[TS537]

I'm comparatively new to handgun ownership. I've been lurking on the revolver forum for a while because I'd like to add a revolver to my "arsenal" :rolleyes:...

I've settled on the .357 SP-101 due to price and versatility (I'll buy a Smith and Wesson next, OK? :) ).

I've settled on hammered due to the SA option, but don't know what to expect between the two size options. It's likely to be a range gun and occasional belt carry piece. Will the extra inch make any difference in conceal-ability? Does the extra inch make a real difference re: accuracy/recoil/reacquisition?

My dealer has the 2" in stock and would have to order the other, not that that'll make too much of a difference one way or another.

Thanks for all of your help in the past. You guys are awesome.:)

[Auburn1992]

I'd probably go with the 3 1/4 inch... just personal preference.

[rantingredneck]

For carry the 2 1/4" is the perfect balance of concealability and recoil management in a .357 handgun IMO. Much smaller and you won't want to shoot full house .357's much. Much bigger and you won't want to carry it much.

I have the 2 1/4 version and it's quickly taken over as my daily carry weapon. In an AKJ Concealco IWB holster it disappears under an untucked shirt and shorts.

For a range gun I recommend a 4" GP100 (I have two of those :D)

[Legionnaire]

What redneck said. I personally prefer the 2 1/4" for concealed carry, and a 4" GP is a great range and field gun.

[Jimmie]

I found it hard to find holsters for my 3". Even the 3" was brutal with the full power stuff, so go with the more carry-able and slightly lighter one.

[19-3Ben]

3" is my personal preference and the one I bought.

It gives a slightly better sight plane allowing for better accuracy. Better balance, and better recoil reduction. All with the added benefit of slightly higher velocities of ammo coming out the spout.
For CCW, the difference is so little to be almost un-noticeable. Its only a 3/4" difference. But when you pick it up, and especially when you point it, the difference is dramatic enough that you'll get it.

By the way, the 3" is just about the most versatile gun you could ever get. Mild .38's to wild .357's. CCW, HD, hiking, camping, you name it. Short of hunting, it's perfect.

[Virginian]

Another vote for the 3"+.

[19-3Ben]

Actually, I have had no problem at all finding holsters for the 3", and honestly, I shoot DoubleTap's 158gr. .357mag GD load in mine, with wood grips, and I don't find the recoil to be that bad at all.
I like the extra weight up front. it really tames the beast.

[Guillermo]

It really comes down to how you are going to conceal it. If you wear suits of sport jackets, the 3 is outstanding. If you don't usually wear that "second layer" the shorter barrel is in order.

Fine weapon either way

[plexreticle]

I would go with the 3". the small difference in barrel length will have little to do with conceal ability.

[Dienekes]

3". Better handling, power, easier to shoot.

[BikerRN]

I like to carry 3" Barrels and shoot them too.

With that said, I own a 2.25" SP101 and carry it on my weakside off duty and my 3" GP100 on my strongside. Yes, I carry two guns, or three off duty. Thank you Evan Marshall. :)

If I had to pick one gun for carry it would be the 3" version as it carries like a 2" and shoots like a 4". If possible I'd carry IWB with 3" as I do with my 3" GP100. I carry the 2.25" OWB, but it's concealed by my cover garment, usually an untucked shirt.

Take a look at the 3" GP100 too if you can. I like having the extra round and don't find it hard to hide with a good IWB Holster and Belt. I'm using a Bruce Gibson Gunbelt and a Milt Sparks Summer Special II presently.

Take care and stay safe.

BikerRN

[Diamondback]

If I had to pick one gun for carry it would be the 3" version as it carries like a 2" and shoots like a 4".Agreed....I own both a 2" and 3" SP101 and if could only have one it would be my 3". Unless pocket carry is one of your main criteria, I think you will find the 3" to the more versatile.

- regards

[Glockman17366]

I've got the 3.06" barrelled SP 101 (with the exposed hammer).

No problem finding a holster...Don Hume has them. I bought an IWB and OWB holster (from Hume) for this fine revolver. It did take about 2 months for the OWB holster since I needed a LH model.

As far as concealment, the IWB obviously does a better. I slip it on just behind the hip (about 8 O'Clock). Walking is no problem, but when you're setting (especially driving), the butt of the revolver does push forward.


So, for a range gun that you'd carry occasionally...I'd suggest going for the 3.06" barrel.

[tblt]

Go with the 2 1/4 if you are going to carry it.

[ARTiger]

My choice is the 3 1/16" . Not realy harder to carry anywhere other than a pocket. Better sight radius and a longer ejector pin to push spent cases all the way out.

