The Ruger SP101 is a great revolver that comes in a variety of options. They’re perfect for self-defense for a variety of reasons, and they are very suitable for concealed carry as well as your daily open carry. To safely and comfortably carry any gun you need a good holster. Our review covers five different styles of holsters. And hopefully, we have found the Ruger SP101 holster for you.
 | Kydex IWB Holster for the Ruger SP101 |
| $39   Shop NowClick to read my review |
 Best Budget Buy | Relentless Tactical Ultimate Suede Leather IWB Holster |
| $25   Shop NowClick to read my review |
 | Bianchi Gun Leather 105 Minimalist |
| $41   Shop NowClick to read my review |
 Top Pick | Galco Gunleather Speed Paddle Holster |
| $94  Shop NowClick to read my review |
 | Fobus E2 Paddle Ruger SP101 |
| $42   Shop NowClick to read my review |
The biggest difficulty with finding the right holster online for the Ruger SP101 is purchasing the correct size. The Ruger SP101 has models ranging from 2.25” to 4”, holding anywhere from 5 to 8 rounds in the chamber. Since we are talking about a revolver here, we didn’t include any options that leave room for lasers or tactical flashlights.
No matter your budget, we’ve found a Ruger SP101 holster that should fit all your needs without sacrificing quality and durability.
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Best Ruger SP101 Holsters
Kydex IWB Holster for the Ruger SP101
Materials – This IWB holster is made of durable Kydex material. It is custom made and was molded to specifically fit the Ruger SP101. It is lightweight yet rigid, which makes it an advantage as it is worn IWB.
This holster has a straightforward design. We like the fact that it came with retention bolts since everyone has their own preferences when it comes to retention. What you consider a good draw tension might be too loose (or too tight) for us, and vice versa. So, this feature is a useful addition.
Performance – We like that it has an adjustable clip which allows us to put it in any position we’re comfortable with, at any angle. It is made for both left and right-hand draw, so make sure you pick your hand!
Its solid form is rather slim and not very pronounced so it isn’t hard to tuck and hide. Also, it does not collapse which makes reholstering effortless. Since its Kydex, it is sturdy and can stand against the elements better than leather holsters. Though, we are trading a bit of comfort with this if compared to an IWB leather holster.
What we say – The Badger IWB holster has exceptional retention. We like its sleek design and customizable features. And not to mention, it costs way below $50. It simply does the job and clearly, our Ruger SP101 is at home with it. It’s one of those holsters you can easily take with you on the go.
- Adjustable belt clip
- Customizable retention bolts
- Sturdy, lightweight, and sleek profile
- Affordable price
- Might be uncomfortable to some
Relentless Tactical Ultimate Suede Leather IWB Holster
Materials – The Relentless Tactical Ultimate Suede Leather IWB Holster is an all-black holster made of suede and genuine leather. The main compartment of the holster has suede on both the inside and outside, giving it a good gripping texture for holding down your revolver and securing to the inside of the wearer’s waistband.
There is a single metal belt clip, which sits on its own genuine leather platform. There is stitching for reinforcement both around the leather clip platform and around the exterior edge of the holster. The Relentless Tactical Ultimate Suede Leather IWB Holster is made in the U.S.A. and comes with a lifetime warranty.
Performance – The Relentless Tactical Ultimate Suede Leather IWB Holster is a pretty ”no-nonsense” holster, and it surprisingly has very high reviews online, and a lot of them! Despite being quite standard, it makes a great IWB holster for compact revolvers and other .38 special type guns. If you own the 2.25” or 3” SP101, then this is the holster for you.
We like the suede material both inside and outside of the holster because it’s a great material for keeping a grip inside your waistband while also enhancing a smooth draw. We’ll say that the metal clip isn’t anything fantastic, but it holds up just fine. You won’t be sacrificing any comfort with this purchase.
What we say – The Relentless Tactical Ultimate Suede Leather IWB Holster costs between $25 and $30 online, so it’s still a great bargain. This is a great option for anyone who requires basic self-defense with concealed carry.
- Good price
- Reinforced metal clip
- Fits 2.25”-3” models
- Metal clip itself isn’t great quality
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Bianchi Gun Leather 105 Minimalist
Materials – The Bianchi Gun Leather 105 Minimalist holster is very discrete outside the waistband holster that comes in either black or tan. The premium full-grain leather is molded to the shape of your revolver, and the inside of the holster is lined with suede.
