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    • Ruger SP101 4.2 holsters

    First introduced by the Sturm Ruger Company in 1989, the SP101 series of revolvers quickly established a foothold in the wheel gun market. The SP-101 was slightly larger than the popular S&W J Frame series of revolvers, which offered a bit more surface area to help maintain control.

    Ruger SP101 Holster Models

    Scroll to the bottom of the page to see our selection of Ruger SP101 4.2 holster choices

    Originally the SP101 revolvers were only available in a 2.25 inch and 3-inch barrel, but in 2012, Ruger added a version with a 4.2 inch barrel. This version was added at the request of customers who loved the frame size of the SP-101 but wanted a longer barrel.

    The 4.2 inch barreled models were available in the following calibers:

    • 22 LR with an eight-shot capacity
    • .357 Magnum/.38 Special with a five-shot capacity
    • 327 Federal Magnum with a six-shot capacity

    While the 4.2 inch SP101 models did find a foothold in the revolver market, the shorter barrel 2.25" and 3" versions are the more popular sellers.

    Holster Options for the SP101 4.2 Inch

    Here's a quick overview of the more popular holster styles for the 4.2 inch SP-101 models:

    • OWB Holsters (Also called Belt Holsters)
    • IWB Holsters
    • Paddle Holsters
    • Shoulder Holsters

    Let's look at each style in more detail:

    SP101 4.2 Inch OWB Holsters

    Given the longer barrel length of the 4.2 inch models, a outside the waistband or belt holster is the most popular option for a revolver this size. Most belt holsters mount to the bet using 2 or 3 belt slots built into the holster, although some belt holster styles will snap-on to the belt using a series of leather snaps.

    Belt holsters typically come in two versions:

    • One that covers the entire barrel of the revolver. This is the more popular of the two styles as most owners want to protect the barrel of their SP-101.
    • One that features an open bottom, so several inches of the SP101 barrel stick out the bottom of the holster. This style is commonly called a slide model and is a popular option if you are on a budget or if you have more than one SP-101 in different barrel lengths but want a single holster that will fit both.

    Our top-selling SP101 4.2 inch holster models are:

    MTR Custom Deluxe Full-Size Pancake Holster

    MTR Custom Slim-Line Deluxe Pancake Holster

    MTR Custom Deluze Full-Size Quicksnap Holster

    SP101 IWB Holsters

    Although the inside the waistband style is a more common holster option for the shorter barreled versions of the SP-101, we do have customers who prefer to carry the 4.2" version of the SP101 inside the waistband.

    This style is a better option for concealment as the bulk of the revolver is hidden down inside the wearer's pants.

    Ruger SP-101 4.2 IWB Leather Holster

    Our top-selling IWB holster models for the SP101 4.2 inch are:

    MTR Custom Tuckable IWB Holster

    MTR Custom Dual Carry OWB/IWB Holster

    SP101 4.2 Paddle Holsters

    If you are not familiar with a paddle holster, it is a holster style that features a paddle attachment mounted to the holster. The paddle attachment is worn down inside the pants, while the holster portion rides outside the pants on the waistline.

    Paddle holsters are popular because they are easier to get on or off compared to a traditional belt holster. With a belt holster, the belt has to be removed in order to put the holster on or take it off.

    Our top selling paddle holster for the 4.2 SP-101 is this one: MTR Custom Paddle Holster.

     SP101 4.2 Shoulder Holsters

    The final holster style that can be popular for the 4.2 inch versions of the Ruger SP-101 is the shoulder holster style. A shoulder holster features a holster that is worn underneath the weak-side arm and is drawn in a cross draw manner.

    Shoulder holsters are generally built, so the revolver rides horizontally under the armpit (called a Horizontal shoulder holster) or vertically under the weak-side armpit (called a Vertical shoulder holster).

    The horizontal style is the common one seen on TV, but the vertical style can fit the longer barrel of the 4.2 version SP101 revolver.

    Unfortunately, we do not currently have a holster brand that offers a shoulder holster (in either the horizontal or vertical configuration) for the 4.2" SP-101 yet.

    Ruger SP101 4.2 inch Barrel Holster FAQS

    Here are some of the more commonly asked questions that we see regarding holsters for a Ruger SP101 with a 4.2 inch barrel:

    Do you carry a Ruger SP101 4 inch holster?

    Yes and no, and let me explain: Officially speaking, Ruger does not offer a version of the SP101 with a 4-inch barrel. They only provide it with a 4.2 inch barrel. We contacted Ruger support to confirm this.

    We get calls on this question all the time. For some reason, people seem to confuse the 4.2-inch barrel with a shorter 4 inch one, and then they go off searching for a 4-inch holster to fit it. It would be best if you had a holster made for a 4.2" SP-101.

    Will a holster made for a Ruger GP-100 with a 4.2" barrel also fit an SP-101 with a 4.2" barrel?

    From a barrel length standpoint, the answer is yes. But, the GP-100 has a larger frame, so the SP-101 would not be a good fit in that holster.

    Do you offer a leather holster for a Ruger SP101 4.2 inch barrel?

    Currently, we only offer leather holsters, and any leather holster you see listed below would be a potential candidate to answer that question.

    Will a Ruger SP 101 4.2 inch fit in a holster made for a S&W K or L frame?

    Unfortunately, the answer is no, and here's why:

    In terms of frame size, the SP101 is smaller than both the S&W K frame or L frame series of revolvers.

    Even if the frame size difference was not an issue, S&W only offers the K and L frame models in either a 4", 5" or, occasionally, a 6" configuration. They do not offer a 4.2-inch barrel length.

    The holsters shown below do not look to be made for a Ruger revolver. Most seem to be made for a semi-automatic pistol, so I'm confused?

    We understand, and here's the explanation: the holsters listed below are just example models that we happened to have handy for demonstration pics. The holster that you receive will be made specifically for the SP101 4.2 Inch.

    Any of the holster models listed below are made in a version to fit the Ruger SP-101 with a 4.2 barrel.

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