[Geezer59]

Unless you're planning on pocket carry (where an S&W x42 would probably be better anyway), I'd recommend the 3" barrel. Better balance, a little more velocity, slightly longer sight radius, etc., etc. Still very easy to carry/conceal/draw.

[Brian Williams]

I am looking for a 3" in 9mm, my vote 3"

[Rexster]

Unless pocket or ankle carry is on the agenda, I would say the 3-1/16" version is indicated. That being said, all three of my .357 SP101s are the snubbier version. I have a 4" Speed Six with a factory spurless hammer that carries so well, buying a longer-snout SP101 is simply not a priority for me, though it will probably happen someday. I was actually looking for a 3+" SP101 when I stumbled upon a one with a superb factory trigger pull, and it happened to be the snubby length. It had the spurred hammer I also wanted, so I could use a horizontal shoulder rig with a thumb break, and I figured the sweet trigger action was more important than the barrel length.

[James T Thomas]

The difference in accuracy; mathematical.

Please refer to the Rifle Country venue, and "Open Sight Adjustment:" by
1911 guy post.

Given the assumptions:

Your sight radius on the 3 1/16 barrel revolver is 4 1/2 inch versus what would be then 3 1/2 in. for the one with one inch less barrel length.

With a factory 1/8 in. wide front sight, 1/8 in. rear sight notch; you will see
approximately -what appears to be 1/16 in. of open view on either side of the f.sight blade in your sight picture.

Anybody? Am I right or wrong here, or way off?

This variance of "windage" would be the theoretically maximum error you could discern with either gun from a centered sight blade. We are not considering elevation here. That is, on either the right or left side of the picture.

This is your error on the target. Plus or minus.

You have been at a restaurant with your family, have excused yourself to go to the restroom, and suddenly you hear gun fire from within the dining area.
When you exit the restroom you see a man with gun in hand waving it near your family! They are sitting at a lone table against a wall so you have no others behind them to consider, and every one else is diving to the floor so likely you will not have to think of someone running between you and the target. They are sitting across the floor some thirty feet away from you.

So, how much variance of shot placement due to the geometry of one additional inch of sight radius? If you take the shot.

Please verify my math from the cited post, but my estimate would be a difference of 1 1/2 inches; rounded off for the two pistols and all other things being equal. Your target's center mass vital organ would be approximately four inches in diameter -another presumption.

Of course I have made many allowances here, but that may be the difference that the one inch extra barrel length would make at the thirty foot range given. Further range scenario would then be a greater variance.

[BoneDigger]

I just recently bought a used 3 inch and I like it. It is a good compromise in barrel length. I have never shot the <2" barrels very well, so I think this one should be about perfect.

Todd

[rantingredneck]

Am I the only one who finds the SP101 2 1/4" easy to shoot with full house .357 loads :confused:

Maybe it's just me and I'm used to recoil, but even after 50-75 rounds of hot 125 gr .357 my hand still feels fine. I'd shoot more per session if I could afford it. :(

[hoptob]

No you are not alone, RantingRedNeck.

James T Thomas, you lost me with the angular error, but both guns shoot one hole groups at 5-7 yrd. Two incher takes more practice though.

:)

Mike

[guntotinguy]

rantingredneck...my wife owns a 2 1/4,and shoots .357's in it.She's 5'2 and 97#.....has no problem handling it.

[DougDubya]

Throw me in for the 3 incher. Love its balance.

[Quoheleth]

Asked the same question last summer. My poll was something like 2-1 in favor of the 3". I bought a used 3" w/hammer this winter. Love it. Shoots well DA or SA. Honestly, it's up to you. My experience was the 2" was easy to find; the 3" more difficult. Don't know why. You cannot go wrong either way.

Q

[TargetTerror]

I own the 2 1/4 inch version, and would definitely buy this size again. Concealability is excellent, and I can handle it just fine. Velocity is a lot higher too than I'd have expected. Check out my results in this thread: http://thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=4499252#post4499252

[Airman193SOS]

Am I the only one who finds the SP101 2 1/4" easy to shoot with full house .357 loads

Nope. I love mine. It swallows whatever I give it with no issues, although I must say that I put a softer mainspring in it and a Hogue monogrip, both of which probably help.

[3 gun]

I'd prefer the 3" model. You lose less speed and the ejector is long enough to kick out 357mag cases.

[Ed Ely]

Interesting responses so far. What a
difference of less than an inch makes.

That said, I own and shoot the exposed
hammer, 2 1/4 inch SP101. No polishing
nor changing out the springs yet. I think
that it is properly broke-in by now and
does not need any extra help.

