylon rigs. Later, I toted a GP100 in the Eagle rig, and sometimes still do, though I generally prefer carrying big sixguns outside my britches these days, and it is more likely to be an S&W Model 19 in a Milt Sparks PMK holster when I tote a 4" sixgun.

Regarding the SP101, these little gems are my most-carried firearms these days, as back-up weapons at work, and concealed carry guns off the clock. I am up to three of them in the 2.25" length, two with spurless hammers and one with a spur, and a 3.06" length with a spurless hammer. To be clear, however, unless there has been a recent change, the
3.06" SP101 is only available with the spur. I bought a take-out spurless hammer through evil-bay years ago, when such parts were allowed to be listed, in anticipation of the day I would finally purchase a 3.06" SP101.

 

[Rexster]

Regarding the hammer spurs, SP101 spurs are really not very big, and using something like a knife-sharpening stone to dull the hammer's edges and knock the tops off the checkering, to taste, will probably make the spur innocuous enough, without a total bob-job. Of course, some folks want total DAO, which will mean either a hammer swap, or a trip to a 'smith that is familiar with DAO-ing the engagement surfaces.

 

[BullfrogKen]

However, I prefer the Simply Rugged Pancake with IWB straps. Well worth the cash!

I'd recommend anything over those el cheapo, nylon, clip-on holsters. That Simply Rugged is a good choice. Those cheapo clip-ons are even worse than if you'd simply put by itself it in pants pocket to carry it. My .02 cents anyway.

 

[627PCFan]

I laugh everytime I see someone say a 4 inch is too much for IWB. I carry a 5 inch Nframe IWB. Thats 44 oz empty. Get a good belt, and a good quality holster. Go with the GP.

 

[Skribs]

Got a good belt. Don't have a quality holster for any revolver (will get the holster at the same time as or after the revolver), but it's on my to-do list.

 

[Jeb21]

I have carried a GP 100 in a Cross breed holster. It works well. It is still a lot of weight for 6 shots. I think the SP101 is a bit more size efficient.

 

[230therapy]

I carry my S&W N Frames IWB. It works fine so long as your belt is a gun belt, the holster has forward cant, and your shirt is a bit baggy.

 

[230therapy]

I have carried a GP 100 in a Cross breed holster. It works well. It is still a lot of weight for 6 shots. I think the SP101 is a bit more size efficient.

You're carrying a revolver. It's guaranteed to be like that. If you want more efficient, carry a semi-automatic pistol. Phasers are not available yet.

 

[Trebor]

My carry gun for several years was a S&W Model 65 with a 3" barrel carried in an Alessi Talon IWB holster.

Here's a review of the holster I wrote earlier:

A review of the Alessi Talon IWB holster for concealed carry

I later switched to a Sig 239 in a Talon when I decided I wanted nine rounds of 9mm instead of six of .38.

 

[Quoheleth]

If you want to carry a revolver that disappears under your clothes and is a breeze to pack, skip the SP101 and go straight to the LCR. It's approximately 15 ounces (going from memory here) and has one of the smoothest small-frame triggers I've ever used. You can carry IWB, pocket, or OWB - any way you want.

If a Glock is too blocky for an autoloader, consider the Ruger SR9c - it's a very carryable and discreet 10-shot autoloader. The frame isn't as steep of an angle and doesn't tend to protude as much as Glocks. Had one and stupidly sold it to my brother-in-law a few weeks ago.

Q

 

[Skribs]

For various reasons, the only autoloaders I will go with are the DAO-type (including striker-fired) with no manual safety. Excluding pocket pistols, the only ones I would consider are glock, XD, or M&P.
I'm not saying anything against the other types, but I want all of my handguns to be of the pick up-point-shoot variety, and every pull of the trigger to feel the same.

This is why a DAO revolver (or even a DA/SA) seemed the best fit for me for something that I could carry a full-power handgun IWB under a t-shirt.

Keep in mind that I live in WA, so for 9 months of the year, I've got a hoodie on and I can easily conceal my XD and have 16 rounds instead of 6.

