[Johnan]

I currently front pocket carry a S&W 642.

I have been interested in acquiring a SP101 chambered for .357.

I wanted to stay with the .38 round with the option of using the .357 round but have my doubts from time to time considering the flash and flame from same.

Some months back I saw someone offer a Ruger SP101 Stainless 9mm 2 1/4" for around $700.00 on a Gunbroker auction. I don't believe that it sold at the time.

Has anyone had the opportunity of owning this in 9mm and if so what were the pro's and con's.

[logical]

The 9mm SP-101's are no longer made and finding one is difficult and you'll pay a $2-300 premium over a .357. If your real goal is to get something a bit better than .38 but not a full blown .357...then look at the many medium velocity .357 rounds out there. Speer for example makes a short barrel .357 Gold Dot Hollowpoint 135 grain round at under 1000 ft/sec. It is not much hotter than a high end .38 +P round.

[Big Mike]

The 9mm SP101s are hard to find and pricey when you do. The last one I saw on Gun Broker.com went for @ $550.

[ArmedBear]

logical's right. With a .357, you have a huge variety of rounds you can use, from "cowboy" or "target" .38s to Buffalo Bore cannon load .357s up to 180 grains.

There's no reason to pay collector prices for a 9mm revolver when the same size/weight will get you a .357.

That said, if you want to use .38+P, the 642 is a great gun for carry. I, personally, would consider a full-size .357 if you want such an animal, and keep the J-frame for CCW.

[lanternlad1]

There's no reason to pay collector prices for a 9mm revolver when the same size/weight will get you a .357.

A 9mm +p out of a 2" revolver barrel falls between the .357 mag and the .38. But you are right, there is no need to pay collectors prices when you can have your own gun refit to take 9mm. Go to Pinnacle and have your 642 resized for 9mm.

From their website.
S&W 5-shot .38 caliber J-Frames rechamber to 9mm! $225.00

http://www.pinnacle-guns.com/revolver.asp