[Quoheleth]

I've been in the market for a SP101 for a while. I thought I had one earlier this summer, but something came up and I had to step out of it.

I have as choices the 2" and the 3" .357

I 've been looking for the 3" for ages. I like the longer 3" tube because it balances a bit better. THis is an internet deal, so the $315 price will be elevated by S&H and FFL transfer to about $360.

The 2" would be better, probably, for IWB CCW - what I am asking for for my CHristmas present (a CCL). It's listed as $338, locally, so it's salex tax will bump it right up to that $360 mark.

This might sound silly, but which way to go - longer for a bit better balance (and longer sight radius, too) or a shorter tube for carry? Price is a wash.

I need to move on this sooner than later. The internet deal has been there a while, but the 2" is here in town and I don't want to lose it. So, let's say by noon I'll have to make my call.

Thanks,
Q

Edit: Mea culpa...these are both used. The 3" reportedly has had < 100 rounds through it; the 2" has some use, but is not bad at all. Previous owner didn't clean it, tho...shame, shame!!!

[Mr.Revolverguy]

WOW it is time for me to move. I just get more and more pissed off when I see you all listing prices. That model at the cheapest most respectable shop around here runs $479 brand new.

[Brian Williams]

I prefer a 3" barrel.

[Rover 'n Rugers]

I would vote for the 2" having had both. The 2" is a bit easier to pocket carry. On a belt it would not matter. At 3" the GP begins looking attractive with the extra round.

[JJE]

Some folks say they pocket carry the 2", but seems too heavy to me. I have a 2" S&W K-frame Model 10 (.38 spl) and it's too big and heavy even for most jacket pockets. Since it's going to be a belt gun, I'd get the 3", and I plan to go shopping for one this weekend.

[DawgFvr]

Get the 3 inch...much easier for sight alignment. Both are anchors compared to a real pocket carry revolver, e.g., S&W 642 or the scandies.

[Jacobus Rex]

I currently have a 3" and have owned a 2" in the past. I prefer the 3". It has a better feel to it for me and the tiny bit of extra length doesn't seem to make it less concealable for me.

[Rexster]

Short barrels are not necessarily more comfortable IWB than moderately longer barrels! For a while I had a snubby M25-2 N-frame, which I tried as an off-the-clock CCW while I carried my 4" M58 as a duty revolver. Guess what? The snubby was less comfortable while IWB, the end of that barrel poked me, while the 4" stayed stable and upright; no poking. The only time I like anything shorter than 4" IWB is when wearing the weapon forward if the hip bone, and then 3" is OK. Others' results may vary, of course; we are all built differently. I have three SP101 snubbies, but the only times I need such short barrels is when carrying in an ankle rig or pocket holster. I will concede that I have never owned nor carried a 3" SP101, though I regularly conceal 4" sixguns.

[Skipper]

I love the SP101 and have owned both lengths and MUCH prefer the 3 1/16". Handles and shoots much better for ME, and conceals just as well. You better have some really heavy duty pockets to carry either one. I'll take a belly band or IWB holster.

Skip

[2ndamd]

3 1/16" model looks to be a great all around gun for CCW and home/truck defense. But, I can hide a SP101 2.25" in my front poscket all day long without notice.

I voted 2.25" model. But what are your needs? If you need and all arounder than a 3 1/16" barrel might be right on.

Just get both. One now and another one in 6-7 mos from now. Godd guns that last and last. You will love it.

[PhrankKastle]

I'd go with the 2" for the SP101, I have a GP100 3" that I absolutely love, will never part with that one. I'm thinking when I get my Xmas Bonus about picking up a 2" SP101 myself, they have a nice used one at my local shop for 290 I have it on reserve for 2 more days, I figure I'll do a Lay a way and then when the bonus comes pay it off, but figured at that price I can't let it go.

[BikerRN]

To me the SP101 is too heavy for the pocket or the ankle, so I voted for the 3" version.

On my ankle, or in my pocket I prefer the S&W 442. Since the SP101 would be destined to be carried in a holster on the belt I would just go with the 3" GP100, but that's just me.

I am thinking about a 2" SP101, but as a belt gun carried OWB on the support side to "back up" my Primary Revolver carried IWB on the left side. The 442 would stay in the pocket or on the ankle.

The reason I like the 3" version is to make more use of the barrel, thereby gaining more velocity. My true preference is for a 5" barrel, but that does get a mite "unwieldly".
Biker

[Quoheleth]

OK...here's the scoop.

