[pig ninja]

My EDC is a 3" GP100, I use two different holsters. One is a modified crossdraw by ETW out of Charlotte NC, the other is a strongside OTW by Galco. Practice, Practice, Practice, I say that more for myself than anyone else, if the day comes that I have to use it I want the motions to be automatic without having to wonder.

 

[Magnum357]

During deer season, I ccw my 6 inch GP. It’s big, and heavy, but with a good belt and proper holster it’s not bad. And I’m just using an Uncle Mike’s holster. A better holster would make it even more doable.

 

[caedyn.bayne]

You can do it by yourself.

 

[Pat Cannon]

Bottom line is: you'll have to try it and see. Most people consider the GP too bulky and heavy for everyday concealed carry, but it can definitely be done, with, as has been said, a good belt and holster.
I've been carrying my 3" GP100 daily for 9 or 10 years in a series of mostly homemade IWB holsters.
The last few years it's been on a Bigfoot steel-core belt which I highly recommend. Best Leather Gun Belts for Open and Concealed Carry | Bigfoot Gun Belts

 

[neilin1@me.com]

GP100 is an excellent choice for a ccw pistol. You have a .357 cartridge that is very manageable in that pistol!
As far as carrying a semi auto, even if I carry with the safety off, I still swipe the safety with my thumb, in case it is accidentally engaged.

 

[OldGringo]

I have carried in the military, law enforcement, protective service operations for dignitaries and CCW for nearly 45 years. A safety on any handgun should never matter as you should rack that safety on the draw subconsciously. Many people forget to clear their garments with a revolver and the trigger hangs up on shirts or jackets. Again, proper training solves that problem, you simply cup your hand over that trigger as it starts out. 1911s are easy to draw, even hammer down on a live round, if you practice, practice, practice and cock that puppy before your arm is brought forward. That being said, I went to Glock type guns long ago for most carry. You cannot compete with a 357 sig with your ruger 357 revolver, just too much advantage. Now, I also love the little SW 3 inch 357 and carry it often when hiking or hunting or fishing. It shoots 158 grain bullets at over 1,250 fps, from a 3 inch barrel. That gets you over 500 foot pounds and it is game capable (head shots) from a rest at 25 yards, that being said, my little Glock 43 is also. I probably have 50 holsters and for inside the waist band, they are all pretty much the same. Once you tighten your belt, the gun has no choice but to be secure. Where can it go? And pulling on it brings it out. My point is, don't worry about it, just practice, practice, and practice. The holster is such a tiny issue in the big scheme of things. I have been in a many situations where guns came out and always, got the gun out in advance. You should never, ever rely on your draw speed, but your brain should cause you to get the gun out before it is needed. My two cents.

 

[Warboar]

I tried carrying my old Taurus Model 66 in a shoulder rig and a few different belt holsters. Tried a few different belts as well. A full size revolver just isn't made for concealed carry for me and most others. I'm 5'11 and 190 and the gun just prints to much. Not to mention the weight for 8 to 12 hours a day and getting in and out of the car just doesn't work. I bought a S&W Model 642 from the pro shops and that is my carry all day everyday gun.

For me CCW is keeping the gun on your person at all times. Not taking it on and off, leaving it in the car or other places because it gets uncomfortable. I have talked to several people who claim to carry their full size 1911s, Glocks, Sigs, or others all the time but when I ask if they are carrying now they say it's in the car or at home.

 

[Lone Star]

I haven't worn my GP-100 that way, but probably could, in a Bianchi Shadow holster. I did wear a S&W M-66-3 for about a month while guarding a store where I wasn't supposed to be armed. Yes, I began looking for a better job, quickly.

But the M-66 in a Shadow holster concealed well under a short Eisenhower type uniform jacket.

I don't think the GP will conceal well enough for office wear. Unless you're a judge whose office is a courtroom where you wear the Ruger under your robes.

 

[WebsterDL]

I agree that everyone is different and it really depends on your body shape and size to determine if ccw'ing a 4 inch GP100 will work.

I have CCW'd my 4.2" Match Champion before pretty successfully (I think, anyways).

I would recommend considering OWB carry for it, because the cylinder is pretty beefy and makes it difficult to carry IWB.

Cover garment is ESSENTIAL. A T-shirt may not be enough...you may need to use a blazer, a button-up shirt, or a jacket, but this sort of OWB carry really depends on the cover garment.

I use the safariland 568 paddle holster for the GP100. I think it's very comfortable, and holds the revolver well. That particular holster holds on to the belt very well also, and doesn't disassemble. I also find it very well made. Very pleased with that holster.

I usually will tuck the tip into my front pocket (wearing jeans), and use a good cover garment. With a jacket, it conceals very well. Even if I forget and lift my arm, the part of the holster exposed under the jacket is black, so it usually hides well in the shadow below my jacket. If someone sees that part of the holster, I think it will look more like a cell phone sticking out of my pocket, or maybe part of my jeans, as opposed to the holster.

