[kashton]

I have a very nice S&W 642 CT in 38+P with CT laser grips but for some reason I just can't stop thinking about the Ruger SP101 2.25 inch model. If I buy one, will I be able to pocket carry it like the 642? I have a very strong belt made of sharkskin by the belt man, 1.5 inches. I've done tons of research on both of these models both on THR, The Firing Line, Defensive Carry, Glock Talk, and all over the net. For some reason, that .357 caliber and the weight/feel/strength or the Ruger is calling me lol.

[RyanM]

Ruger SP-101 will be a bit bigger than a 642. Just as a point of reference, the 642 is about the same size as a Glock 26/27, while an SP-101 is more like a Glock 19/23. About a half inch longer (though a lot of that is barrel, as the SP-101 barrel is 0.425" longer), half inch taller. If you mostly wear slacks with big pockets, it wouldn't be too much problem.

[rcmodel]

I would be more concerned about the 25 oz weight of the Ruger then the size.

That's a big hunk-a-junk to carry in your pants pocket!

For me at least, an all-steel J-frame is my upper limit for pocket carry.
And even lighter is way better!

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j219/rcmodel/KTOG/1224.gif
rcmodel

[jaydubya]

rcmodel said: I would be more concerned about the 25 oz weight of the Ruger then the size. That's a big hunk-a-junk to carry in your pants pocket!

I agree. My 637 in an Uncle Mike pocket holster can sit in my right pants pocket unseen and almost forgotten all day.
Cordially, Jack

[Bob F.]

Yeah, love my SP-101 DAO, but it HEAVY!! Which is a + when shooting hot .357's but a - for pocket carry. Whatever floats your boat.

Bob

[Pat Cannon]

Oh heck yeah, the SP101 kicks butt, but you'll just have to try it yourself to see if it's pocketable. Most folks, as has been said, think it's too heavy, but not (quite) all. I carry mine IWB at about 3:30 with a Clipdraw:
http://www.skypoint.com/~goon/stuff/sp101_right.jpg
P.S.: The Hogue Monogrip lets you shoot the monster Mag loads in comfort, which is how life should be.

[mavracer]

go ahead and get the sp101 and carry it IWB,but keep the 642 it goes front pocket other side.that way you can draw no mater which arm the young lady is on.

[Diggers]

I went out looking at snubies yesterday. :D

I was really looking for a used M 60 but there were none to be found, so the guy at the shop was showing me all the snubies they had, most of them alloy of some sort, 642's, 340's and so on.

Then he handed me a sp101 LOL!! :eek: Now I have shot the SP before so I knew that they are a little heavy for their size but man!!! After holding those other alloy guns that little SP revolver felt like it was made out of depleted uranium or some thing!! :)

[Halo is for Kids]

For some reason, that .357 caliber and the weight/feel/strength or the Ruger is calling me lol.

Take a look at the S&W 640-1. It's the steel, .357 Magnum version of the 642. It is the same size frame as the 642 in a 23oz steel package. Most accessories you have for the 642 will fit the 640.

I've got a 640 in 38 special with the LG405 Laser grips. It's more comfortable to shoot than the 642. Pocket carry suffers from the weight, not the size. The SP101 is a little too large for me to consider it for pocket duty.

$509 delivered from http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/21_39_72/products_id/26276
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/images/26276.jpg

[Haywood]

Do what Mavracer said keep the 642 for the pocket and carry the SP101 IWB. I have my SP101 IWB with my MDL.37 in pocket now.

[MCgunner]

I love the SP101, but it's no pocket gun. The 642 pretty much defines the term "pocket revolver". The SP101 is too heavy and bulky for a pocket, and like Pat C, I much prefer the Hogue grip, makes it comfy even with the hottest loads.

Stick with the 642 for pocket carry, fantastic gun for personal defense. You don't need anything more. Get the SP101 if you want a comfortable shooting .357 with the hottest loads and still very concealable and all day comfortable IWB or in Thunderwear. The SP101 is the best little .357 going IMHO, packs a punch and carries easy on the hip. It just ain't a pocket revolver.

[kashton]

So If I am going to be carrying it IWB anyways wouldn't the 3 and 1/16 inch be better for the higher velocities?

[Ghost Tracker]

That's a big hunk-a-junk to carry in your pants pocket!

rcmodel,
I trust your hunk-a-junk comment was just a familiar rhyme & wasn't meant to suggest a quality issue regarding the SP101. Because you can pick any all-steel S&W j-frame you'd like & I'll take an SP101, we'll get a pallet or two of HOT, high-steppin' .357 mag ammo & start shooting & shooting & shooting. I'll bet a barrel of bourbon that the SP won't be the first to lay down.

[kashton]

I'm sure he didn't mean it that way

[The Lone Haranguer]

I tried pocket carry when I had mine. Just a little too large and heavy. It is much better carried in a belt holster where the weight is supported more directly by the belt. It is indisputably much easier to actually shoot than any other snubnose revolver I've tried, even with fire-breathing 125-grain magnums. But, a subcompact 9mm autoloader is about the same size yet holds over twice as many of a more efficient cartridge, and I just could not find a niche for the SP. It got traded in on something I wanted more.

[Pilot]

My wife carries a 642, but I am going to get her an SP101 for practice as the 642 is a handful to shoot at the range.

[Gary A]

I love my SP101s so much that when I saw this thread about getting an SP201, I got really excited about buying the next generation of a wonderful snub. :D

[Halo is for Kids]

I am going to get her an SP101 for practice as the 642 is a handful to shoot at the range.

Pilot:
Consider the S&W 640 with 38spl. Same controls, grips and feel as her carry gun. I also recommend that she stay familiar with the 642.

ETA:
Here's mine, now it wears the CT LG405 grips. Same cushion over the backstrap as the larger monogrip pictured.
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r132/haloisforkids/3.jpg
Group of 5 135grn GDHPs at 7yds.