Emailed the guy with the 3" yesterday and he said the $315 price was a one-time offer; since it's been some time since we had that deal on the table, he said the price is back to full - $350. I don't like that fact, but since I had to back out on the deal this summer, I can respect it. (This is not, repeat not, an attempt to flame this gentleman. I'm glad he'll still deal with me.)

So...does this change your opinion [note, this is NOT a new poll]

3" total price now $400 ($350 + $30S&H + $20FFL transfer) or
2" total price approx. $366 w/tax

Difference of $35.

FYI: I've seen lots of NIB 2"s but few 3"s. The 2s seem to be in the $425 - $450 range around here, and 3's are all special order.

I'm thinking even though I don't like the price jump, it's still an OK (not great)deal. Used SP101 with <100 rounds, while more than I wanted to initially spend, it's still better than a new one (which would require sales tax around here).

[StrikeEagle]

I like the 3". even with the price change.

[wuchak]

I have the 2" and love it. Carries perfect in a Galco Fletch OWB holster at 3:15. You can feel it comfortingly snuggled against your side but the weight is barely noticeable. The 2" conceals under a t-shirt through all normal movement. The 3" would not on me.

I also carry it in a pocket holster in the right front pocket of my cargo shorts (not the side leg pocket). You can tell it is there but the weight is not uncomfortable or burdensome. After carrying this way a few times you hardly notice it anymore.

The 2" Ruger is actually 2 1/4" and the 3" is 3 11/16". That extra 13/16" of barrel is probably only good for an additional 35fps in velocity.

I like the 3" but to me carrying the extra weight and the extra length wasn't worth it in either velocity or sight radius. If I need something longer than the 2" I will go to a 4" or higher.

[Charles S]

I personally love my two inch, but:

Short barrels are not necessarily more comfortable IWB than moderately longer barrels!

Agreed 100%. With a good holster a 3 inch will be comfortable.

I find the SP to be too heavy for pocket carry, but if you are considering pocket carry then you are pretty much limited to a 2 inch.

My two inch is very accurate, and comfortable. I put a tritium front sight on mine, had a double action trigger job and carry it a lot in a Blade Tech IWB holster.

Grab both!!!! Honestly I think you will be happy with the 3 inch gun.

[ronto]

The SP101 in these barrel sizes is NOT designed to be a "target gun". Slightly longer site plane is not an issue when dealing with typical self-defense distances (7 yards max...more than likely 3 yards). It will probably be a "point and shoot", high stress situation and you won't be concerned with perfect site alignment at these distances anyway.
13/16" makes no appreciable difference in bullet performance either. However, 13/16" makes a BIG difference in concealablity, especially when pocket carry is an option.
I carry the 2 1/4" DAO (spurless) SP101 in a Mika pocket holster every day. In cold weather, I carry in my winter coat pocket with no holster with the option of firing through the coat without drawing the weapon if necessary.

[19-3Ben]

I tested both. I found that the 3" balanced a lot nicer. It pointed more naturally, and I came on target faster. I also shot more accurately.

I went with the 3". The size difference is irrelevant in terms of easy of carry. It is me EDC, and even a backup HD gun. i love that sucker. great gun. Go with the 3". 10 years from now, you won't remember the $35 difference, but you might have a gun that shoots better for YOU. try it out if you can, and see what works best for you.

[P. Plainsman]

I pocket carry an SP101 sometimes. It works in jeans. For that purpose I'd recommend the 2.25" barrel -- and I'd also strongly encourage you to choose the bobbed-hammer DAO version.

But if you're gonna belt carry, go with the 3 1/16" model. Nice gun. Extra velocity with .357; also better accuracy for plinking and such. I'm probably gonna get one soon to go along with my 2.25" DAO.

The SP101 is a great platform.

[CoRoMo]

2" would be nice CCW


http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/images/Products/50L.jpg

[RandyB]

I've owned three and prefer the 3 inch myself.

[Ghost Tracker]

I've got the 3.07" barrelled version and later installed the DAO hammer with a Hogue Monogrip. IMHO the SP101 is not a heavier alternative to a lightweight S&W j-frame...but rather a lighter, more compact version of a 686 or GP100 with one less shot. It's the pitbull of small .357 mag revolvers & a full box of 125 gr. Cor-Bon ammo at the range will make a believer out of a Airweight j-frame shooter. It's the difference between "ouch" and "WOW". The additional 13/16" of barrel & shroud weight out front is, to me, icing on an already excellent cake.

