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Carry a GP-100?
- Thread starter MJRW
- Start date
GP-100 Carry
I don't carry mine but that is because we don't have CC in this state. However, having several revolvers and holsters I will note the following.
At 41+ oz. the 4" GP I have weighs a couple of ounces more than my 629 Mtn. Gun but is physically smaller through the cylinder area. I have a Tauris High Ride Pro Carry holster with thumb snap that effectively conceals the gun under a loose shirt. The GP is heavy for what it is. I have a 686 7 shot Mtn. Gun which weighs about 35.5 oz and thus is lighter and weighs about what a 4" Model 19/66 would weigh. So similar .357's in 4" bbls weigh about 5 oz less. This may or may not make a difference to you over the day. Also the fixed sight GP's are a bit lighter in the 3 and 4" with half underlugged barrels. A Ruger Security Six 4" weighs about what the S&W 19/66's do and are a bit more durable (IMHO).
Tom
I don't carry mine but that is because we don't have CC in this state. However, having several revolvers and holsters I will note the following.
At 41+ oz. the 4" GP I have weighs a couple of ounces more than my 629 Mtn. Gun but is physically smaller through the cylinder area. I have a Tauris High Ride Pro Carry holster with thumb snap that effectively conceals the gun under a loose shirt. The GP is heavy for what it is. I have a 686 7 shot Mtn. Gun which weighs about 35.5 oz and thus is lighter and weighs about what a 4" Model 19/66 would weigh. So similar .357's in 4" bbls weigh about 5 oz less. This may or may not make a difference to you over the day. Also the fixed sight GP's are a bit lighter in the 3 and 4" with half underlugged barrels. A Ruger Security Six 4" weighs about what the S&W 19/66's do and are a bit more durable (IMHO).
Tom
Carry a GP?
Yep. I carry in a Blade Tech IWB. I can get a little uncomfortable on a long road trip, but for short times in the car, I get comfortable in the seat, adjust the grip, then strap in and adjust my cover. Once I'm on my feet, I barely notice it.
This was not always the case. Between Feb and July I went from 250 - 190 lbs. When I was heavier I tried it a few times, but th gun always seemed to be in the wrong place. I finally gave up and bought a 3 inch and carried it in a waist pack.
I picked up a 625 Mountain Gun a little while back. I like those great big bulles and moon clips. I may start carrying that. Don't know yet.
Yep. I carry in a Blade Tech IWB. I can get a little uncomfortable on a long road trip, but for short times in the car, I get comfortable in the seat, adjust the grip, then strap in and adjust my cover. Once I'm on my feet, I barely notice it.
This was not always the case. Between Feb and July I went from 250 - 190 lbs. When I was heavier I tried it a few times, but th gun always seemed to be in the wrong place. I finally gave up and bought a 3 inch and carried it in a waist pack.
I picked up a 625 Mountain Gun a little while back. I like those great big bulles and moon clips. I may start carrying that. Don't know yet.
Unless you're especially expecting trouble in a given time period (recent threat, etc.), a relatively large gun designed for police uniform wear seems a bit much for civilian daily carry. I've owned two GP-100's, and wore them in Bianchi No. 5B holsters, on a duty belt with handcuffs, flashlight, etc. I didn't find the weight excessive in that role, but that's at work (where I went back to S&W's because I find them easier to shoot well and they get more respect from one's peers). For off duty, I prefer the S&W J-frames. I have an M60-7 snub .38 and an M-60-4 full lug with adjustable sights. These are better for casual wear.
But if I was genuinely worried about being attacked by someone who had it in for me, I'd wear a three or four-inch bbl. .357 or go to an auto, probably a Colt Government or CZ-75. If bear or cougar or alligator attacks were a worry, I'd also use something more than a .38, although I know the lead Plus P SWC-HP .38 round is more effective on large animals than one might think.
Basically, you're asking if you should carry a Bowie knife or a Swiss Army knife. Well, where are you, and what do you need it to do?
The bottom line, is: get the GP-100 or a S&W M686 AND a smaller gun, and wear what's reasonable for the application. If you're a cop or in security, wearing a snub is optimistic: wear a full service item that will penetrate well, deliver a lot of power and hold a full six shots. That holds double if you have to shoot at anyone in a car or wearing heavy clothing. A five-shot snub is not a basic duty weapon.
Lone Star
But if I was genuinely worried about being attacked by someone who had it in for me, I'd wear a three or four-inch bbl. .357 or go to an auto, probably a Colt Government or CZ-75. If bear or cougar or alligator attacks were a worry, I'd also use something more than a .38, although I know the lead Plus P SWC-HP .38 round is more effective on large animals than one might think.
Basically, you're asking if you should carry a Bowie knife or a Swiss Army knife. Well, where are you, and what do you need it to do?
The bottom line, is: get the GP-100 or a S&W M686 AND a smaller gun, and wear what's reasonable for the application. If you're a cop or in security, wearing a snub is optimistic: wear a full service item that will penetrate well, deliver a lot of power and hold a full six shots. That holds double if you have to shoot at anyone in a car or wearing heavy clothing. A five-shot snub is not a basic duty weapon.
Lone Star
If I was expecting trouble I wouldn't leave the house. If I did I'd carry a glock 17 with two extra magazines. I carry the GP because I'm comfortable with it. I shoot it well and I have absolute confidence in it. Yeah, it's heavy. I really don't mind. A carry gun should be a very personal choice.
Off to the NC State IDPA match. More later.
Off to the NC State IDPA match. More later.
Robert Foote
New member
I have carried Ruger Security & Speed Sixes in 4" barrel concealed for 20 years now in Sparks #200AW holsters. I have a very nice GP-100 but it is just another order of gun and for me, at least, too much to conceal. The rubber-material grips are great for absorbing recoil but drag and print even in a good holster. I also carried a M28 4" for a while way back when but it was similarly too much in that role. As pointed out, these were developed as uniformed police duty weapons and are best in that role or as an outdoor sporting piece. I know that some people carry N framed guns and get away with it--but I'm not one.
BTW, that 686 Plus Mountain Gun at 35 ounces always sounded like a great piece. I haven't even been able to SEE one, but if I did I would probably be trying to figure out how to get one.
BTW, that 686 Plus Mountain Gun at 35 ounces always sounded like a great piece. I haven't even been able to SEE one, but if I did I would probably be trying to figure out how to get one.