Ruger SP 101 3" for concealed carry?

[gundaddypv]

There is little else as sexy as a stainless revolver and little else as powerful as the .357mag load. That being said, I'm looking at a Ruger with an exposed hammer. I like the idea of being able to cock the hammer.

Is this a decent choice for a concealed carry weapon? I realize the exposed hammer precludes it from pocket carry. Is that the thing which makes this gun bad for concealed carry?

I want a .357 for camping as well, which is why I like this one. I very rarely open carry. Your thoughts?

EDIT:
I plan on carrying OWB when camping or during the zombie apocalypse. Otherwise, I probably won't carry it often, but when I do, I plan on carrying IWB under a shirt.

 

[whodat2710]

I guess that would depend on your idea of "concealed". Most small revolvers designed for CC have no hammer, both for comfort and so it won't get hung up on anything when drawing. If you use a shoulder holster, or an OWB holster covered by a jacket or long shirt that is one thing, but if you have it IWB that's another. I personally prefer semi-auto's because they are flat, and I carry IWB in the south where shorts and a t-shirt are the norm for most of the year.

Just some things to consider, hope this helps.

 

[Almost_Blameless]

I've done the 3" stainless steel revolver ... by way of a S&W model 60 with adjustable sights.

It was an excellent gun, great for on the farm using owb holster... BUT... with full load 357s, its recoil really is felt, and I often wondered how much that small frame could take.

When it comes to ease of concealed-carry in most situations, nothing really can beat a semi-auto...(I use a Kahr CM9... it carries 6+1, 5.4" long, 4" height, .9"width, and only 15 oz with the magazine)

Look at any 9mm 3" semi auto in width, height, overall length... its a bunch easier to carry on a daily basis... maybe not the butt kicker that the 357mag is, but its generally plenty of juice.

If you want more umph you can jump up to a .40S&W where you'll close in on the 357's power a bunch, while still keep the weapon's size way down compared to the revolver... a 155gr BuffaloBore .40S&W round cooks at around 1225fps from a 3.5" BBL...this produces right at 513 foot pounds of energy.....just about matching the .357......

Don't get me wrong, revolvers have their place, but in my opinion, the semi-auto is the better (much more comfortable) weapon for daily concealed carry.

Good luck with whatever you decide to go with.

P.S. I've also used a S&W642 hammerless in front pocket carry.... Its just too darn big most of the time.... a fine shooter for DAO, but its not going to go to single action like you wanted to be able to.... but for comparison, I can almost carry 2 of my Kahr CM9s in the same space...

 

[Rhino]

I've carried my SP101 concealed with the exposed hammer, but I don't recommend it. I'm having the hammer removed. Not just because it interferes with the draw, but also because the hammer digs into you very uncomfortably when carrying it in an IWB holster. I love the gun though. I have the 2.25 inch barrel on mine.

 

[RossA]

I carry a 3" SP101 as part of my carry rotation. I sometimes carry it in a Galco shoulder holster and sometimes in a concealment waist pack. Can't comment on carrying it OWB, but I do carry a S&W 686 4" barrel OWB and it's very comfortable and concealable with a good holster and belt. The SP101 is a strong gun for a 5 shot revolver. Even so, it's a little lighter than my 686 so full house .357's give me a little bit of a ride. That's OK. If I have to shoot in self defense, it won't be a whole box of ammo.

 

[chup]

I carry my SP101 AIWB. If you have the hammer model just get a holster with the swet gaurd so it is in between you and the hammer.

 

[Lynn R Allen]

My first handgun was a Ruger SP101 357 Magnum with 3 inch barrel, originally purchased for concealed carry. Unfortunately it proved uncomfortable to carry so is now kept for home defense, and I obtained a Ruger LC380 semi-automatic which is far easier to carry, especially with a Sneaky Pete holster. The SP101 is a fine revolver, definitely a keeper, but has enough disadvantages that having another gun for concealed carry just made more sense to me. By the way, for those who regard a 380 ACP a "mouse gun" probably don't have severe arthritis as I do, and for that reason alone the LC380 is for now my choice for concealed carry. Good luck with your decision!

 

[gunnerbob]

There is little else as sexy as a stainless revolver and little else as powerful as the .357mag load. That being said, I'm looking at a Ruger with an exposed hammer. I like the idea of being able to cock the hammer.

Is this a decent choice for a concealed carry weapon? I realize the exposed hammer precludes it from pocket carry. Is that the thing which makes this gun bad for concealed carry?

I want a .357 for camping as well, which is why I like this one. I very rarely open carry. Your thoughts?

EDIT:
I plan on carrying OWB when camping or during the zombie apocalypse. Otherwise, I probably won't carry it often, but when I do, I plan on carrying IWB under a shirt.

Well, first off... I love revolvers and the one you describe is sexy! SPs are great weapons, for sure. However, I do think that unless it is winter or otherwise colder out and you're wearing large, out layers... that option may be too large to conceal effectively. Again, it may... not will but, may. I personally prefer a 2" .38Spl snub for such CC work... Now, to the open carry task you envision... that pistol will do very well! An OWB for hunting, camping and/or hiking type adventures is the way to go IMO when carrying a full size revolver (yes, even w/ a 3" bbl that gun is full size). Now, what you need to do is go try this all out and make up your own mind! Then, come back and report your findings to us.

 

[Stan45]

SP101 is a very good gun. Shoot well and is made strong.