Short girl problems: any ladies here that carry sp101?

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YellowHorse

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I wasn't sure where to post this question, if this is the wrong spot you can move or delete it.

I have settled on the sp101 as my first revolver, but I have a dilemma.
I'm only 5'4" and quite curvy, very hourglass shape, high, but short waist. I would really prefer the 3" over the 2.25 for sight radius, slight increase in velocity and just prefer the way it looks, but if it means the difference in length will make it too difficult for this shorty to conceal, I will compromise on the length.
It is mainly for a "woods carry," but I also want the ability to cc with it.

My typical everyday dress is boots, jeans w/belt (so wearing a gun belt will not be an issue), tank top with a button down shirt/blouse over it (think cowgirl, lol). I despise purse carry, I have kids so it is either on my body or locked away (I don't carry a purse anyway, I keep a little wallet in my pocket). I prefer the 2:00 position as large items there just disappear on me. Behind the hip does not conceal well on me unless I have an overgarment or jacket.

Any ladies here (or wives of forum members) with sp101s who are about my height/build? What barrel length, where do you conceal it, what holsters do you use, does an extra 3/4 inch make a difference in being able to conceal it reasonably comfortably?
 
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Does your State allow Open Carry?

As a blue jean, tucked in shirt and boots wearer guy Open Carry is my most practical way to pack on a everyday bases. My shapely daughter has the same concealment issues you do but Open Carry in her State is restricted. My wife chooses to let me do the packing as she does not want her gun off body in a purse.
 
3/4 of an inch is not a very great deal, and I'd have a tough time justifying getting the gun you didn't want as much just because of that. An SP101 is a chunky little gun and revolvers are generally a bit more rotund than equivalent autos anyway, meaning that of all the factors to deal with I don't think a small barrel length increase is going to be noticeably bothersome.

Women, especially curvy ones, do have some challenges the guys don't when it comes to concealing. I'd say an "appendix" (2:00 position) holster may work for you if you tend to wear your blouses buttoned in front and not super flatteringly fitted across your tummy. If you're more into skin-tight clothing, as a lot of ladies are these days, ANYTHING is going to be tough to conceal.

I have a gal pal who's quite a shooter and her carry gun is a small Sig (so nearly as chubby as a wheelgun) and she carries it in an inside-the-waistband holster at the 4:00 position. But I have to say I've watched her draw it dozens of times and it sure doesn't look comfortable to me. The curve of a woman's hips goes entirely the wrong way for a good draw of a handgun (as you've probably noticed) and the butt points up into your ribs.

If you've not looked over her site before, Cathy Jackson has a FANTASTIC resource at "The Cornered Cat" and -- while every article there is worth a read!!! -- if you scroll down a ways she has a whole section on carry for the fashionable woman, and how to deal with curves.

Good luck!
 
I think with a good belt and holster with an untucked shirt you should be good to go.
 
BSA1, yes, my state is an open carry state, though unless I'm knocking about on my property, in a group of open carriers, or horseback riding, I personally don't like open carry.

Jimeast, I have looked at the flashbang as I...um, uh ehm, have quite the "shelf" for that, but decided against it due to the possibility of muzzling my baby in the event I would have to draw while carrying her on my left hip.

Sam1911, Thanks for the site, I'll be going through that one and yes, I have noticed that my curves do not allow for easily concealing or drawing from behind the hip, especially if I am, again, holding a kid on my hip.

Except for my tank top I wear under my overshirt, I do not wear skin tight stuff. My shirts/blouses tend to be loose/flowy in front, but the curvature behind my hips tends to cause my shirts to ride up, thereby exposing anything I might try to conceal back there.
The 2:00 position is the best option for me (where I stick my knife for easy access and comfort since my pockets are too shallow for my large folding pocket knife) so that goes back to the length of the barrel.

Measuring the combined length of the cylinder and barrel on the shorter sp101, the part of the gun that would be inside the waistband is, coincidentally, the same length as the knife I carry. So I'm pretty confident the short barrel won't dig into my leg sitting or riding horses. Hmm, now I'm thinking of asking my oldest daughter if I can borrow one of her longer knives....

Shafter, yeah that was what I was thinking :D
 
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If you have a well stocked gun store they might have a good holster there and a matching gun for you to try it for fit. I will be doing the same for my wife as she is short, thick, and curvy herself and if it isn't comfortable she won't wear it.
I have learned over the years when buying anything gun related for a woman to take them along so they can make sure the fit, color, and everything else makes them happy so they will use it.
 
