sp 101 barrel length
I have decided that I would like to buy a ruger sp 101 as a carry gun. I like to shoot and I want something that I can spend hours shooting and actually enjoy it. The question I have is: for concealed carry, is the 3 inch barrel going to be too long or not. I would rather have the 3 inch but if you have some ideas or experience I would love to hear it. Also, holster suggestions would be appreciated. I currently carry a ruger lcp in a galco iwb holster for concealability in the summer but want a revolver in 357 mag. for in the winter. Thanks
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I have the one with the slightly shorter barrel. I don't see that the extra inch of barrel length would have much affect on CCW carry. The cylinder diameter and grip have more affect on concealability, IMHO.
Their heavy little revolvers when loaded, your going to need a substantial belt holster. Due to loaded weight and cylinder diameter I don't see any type of IWB holster being practical for all day carry. OK for just a quick run down to the store or taking out the garbage, not for comfortable 10 hour a day carry.
Do to the fixed sights the 101 has drawbacks for any sort of target shooting. I have to use various handloads in mine to get it to constantly shoot to POA elevation wise. If you want a revolver that you can use both for CCW and target shooting pick up one of "K" frame Smiths. Years ago I had a round butt 2 1/2" Model 19, which would have been be perfect for your purposes.0 -
Fundamental problem here is that guns that make ideal target shooting guns usually don't make ideal concealed carry guns, and vice versa.
For pleasant target shooting, you want a mild load, target-type (possibly adjustable sights), a relatively heavy gun (to absorb recoil and help "plant" the gun for accurate shooting), and a long sight radius (helps aiming).
For concealed carry, you usually want a powerful load, fixed sights (won't snag or lose zero), a light gun, possibly abbreviated grips (to help concealment) and often a short barrel (same reason).
Unlike with an auto, in the case of a revolver, the load power isn't an issue since the gun will be equally reliable with light target wadcutter .38 special loads and full power .357 magnum loads.
But issues of size and weight still matter.
Only YOU can say if the 3" bbl is too long for you to get away with carrying concealed, but its not implausible that you can. Depends on what kind of holster you use and how you like to dress.
I agree with Rufe that a 2.5" bbl Smith model 19 (or 66) would be a good compromise here, though the larger frame size on the K-frame Smith is going to make it a big bigger than the Ruger.
If you are willing to entertain a 3" bbl Ruger, you should also check out the 3" bbl Smith model 60, which is quite a nice gun, and I think with its adjustable sights would also be a good compromise between a target-type gun and a CCW
Image here (too big to hotlink into this post):
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2e/S&W_60_3in.jpg0 -
I have a SP101 with a 3" bbl, and it is just fine. But the 2.5" bbl shoots just fine and carries just fine also. It is 6 in one hand and half a doz. in the other. My only issue was getting a holster that I liked for the 3" (good thing I have a leathersmith near by). I hope that this helps. 0 -
I often carry an original Charter Arms Bulldog - the real one with the charter scroll on the grips. Loaded with .44 special
200 gr. Silver Tips it has plenty of stopping power.
The only drawback I ever saw was getting a proper fitting inside-the-waistband holster for it, but I was able to find one. A lot of those are for the 2-inch or 4-inch barrels. Getting a good holster fitting a 3-inch, and that you like the feel of, can require a bit of looking.0 -
The D.A.O. w/out hammer spur & shortest barrel SP101 Ruger offers will easily conceal within a pocket holster. As far as barrel length, if you carry inside the front pant's pocket longer barrels may cause the gun to rise up or shift & print when sitting down. Keep in mind hammer spurs cause problems time & time again with snag under or inside cloths and concealed carry holsters especially ones with retention straps. In some states if a person has time to cowboy cock a gun when it's not a single action only gun it may be hard to explain emanate danger as it takes time to cock it or worse fumbling the spur out of stress costing precious seconds or possibly the operator's life. The stock grips feel good and this model shoots well regardless of barrel length. Typically small barrels 2" or less from a bench rest are capable of 5" groups @ 20 yards. Smaller barreled guns are more difficult to wrestle out of a persons hand because it reduces the aggressors leverage. So I wish you the best in your decision. 0
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