[doc540]

I'm going to buy a heavier frame, 5 shot snub (than my 642) in .357 for concealed carry.

I may end up carry .38+P's in it, but I want the .357 option.

I've just about narrowed it down to a Smith Model 60 or a SP101. (And will probably have a little action work done on either one.)

Probably six of one, half a dozen of another.

Any critical factors I need to consider?

[MCgunner]

I chose the SP101 for carry. I do like, however, the M60 5" I've seen with adjustable sights. That one would make a fantastic hiker's/back packer's sidearm.

They're both fantastic guns, I just like the SP101's designed strength and ease of shooting. It's an accurate little toot, too. It's a tad heavier, but not much, and it carries well IWB or in thunderwear.

[papabear]

sp101 hands down.

[Cougfan2]

SP101. Ever since S&W caved to the antigunners and installed those damn ugly trigger locks I've sworn off buying any new S&W. If I could find a used model 36 3" though, I would try to snag it.

[Matt Almeda]

70132
Hi,
My choice between the two would be for the Model 60.
However, have you considered the Model 640 in .357 Magnum?
Big brother of the 642.

[longtooth]

Shot them both & own the Ruger. It is my Sunday carry &, for me at least, answers all the issues normally weighed on this type choice.
Handles +P real good w/ negligable recoil. Magnum loads are still quit manageable. Mine is super accurate. 5 shot is very concealable. Fits standard J-Frame holsters that are plentiful & affordable.
Guess you can tell I like it.:)

[SwampWolf]

Matt Almeda has a good suggestion. The 640 is a compact, hammer shrouded .357 Magnum that makes for a nice carry concealed piece if a little more weight than the 642 is wanted.

[GaryP]

I have both but if I could only keep one of these it would be the Ruger SP101.
:)


:evil:

[TimM]

prelock 60

[colubrid]

Hands down the 60. It will make for a better trigger job and that makes a big difference. The Ruger is to big and blocky. Might as well get a K frame S&W.



I would consider the M640-1.
http://www.fototime.com/ftweb/bin/ft.dll/standard?pictid={6CC26E4B-5405-45EF-8079-FA4DC686430B}&exp=f&moddt=39055.1056368519&ssdyn=1

http://www.fototime.com/ftweb/bin/ft.dll/standard?pictid={EFD3F9C6-E3E4-49FB-A0B0-40BAEF2F22D6}&exp=f&moddt=39055.1053601505&ssdyn=1

K frame model 13 P&R with action job, polished trigger and trigger stop.
http://www.fototime.com/ftweb/bin/ft.dll/standard?pictid={F0F85130-0DE9-4C34-A261-56AC9089A931}&exp=f&moddt=39159.1254988426&ssdyn=1

[rdrancher]

For me the choice was easy (after going thru exactly what you are for 4 months)

I'll be the first to agree that aesthetically the S&W (J or K) wins hands down. It took me awhile to get past that. I love my 642-1, and I'd probably like a steel J-frame in .357 too. But truth be told, the SP just plain shoots easier than a J for me and the Ruger is smaller than a K.

Ruger SP101 by a nose.

Good luck in your quest.

rd

[Pistol Toter]

I carry the 2.25" SP101 and my son the 3.0625" both of use use the Bianchi model 7 which is pancake style.

[Elvishead]

Model 60's are nice, and maybe a little more refined, but I think it was a .38 modified to .357.

The Ruger is over built to withstand more full .357's so my vote is logical.

[Serpico]

I had the same dilemma myself a while back..wanted a heavier shooter to go along with my 442...the 60 is nice, but I didn't want the lock...I found the base SP for a good price from Gemini Customs and had him do some work on it...so I also saved on shipping the gun to them...all in all, I'm very happy with the SP101..but if you find a nice model 60 at a good price (maybe a pre-lock), you can't go wrong...either way, you are doing okay.

http://www.parkcitiestactical.com/album/00000364/ruger.jpg

[The Lone Haranguer]

I've had both the Ruger and S&W 640-1. Even with lighter .38 Special loads I preferred the Ruger for actually shooting.

[DMK]

A few months ago I'd have taken whichever was cheaper.