[19-3Ben]

+1!!!! Well said Ghost Tracker

[Slvr Surfr]

I paid about the same for my 3" Sp101. Stick with what makes you feel better.

[wuchak]

My 2 1/4" SP101 is DA/SA. For $40 my local smith took of the hammer spur and put some serrations on the top of the remaining stub. Now I have a snag free draw and the option of SA if the need ever presents itself. I carry the SP101 hiking as well as around town. I doubt the SA will ever be need in the city but it's a nice option in the woods.

I also had a Mepro night site installed. I tried the Trijicon first but it was way too dim. The Mepro is just right.

Like others have said get whatever SP101 balances for you. There is no wrong choice here.

Mine is in my right front jeans pocket in a Nemesis holster as I type this. It is not too heavy for pocket carry. You only notice the weight for about 5 minutes.

After reading all the rave reviews of the 3" I think I'll need to add one as a companion to the 2". I need to get an SP101 in .22 first though.

[Gary A]

There is no wrong choice. I like them both but marginally prefer the 2.25 inch version because it is more useful to me. The 3 inch balances well, is very strong, has a longer sight radius, gets a little more performance. For me those traits don't quite outweigh the compactness of the shorter barrel.
Get whichever you like and enjoy. I really like the DAO 2.25 with Uncle Mike's boot grips. Unfortuately, it's hard to find those grips anymore since they are out of production. There are Eagle Secret Service grips which are really the same thing in wood.

[Doug Add]

It is all about aesthetics to me. As mentioned earlier, 13/16" is not going to appreciably improve terminal ballistics. For me personally, the 2.25" barrel is much more pleasing to the eye. Since I carry on the belt the extra length would be no big deal, but I prefer the look of the shorter barrel.

Mine balances and shoots just fine. Some days I am more accurate with the Ruger than I am with my 4" S&W 586.

[P. Plainsman]

13/16" is not going to appreciably improve terminal ballistics
It's a 26% increase in barrel length.

[Big Boomer]

Ok...first off I must apologize for the following post...

If I took 13/16th of an inch off your manhood do you think your performance would be effected? This is why we don't have snubby 50 BMG's...(and don't post a pic of that breach locked one!)

Length does affect performance just ask her, or your chronograph. Slower burning powders are used mostly in .357 mag's, most are designed for a 6 inch bbl. There is more of a loss going from a 3 inch to 2 inch than a 4 inch to a 3 inch in a snubby.

More barrel mass = less recoil
More barrel length = more power = more velocity = more fpe
More barrel length = better sight picture

Go as long as you can comfortably go. I'm not saying you need a barrel like a horses **** but it better be bigger than a chipmunks junk.

There really is no downside to a longer barrel besides the obvious 2.
1. weight (marginal)
2. conceal ability (what you can't find a place to hide that massive extra 13/16th of an inch OMG where will you put all that extra length!?!?)

[Corner Pocket]

I had an opportunity to shoot both barrel lengths before making a purchase. I decided that the balance of the longer barrel felt better to me. That being said, I don't think there is a wrong way to go in this choice, for either is an excellent gun to have...:D

Corner Pocket

[Ghost Tracker]

Yeah, but look at the poll. Over TWICE as many responders are 3.07" than 2.25" barrel fans. With a 108 vote sample size, that's a pretty strong statistic. Anyone have a line on Ruger's manufacturing totals for each length (in .357 mag)? That'll give us a MUCH bigger sample on which is the most popular.

[Rexster]

Seeing what moves through a local dealer, I do believe more of the snubbier ones are sold, by far. But one thing about forums such as this, I have noticed, is that forum members tend to think about their purchases with more depth than the general population. If I lost all my handguns, and had to start from scratch, I would certainly consider the longer version as a first purchase. As it is, I have been in no hurry to get a 3-1/16" SP101, because my 4" Speed Six works well in that general size range, and I have three of the snubbier ones already. I have handled many of the longer ones, trying to cherry-pick one with a particularly good action. Someday, it will happen, I am sure.

[Ghost Tracker]

Rexter - I think you're right, folks who hang-out around here certainly proceed through their gun purchases with more experience & forethought than do an average gun buyer. And, now that I ponder it, I saw dozens of 2.25" SP101 models as I shopped for my last 3.07". But, having had both, I'm VERY glad I held-out.