A good belt is essential also, of course.

If you are interested in IWB carry, the SimplyRugged Holsters I've seen are great for this as well, and can easily do the trick. You will need a pretty big belt, but from what I've seen, the SimplyRugged holsters are comfortable and can conceal well.

Another option for IWB is the Aliengear cloaktuck 3.0 holster -- specifically the one for the k-frame smith and wesson. If you get that holster, and loosen up the shell a little with the provided spacers, it will fit your GP100 pretty well. I tested that myself, and it does work. That being said, I did have some fit-finish issues with the AlienGear holster (grommets came out, some things fell apart), so I ended up sending it back. But, if you want to go that way, it DOES fit.

You may want to change the grip on your GP100 as well -- some grips really stick out and make it hard to conceal. The Eagle Grip Secret Service may be the smallest grips possible for the GP100, and I find I really like them. I don't have problems gripping the gun, and it conceals very well. Looks really good too. =)

In terms of other guns (if that is an option), the SP101 (my preference is 3" barrel) conceals IWB much better than the GP100 -- here, the 5-round cylinder really shines (as opposed to a full-size 6-round cylinder) by decreasing width and making it much, much easier to carry IWB. I use a DeSantis Pocket-Tuk with the SP101. The end of the holster is open, so even though it was made for the 2.25" barrel, the 3" fits just fine -- just sticks out the end a little. Usually it's more comfortable wearing Boxers with it rather than briefs -- the tip of the barrel is pretty cold and a little uncomfortable when sitting.

I find that the Pachmayr Diamond Pro grips are inexpensive, fit my hand very well, points great (for me), and absorbs recoil amazingly. They are bigger than some other options however, such as the Uncle Mike's grip or the stock grip.

I also have a friend who uses the SimplyRugged pancake with the SP101...he loves it and says it carries very, very well.

One last option (as has been mentioned): consider a six series gun (Security, Speed or Service six). They aren't supported by Ruger anymore (officially, anyways), but they are more K-frame sized and will likely conceal much more easily IWB or OWB than the GP100. Slightly thinner cylinder is to credit for that.

But as far as carrying the GP100, it is definitely doable and even comfortable (well, except for the weight). A very, very solid choice, in my opinion.

P.S. One more option: can consider the Galco Wheelgunner as OWB carry. Cover garment recommendations apply. Only problem with the wheelgunner: you will probably really need to use the hammer retention strap with this holster, or if you bend over, the GP100 might fall right out. No retention at all except for the hammer retention strap, and that strap (at least for me) takes some doing to take off before I draw...it's not a natural movement that can be incorporated into a drawstroke (at least for me).

 

[American]

Just giving my 2 cents. Took me a while to be content with what and how I carry. I know some people say the SP101 is too heavy for concealed carry but I only wear running shorts and t shirts in the warm months and sweat pants and zippered hoodies in the winter. I don't even cinch up the drawstring tight, just a little snug. I walk for hours with the dogs and never notice I am carrying anymore. Even sweating profusely is tolerable.

I used to carry the Glock 26 and the 19. I mostly carry the M&P340CT in the Desantis Insider for the Glock 26 and the SP101 in the Desantis Insider for the Glock 19... when I am in black bear areas...you will have to put a thick sock on the SP101 for a day or two to get it to fit right but the J frame fit right away in the Glock 26 holster. These are low profile comfortable leather holsters. I used to wear the J frame in the Desantis Summer Heat holster but that holster is a hard bulge by itself and not comfortable.

Pictures should be below.

I have black tape under the belt clip so I can take it off a little smoother. And the electrical tape on the J frame is cause I have had this over 10 years and there is a little piece of the grip that flaps... just in case anyone is wondering.

I carry .357 Hornady 125 critical defense in the J frame and they manage way better than all the other .357 ammo I have suffered greatly with while testing. They will also fire the +P 38 BB Outdoorsman rounds if you need a deep penetrator.

I carry the .357 158 Federal Hydrashok in the SP101 and you can fire it one handed all day. But fire it ONCE in the J frame even with both hands and you will suffer for days with a knot in your palm. You can also fire 180 gr BB Outdoorsman... which is good for any predator out here in the mid south.

 

[Pandaz3]

I am currently carrying a LCR in 327 Federal Magnum using a Crossbreed OWB hybrid holster, a form of a slide holster, it carries high like a pancake. I wear it around the house right now, and when I go out on the street to the mailbox, I untuck the tee shirt and it full covers holster and gun.

I do like the idea of a six shooter over a five shot gun and that is why I got the 327. It is not as strong as a 357, but I think it will perform better than 38+P. It will pound you at the range.

