SP101 3 inch for appendix carry

[Cump]

I'm looking for a revolver to carry in a low appendix position. I know a Smith J-frame would probably work best, but I'm close to set on the SP101. I'm trying to decide between a 2.25 and 3 inch. Would the extra 3/4 inch make appendix carry impractical, with the cylinder below the belt? I will look for or make a minimalist holster that allows it to ride low.

None of my local shops have the Rugers in stock, so I will have to order online. I appreciate your help.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

I don't apendix carry, but yeah, I imagine the shorter bbl version would help.

I carry a 3" IWB at 4 o'clock now ant then.

 

[Vodoun da Vinci]

I carry appendix and choose short barreled guns because I sit/drive a lot. I usually carry autos and choose subcompacts and pocket carry a Ruger LCR but could appendix carry the LCR.

A 3" barreled revolver? I dunno...might be pushing it while seated. If I was dead set on doing it I'd sure try carrying an exact gun in this position around the house for a few hours to see if it works out. As you probably already know, if it pokes ya there it could get very tender after a while when seated. Standing will be no problem.

It'll be when driving it might get cha.

VooDoo

 

[Godsgunman]

Not an issue at all IMHO. Appendix carry is how I carry no matter what it iswhether its a semi or revolver. Right now I carry a 3" m65 and have no issues, now a 4" would be stretching it a bit. But for what you are considering between 2 1/4" vs 3" its not that big of an issue. The grip size is a bigger issue than barrel length IMO. I am also a slender guy at 5'10" 145 and I'm usually in baggy scrubs so your body type may be different but I have no issues with the 3" revolver.

 

[Cump]

I've carried my brother's 2.25, so I know it would work, but haven't been able to find a 3 inch to test.

Probably just need to decide which is more important to me, carry method or barrel length.

 

[RealGun]

I think you would enjoy shooting the 3" more. The holsters for my 3" have considerable forward cant to them, so the barrel length difference would be less noticeable, I think.

This small frame gun has considerable wallop to it in 357, so I would encourage you to get some barrel length. You might also want to have tactical night sights installed.

 

[Revoliver]

Probably just need to decide which is more important to me, carry method or barrel length.

I too have been known to suffer from 'barrel envy'. I would definately have a heart to heart with myself over what you posted and I quoted first.

That being said, holsters and body types being different for everyone, I would suggest the 2.25" as you've already tried it and had it work for you.

Regarding 'barrel envy', it might be wise to remember that the gun you actually have on you is better than the one at home because it's uncormfortable to wear and you were just going on a short trip...

 

[Cump]

Overcoming "barrel envy" is particularly important when it comes to appendix carry.

I may just have to get a GP100 as well when funds are available.

 

[tomrkba]

I'm looking for a revolver to carry in a low appendix position. I know a Smith J-frame would probably work best, but I'm close to set on the SP101. I'm trying to decide between a 2.25 and 3 inch. Would the extra 3/4 inch make appendix carry impractical, with the cylinder below the belt? I will look for or make a minimalist holster that allows it to ride low.

There are several factors that make appendix carry with a certain length gun comfortable.

1. Length of slide or frame/barrel if it's a revolver.
2. Depth of the holster
3. Form of the holster. There are several factors here:
   • Belt offset. This is a space on the front generally where the loops will attach. A large enough offset presses the gun back toward you. It's intended to work with a wedge (attached to the muzzle area).
   • Wedge. This is either a piece of foam or is molded into the kydex.
   • Height: Depth at which the holster sits. You should be able to adjust it up or down.
   • Cant: You may find you need some cant, but zero cant works for most people.
   • Muzzle: The kydex should be molded around the muzzle and not extend more than 1/8" past it. Straight cut is uncomfortable. An open muzzle is fine; a holster cut shorter than the length of the slide exposes the muzzle to cooties and sweat.

Here is an example of a foam wedge:



The JM Custom AIWB has a molded wedge and belt offset.

As I recall, the Ruger SP101 is as tall as the Glock 19 from bottom of the grip to top of the frame. I believe the SP101 is a bit taller than the Glock 26.