Google

faliaphotography

and go at the YouTube vids from that angle.

If that doesn't work, you have something going on with your computer settings.

rc
 
I sometimes carry a 3" SP101 IWB strong-side at 4:00 position. I have contemplated cross-draw.

Great gun - maybe the most versatile handgun out there. But it is heavy - make sure your belt is strong and wide. A narrow belt will cut into you after a while.
 
Here's the video he was trying to show:



She also has one on the Remora holster which some folks do like. (I still can't trust 'em, but I also have not TRIED one so that's probably just my problem.)



I will say that's the only time I've ever seen anyone carry in a bikini. Kudos!
 
According to my wife (who is 5'2"...or so she claims, I think she is a liar despite what her drivers licenses says) you are not short.....but merely height challenged.
 
My wife is 4' 11", but she has a very petite frame. She can carry 3-4:00 iwb, but she is using a Sig p238 380...
Some options we've looked at included a belly-band, ankle holsters, and the concealed carry undershirts. The undershirts put the gun about the same place as a shoulder holster. This could still pose problems when carrying kids or with over shirts that aren't easily pulled up high enough for access. The other issues with them and the flashbang are you have to be very careful not to muzzle sweep your support side arm/hand and anything of to your side. I think a good appendix holster or maybe something like thunder-wear would be best.
As to barrel length, 3/4" isn't a whole lot extra to conceal, but it also isn't a whole lot extra as far as increased performance or sight radius. Grip length tends to have a greater effect on concealability. Good luck!

Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk
 
rcmodel said:
Google

faliaphotography

and go at the YouTube vids from that angle.

If that doesn't work, you have something going on with your computer settings.

rc
Click to expand...
Yes, that is who made the video I tried to link to. I don't know why it doesn't work for you, sorry.

She has several videos, all worth watching.
 
Thanks Sam1911, that first video actually shows her carrying a 3" sp101 in her crossbreed.
Also, OT, but my daughter loves your signature, as she is under 18, lol :D

spur0701, my dad says, "As long as my feet reach the ground!" :rolleyes:

My frame is not petite nor slight, I've got a robust frame and I'm fairly athletic (when I'm in shape :eek: , right now I still have a bit of pregnancy weight on me), but I can stack a ton of hay and I have worked in framing/construction. I weigh more than you think I should weigh by looking at me due to having more muscle than most women (it's just hidden under a thin layer of fat, lol).

Frankly, a fully loaded sp101 is roughly the same weight (I can't tell any difference) as a fully loaded Glock 26 that is usually countered to me as a "lighter weight option to the all steel revolver." I see women carrying G26s and equivalent sized polymer autos all the time. Funny how I don't hear them being told they are really heavy to carry :confused:

I will be getting a gun belt, I normally wear a good belt anyways.

As to barrel length, 3/4" isn't a whole lot extra to conceal, but it also isn't a whole lot extra as far as increased performance or sight radius. Grip length tends to have a greater effect on concealability. Good luck!
Click to expand...
Good to know! I have shot the 2.25" sp101 multiple times and loved it, but have read the slightly longer one was easier to sight and thought that better for woods carry. The grip length is identical on both barrel lengths. Maybe it's just a moot point then and the 2.25" is easier to find, find holsters for, and I know for sure I can carry it comfortably.
 
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haywood, the 12 o'clock position is starting at your bellybutton then go around your body like a clock. 3 o'clock is strong side, 6 o'clock is small of back, 9 o'clock is strong side for lefties.

Appendix carry or 1 o'clock works better for females than males, we don't have.....um, "tenders" :eek: down there to get smashed by the end of the barrel when sitting down. As long as the blouse is long enough, it conceals pretty good there on many women, YMMV. Both men and women have the same issue with the 2 o'clock position, the barrel digging into the groin or thigh when seated or driving if the barrel is too long.

I just found this video and this holster for women (this holster has a ton of good reviews). I read this girl's review on another page on the Big SheBang holster (well, I'm guessing it's her review, how many women carry a 6" 686 in a Big SheBang? lol) and she says it is very comfortable carrying, sitting/driving, bending over with the 6" 686 in the appendix position and the weight is not uncomfortable. Though it does print a bit in the video, but that's a huge gun with a big grip. :what:

https://youtu.be/1IbHN2gFn5Q?t=1m47s
 
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