Handyman, every one of the holsters suggested are great ones, but don't forget to check them out first to see which one fits you the best. Have seen to many slingers get a well fitted firearm and get a lousy holster. I have even went to such lengths as to pick one out with my hinking stuff on to see if it fits. (talk about the looks) Since I also would grap my shot gun if I had to a great little cleaning kit is the Otis tactical kit (www.otisgun.com) This thing is a little bit bigger then a chewing tobacco can and will clean anything from .17 to .50 plus shotguns!!! It is about $44, but you only need one kit to clean everything. I carry this for my muzzleloader, hunting and target firearms. Also it cleans from the chamber out, which is the best way to clean. By the way think finding a good holster for a Ruger GP100 is hard, try finding one for a Mark II Gov't model with bull barrel (My bugout gun). Hope this helps and stay safe.

I have found that for outdoor purposes, I much prefer flap holsters. They are designed to tiny bits of trash from finding their way into your gun. They save a lot of cleaning and generally protect the gun more. The challenge is to find flap holsters. Uncle Mike used to make them. I think Galco and Mitch Rosen have also made them. The variant of Bianchi's military holster is only one currently mfgd. of which I am aware.

I also prefer holsters of Cordura Nylon for outdoor use. They can take a lot of abuse without showing it.

I have happily used Bianchi's current thumb break holster of cordura nylon in both belt loop and paddle attachments. Both have their pros and cons.

These comments apply only to belt/waistband holsters. I still haven't gotten around to trying the other modes of carry.

Good luck,

John

My peference is for a synthetic, full flap, cross draw. However, if you want strong side, high ride leather, look for a Bianchi #5BHL. I use one for a S&W K frame 1 1/2, and I think it isw nearly perfect short of a custom from El Paso.

For a holster I use a Bianchi 111. It covers the cylinder and hammer area very well. Also gives you the option of wearing it crossdraw or strong side draw.
My travel cleaning kit is a Otis Kit & Kaboodle. It's a flex rod system. Stores in a round cordura container just a little bigger than a Skoal Snuff can.

JAF,

Have never had the Gov't Model, but did have a bull barrel 5.5" barrel Mk2 in stainless.

Oddly enough there was a leather Bianchi or Galco holster made for a revolver (perhaps a single-action revolver?) that fit that fit that gun nearly perfectly. The snap-over strap went snugly over the curve in the backstrap of the gun and secured it nicely.

Sadly, I no longer have gun/holster, so I can't tell you which model the holster was. But if you have a dealer who will let you take the holsters out of their packaging and test the fit using one of his in-stock guns, you might fool around a bit and find a holster that fits your Ruger.

Mark

All right, Randjack, let's have some details. You can't just coyly comment that you have an S & W model 1 ½ and leave us hanging. We have laws against cruel and unusual punishment you know.

Incidentally, if your reference was just a typo (the only S & W model 1 ½ of which I know was the SA revolver mfgd. 1878-1892), I still can't figure out what model you mean.

I also like Bianchi's 5BHL, but I never quite feel comfortable with the fully exposed trigger in an outdoor setting. Too many branches and other graspy things are lusting for the chance to pull the trigger, stopped only by the thumb strap over the hammer.

Regards,

John

I'm sorry: its a Model 66 (stailess version of the m 19) in a 2 1/2 barrel. I don't type worth a danm.

Have you considered the Barami Hip Grip. Not sure if I spelled it correctly. It's a grip that replaces your original grip. It has an extra lip on it that hooks onto your belt and will not let the gun drop below your belt line?

Barami is very insecure for outdoor carry. Much better suited for IWB strong side carry. But I promise you that with acrobatics it is apt to pop loose. Acrobatics like tripping over a log, etc.

I like nylon or Kydex for exposed outdoor holsters. I've had no problems ever with Uncle Mike's products (though they aren't glamorous). As for Kydex, well.. I make Kydex holsters and I often carry a pistol in a Kydex holster with a Kydex "flap" (actually a swing-back cover) in the woods. HOWEVER, it IS noisy!