I would consider the new SP101 3" 327 for me if I buy another revolver. The extra weight would not bother me to carry, and help with recoil when shooting.

I have the Crossbreed as they are the only ones I have found that make a holster for 327 Federal, which has a longer cylinder than a 357....long enough to make a difference.

 

[JonRugerInWA]

It's not particularly difficult to effectively and comfortably carry a 4" GP100 concealed; as others have mentioned, judicious holster and belt selections are indeed key.

For a GP100 to be carry concealed, I strongly recommend using Ruger's compact grip for the GP100, which they originally used as the OEM grip for their fixed-sight GP100s. It's a superb grip, providing full hand coverage, and is significantly smaller than the larger GP100 grips. I find it to be exceptionally ergonomic as well, and use it for full-house .357 magnum loads as well as for .38 Special loads. Rubber Grips with Rosewood Inserts Compact-ShopRuger

I use a Kramer horsehide IWB, which is quite comfortable and very nicely positions the GP100. I also use belts of suitable thicknesses, usually selections from The Wilderness, Galco, El Paso Saddlery or Blade-Tech.

What is actually a bit more of a challenge with concealed carry s not the GP100 itself, but the reloading devices. The most effective positioning for reloading devices is on the strong side, immediately forward of the holster on the belt.

The problem is that with most speedloader pouches is that when accordingly positioned, you look like you're wearing a colostomy bag under your shirt/jacket...

My solution is to wear one Galco (or similar) 2X2X2 flat pouch upside-down in front of the holster, with the reload cartridges attached to a Bianchi Speed Strip inside of it. https://www.galcogunleather.com/2x2x2-ammo-carrier_8_450_1014.html

I then have a Tactical Tailor cell phone case https://www.tacticaltailor.com/phonepouchhorizontal.aspx on my weak-side hip, which nicely carry 2 sets of reloads on Speed Strips.

If I am wearing a jacket or vest, I may also carry a speedloader (for the GP100, usually a Safariland Comp II) loose in the strong-side pocket(it'll be the only thing in that pocket).

To somewhat mitigate against the weight of the GP100, I will also likely use a CCW ComfortSling,ccwComfortSling Home - Make Concealed Carry, Comfort Carry! which I've fund to be quite effective.

Best, Jon

 

[bblack]

Can you, Yes. Will you want too, likely not long. Yes, a good holster does much for CCW. Still, that's a good deal of weight. Grab an SP101. Giving up a round, but also weight...which makes a difference over prolonged carry.

 

[Stephen Bosworth]

I have carried the GP100 with a 3" barrel for many years with no issues at all. It is not too heavy or bulky, at least for me. It is solidly built and long lasting, plus the. 357 Magnum round just can't be beat. Go for a GP100 and you will love it!

 

[Scout357]

I love my WC/GP 3". Carry it in a couple of OWB rigs. Winter carry I use the Barranti Leather CCR

She rides at a comfortable height especially for old shoulders, and she tucks in nicely for concealment.
The GP/WC only weights 1 ozs more than a 4" Smith 19. Good leather makes CC all day carry workable.

 

[Stephen Bosworth]

It'll be much more heavy though very possible. What about either getting a smaller/lighter revolver or a Shield without the safety? A J frame would be a great choice for carry.

I have been carrying a 3" GP100 for years and can say that it is not that much heavier. I have never had any kind of problem carrying it either and it does not print. I say go for it my friend!

 

[Bozz48]

Going from a slim lightweight Shield to a thick heavy revolver would be quite a change and will probably require a good amount of draw and dry fire practice to become proficient with it.
You could accomplish the same thing by incorporating the use of the Shield safety in your draw stroke. After a goodly number of repetitions it will become automatic.

 

[JKURC]

I use this Simply Rugged Pancake OWB and IWB for woods walking, hunting and hiking.

 

[Mike in PNW]

5 year old thread, but my 2 cents: I really like my 3 inch Wiley Clapp for carry. It is my EDC, The compact grips that come with it fit my hands like a glove. I carry IWB in a JM Custom Kydex holster or in a “Tactical fanny pack” when working on my property. I load it with Buffalo Bore 158 grain heavy 38 special hard cast semi-wadcutters. I would say this is a 357 “light” load at 1100 ft/sec and the GP100 handles with ease.

 

[jcs266]

An old thread but a CLASSIC and favorite model of mine... The 3" GP100. Mine is the .44 Spl and it's seen LOTS of carry in the 4 years I've had it. With the correct holster / belt choice and attire it's easily carried all day long. A speed strip in the pocket or speed-loader.

In warmer months around our rural home here it's in a Simply Rugged Pancake and the first shot is a snake-load.

In town it's in a Milt Sparks Summer Special IWB with 200gr Gold Dots.