[MikePGS]

Basically thats all i'm wondering. I know that the 686 is an L-Frame, but i'm not quite sure how a SP101 compares to it, and i haven't been to the gun store in some time so i don't really have a comparison. If anyone could just quickly let me know, or if someone happens to have pictures comparing the two, that would be great. I'm thinking currently about a 3 inch 357 mag for CCW, and these two seem to be some of the more popular, and if the reviews are a good indication, better choices.

[GunNut]

No pictures here, but from past experience I will tell you the SP101 is considerably smaller.

If you want a 6 shot shot .357mag then I suggest looking for a k-frame model 65 or 66 with a 3" barrel.

Otherwise the 3" SP is a great gun.

[Rexster]

Look in the recent threads here that show GP100 and SP101 side-by-side, and you will have your answer. The GP100 and 686 are the same size.

[The Lone Haranguer]

The 686 is a good 50% larger (estimated) than the SP101, partly because it is a six-shot, but mainly due to the frame and grip size.

Personally, as a primary weapon, I think I would like a six-shot medium frame better. Unfortunately, most of the best ones are no longer made new and you will have to go used. I like the 2 1/2" S&W M19/66, the 3" 13 and 65, and the 2 3/4" Ruger Security- or Speed-Sixes. Although it retains the same frame and cylinder size, there is a smaller-gripped, three-inch version of the Ruger GP100, too.

[MikePGS]

Ahhh i was looking at S&W model 65 and 66's on gunbroker thanks to GunNut's advice and so that might be another option. I just wish i could physically compare the three before making a decision.

[Brian Williams]

here is a 2" SP101 over a 3" 13. I do not believe that the sp101 is 50% smaller than a 686.


http://thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=43334&d=1155150196

[MikePGS]

Ahhh thank you for the photo comparison, i really appreciate it:)

[Gary A]

I would think the only problem with a close photo of an overlay of two revolvers is perspective. I've tried this before and think it is misleading. The revolver on top is going to look larger compared to the one on the bottom than it really is. I agree it is not 50% smaller than a K-Frame, but it is smaller. In thickness also.

[Brian Williams]

it is at most 1/4" shorter and at most 7/8" shorter.

[P. Plainsman]

Ahhh thank you for the photo comparison, i really appreciate it
But note that's a (discontinued in .357) K-frame in the photo, not an L-frame like the 686.

The shortest-barreled 686 (2.5") weighs half a pound more than the 3" SP101. A 4" 686 weighs 13 oz more than the SP101. Big difference.

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello. I don't have a photo ready of the SP101 vs. 3" Model 66 but with these two, perhaps the comparison will be nearly as visually easy to see:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/hipowersandhandguns/RugerGP100andSP101ammotile1.jpg
SP101 and GP100

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/hipowersandhandguns/RugerGP100andCS1ammotile1.jpg
GP100 vs 3" CS-1 version of the Model 686

Best.

[MikePGS]

Ahhh Mr Camp, from your photos they appear to be almost identical in size, though of course that might just be an optical illusion. Just earlier today i was reading your reviews of both the GP100 and the Ruger SP101 and as always learned a good deal of information. Do you have any plans to do a book on revolvers?

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello. The GP and CS-1 are very similarly sized to be sure. The SP101 is considerably smaller in person than it may appear in the photo. It's slightly larger than a J-frame S&W but not nearly the size of a K.

Best.

PS: I am considering doing something on certain revolvers but just have not yet jumped in.

[MikePGS]

In your estimation, is the recoil significantly different between the two (The Sp101 and the 686 or GP100 that is)? And also is the SP101 a good deal more concealable?

[ArchAngelCD]

The SP101 will be easier to conceal than the M686, the SP101 isn't a small gun by any means though. The SP101 is heavier than a S&W J frame. A Steel Model 36 will weigh 20 oz and a Steel Model 60 will weigh 22 oz. whereas the 3" SP101 will weigh 27 oz. A M686 will weigh a much heavier 36.8 oz so it's not only the size of a revolver you should take into consideration but the weight too.

The SP101 is a good heavy duty revolver but don't think you are going to carry it in your pocket, it's really a gun to be carried on your side. Like said above, if you are looking for a mid-size .357 with a 3" barrel to carry for SD consider a S&W K frame or a Ruger Six Series revolver. Those revolvers will give you 6 rounds of .357 Magnum but will be just heavy enough to both carry and enable a quick follow up shot if needed.