[Gary A]

If I took 13/16th of an inch off your manhood do you think your performance would be effected?

As in all things, it's the Archer, not the bow and arrow. ;) They make both barrel lengths for a reason; one works better for some applications than the other and it gives purchasers a choice. Ideally, one could have one of each. If not, pick the one that most suits your situation and intended use. After all, they are the same revolver which different barrel lengths, that is all.

[Quoheleth]

Thanks to all who voted in my poll and have posted comments. I've almost reached the status of a 3-pager on posts! Yippee!!!

I am planning on following the advice given here and go with the 3". It feels better to me, better balance, and a little more sight radius. While it's only 2 oz heavier (according to the Ruger site), that's helpful for me.

You see, I like heavier guns. I'm a big man (6'4", 280+), but very small hands due to birth defects (think woman's hands in size, but a bit heavier/fleshier). So when I find a gun that I can hold, and is heavier to help me handle recoil, I appreciate it. Being this size, carrying it on the belt won't be a problem. By comparison, I love my Taurus PT92, but its 2bl stack frame is difficult for me to grip well. No one would say a 9mm recoils heavily, but since I don't hold it well, it looks like I'm some kind of noobie gunner when I shoot it. My 1911 has a harder recoil, but with the slimmer frame, I hold on to it better. A set of rubber Pachmayr grips would probably help even more.

Anyhow...thanks to all who voted and commented. Appreciate it all.

Q

PS...anyone want to make me an offer on a nicely used PT92?

[Ghost Tracker]

You're Welcome. I just realized you're in Houston. Go to The Fountainview Cafe (GREAT Breakfast/Lunch spot) between Westheimer & San Felipe on Fountainview (just short of the Galleria). Ask for the owner (Steve Drayer) and tell him that Omar LaFong suggested that you eat there. Then watch what happens. :cool:

[Quoheleth]

Ghost, the last time I followed open-ended advice like that I had a bowl of peanuts dumped in my lap and got dirty looks for a week. I'm gullible, but I'm not THAT gullible!!!

I might go check it out, tho, but keep it on the QT elsewise!

Tell you what...next time you're in Austin, stop in at Dirty Martin's Come-Back burger joint down on the Drag (aka Guadalupe) and say, "Darryl Royal sucks eggs" and "Earl Campbell couldn't run out of a wet paper sack" and let me know what happens. You do that first, and I'll head down to the Fountainview. <grin>

Q

[Pistol Toter]

I daily carry the 2.25" SP and I like the little gun. My son carries the 3.06" gun and I like it equally as well. Neither gun is a "pocket gun" and need to carried in a holster of some sort. We employ the Bianchi model 7 or 7L (mine is lined) and either gun conceals exceptionally well. Now, which gun to buy. If I were going to purchase an SP101 today, knowing what I know today; it would be the longer barrel. The .8125 additional barrel will give you some additional sight radius, at little more up front weight and will conceal just as well. I really wouldn't turn my hand over for the difference. Both are great self defence weapons. P.T.

[Gary A]

I think you are really going to like the 3 inch SP. It makes a great carry gun and is a better all-purpose gun than the 2.25 inch. Makes a good little packin' pistol for knocking about.

[craig_o]

The 2.25 can be pocketable, the 3 1/16 cannot. There's a fairly widely circulated video out there, I've seen it multiple times on Glock Talk (I'd look it up by the search feature is down while they upgrade), featuring a guy talking extensively about pocket carry and showing his pocket set up with TWO SP101s (one in each pocket of course :D)! He's an average-sized guy wearing dockers, and it seemed to work just fine. What I've read is that people dislike the weight, not that they have a problem with the dimensions... to me, I'd say that just means wear a good belt like you would for a hip gun!

If you are interested in the pocket option, see if you can get a hold of an SP101 to try out in your pocket (my range/store let me do that with a Bersa though I asked first of course). I know I'm planning to now.

[Quoheleth]

[To a Ruger SP101]...there's a tear in my beer and I'm crying for you dear...

I stopped in at the Pasadena Carter's Country last Saturday to pick up some reloading stuff and saw their new SP101 in the case. Got to talking with the sales rep, mentioned they had a used one at the North store, and he said, "No problem, we can get it down here." I asked if there would be any transit costs to me and he said, "Nope." This was the shorter barrel one, but saving the S&H and FFL transfer, I decided to go for it. So, I told him get it down there and I would pick it up today (Thursday) when I was back for a meeting.