Here is an article comparing the Glock 26 to the SP101 with 2 1/4" barrel.

I am short at 5' 6" tall and slightly longer guns can make AIWB uncomfortable. I can easily carry a Glock 26 AIWB without the wedge. I have no trouble carrying a Glock 19 AIWB all day with a foam wedge. You should be able to carry either AIWB so long as you can adjust the holster up or down.

I do recommend the longer barrel on the SP101 for a longer sight radius. If I had a choice between an SP101 or Glock 19...the Glock 19 wins every time. You get 16 rounds of 9x19mm +P that runs at around 1200 FPS. Are you going to get 1200 FPS out of a Ruger SP101? It appears that you'll get 1,200-1,300 FPS out of the SP101. I am not sure it matters all that much.

http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/38vs357snub.htm

This range report shows velocities from the SP101 with 3" barrel:
http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/Ruger SP101 Report.htm

SP101 3 1/16" barrel range report after 1,000 rounds:
http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/range_report - Ruger SP101 - A Thousand Rnds Later.htm

Corbon 125 grain DPX test:
http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/Corbon 357 Magnum 125 gr DPX Ammo.htm

Another great article: http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/can_less_be_more.htm


The real problem with the SP101 is the weight and lack of rear sight. I find the rear groove to be intolerable. You can add a front night sight. You'll need to get the trigger slicked up. I'd chamfer the charge holes to facilitate reloads. Then you'll need to figure out how to hide speed loaders. I'd carry one speed loader up front next to the gun. I'd likely carry at least one more on the far side in a Safariland #371 holder. Also consider carrying a speed strip or two.

Contrast all that with the Glock 19. You can put the G19 up front on the opposite side. Next to that, place a Milt Sparks IPS with Glock 19 or 17 magazine. You are now carrying 31 or 33 rounds compared to five in the SP101, five in the speed loader up front, another five in a difficult-to-hide speedloader elsewhere and a speed strip.

You can go with a Glock 26 instead of the Glock 19. Carry the gun loaded with a 10 round mag with finger rest or one of the new 12 round mags. Carry a Glock 19 or 17 mag as a spare. The photo above shows a DeSantis Secure Magazine Holder. I clip it to my pants under the belt. However, the Milt Sparks IPS is much more comfortable.

 

[shadow9]

Cump - I have the 3" SP101 and purchased it after shooting a 2.25". The 2.25" had a bit more flip and balanced further back - it was slightly harder to point for me. I found the 3" to be the PERFECT balance and pointability, but I've taken a hit on versatility of concealment. I'm ~5'7 and 150', and can't find any sort of a comfortable Appendix carry position for the weapon. That 3" barrel takes up room when you're trying to sit down. The 2.25" would be IDEAL for AWIB.

I'd order through a store or better - try to find a used model. Be aware the later models have had arguably better triggers, but the production of 2012+ models is getting rushed, and it shows. They're still scary accurate and durable as can be, but the hammers show mold lines and the finish is often rougher.


RE: Glock 19 compared to SP101 - Put simply, the SP101 conceals as easily as the G26 - I say this from experience. The 19 is larger than the SP in height, and is nowhere NEAR as flat overall. I wanted a Glock 19 before I settled on an SP101. The weight is similar as well. Glock takes the cake in onboard round count, but 9mm is NO Contest to .357 Mag power AND versatility. The rest of the "problems" you accuse the SP of having are personal prefence issues, and can apply to both Glock and SP platforms (double-stack mags can be harder to hide, stock Glock triggers aren't exactly reknowned for quality, and chamfered charge holes are a performance upgrade that many users do just fine without).

Besides, the entire argument here is a moot point:

I'm looking for a revolver to carry in a low appendix position.

 

[tomrkba]

9mm is NO Contest to .357 Mag power AND versatility.

Did you read any of Stephen A. Camp's articles? The difference for several common defensive loads is around 100 FPS, 0.02" bullet diameter and 1 grain of bullet weight (versus Speer Gold Dot 124 grain +P 9x19mm). I believe this does not matter from a terminal ballistics perspective.