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello. I don't find recoil that bad using 357's in either, but to me the GP100 has less felt recoil than the smaller SP101 when shooting the same ammunition in either.

Best.

[MikePGS]

Thank you for the advice ArchAngel. I'm watching a model 65 S&W on Gunbroker, but alas i don't think they are currently in production unless you want to shell out a premium dollar for them. I'm not opposed to paying out for a quality handgun, but currently i'm trying to stick to 500 or so or under, and i think the ones S&W are currently offering are in the 1000 range or so.

[ArchAngelCD]

I bought a Ruger Police Service-Six that has a 2 3/4" barrel recently. It is a .357 and was barely used and I got it for $299. Great carry gun when you feel the need for something with real punch.

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o26/ArchAngelCD/service6-6.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o26/ArchAngelCD/service6-3.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o26/ArchAngelCD/service6-8.jpg

[MikePGS]

Ahhh thats a very nice looking firearm you have there! Recently i was debating with myself about whether or not to pick up one of these from someone on this forum, but i ultimately declined to do so since i looked at GP100's at a gun show and for some reason assumed it would be of that size, and thus too large. I'm actually saving to move atm, and so my girlfriend just might murder me if i were to make such a large purchase. Hopefully after the move is done though i'll be able to get something like that and a nice 642 or 442 (i like the way blued looks better for some reason) to complement/replace it.

[P. Plainsman]

The SP101 is a good heavy duty revolver but don't think you are going to carry it in your pocket, it's really a gun to be carried on your side.
I'm an average-sized guy and, somewhat to my surprise, I find my 2.25" SP101 pocketable using a decent pocket holster.

In jeans, that is; not in slacks.

It does bulge some, but it is fully concealed and not uncomfortable for ordinary errand running and such.

Used 6-shot guns like a S&W K-frame or Ruger "-Six" can be fantastic belt carries. ArchangelCD's Police Six is schweet. :cool: Top photo looks like a great fixed sight picture -- one of the things I like about the SP101.

[chris in va]

If you are considering the SP and intend to CC, definitely get the 2.25" barrel. I have the 3" and it's almost the same size as my Sig 220!

[ArchAngelCD]

Thank you P. Plainsman. I actually took that first picture to show how thin the revolver was but was very happy to see what a great shot of the rear sight I had.

[joab]

Ahhh Mr Camp, from your photos they appear to be almost identical in size, though of course that might just be an optical illusionI am looking at my 686 and SP101 now
It is not an illusion

The profile shown is correct

The frames are practically the same size

The trigger guard on the 686 is a bit larger and the grip frame comes dowm about a 1/2 inch more that the Ruger

Top view however, looking at width is a bigger difference
Again the frams are very close with the Smith being just a bit larger
The cylinder is very much wider than the 101 to account for the extra round and the grips them selves are bigger

My 686 is a 4 " model and the Ruger is a 2", if that matters

[Taurus 617 CCW]

I would recommend the 686 over the SP101 because Ruger has really been slipping on some of their quality control lately. Most of the revolvers that come off their line do not have the correct polish inside the cylinder. It is supposed to have a 400-600 grit polish but some that have come in for repair have a 280 at best! That will create problems after the cartridge has been fired and you are trying to extract them from the cylinder. I would suggest test firing it before you buy it if you can. Just my $.02

[MikePGS]

Do you CCW either of them Joab? If so is there a significant difference in regards to the ability to conceal either of them, or would you say they are roughly on par with each other? Obviously i would prefer 6 shots to 5, but if its a major difference in size, then 5 i'm sure would be more than sufficient.

[joab]

Both are fairly new to me and I live in Florida and work on roofs or in attics all day
The less clothes I have to wear the better so for now I am sticking to my smaller and lighter J frame sized Taurus

Between the Ruger and the Smith
The Ruger would be much easier to carry concealed and as much as I hate to admit it I like the Ruger better

It is slimmer and has a much better trigger

The Smith is DA/SA and the Ruger is DAO, if that matters (I think it does)

[MikePGS]

Thank you for the info joab. I'm going to the range with a friend tomorrow and i might rent a SP101 (Or a S&W 60) so hopefully it will help concrete the differences. Regardless, i appreciate all the information, facts and opinions given to me so far.

[ArchAngelCD]

MikePGS,
That is the best thing to do, rent a few and shoot them. that is the only way to know for sure which one you like best. Remember, no matter how nice a gun is if it doesn't feel good in your hand it's not a good gun for you. Also, by shooting them you can see which YOU shoot better.

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