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    • Ruger SP101 2.25 inch barrel

    Ruger SP101 Holsters for a 2.25" Barrel

    The Ruger SP-101 revolver series was introduced by Sturm Ruger in 1989 and intended to be a smaller framed cousin to the popular and larger frame Ruger GP100 series. At the time, S&W dominated 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 larger than the S&W J Frame revolvers but slightly smaller and lighter than the S&W K frame revolver series. 

    ruger-sp101-holster.jpg

    Scroll down to see all the Ruger SP101 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 22LR model was offered from 1990 to 2003 and then reintroduced in 2011 with a half-lug design change. Today, the SP-101 is available in the following calibers:

    • 357 Magnum
    • .38 Special
    • 327 Federal Magnum
    • 9mm
    • 22 LR

    Currently, the SP-101 with a 2 ¼" barrel is only offered in only the 357, .38 Special, and 9mm calibers. As mentioned previously, the 9mm Luger 2 ¼ versions were phased out in 1998, reintroduced to the market in 2016. All the 357 and .38 Special versions are five-shot models like the S&W J frame series. Although most of the 2 ¼" versions are equipped with a hammer, Ruger did offer a few hammerless versions.

    In addition to the 2.25 barrel models, Ruger also offers the SP 101 in a 3 inch and a model with a 4.2 inch barrel. Of the three barrel lengths, the 2 1/4” versions are the most popular model.

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

    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.

    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”.

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

    Yes, both Don Hume and MTR Custom offer a few different inside the waistband 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. The IWB options tend to be the most popular style of concealed carry holster for the SP 101.

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

    Unfortunately, we don't. Both MTR and Don Hume offer a few leather holster models for the SP-101 with 2 ¼" equipped with a thumb break. However, all those belt holster models are designed to work with the hammered models. Since the thumb break goes over the hammer itself, it won't work for a spurless or hammerless SP-101.

    Do you a SP101 holster for the 9mm SP-101 model?

    Yes, all the SP-101 models, regardless of caliber, are basically the exact 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.

    What about pocket holster options for an SP-101 in 2 ¼"?

    While a few holster makers 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 devices (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.

    Will the SP101 fit into a Ruger LCR holster?

    The Ruger LCR has a much smaller frame, so the larger SP-101 will not fit into an LCR gun holster.

    All the holster models listed below are available in a version to fit the Ruger SP-101 with a 2.25" barrel:

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