When I first saw someone wearing a concealed carry holster, I probably said, “Aw, he got the velcro,” or something similar. I readily acknowledged that this man was knowledgeable and deserving of my respect after that. He wasn’t attempting to be adorable or humorous; he was merely being proactive. Since then, I’ve observed individuals using more advanced holsters made for particular purposes, such as a gun belt for SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) teams, but they all share a single characteristic: they are all made of leather and have a sizable buckle at the waist where your gun goes when you run.
There aren’t many things better than holsters created in the US by reputable companies when it comes to quality. When you purchase a firearm, you can enjoy the experience of buying, cleaning, and utilizing it without having to worry about getting wounded. Reviewing durable, high-quality products is something we take great delight in doing.
What To Consider When Choosing The Best Ruger Sp101 Holster
There are several different factors to think about when shopping for a new holster. The most important considerations you should make while looking for the best Ruger sp101 holster to suit your needs are examined in the section that follows.
Intended Use
The first thing to consider is how frequently you’ll need to use your gun, and then decide if a conventional leather holster or a more contemporary polymer one would be more appropriate for your needs.
- A conventional leather holster with a metal loop will likely do the trick if you only use it occasionally. A polymer holster, on the other hand, would be a better option if you’re looking for something portable and simple to use.
- A holstered pistol grip may be the right choice for individuals who prefer to keep their firearm within reach but do not always feel the need to access it. It gives you the ability to keep it close without having to actually touch it.
Material
Rugers are made from various materials, which can affect durability, weight, and price. Here’s an overview of what they’re composed of:
- Kydex – Most high-quality holsters are constructed using Kydex (a brand name of polyurethane), because it’s strong, flexible, and resistant to impact damage. This makes it perfect for absorbing shock when firing a weapon.
- Leather – Leather is a tough material with a long history behind it and it doesn’t rust like plastic. For this reason alone, it has a higher longevity rate than both Kydex and rubber. Leather also feels smooth and supple, making it comfortable to wear around the waist.
- Nylon – Flexible nylon straps are popular today because they’re lighter than leather and just as durable. They don’t stretch or shrink in hot weather, so they stay snug on your wrist.
- Rubber – Rubber is one of the oldest forms of wearable technology; even cavemen wore them. Today, though, manufacturers make sure that these durable pieces of equipment won’t tear up while handling a firearm.
Size/Fit
The second thing you should do is think about how you’re going to carry your gun and how much space you have for it. A frame size that is one size smaller may suit you better than a frame size that is one size larger if you want to wear it low on your hip. On the other hand, a larger frame would be better for you if you wanted to wear it higher up, such as in front of your chest or above your head. You should also think about whether you look better in loose or tight clothing. A more relaxed fit allows for more mobility whilst a more limited fit guarantees that nothing moves.
Quality Construction
Last but not least, take a look at how well the holster’s construction is put together. Even if every holster has steel parts, the function of the holster can be affected by the type of stitching that is utilized as well as the thickness of the stitching. The term “stitching” refers to the method by which the several layers of fabric that make up a holster are linked to one another. In spite of being subjected to elements such as fire and water as well as rigorous handling, the entire holster is held together by its stitching. Additionally, you should search for characteristics that demonstrate the manufacturer has paid attention to detail, such as double stitching around the top of the holster and rounded edges on the internal seams.
Types Of Ruger SP101 Holsters
There are several different types of Ruger SP-101 holster that you can choose from. Each has its own unique set of features and advantages.
Outside the waistband (OWB)
An OWB holster is one of the most common methods used by law enforcement officers to carry a firearm. The term “outside-the-waistband” refers to where the gun is carried; not how it’s concealed. An OWB holster will be worn so that the muzzle of the weapon hangs out in front of the body, parallel to the ground. This position allows for quick access to the weapon since there aren’t any awkward angles involved with drawing. The biggest advantage of an OWB carry is comfort. Since your pistol won’t be constantly jabbing into you all day long, you’ll have more energy left over to focus on what matters most – staying alive.
