I recently got a ruger gp100 the Davidson exclusive 5 inch barrel and I'm gonna use it as my range and woods fun and I'm getting a Tex and shoemaker swivel holster for it. And was wonder about some of y'alls opinions on it should I get a 4 inch and let an inch hang out or get a 5 and have the whole thing covered with an open bottom? Is that greatly important or just a personal preference thing? Or is there more pros then cons for one another?

If your front sight is ramped and will not hook the edge of the leather when withdrawn from the holster, then I don't see a problem beyond protecting the finish.

I carry my 3" 686+ in the Galco Combat Master holster I got for my 2 1/2" 686+. I Sometimes carry my 4" 686+ in the 2 1/2" holster. Never had a problem with any of the combinations. I'd be more leery of doing it if they were blued.

This is the protrusion of the 3" out of the 2 1/2" holster.



If I were ordering a holster for a particular gun, I'd get it for the specific barrel length.

I have never been a fan of the barrel sticking out..... I would go for one that covers the barrel

It depends upon how down and dirty you get in the woods. I can see scratches etc. building up on the part that hangs out. Plus if you slipped or sat in some mud you could get an obstruction in the barrel and we know where that could lead. You may want to look at a closed end holster.

Just my .02.

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Isaiah 41:10

I could live with this ....... an inch ....not so much.. I'd order a 5" holster

SC Mike had the idea, but there are other things to consider. The OP here didn't bother to list his state of residence. It can make a big difference. With an closed bottom holster if he lives in a rainy area, the holster can actually fill with water. Some folks are afraid of rain and have the luxury of remaining indoors. Others due to circumstaces get caught out and then need to tough it until they get home or indoors. Open toe holsters can get the above mentioned dirt or even bugs.

I have both types and sometimes select the one I like for conditions. Somewhere in my pile of holsters I've got a nice Safariland full flap. Its for an L frame, but it will hold everything from a K to an N. Its a great holster, well designed and manufactured. Its even lined! I saw it at a gun show and was meaning to go back and buy it. But as things happen, I didn't remember until I was on the way home. So the next show at that venue, I was looking for it. The seller was at different tables but when I found him he remembered me. He even said he thought I was going to buy it back then. Sensing weakness (a very valuable sense), I was kind of honest and said I was going to, "but the price was just too high". He instantly reduced it from $30 (not too high in anyone's view) down to $20. Cheap to say the least. Its like a card game and playing your cards to your advantage is important. In retrospect, I'd have paid full price if he hadn't show weakness. I consider it my foul weather holster. Not sure why, Its too nice to get wet.

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Dick Burg

I live in Arkansas so the weather this year has been all over the place

I once witnessed a pistol pop out of a holster because the firearm stuck out of the end of the holster. Slightly different but similar situation as what the OP is asking about. It was a Glock 19 in one of those belt slide type holsters where the muzzle sticks out and is left exposed. It was actually a friend of mine. He got into his vehicle and when he sat down the seat belt buckle hit the barrel of the gun and popped the pistol completely out of the holster. Nothing like having a loaded firearm laying on the console of your vehicle pointing at you. Decided then and there that all of my holsters would completely cover the muzzle. Although, I do prefer a bit of an opening to let any water or debris out.

I think an open end but long enough to cover the barrel of what I would normally carry would be the better way to go. With the open end you could occasionally carry the longer barrel in the same holster when needed to.
Since you are talking a 4" and a 5" and for woods use I would get the 5" holster but still with open end. You never know you might someday own a 6" or 8" gun.

You're speaking of a 'field holster'. For good reason, field holsters are closed muzzle and the pistol, of course, then is entirely inside it. Open muzzle holsters, and barrels that extend out of them, are entirely suited to concealment.

For example, did you know that the (closed muzzle) Berns-Martin Speed holster was specifically created to carry a long barrelled pistol in deep snow? If you expect bad weather, choose a fabric holster over leather anyway :-). Leather is a fair-weather friend.

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Red Nichols The Holstorian

I have banged up the muzzle of a really nice pistol because the holster was too short.

Justus, you related to Festus on Gunsmoke?
Now, I can see him with a too short holster.

Ralph lol good old festus I just figured open cause if something get into it it can easily get out. And 4 inch was thinking if I get a 4 and an inch hangs out wouldn't have to worry about the being "loose" I wanna say then with a 5 inch but I see maybe a holster that covers the whole gun ain't bad was my original plan but I second guessed myself