Thread: Holster for 3" J-Frame or SP-101?

For folks who have a 3" S&W J-Frame or Ruger SP-101, what holster do you use for your gun? I have a 3" S&W 60 and all the holsters seem to be built for 2" or 4" guns. Is a custom holster the way to go, or just get one for a 4" gun, or ???

makes a paddle for the model 60 and the 101. Very nice people to work with. Normally it takes several weeks for them to make a holser. All custom made.

That's the one drawback to the SP101 3" that I bought. There just aren't a lot of holster makers that make them for the 3" J frame S&W's or the 3" SP101 Ruger.

I originally got a Kirkpatrick Leather mini paddle. While it is very easy to take on and off, it does tend to shift around a bit and doesn't hold the gun as close to my body as I like. I still use it on occasion, but it isn't my primary carry holster for the SP101.

I ended up buying a Milt Sparks PMK and I really like it. It is an open top design, but it holds the gun very well and I like the way it rides. If you can put up with the 6-7 month wait, they are worth it.

I was just talking to the owner of Soertia Leather yesterday about making a holster for a 3" j-frame. She said she could do it. Her holsters are the best.

Thanks - I'll have to take a look at those.

I'm not sure why, but I'm pretty cheap when it comes to holsters. I doubt I've paid more than $75 for a holster. Kind of silly given how important a role they play.

Originally Posted by Sun195

Thanks - I'll have to take a look at those.

I'm not sure why, but I'm pretty cheap when it comes to holsters. I doubt I've paid more than $75 for a holster. Kind of silly given how important a role they play.

I used to buy cheap holsters until it finally sunk in that I was throwing good money after bad with holsters that didn't fit properly and didn't last.

Buying a quality handgun and then a cheap holster for it is kind of like buying a Mercedes Benz and putting retreads on it.

Originally Posted by Sun195

Thanks - I'll have to take a look at those.

I'm not sure why, but I'm pretty cheap when it comes to holsters. I doubt I've paid more than $75 for a holster. Kind of silly given how important a role they play.

Soteria's holsters are not much more than buying a Galco holster but they are light years more comfortable IMHO. Galco is a good holster and very well made but they are generic and made to work pretty good for everyone but not great for anyone.

I have been carrying my new 3" SP101 in a Bladetech Nano IWB holster. I used leather holsters from top makers for many years before trying Bladetech. Now Bladetech is all I use for concealment holsters.