Please help, looking to conceal a Ruger SP101 w/ 3" barrel in business casual dress.

[wheelgunlover]

I recently got my CO CCW permit in the mail. Surprisingly, it only took 3 weeks.

Anyhow, although I've primarily been a P&R S&W fan, I recently bought a Ruger SP101 with 3" barrel in .357 Mag. I've grown quite fond of the revolver for various reasons, and I would like to make it my primary daily carry piece.

My office pretty much requires a minimum of business casual dress. I typically wear slacks with a tucked in dress shirt. No tie. No jacket. The only thing normally on my belt is a Blackberry.

I've been carrying a S&W 442 in a Renegade ankle holster. This has worked wonderfully. However, I would like to switch to the 3" SP101. I don't think I would be carrying that in an ankle holster (or a pocket holster, for that matter).

So, what would you guys recommend I look into? I'm looking for suggestions as far as different modes of carry, as well as specific holster recommendations. I'm willing to try dressing around the gun, but I'm not sure I can swing wearing a vest, sweater or sports coat in the dead of summer (my office is quite warm, and I have no control over the thermostat).

My guess is I have to look towards tuckable IWB holsters, SmartCarry or belly bands. I'm also assuming shoulder holsters are out since I can't always wear a covering garment.

What do you guys recommend? Specific holster models would be appreciated.

 

[roscoe]

I just use a cheap Uncle Mike's IWB holster. It is made of neoprene, so it sticks to me and lets the revolver slide out. It sits 4:30 or so behind my hip bone and is pretty concealed unless I bend over to pick up the kids. The clip goes over my leather belt.

 

[hexidismal]

Given you're specific situational needs, you do need to be looking at tuckable holsters and possibly bellyband types, just as you said. A typical IWB as the above poster mentions will probably not suit your needs for deep concealment in your type of attire. I have no doubt you'll get some fans in favor of them, but I and those that I've trained with ( both professionally in personal protection and also in my many years of modernized martial arts that include firearms into training ), we do not like bellybands for various reasons.
Personally, I don't carry IWB at all if I can help it. I do have one holster though for when carry situations like yours come up (and an inexpensive one at that). The Desantis "Tuck This" model n91 suits my needs fairly well when I need not only IWB but a tucked in IWB. I had to drag out an old picture for this one. It has a J hook type setup which allows for a shirt to go deep past the clip. (In the picture, the clip that is not attached is intended for strong-side IWB. The one attached is intended for cross draw or small of the back. Also, obviously revolver models wouldnt come with the elastic extra mag. band) They run about 30 bucks. Its not particularly a comfortable holster, and you'd likely want to sew on some kind of cloth as a panel between you and the exposed metal.
One thing to keep in mind that not everyone considers.. if you've been carrying in an ankle holster, and want to go to IWB. Tuckable or not, you very well may need to buy yourself pants in one size bigger in the waist, and make sure you have a sturdy belt that can go out one or two notches.

 

[Bri-Dog]

Hoffners Ultrux Mirage

Holds the revolver flat and tight against the body. Holds the cylinder above the belt line for greater comfort. Rides with a strong forward cant to allow for that extra inch of bbl length.

I wear it just behind the midline on my strong side, and the blousing of a tucked shirt hides it totally. It has a trigger guard and a spring tensioner to hold securely.

With a strong belt, can wear all day in comfort.

www.hoffners.com

 

[Doug Add]

Take a look at the Tucker Texas Heritage:

http://rlcompanyusa.stores.yahoo.net/retehe.html

It is not inexpensive, but it is tuckable and comfortable. I have one for my SIG P228 (which is similar in overall dimensions to the SP101) and can carry 16 hours/day, completely concealed under a tucked dress shirt.

They offer a couple other IWB holsters, but the Texas Heritage is the only one I have used.

http://rlcompanyusa.stores.yahoo.net/iwbholsters1.html

 

[hexidismal]

Er.. I have to retract my suggestion of the The Desantis "Tuck This" model. I was aware that they were produced for a the SP101 , but it would seem they are only available in a 2&1/4 " barrel, and not for the 3&1/16. Sorry bout that The other considerations still stand though.

 

[longtooth]

For tuckables there are several really good ones out there.
The Desantis Tuck this has been listed & is good.
Tuckers the Answer. tuckergunleather.com, a little pricie but excellent quality. I know one that wears it daily. I have 2 tuckers ordered right now so his work is excellent
comp-tac.com Comp-Tac victory gear. The infidel. I own one. I do not wear it daily in the tuckable mode but have for a review I wrote on this modular holster.The "ledge" sets on top of your belt while the clip anchors it.
highnoonholsters.com has a very thin leather holster that is very comfortable.
I wish I had it back but let it go /w a gun trade. "Hiden Agenda" or something like that.
Of all the ones above comp-tac has the best turn around time.
Happy holster hunting.
LT

 

[barnett]

Tucker Texas Heritage