However, since I've had my SP101, detail stripped it, seen how simple and robust it is, lived with it a while, shot it a bunch, I wouldn't trade it for an S&W.

[sm]

The way I was raised and come up dictates my choice and reasons.

Model 60 is a fine and dandy .38spl as it was originally designed.
Just a steel Model 36 is all it is.

Model 19 snubby is the .357

Ruger, it too was originally a .38spl, but one could frame houses and cold cock a bull with that Heavy gun.
So again for me, the Ruger Six Series was preferred for .357.

Damn it all if the SP don't do .357 very well. Actually pisses me off, as I really liked the Six Series better, even today still.

This from a Southern Boy raised on Smith for Revolvers and Colt for 1911s and Brownings for HighPowers and Beretta small caliber tip up guns.

At my age, toss me something, I'll make it work...

[SAWBONES]

I own two pre-lock Model 60s and three SP101s. The SP101s are fine for shooting full power .357.
The Model 60s are far less comfortable with those loads.
The SP101 is, shall we say, more robust than the Model 60.

[Brian Williams]

I have a 3" 60-4 with adj sights and a 3" 36 and I would trade them for nothing..
My daughter has a Ruger and while it is great for stout loads, I prefer the S&Ws for looks and triggers. Lately I only carry 38 spec.

[doc540]

"I prefer the S&Ws for looks and triggers."

Thanks, Brian, can you educate me about the trigger aspect?

Are you saying the Smith has a better trigger design, a better factory trigger, the Smith accepts trigger work better, or what?

I'm considering having some basic trigger/action work done on the 642 and then seeing how much confidence and control I have.

[Legionnaire]

SP101. But I'd be happy with either.

[gb6491]

I think you will be well served by either one:)

When I went looking for a small revolver, the SP101 was my first choice. I think it is a fine weapon. That said , circumstance at the time led to the purchase of a S&W Model 60-9. I've never regretted that.
It's been a reliable and accurate piece that carries well (I have had it with me when I really might have needed it). 158 gr. 357 is a little stout in it with Eagle Secret Service grips on; +P is fine. Currently, I have some style of rubber boot grip on that works better for me in in regards to the full bore stuff. Rubber grips that cover the back strap should also reduce felt recoil even more (if needed).
Also, there is a certain rhythm to the S&W lock work/timing that I like when shooting DA.

Regards,
Greg

[JPP]

LOVE my model 60!

JP

[Gary in Pennsylvania]

Sp101!!!!

[MillCreek]

I have a pre-lock Model 60, bought new back in the early 90's. I also have five SP-101s (one .22, one .38 and three .357). Having carried and shot both, I prefer the SP-101, primarily since I am such a fan of the simpler and more robust construction of the Ruger. But like the others posting to this thread, neither of them would be a bad choice.

[jaholder1971]

SP101. Ever since S&W caved to the antigunners and installed those damn ugly trigger locks I've sworn off buying any new S&W. If I could find a used model 36 3" though, I would try to snag it.

Bill Ruger caved in on the AWB, too.

Bill's now dead and S&W's had a couple owners since then.

[GunNut]

I'd personally go with a 640-1 if at all possible.

My next choice would be a SP101 with the hammer spur removed.

[MikePGS]

Colubrid, that model 13 might just be the most beautiful revolver i've ever seen.

[19-3Ben]

I went through it, and decided on the SP101. Less expensive, stronger, heavier so it handles .357 mag recoil better, and the extra weight isn't a big deal since it's a belt gun anyway. Besides, the SP101 is ONLY 3oz more!!!! Big whoop.

I just can't say enough good things about my SP101 3". In fact, it's away with Marc Morganti at Gemini Customs right now, and I miss it terribly.

[sdj]

Recently facing a similar question, I opted for the SP101. Simple (revolver, no lock) rugged, good weight, very low bore axis. Very many applications: range, competion, car, house, carry (everyday carry). For me, the weight is a plus. If weight's an issue, the 442 wins out.

Good luck!

[V-fib]

My original carry gun was a 3" sp101 bobbed hammer & ct grips. Then I purchased a 642 and put ct's on it. I preferred the 642 so I sold the sp. If I were to go back to
.357 I'd get a sp again. :cool:

[SR_]

As much as I try, I can't get past the trigger lock on a carry gun. I've had too many folks tell me that the lock will/can engage on its own.