Inside the waistband (IWB)
An IWB holster is another popular method used by law enforcement officers to conceal a firearm. The term “inside-the-waistband” refers to where the gun is carried; not how it’s concealed. This type of carrying requires the use of a special pouch designed to hold the magazine and/or ammunition clip(s). These pouches come in many shapes and sizes, but they’re almost exclusively made of leather and feature some kind of hook or loop fastening system. Some models also include additional pockets for holding cash or other valuables. Most importantly, this style of carrying provides the greatest level of security because concealing a handgun is much easier than trying to conceal something larger like a rifle or shotgun.
Shoulder holsters
It is the least common form of carrying a firearm. It consists of straps attached to a bag or harness which goes around your shoulders. The straps attach to buckles located at the top of each side arm. A small flap on the backside of the strap contains Velcro attachments to secure the holster in place. Most often, these types of holsters are worn by undercover agents who need to go unnoticed while carrying a firearm. Due to their low profile, shoulder holsters are excellent options for women wearing dresses or skirts, as well as men wearing suits. However, due to the fact that they require you to wear a bulky item on your upper torso, shoulder holsters are less comfortable than other styles of carrying.
Thigh Holsters
A thigh holster is strapped between your legs, usually right above your knee. They are typically worn by law enforcement officers during traffic stops or when making arrests. However, they are becoming increasingly popular among civilians who want to keep a discreet firearm on them without being obvious about it. Like traditional hip holsters, thigh holsters are intended to provide easy accessibility to the weapon through the front of your pants. However, since the draw angle is steeper with a thigh holster, you’ll need to work harder to get the job done. Additionally, since you’ll be carrying a large portion of the weight of the gun on your leg, you’ll need to pay extra attention to balance issues.
Waistband Holsters
A waistband holster is extremely similar to an OWB holster, with the exception that it carries the handgun on the belt rather than in a bag. A waistline holster must be worn with the weapon’s muzzle pointing in the direction of the body’s centerline, just like an OWB holster. This lessens the likelihood of mishaps brought on by self-inflicted footgun wounds. It should be mentioned that wearing a waistline holster is not only theoretically viable but also very unpleasant. It not only strains your hips but also limits the range of motion in your arms. Having a dependable technique to conceal your firearm may also be essential if you intend to travel widely. Finally, using the restroom can be difficult since you’ll probably need to take off your shoes to make room for the holster.
How We Chose Our Top Picks
We started by checking for the most popular and highly reviewed options on Amazon, specialty journals, and other online retailers. Leather is less common among concealed carriers because of its propensity to absorb moisture, so we limited our search to holsters made of durable materials and excluded any that weren’t designed specifically for concealable carry.
Next, we narrowed our search based on price point. Since we are enthusiasts of the open-carry community, we selected only those holsters that would be suitable for use in a 3-day holster camp, which is a style more common among military personnel than civilians. Lastly, we eliminated any holsters that were not designed to completely cover the trigger guard or magazine well of a handgun.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ruger Sp101 Holsters
What is the most comfortable holster for a Ruger SP-101?
The best response to this query mostly relies on the use for which you are using it. It’s generally accepted that the IWB style is the most comfy choice for concealed carry in public.
How tight should my Ruger SP-101 holster be?
You should ensure your Ruger fits properly before wearing it with any kind of cover garment because Rugers are made to fit securely against your body without moving or rubbing against anything else.
Is belly banding good for concealment?
Belly bands can offer excellent concealment depending on what you’re trying to hide from and where you place it. The problem is they tend to move around during physical activity, which isn’t very discreet.
Can you wear a belt with a holster?
Yes, but you might need to tweak some things first. Most manufacturers’ instructions explicitly prohibit the use of their products with belts wider than 1.5 inches wide, so check out our tips on proper belt sizing.