Ruger SP101 no belt holster options

[SeanSw]

The woman in my life decided to buy her first firearm and enroll in a ccw course. She chose a Ruger sp101 2 1/4" barrel. I tried to steer her towards the LCR as a gun that would be more easily carried, came with a great trigger from the factory, and had no hammer to snag, but it's not my decision and I did not insist. The LCR seems like an ideal small carry gun and I'll get one for myself eventually.

We need to find a holster that does not require belt. She will not add a belt to her daily attire and neither of us like ankle holsters (which also would not work with her daily attire) or off body carry. All I can think of are the Remora and paddle style holsters. There aren't many paddle styles to choose from that I can tell and they tend to look a bit tactical for most guns. Fobus is out because I think they're junk but there do not seem to be many belt-less options for the sp101.

Bobbing the hammer may be an option in the future but the gun will remain stock for now. I'm convinced that pocket carry isn't likely with the sp101 to begin with and the hammer makes that seem like an even worse idea.

Does anyone know of another no belt carry option or custom maker that can do a paddle style holster? Do thhey make clips that work well without a belt?

A holster is required for the ccw course class and there isn't much time to waste.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I have a Galco Speed Paddle that I have used with my SP. It is leather, not plastic.

 

[RealGun]

Better check with the CCW class instructor, because requiring a holster likely means "with belt". It won't hurt to wear it just for class.

Note that a Simply Rugged brand crossdraw holster has a belt loop that can be ignored and which adds little to any bulk.

Be mindful of that hammer and trigger and how the gun could be discharged in a handbag if not properly holstered. I would want a thumb break over the hammer or a holster like the one mentioned that will cover the trigger. Having both would be best.

I would bet money she will prefer shooting single action, so don't be hasty about bobbing the hammer. Just stand down and let her have her gun. LCR was better but butt ugly, so you lost the battle.

 

[Lucky Derby]

If she carrys on the waist, she needs a belt. IME beltless waist carry does not work with a gun that heavy. The belt supports the weight of the gun, it's not only an attachment point.
That said my wife loves her Flash Bang holster. It is a ladys only holster that hangs on the bra.
There are also a myriad of shoulder holsters out there.

 

[SeanSw]

I agree that the sp101 is a bit heavy for carry without the proper setup. That was one of the reasons I advocated for the LCR, thinking that it would provide more options for carry and interfere less with her lifestyle.

In the past I've emphasized that the .38 special we've been shooting out of full size revolvers is just lightly loaded range ammo and unsuitable for carry. The thought of firing more powerful ammo from an even lighter gun really turned her off. The sp101 is serious gun and we're not ever likely wear out or trade it in, so the investment factor may have played a role too.

If we don't find a solution in the next few weeks she can still run the course with one of my K-frames and a pancake holster. The ol' 10-5 with wadcutters ought to make short work of that B-27 target!

 

[hAkron]

I don't have a lot of first hand experience, but Remora makes IWB holsters that don't require a belt. It's not an ideal way to carry, but most women I know don't wear belts or have large enough pockets, so it's an option.

http://www.remoraholsterstore.com

 

[Drail]

She really needs a secure belt. She really does. Or an elastic belly band type holster. A handgun must be retained from bouncing, snagging or taking a hard fall. Bad things can happen without secure retention (and has). Fashion doesn't even enter into the subject of carrying a loaded sidearm. A gun is not a cell phone.

 

[Domino300]

Don't know about the holster but this SP101 is DAO:
http://www.ruger.com/products/sp101/specSheets/5720.html

 

[Hometeached1]

Since no belt, I would suggest a belly band with the SP at 11:00 and also bobbing the hammer. hope this helps.

 

[silicosys4]

I suggest that she ask the instructor with whom she is to take a course what he thinks about her choices and her insistence on not wearing a belt. I'll bet she'll get the truth, and you won't have to be the one giving it to her...maybe he knows of some options that we aren't thinking of.
I'll agree that a belly band is going to be her only option. Even paddle style holsters need a belt to hold them up, they are just convenient in that you can pull them out of your waistband without having to unthread them from your belt.

 

[Modernhoglegs]

Unless your lady is really slim waistband carry can be a problem because of the hip swell that makes the top of the holster angle into the lady's ribs causing irritation and impeding the draw stroke.

I also dislike a small of the back holster in case she gets knocked down. Landing on a gun is not going to do her spine any good.

I saw this gimmick on the evening news:
http://www.gungoddess.com/flashbang-bra-holster/
It looked like a million dollar idea to me.

My personal suggestion is a shoulder holster for your lady.

I carry the same SP101 as my EDC in a Galco Speedmaster.
The bucket seats in my car make a waistband carry impractical, so I've gone to a fanny pack. Not very sexy, but I'm an old married guy, so I can get away with it.