 

[Super Sneaky Steve]

Simply Rugged holsters are very thick. I don't think they make the best IWB option. Worn on the belt they are great.

I have an SP101 3" in .357 and I kinda wish I had tried out the .327 now. I fired some of my hot 125gr handloads filled up with H110 and it's painful. The powder actually shot out the rear of the cylinder with enough force to bloody my thumb. My light .38 hand loads were wonderful however. I may end up just carrying .38's after my last experience.

 

[willypete]

I'd recommend anything over those el cheapo, nylon, clip-on holsters. That Simply Rugged is a good choice. Those cheapo clip-ons are even worse than if you'd simply put by itself it in pants pocket to carry it. My .02 cents anyway.

The Elite isn't in the same league as those $5 or $10 holsters you see at the camo and beef jerky stands at gun shows. It's well made from durable materials. I've been carrying this gun, with this holster, nearly every day for several years.

Simply Rugged holsters are very thick. I don't think they make the best IWB option. Worn on the belt they are great.

I have an SP101 3" in .357 and I kinda wish I had tried out the .327 now. I fired some of my hot 125gr handloads filled up with H110 and it's painful. The powder actually shot out the rear of the cylinder with enough force to bloody my thumb. My light .38 hand loads were wonderful however. I may end up just carrying .38's after my last experience.

Initially, my Simply Rugged Pancake was actually painful to wear because it was so thick and would not form to my body. It took about two or three weeks of wearing it around the house without a gun for it to break in. I know a guy who used a ratchet strap to form his holster to himself.

Try shooting heavier bullets from short barreled .357s. The 125s are ok out of longer guns, but you really need a heavy (158 gr+) bullet to take advantage of slower burning powders, IMO.

 

[BullfrogKen]

The Elite isn't in the same league as those $5 or $10 holsters you see at the camo and beef jerky stands at gun shows. It's well made from durable materials. I've been carrying this gun, with this holster, nearly every day for several years.

Sorry willy, I don't care if you spent $50.00 on it and watched an Amish woman hand-sew it from a panel of level III Kevlar right in front of you. That holster fails on nearly every count for what a holster is intended for.

Holsters serve several purposes, the chief among them is to keep the gun secure and accessible.

That holster, and almost every other one like it, fails to do that. The gun will shift, move, and not be in the same place as when you put it on in the morning when you reach for it, right at the time when you need it most, later that day.

I've seen those holsters show up in classes, and with new guys at IDPA matches. They are horrible. During the course of a match, and especially during the course of a 2 day shooting class, a competitor/student will invariably draw the gun and the holster draws out along with it at some point during the day.

Most instructors I know won't allow them in a class. And we'll generally allow a new shooter to show up to an IDPA match with one, so as not to turn him away unhappy. But afterwards he's told to go buy something secure and not bring it to the next one.

 

[phunk]

I would also suggest the LCR over the 101. It is super light, and thinner. I carry an LCR in a leather IWB bianchi almost daily loaded with +p Gold Dots. I carry this in the waist band of my gym shorts under a teeshirt and do not print at all. I carry a speed strip in my pocket. If there is a threat I cant stop with 10 rounds, or the first five for that matter then things have gone terribly wrong anyway.

 

[sixgunner455]

That 3" SP101 would be a great choice. So would a 3" K Frame S&W. If the Magnums hurt to shoot, put some .38 Specials in it and be happy!

 

[Mick_W]

I carry a sp101 in a don humes iwb holster with a hogue grip on it recoil is a lot softer and more comfortable.

 

[230therapy]

158 gr Speer Gold Dots, and I've chrony'd them at 1150 from my 2.25" SP101

This makes them slightly heavier Speer Gold Dot 9x19mm. My guess is that the difference in terminal ballistics between 124 grain 9x19mm Gold Dot (.355" diameter per Speer #13) and 158 grain 357 Magnum Gold Dot (.357" diameter per Speer #13) is not significant.

Does anyone have any analysis on this?

Additionally, are there hotter loads for the shorter barrels? It would be great if the velocity could be pushed to 1300 fps.