Ruger SP101 2.25 inch barrel

The Ruger SP-101 series was introduced by Ruger in 1989 and was intended to be a smaller framed cousin to the popular and larger frame Ruger GP-100 series. At the time, S&W was dominating the compact revolver market with the J frame series, and Ruger wanted to enter that market. However, concerns about weight and associated recoil in the larger calibers, led Ruger engineers to produce the SP-101 in a frame that was slightly bigger and heavier than the S&W J Frame and slightly smaller and lighter than the S&W K frame series.

Scroll down to see all the Ruger SP-101 holster models we carry

Originally, the SP-101 series was chambered in .357, .38 Special, 9mm, .32 H&R Magnum, and 22 LR. In 1998, Ruger discontinued the 9mm model . The 22 LR model was offered from 1990 to 2003, when it was removed from the market, and then reintroduced in 2011 with a half lug design change. Today, the SP-101 is available in the following calibers:

• 357
• .38 Special
• 327 Federal Magnum
• 22 LR

Currently, the 2 ¼” barrel model is offered in only the 357, .38 Special, and 9mm calibers. As mentioned previously, the 2 ¼ version was chambered in 9mm, and Ruger re-introduced the 9mm version in 2016. All the 357 and .38 Special versions are 5 shot models like the S&W J frame series. Although most of the 2 ¼” versions are hammered, there are a few versions that are hammerless.

While the SP-101 is currently offered in various barrel lengths, the 2 1/4” versions have been the most popular sellers.

Here are some of the more commonly asked questions we see regarding holsters for the Ruger SP-101 2 ¼”:

#1 – Will my SP-101 2 ¼” fit in a holster made for a S&W J Frame?

Typically, it will not. The J frame series is much smaller in overall size so the SP-101 is too large for a J frame holster.

#2 – I know most holster makers build revolver holster models off the various S&W frame sizes. What size S&W frame works for the SP series?

The S&W frame that matches the size of the SP-101 frame closest is the K frame series. However most S&W K frame holsters are a little bit too large for the SP-101 series. Most holster makers put the SP-101 series in it’s own fit or lump it together in a holster made for the Colt Detective Special. Most holster makers offer SP-101 holsters molded off an actual SP-101 mold instead of trying to using another revolver brand or model that it “close”.

#3 – Do you offer any IWB holsters for a 2 ¼” SP-101 model?

Yes, both Don Hume and MTR Custom offer a few different IWB models that are offered specific to the 101 with a 2.25” barrel. Some of the more popular ones are the Don Hume H715M W/C and the MTR Custom Adversary IWB.

#4 – I have a spurless SP-101 but want a holster with a retention strap or thumb break. Do you offer anything that will work?

Not really. Both MTR and Don Hume do offer some holster models for the SP-101 with 2 ¼” with a thumb break, but those models are designed to work with the hammered models. Since the thumb break goes over the hammer itself, they won’t work for a spurless/hammerless SP-101.

#5 – Do you have anything to fit an SP-101 in 9mm?

Yes, all the SP-101 models, regardless of caliber, are basically the same frame dimensions, with the exception of the barrel length. So a holster built for an SP-101 in 357 will also fit an SP-101 in 22 LR, 9mm, or 38 special.

#6 – What about pocket holster options for an SP-101 in 2 ¼”?

While there are a few holster makers that offer pocket holster models for that weapon, our experience has been that the SP-101 is really too large to be carried in a front or rear pocket. You might be able to hide one in a jacket pocket of a coat, but the holster release devises (hook or friction) probably won’t function correctly. If you are really interested in trying the SP-101 in a pocket, have a look at the Don Hume 001 Front Pocket holster as they offer it in a version for the 2 ¼” barrel only.

All the holster models listed below are available in a version to fit the Ruger SP-101 with a 2 1/4" barrel: