Will a GP100 holster fit an N frame?

Breakaway500

Breakaway500

Member
Bronze Supporter
Joined
Jan 7, 2017
Messages
3,136
Reaction score
10,349
Location
Whiskey Hill Ma.
I don't own a GP100 but am looking at a leather cross draw holster built for a 3" GP100 to use with a 3" N frame revolver as the company doesn't make an N frame specific holster and can't tell me if an N frame will fit. If anyone has both a GP100 holster and an N frame revolver and can verify the fit I would greatly appreciate it.
 
Register to hide this ad
My experience is this; I bought a holster that was advertised as being for a N frame S&W. Received it, and it was marked S&W Medium frame. The seller is pretty well known and when I contacted him about it, he said his N frame fit perfectly. Well my N frame would go into the holster, but did not really fit properly. My GP 100 3" fit great, although the holster was too long for it, so my answer is, yes and no. It will depend on how well you want it to fit. I am very picky and want the holster to fit properly for that one particular gun, but again, that is just me.
 
I can't answer for any given holster that you might happen to be holding in your hand, but I can tell you that the Bianchi and DeSantis and Galco L-frame holsters I've owned fit the GP-100 and that none of those would fit an N-frame. I own a cross-draw Bianchi holster that wonderfully fits a GP-100 and there's no way I can get my 3" N-frame 625-3 into it.
 
In my experience a leather holster for a GP100 will fit an L-frame pretty well; I've not been able to fit an N-frame into a GP holster without effort and some stretching. I'm sure a lot depends on the particular holster (design, thickness, lining, retention device). Nylon is more forgiving. JME.
 
The GP-100 is most closely similar to S&W L-frame and Colt O-frame (Python, etc). S&W N-frame is considerably larger in most dimensions (frame, cylinder, etc).

The GP-100 itself evolved from the earlier Security Six series.

Other features that may cause fit issues include the barrel/underlug profiles, various sight options, and hammer size/shape (affecting thumb-break and other retention devices).

NOTE: The term "similar" in no way indicates "identical" in any dimension. Trigger guard location and dimensions, cylinder location and dimensions, and other differences are unique to each model.
 
Easy to determine the interchangeability in holsters: the Security Six was a direct counter to the M19; the GP100 with its full underlug the direct counter to the L frame (which itself was a direct counter to the Python); the Redhawk to the N frame. Well established over millions of holsters designed/made/sold by Bianchi as these pistols were introduced over time.

All the essential dimensions are nearly identical, as it relates to holsters: frame height from topstrap to the frame ahead of the guard, cylinder dimension and placement, barrel diameter and lug bulk, barrel lengths (except Rugers that chose to include 7-1/2"), front of guard to hammer spur, etc. A caveat is the forward draw holster with cylinder recesses; but that's the issue that the sem-forward draw addressed by eliminating the recesses.

What happens to gunleather makers are returns for 'doesn't fit' when it's not that the PISTOL doesn't fit, but the hammer strap doesn't snap shut; because of a target hammer or some such. That's not 'FIT/NO FIT'.
 
Last edited:
I've found that K and L frame leather holsters are interchangeable for the most part. The GP100 is comparable to an L-frame. The N-frame is a larger frame and much bigger cylinder. I HIGHLY doubt it will fit properly.
 
Last edited:
Thanks all...sadly the company won't make an N frame cross draw holster. Maybe there are other companies that do but I bought one of these for my Python and wanted one for my snubby N frames as the carry position is perfect for me.
 
I ran your query about size through Google and was presented with another forum that specifically addressed it. Image attached.

Also, any of the 'slide' holsters for the N frame will accept the shorter as well as the longer :-).

Personally I'd use a vintage Bianchi Cyclone in 4", and if the overlength bothered me, I'd bandsaw the muzzle off the holster. But then I designed the Cyclone in the first place :-).
 

Attachments

  • Screenshot (1697).jpg
    Screenshot (1697).jpg
    23.8 KB · Views: 23
I have a 4.2" GP100 and the 686 4" usually shares the same holster from most makers.
 
Just my two examples, my 6” GP100 and 6” 629-6 are physically similar in size and weight. The Ruger is about 1/4 ounce heavier. Full underlug. I have an inexpensive holster from the Ruger store. Both guns fit the same. Also, the same holster for my 4” Security Six fits my 27-9. I can’t find the better pictures, but my two examples given above are correct.
 

Attachments

  • version=1&uuid=A926E8F9-62BA-4E18-A67C-718EE231F391&mode=compatible&noloc=1.jpg
    version=1&uuid=A926E8F9-62BA-4E18-A67C-718EE231F391&mode=compatible&noloc=1.jpg
    106.1 KB · Views: 10
If a gun is to be carried often then a proper holster should be gotten for it. There are some holsters that are close and can be stretched a slight amount to fit, but it will never fit correctly. There are also some holsters that are too large for the gun and the gun will fit sloppily, move around and put markings on the metal because it will be moving around or not be contoured to said gun.

If the gun is one you are not really crazy about or don't mind wear marks, then yea you might get away with it. To me if I bought I gun in the first place, then I must have liked it enough to protect it as best as I can while being carried. Just my of doing things of course and YMMV.
 
When it comes to handguns and gun leather ...
You want a "Perfect Fit " this is one area where almost fitting isn't good enough .
I have always had great holster fit with Bianchi Holsters and always ordered or purchased the correct holster for the gun needing the holster .
Have questions , call Bianchi and talk to a rep. they will help you .
Also Bianchi Holsters are affordable ... my last holster , a 1L Lawman for a Ruger Blackhawk , cost $60 ... now that cost has risen to $70 - $80 - $90 ...
still , under $100 is a decent price for a great holster in my book !
Gary
 
Last edited by a moderator:
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Borderboss
Searching for a pancake-style holster for an N-frame with 3.5-inch barrel
Replies
17
Views
944
dobegrant
dobegrant
THE PILGRIM
Holster Surprised!
Replies
4
Views
508
glenwolde
glenwolde
flundertaker
Safariland 25 Holster
Replies
10
Views
181
flundertaker
flundertaker
Z
3" J-frame holster (60/63)?
Replies
5
Views
648
ezb57
ezb57
W
Shoulder Holster: Model 25-5 4"
Replies
1
Views
445
robertrwalsh
robertrwalsh

Latest posts

Back
Top