I addressed comfort for appendix carry with the wedge. It makes a huge difference. The three inch barrel will shoot better than the 2 1/4". I absolutely hated both of my SP101's with 2 1/4" barrels. I tried to like them and I wish I had been able to test fire one with a 3" barrel before purchase. That's the way it goes sometimes!

Oh, and FYI:


Ruger Alaskan in 44 Magnum with custom appendix carry holster. The holster is adaptable to strong side carry with 20-25 degree forward cant.


It concealed better on the other side. The gun needs wood boot stocks with some sort of Jordan Trooper style grip.

 

[shadow9]

Touché tomrkba. I did not have a wedge or similar when trying to aiwc mine. How does the alaskan hide with shirt down?

 

[NWCP]

The SP101 in a 3" barrel is a good gun. I had some trigger work done on mine to lighten the pull and smooth it out and it runs great. As for appendix carry I don't think it would be very comfortable. As you well know the SP101 isn't a light weight. For deep conceal I went with the Kahr PM9. I can carry it virtually anywhere on my body in total comfort. It is available in 40S&W as well. Same size and close to the same weight. If I feel I must carry a revolver it's usually my Colt Detective Special (second generation) in an IWB on my strong side. When traveling with the SP101 it usually rides in my center console, or in a holster I adapted for use between the seat and console. JMHO

 

[RealGun]

The Wyatt Deep Cover SW637 Gunsmoke DAO in 38 Spl +p has a clip grip that works well for appendix carry with no holster.

This would be for those who don't wear a pants crotch down to their knees and have a belt cinched up tight enough to cover their butt.

 

[Cump]

I don't think I'm going to order online, unless there is a screaming deal (and there's not high enough availability for that). I've been disappointed enough by blemishes and other issues from online orders to pay a bit more at the lgs.

 

[Hondo 60]

Whether it works or not depends on YOUR comfort.

I think we've all (or at least almost all) had multiple guns & multiple holsters before finding a combo that works.

 

[tomrkba]

Whether it works or not depends on YOUR comfort.

I think we've all (or at least almost all) had multiple guns & multiple BOXES OF holsters before finding a combo that works.

Fixed it for you.

 

[tomrkba]

Touché tomrkba. I did not have a wedge or similar when trying to aiwc mine. How does the alaskan hide with shirt down?

The probelm is the mega-grip. It is too long and made from rubber that grabs the shirt. The bottom of the grip tends to print, though wearing the gun beneath two shirts helps. I also switched to the offside position and that helps a bit. The best solution is a wooden boot grip with checkering. I do not have that even for my GP100. GP100 grips work on the Alaskan.

The wedge was made from carpet foam and Velcro strips from Home Depot.


Seriously, though, the OP should shoot both guns with 357 Magnum and 38 Special +P before purchase to get a feel for each.

 

[tomrkba]

I don't think I'm going to order online, unless there is a screaming deal (and there's not high enough availability for that). I've been disappointed enough by blemishes and other issues from online orders to pay a bit more at the lgs.

Try buying slightly used off a board such as vaguntrader.com (or equivalent for your state). Most guys will let you shoot the gun. Always meet at a gun store or public range.

Frankly, if your gun's finish is pristine, then you are not training. You should do several hours of dry practice weekly, which includes drawing the gun from concealment. It is essential that you practice reloading your revolver. This process will cause wear on the finish.

I think guns with honest wear from training and rec fire look the best. Here is a beautiful Model 29:



This Les Baer belongs to some guy on the 1911 Forum and it has had tens of thousands of rounds through it.

 

[clem629]

I frequently carry a S&W 60 3" appendix carry, have never had a problem, I am 5'8" & 180#
Used to carry IWB strong side 4:00. Prefer the appendix now.

 

[fds5116]

Personal experience:
3.5" N frame is very comfortable to sit, stand, squat, drive in the appendix position.
A 4" L frame is not so comfortable sitting, driving, squatting in appendix position.
It depends on your frame - size, waist (short or long), how much belly in the way, etc...
All that said, I think a 3" would be doable & comfortable for almost anyone, but you need to try it yourself.
Cheers,