Called yesterday to make sure it was ready for me and the sales guy in Pasadena says, "Well, we have a problem..." Turns out that when he called the north store, the sales guy at the north store didn't tag it with my name for transfer to Pasadena. So someone else came along and sold it out from under me that afternoon. No Ruger. Whammy #1.

I mentioned to my wife this morning that I lost my deal on a "new to me" gun. She said she was sorry, but was curious what it was. I showed her a picture in the Ruger catalog (bathroom reading material, you know) and she said, "What's that little gun for?" I said, I was going to ask Santa for a CCL this Christmas. She quite vigorously, passionately, and angrily informed me that I would NOT be getting a CHL anytime soon, and I had no business even thinking such a thing with three children because that meant a loaded gun near them. Whammy #2.

So, all in all, it's been a pretty doggone lousy day. No Ruger. No future CCL.

So, I guess I get to reconsider my gun plans. I could buy one anyway (buds online has them for $425) and just not carry it. But, I have a GP100 that does it all plus one more round. I could get a new .22 - I really like the Taurus 970, a big K-frame .22 that would be good training for my .357 practice.

Or, I could just pop another top on a cold one and cry in my beer for a while longer.

Thanks for listening, and thanks - all of you - for your comments.

Deflated in Houston,
Quoheleth

[DMK]

she said, "What's that little gun for?" I said, I was going to ask Santa for a CCL this Christmas. She quite vigorously, passionately, and angrily informed me that I would NOT be getting a CHL anytime soon, and I had no business even thinking such a thing with three children because that meant a loaded gun near them. Whammy #2.Man, that's cold. :(

[19-3Ben]

Don't be deflated. Fix the problem.
solutions:
1) hire a hit man to take care of the problem. Ok fine. perhaps a little extreme.
2)Your wife sounds like a "non-gunnie." Make your next purchase a .22 pistol. Make sure to show her pictures online before buying it to make sure that it is esthetically pleasing to her. Wimminfolk like pretty stuff. When you buy it, take her to the range and get her shooting it. Be patient, helpful, and as non-paternalistic as possible. See what happens. Perhaps she'll like it and come around. It might not work, but it's worth a shot. besides, the worst that could happen is that you get a new .22 pistol out of it.

[GaryP]

One of my SP101's is a 2.25" Magna-ported .357. I would have preferred a 3 inch model but this is what was in the showcase at the time 11 years ago and I could not resist. I have no regrets but I still want to get a 3" model. When carrying a wheel gun I prefer the 3" variety. :)


:evil:

[Legionnaire]

Sorry for the double whammy. I've become a real SP101 fan. Didn't vote in your poll, since I think either would work fine. My .357 is a 2.25 incher, but that's because it's the one I found first. I'd have been just as happy with a 3 inch.

So here's what I'd do. Keep your eyes pealed for a good second hand gun at a good price. They are out there. I picked mine up for $250 plus tax at my local dealer. He had it on the shelf on consignment. He has another 2.25" there now that doesn't look any nicer for $350. But if I ever run across a 3-inch .357 for under $300 I'll have the credit card out before you can say "magnum." Keep your eyes open. Your day will come!

[Quoheleth]

1) hire a hit man to take care of the problem. Ok fine. perhaps a little extreme.
2)Your wife sounds like a "non-gunnie." Make your next purchase a .22 pistol. Make sure to show her pictures online before buying it to make sure that it is esthetically pleasing to her. Wimminfolk like pretty stuff. When you buy it, take her to the range and get her shooting it. Be patient, helpful, and as non-paternalistic as possible. See what happens. Perhaps she'll like it and come around. It might not work, but it's worth a shot. besides, the worst that could happen is that you get a new .22 pistol out of it.
__________________

Well...#1 might be a bit over the top, huh :eek::eek::eek:

So, #2 it is. I'll look into finding a Taurus 970. Buds had them last week, stainless, for about $320. No one around here has them, and can't touch that price. That would be as good a choice as any. Big gun - should be steady to shoot. Revolver - more "innocent" looking. Stainless - looks like her silver earrings (the brass shell casings should offset nicely).

BUT NO PINK GRIPS!!! :p I must draw a line somewhere!!!

Q