Will A Ruger Fit A Sw Holster

[DannyBoyCustomLeather]

I make a holster for a SW 686 L frame.

Will a Ruger GP 100 fit the same holster well enough to offer a customer?

[Haystacker]

I just tried my 686 mold in my GP100 holster. The 686 seemed a little too loose. The GP100 may be too tight in the 686 holster.

Sorry I do not have a 686 holster made to try the other way.

Hope this helps.

Jeff

[JLSleather]

That's a tough one to call. The frame size is close, and they're both .357M, with the underlug. Problem is, different makers will uses different 'fits'. With "mass produced" holsters, often made with a loose (ish) fit, so they can be used with more models. Bianchi used to make a leather holster that was stamped on teh back for S/W "K" models and Colt "I" models, which I assure you are NOT the same.

Where did you get the pattern for the 686? It's like this... You and I both make a holster from that pattern. You are in the habit of stitchin' 1/8" in from the edge, and only up the edge. Your 686 drops in. But I do mine stiched 3/16" in from that edge, and I stitch the top (mouth), preventing stretch. That 686 will go, but not a 'drop in', and perhaps the Ruger doesn't go at all (I've never held a GP100, so I'm taking Jeff's word at this point that the ruger may be a bit larger).

One point to make that may help with this. There is ALWAYS somebody recommending Stohlman's "how to make holsters" book (including me). In that book, there is a pattern for a carved western style holster for a ".357 magnum Smith & Wesson". I've made that holster, and I can tell you it fits the 686 nicely. But, when that book came out, the 686 didn't exist yet. You'll see this a LOT .. people advertising holsters for a ".357" or "fits a S/W .38" which - of course - means nothing if you have any idea how many models that covers.

BEST thing, if you don't have the guns or dummies, maybe measure the thing with a caliper. If they measure the same, then they'll work the same. Perhaps Rob over at blueguns.com can tell you, or if you have one someone could probably give you specs on the other.

[malabar]

One point to make that may help with this. There is ALWAYS somebody recommending Stohlman's "how to make holsters" book (including me). In that book, there is a pattern for a carved western style holster for a ".357 magnum Smith & Wesson". I've made that holster, and I can tell you it fits the 686 nicely. But, when that book came out, the 686 didn't exist yet. You'll see this a LOT .. people advertising holsters for a ".357" or "fits a S/W .38" which - of course - means nothing if you have any idea how many models that covers.

Actually, in those days, there was a gun known as the THE S&W .357 Magnum -- it was an N-Frame gun, today known as the model 27 or 627. It's bigger than the L-frame guns, so they should slide in nicely.

tk

[Red Cent]

And the Smith 57 and 58.

[JLSleather]

Actually, in those days, there was a gun known as the THE S&W .357 Magnum -- it was an N-Frame gun, today known as the model 27 or 627. It's bigger than the L-frame guns, so they should slide in nicely.

tk

Yep, educated guess says that was designed for the 27 - agreed.

But, as that chubby girl says -- a 5-gallon pail will hold your pistol, but that doesnt mean it FITS.

Red .. wasn't the 57 a .41 cal?

[Red Cent]

Yes.

[DannyBoyCustomLeather]

Thanks for the advice, I made the holster as a lose drop in for the SW 686 by wrapping it with a thick bag when molding, so the assumption is that the Ruger GP 100 should fit fine.

[DannyBoyCustomLeather]

Jeff

Hay holsters, thanks once again for your support

Dan