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.
- Length of slide or frame/barrel if it's a revolver.
- Depth of the holster
- 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.