Ed

[don95sml]

I've settled on the .357 SP-101 due to price and versatility (I'll buy a Smith and Wesson next, OK? ).
Not what you want to hear, but I'd suggest you get the S&W now instead of the SP-101. More specifically, get the model 60 with 3" barrel and adjustable sights. For range use the adjustable sights add versatility that fixed sights just don't offer. For carry the extra barrel length and adjustable sights really don't pose any serious drawbacks. Yes, it may cost you a few extra bucks, but this solution could allow you to delay the planned purchase of your next S&W (longer barrel?) long enough to recoup the present difference in cost.

[Big Boomer]

Go fer the 3"! Every little bit of extra barrel length helps for power, but don't forget site radius as well. My 3" carries just as well as any 2".

Looks up some stats about going from a 4" to a 3 1/4" and there really is not that much of a loss. When you drop to close to 2" you start to lose a lot especially with the lighter loads (125gr).

That being said here's mine :O)

sorry for the large picture, one of these days I'll crop it I promise!

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l84/forestpriest/DailyCarry357.jpg

[Stainz]

I have a different take... if you want/need a CCW, get something small and lite weight enough that you will carry it 100% - like a S&W 642 or 637. I wouldn't worry about 'SA shooting' with a purely defensive firearm... develop good shooting skills in DA shooting. The 642 in a Robert Mika's pocket holster is a 100% carry option here, and a fast draw with no hammer to snag. I just cannot carry belt holstered revovers very often. Spend your next revolver money on a plinker/range/fun gun - one with a 4" barrel and adjustable sights.

Stainz

[Rexster]

I, too, find the SP101 quite shootable with full-house loads. Vigorous, but shootable, and not painful.

I noticed quite a few years ago, at annual "qual" time, that firing magnums through my SP101 snubbies was fun, and not painful, whereas the GP100s with the same ammo tended to tear up my hands. The SP101s would concentrate the recoil in the palm, with very little upward kick. The GP100s, with the higher bore axis, and therefore more torque, allowed more recoil, proportionally, to affect the web of my shooting hand.

[wyoshooter]

Which barrel would you get: the 2 incher or the 3 incher?

I'm planning on getting one to compliment my 6" GP100 and for some concealed carry. Give me your ideas.

[sm]

Welcome to THR

I like the 3" personally.

3" guns, seem to just index better and therefore one is able to shoot them better.
Recoil curve is such to allow one faster follow up shots,
Longer ejection stroke to remove spent cases

[Big Boomer]

Get the 3" you will like the balance better, the added velocity, the larger sight picture, and it just looks better IMHO.

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l84/forestpriest/DailyCarry357-1.jpg

[BoneDigger]

I agreew, go with the 3". It's a little better in all areas, except pocket carry. Pocket carry can be done, but it's not easy with the 3". I have one on my hip as we speak.

Todd

[Z-Michigan]

I have the 2.25" barrel. Works fine, and is fairly concealable. The extra 0.875" would make only a minor difference in concealment and add some velocity, but also add 2 ounces. Pretty small difference all in all. I have considered buying a 3.125" model as an addition to my collection. For anything but deep concealment, the 3" is probably a good choice.

For the 2.25" model, you have the option of satin gray stainless (special order from Lipseys) or the standard polished. For 3" I think you can only get the standard polished finish.

[RustyShackelford]

If you plan on carrying the SP-101 in a holster or on your person, I'd pick the 3" barrel SP-101. Most LEOs/gun experts say a CCed sidearm should have at least a 3" barrel for .357/.38spl. The smaller DA only type 2 1/4" barrel model would be good for pocket/ankle carry or on body armor/BUG(back up) use. :cool:

My very 1st handgun was a new Ruger SP-101 DA only .357magnum with 2 1/4".

Rusty

PS: You may want a CT lasergrip too, ;). www.lasersights.com www.crimsontrace.com

[Matt-J2]

I'd go 3". A small frame .357 with a 3" barrel is a bit like perfection, IMO.



Not for any practical reason that I'd argue for, I just love em that way.

[Shade00]

I think the 3" is absolutely gorgeous. Never shot one, but everyone raves about em. If it was my choice, I'd go 3".

[camacho]

I will get the 2 1/4 but for a slightly different reason. It is the only one offered with spurless hammer (DAO) which I think is a big plus in concealed carry as far as revolvers are concerned.



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

[Sato Ord]

Remember, if you are thinking about concealability the barrel length isn't the real problem. With an inside the waistband holster the two inch barrel has no real advantage over the three inch. Grip size is more important than barrel length, since the grip is the part that stands out.

I'd always opt for the extra inch of barrel.