SP-101 ccw

[lfpiii]

I recently had a failure with my S&W 649 as the ILS locked up without warning. Well I cannot trust it anymore. A couple of years ago I made a mistake and sold off my SP-101. I never used it for CCW so I could use some help on how well it works for CCW especially with pocket carry. Thank you for your help.

 

[tookalisten]

I've never pocket carried it; but it wears well with a IWB or OWB Simply Rugged holster.

 

[ACM73]

I carry an sp101 regularly in a crossbreed holster and it is very comfortable and easy to carry. I personally can not pocket carry with it. My pants are all on the snug side, but I know some people pocket carry the 101, most likely with cargo pants or something similar.

 

[louiethelump]

Too heavy for pocket carry in my opinion.......... In fact I just sold mine for that very reason. I measured the cylinders and a model 64 S&W with 6 shots has a cylinder only 1/10" larger in diameter than the SP101. I can't pocket carry either, and if I am going to IWB carry, the S&W will carry just as easily.

If the lock is an issue, there is a fellow making a plug for the hole left behind when you remove the whole internal lock. Be a lot cheaper than trading guns and you could keep your smaller and lighter S&W.

Just my two cents.......

 

[VAdoublegunner]

I pocket carry my DAO model often in winter. Otherwise, usually a 637.

Use a DeSantis pocket holster. It keeps it from wearing holes in your pockets.

 

[Tslepebull]

I own a 3" SP-101 in .38 spl and it is a great carry gun in an IWB holster. However, it is not a pocket gun. I also own an LCR and it is a GREAT pocket gun. Of the two the SP-101 is by far more attractive and is more comfortable in extended strings with hot loads. The LCR has a much better double action trigger and is mutch better suited to pocket carry. Of the two the LCR is the one I carry most but it is ugly.

 

[Palu]

Pocket carry would be very uncomfortable. Get an LCR if you want to pocket carry. Otherwise, for IWB, SP is great.

 

[Jayhawkhuntclub]

1) I have a 3" and carry it in a Simply Rugged pancake and I have never found it to be comfortable. Maybe it's my body shape, but I don't care for it. It's a nice simple, rugged holster like the name implies, but not comfortable for me.

2) As mentioned above, the LCR has a MUCH better DA trigger pull. You can improve the factory pull on a 101, but it will never equal a good LCR trigger.

 

[jamesellik]

my SP has the shorter 2-1/4" bbl and IMO, isn't suitable for pocket carry. I do wear fairly snug fitting clothing though. IWB it disappears and isn't noticeable, especially with the factory grip swapped out.

 

[Jimbo357mag]

Ruger has a gun for every purpose. 8) 8)

...Jimbo

 

[NickDE89]

Yea this thing is way too heavy for pocket carry but great for iwb, the small handle helps to reduce printing above the belt compared to most semi autos

 

[41manor44]

I can't pocket carry my 101. It's to heavy and drags my pants down. I'm sure my body shape has something to do with it. I have a pancake belt holster that works great but can only use it in the winter as I can't seem to conceal it in summer atire. Right now the LC9 is my pocket carry of choice.

 

[writwing]

I carry a new edition SW 40 Lemon Squeezer. No lock and great for pocket carry.


Another option is a 6 shot Colt Detective Special.

 

[ronto]

I carry the 2 1/4" DAO (spurless) in a Mika pocket holster all day every day in my Levi jeans front pocket...Weight not a problem for me...In fact, most of the time I forget it's there.

 

[Bear Paw Jack]

I understand Not wanting to carry a S&W with the lock. I absolutely would not do that. it's not hard to correct.
Want to sell a replacement for the lock "The PLUG". Comes in three sizes - "J" & "K/L/N" and "X" and two colors- stainless and blue. The PLUG is $25 each, pin to hold the plug in is $1 each. You can pay by PayPal at this E-mail Address: [email protected] or mail a check to:
John Whitt
P.O.Box 4602
Morgantown, WV 26504

Please state frame size and color when you order.

You can use the fork and spring that holds the lock inplace or you can use the pin in the bottom picture, it is $1 dollar. Here is a movie that was made by a forum member on how to tear down your gun to remove the lock. The plug comes in a plastic bag that you can put the locks parts in to store.

YouTube - S&W Internal Lock Removal (http://smith-wessonforum.com/redirect-to/?redirect=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv %3DRVPYgohVCNM)

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a161/stevie53/Picture55615.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a161/stevie53/Picture007015.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a161/stevie53/Picture007348.jpg

I like the SP101 but don't consider it a pocket gun, both of mine have the 3" barrel. Good belt and holster can solve a lot of problems.

 

[gregs45auto]

I pocket carry a 38 special sp101 2 1/4 bbl in a pocket holster. It is the smaller first frame. Weight is a little noticeable but I don't mind. It is a comfort to know you have a reliable Ruger in your 'possibles'. best, greg

 

[lfpiii]

I want to thank everyone for their response. For now I will use my S&W 40 but I will be purchasing 2 SP-101s.