There are slots on either side of the holster for attaching to a belt, and there is reinforced stitching around both of them. There is also reinforced stitching across both the top and bottom openings of the holster. The Bianchi Gun Leather 105 Minimalist holster sits tightly against the hip, and it can be purchased for left-handed or right-handed gun owners.
Performance – The Bianchi Gun Leather 105 Minimalist holster is definitely a step above the other options, as far as quality goes. The leather itself is actually a higher grade than most other leather holsters you’ll find on the market, especially for this price point. The molding in this holster keeps your Ruger SP101 very secure. The bottom end of it is open, so you can easily fit either your 2.25” or 3” model with ease.
It is possible to fit the 4” barrel model in this one, but you might be starting to push it on function. The belt slots on either side are very durable, so don’t expect them to wear out any time soon. Despite the high-quality molding, there’s no retention strap or anything really protecting the exposed barrel.
What we say – This Ruger SP101 holster costs a little under $45 online. This is a good price for higher quality leather, and you’ll get many years of use out of it.
- Very discrete look and fit
- Full grain leather with suede inside
- Reinforced belt slots
- Molded
- No additional retention
- Exposed barrel for some
Galco Gunleather Speed Paddle Holster 2.0
Materials – The Galco Gunleather Speed Paddle Holster is an outside the waistband holster which was designed specifically for the 2.25” Ruger SP101. It can be purchased in either black or tan and for left-handed or right-handed gun owners.
The entire barrel and trigger guard of your Ruger is completely concealed in this holster, and it’s molded to the shape of the gun. The premium saddle leather holster is reinforced with stitching below the trigger guard, and there’s also a single retention screw. A wide paddle attached your Ruger to your hip, and you can detach the holster from it without actually removing the paddle.
Performance – The Galco Gunleather Speed Paddle Holster 2.0 improved upon the materials used and the durability of the original. This option has the highest level of retention out of all of the products in this review. We really like that there is a holster out there with a paddle attachment option for such a compact revolver.
Most brands resort to a single metal clip, and that’s usually where many brands use cheap and flimsy materials. This is also one of the most discrete and low-profile options for an outside the waistband holster. Our only complaint is that it’s the most expensive option in this review.
What we say – The Galco Gunleather Speed Paddle Holster costs around $65 online. It’s constructed of very high-quality materials, but that’s a steeper cost for such a small holster.
- Molded and durable leather
- Paddle belt clip
- Retention screw
- Most expensive option
Fobus E2 Paddle Ruger SP101
Materials – Fobus is a well-known international brand that was the first to market with an injected molded polymer holster. The Fobus E2 Paddle Ruger SP101 is the next level in the evolution of holster design, and it is built for optimal comfort. It is low-profile and lightweight, with a strong, hardwearing polymer structure.
This rotating paddle holster is compatible with Ruger SP101, LCR 38, and LCR .357. It also rotates 360 degrees to accommodate your desired angle.
Performance – You won’t have to worry about how the Fobus E2 Paddle Holster grips your gun because it has a rubberized paddle backing for increased stability and comfort. Place the holster on your hip and make sure the paddle is fully pressed against your belt; then, just tighten your belt to keep it in place. On the other hand, to reduce the level of retention, a silicone spray can be placed on the holster’s trigger guard location.
The entire holster has an adjustable retention screw that allows the user to adjust the holster retention pressure. It can ensure that your firearms stay firmly in the holster, and it is very easy to conceal. The only con is that it may be difficult to get the holster out but it’s generally a good holster.
What we say – The Fobus Paddle Holster is the best choice if you want a comfortable, durable holster at an unbeatable price of $42.
- Lightweight design
- 360 degree rotation
- Adjustable retention screw
- A bit stiff and difficult to draw
Our Favorite Ruger SP101 Holster
Our Top Pick for the Best Ruger SP101 holster goes to the Galco Gunleather Speed Paddle Holster. Its molded and durable leather is of superb quality. The retention is easy to adjust and everything fits well together. It is expensive, but also worth it.
If you rather depart with a bit less cash I’d recommend the Relentless Tactical Ultimate Suede Leather IWB Holster. It features a good gripping texture and the holster is made of Genuine Suede Leather. This holster is a great bargain and a great option for anyone who requires a basic concealed carry holster.
Let us know which holster you prefer in the comments below.