I'm not sure if it's myth or reality - but I'm not betting my life on it.

I have a SP 101 - little heavy but a great gun. (I added hogue grips which take the sting out of the .357 rounds).

[Redhawk 44]

I have had 4 SPs and I currently own an SP 357 with 2.25" BBL DAO action that has been polished and smoothed; It sports a Meprolight night sight and a Pachmayr grip. This is a 357 shooter that works much better than any J Frame from Smith.

Don't get me wrong I like J frames if I'm packing a pocket gun; but I don't like 357s in a J Frame. I carried a gun for a living for 33 years and 95% of them were Smiths. I love their N, L and K frames but I only shoot Magnums in the L and N frames.

My hearts desire is to find another third generation Colt DS. The SP 2.25 gun fits perfectly in my El Paso Saddlery Tortilla made for a DS.

[Dr. Mudd]

S&W for your pocket.
Ruger for your belt.
Take your pick.

[Rob96]

After having owned the SP101 and now carrying the 340PD, I would choose the S&W M60 over the SP101.

[000Buck]

What is wrong with the locks on the S&Ws other than out of place looking? Have people had problems with them locking on their own or being faulty some other way?

[cookekdjr]

I'd get a used 60 in .38 special. They carry well, and are both beautiful and accurate. If you think you would actually carry .357's, go with the sp101.
-David

[Brian Williams]

What is wrong with the locks on the S&Ws other than out of place looking? Have people had problems with them locking on their own or being faulty some other way?
Yes, some of the lightweight J frames have had them go into the lock position while recoiling.

[000Buck]

Yes, some of the lightweight J frames have had them go into the lock position while recoiling.

Thats a stinker, I just got a stainless model 60. Is there any way to disable the lock that you know of? Also what is it about getting an SP101 if you plan on shooting lots of 357 because the model 60 was a 38spl gun originally? Will my model 60 get loose or what should I expect, I only shoot 357 so I dont want to wear it out. Thanks for the info.

[GunNut]

According to some, you may be putting yourself in a position of liability be altering the lock, but I am not one of them.

You can totally remove the lock or just grind the tab off of the lock or remove the flag on the guns with a hammer.

I think the bigger issues is with the guns with hammers, as the flag adds mass to the lock system as may engage.

My hammerless gun has no flag, but I still plan on modifying or removing the lock totally.

[19-3Ben]

If you only shoot .357, the common wisdom is that the SP101 will last a lot longer. Then again, common wisdom is not very commonly found, so take it for what it's worth. I went with the Sp101 and one of the reasons was its ruggedness. That thing is a little tank.
I have heard of people disabling the lock, but I sure as heck don't want to be the guy on trial for defending my life with a gun where I disabled the safety feature. I'd rather just not have it to start with and call it a day.

[GunNut]

I have heard of people disabling the lock, but I sure as heck don't want to be the guy on trial for defending my life with a gun where I disabled the safety feature. I'd rather just not have it to start with and call it a day

Seeing how it is only for storage, I doubt that anyone would have a leg to stand on. How many Browning Hi-powers are out there with disabled magazine safeties? Tons.

Don't get to used to buying Ruger SP-101's without locks, the way the are slowly adding them to their guns, the SP and GP can't be far behind.

[Big Mike]

I had to make your decision recently and chose the SP101. The S&W 60 and all its variants are nice, but for me the fit in the hand, weight and potential were more appropriate to my need. Both are really great revolvers. Mine is a .357 and I carry .38 +Ps. Good luck! Mike

[kashton]

S&W 640 pre lock, I like it over the model 60

[Evocatii]

From what I understand, the S&W lock problems (3 occurrences perhaps??) have long since been corrected. I don't believe it to be a valid issue any longer unless someone can show me that it is still happening...

I have a S&W m60 with numerous rounds through it and find it to be a joy to shoot and shoot well.

[2ndamd]

I haved owned both and now own 2 SP101s and zero 640's.
If you are a shooter the SP101 simply has a better design to woth stand the heavy rounds....or more of them.
The S&W is a good gun but, for longevity, the SP101 wins the day with 357 magnums as a diet.

IMHO