[.380awsome]

Ok,i have decided that i either want the revolvers mentioned or one of some certain autos ,but anyway i know the ruger is heavy and i dont want a .357,just .38 ,but whats youre guys opinions on these guns,i like both ,but not sure which one

[ugaarguy]

Since you want a carry piece, and have no desire for .357 Mag, go with either S&W. There's no need to carry the extra size & weight of an SP-101 if you're only going to shoot .38 Special.

[JAREDSHS]

:):) I have all three of the above mentioned. Prefer the 637 and carry it the most often in my right hand pants pocket. Very excellent weapon.(loaded with Remington 158 gr. +P LHP)

[OregonJohnny]

To Pocket Carry or Not To Pocket Carry? That is the question...

I have a S&W 642 that I pocket carry. I love it. I just slip it into a coat or jeans pocket wherever I go and usually forget about it. A Ruger SP-101 is a larger, heavier gun. It is not a pocket carry type of gun, and it was not intended for this purpose. However, I don't see the extra heft of the Ruger as a bad thing. It will tame any recoil MUCH better than a J-frame S&W. I know you said you have no interest in .357, but if you are going to carry this gun on your waist and not in your pocket, the SP-101 can double as a wilderness/hiking/camping gun, where you might want to keep it stoked with .357 Mag. If I were doing it all over again, and didn't want to pocket carry, I'd pick the Ruger over the S&W in a second. In fact, I'll probably end up getting an SP-101 eventually anyway to fill that gap between my airweight J-frame and my fullsize GP100.

[L-Frame]

If you are going to use a concealment holster I would go with the Ruger. Way to heavy for pocket carry though.

[jaydubya]

I have a 637 which, if my sheriff would issue me a CCD (I live in California), I would carry in a pocket holster. I have had no problems with practice around the house with my 637 in an Uncle Mike's pocket holster, but I also practice placing my thumb on top of the hammer. Will I remember to do that if I need that weapon? I don't know. Therefore, if I had to do it over again, I would have bought the 642. So far as the 638's shielded hammer is concerned, I ask: under what circumstances in a SD/HD situation would you ever cock the hammer? Although I practice with my 637 every other week, I never bother to do so single action. Why waste ammo doing something I would never do in real life?

A bit offthread: I recommend Crimson Trace grips. I have them on all my handguns that they make them for (which leaves out my wife's Colt .380 Pocket Model and my JC Higgins .22 revolver). I will not buy a handgun for which Crimson Trace does not provide a laser grip.

Cordially, Jack

[goon]

I'd take the Ruger in .357.
Right now you don't want .357 but why limit yourself? Maybe some day it will be advantageous to be able to stuff your little revolver with full power .357 ammo (maybe you'll want to go camping in bear country or something).
If it's practical to carry a little larger, heavier gun, I say go for it. Even with a .38, a chunky little Ruger will soak up the recoil better than a J-frame and probably hold up better over time too.

[Quoheleth]

I've got the Ruger. Love the gun. Unless I'm wearing jeans, no way can I pocket carry that thing - in dress slacks, it's obvious I've got something in there; shorts aren't much better (baggy, cargo-style helps). Now that its getting cooler, with longer shirts or a jacket, I would maybe drop it in a pocket for a quick run to the gas station or to the store for a jug of milk, but probably not pack it all day that way.

Ruger needs a holster to be happy.

Also, IMHO, if you go Ruger go with the 3" tube. You get almost a full inch more sight radius (or 50% more barrel length!) than the shorter barrel. That translates to better sight picture and a little better velocity for not that great a sacrifice in concealability. Remember - it really ain't a pocket gun, so why hamstring yourself?

Q

[SAG0282]

With no desire for .357, it's sort of a no-brainer I think. I have the 638 and think it's the finest of weapons in that class.

[Dollar An Hour]

If you will commit to belt carry, then SP101.

If you're more interested in pocket carry and the comfort of a lighter gun, then go with a J-Frame in the flavor you like best.