Ladysmith vs SP101

[Mitlov]

I can't argue against the SP-101; it's a great gun. However, I have to echo Waveski's recommendation on the 3" Model 60. I own both. You should at least try the fit to your hand and the double-action trigger pull of both guns. Then you could choose and never have second thoughts on the purchase. With a purchase this important, I'd say that it is worth a day trip (if you have to go far) to get to a gun store that has both for side-by-side comparison.

I did exactly that a month ago. The SP101 fit ME better than a Model 60 Lady Smith, though they are both unquestionably high-quality firearms.

 

[RealGun]

eldon519-I think the frustration is that you keep insisting your opinion is a rule and using matter of fact language when it is nothing more than an opinion, no more or less valid than mine or anybody else's in this thread. If you want your opinion respected, present it respectably. Say "full power .357 in an SP101 is uncomfortable for some shooters" which is true rather than saying "it's crazy to shoot full power loads in an SP101" which is rubbish. You say you want your opinion valued while dismissing the opinions and experiences of others in every post. I don't know why you are so emotionally invested in this topic or so concerned with having your contributions considered but it is clearly very dear to you as you are outposting anyone else in this thread by about 3:1.

Even your last post you argue that the gun is not well suited for .357. By what measure? It is built like a tank, you've got numerous shooters telling you they have no problem with it; I'd go so far as to argue it's actually best in class for a compact .357.

Along comes the pop psychologist. You really want to make all that out of parsing the word "crazy"?

 

[Zaydok Allen]

I think that this thread has become a grudge match. Have not heard from the OP since Sunday.

Time to move on , in my opinion - which will probably be challenged.

The truck has gone off the road, rolled down the hill, and burst into flames.

So what can we learn from all this?

The SP101 is a fine revolver. The Ladysmith is also a fine revolver.

Some people's perceptions is that the SP101 is two small to shoot 357 magnums out of comfortably. Some people contend that it is perfectly acceptable.

So to the original poster, just be advised that you will want to try different ammunition to see what you can hit with consistently and quickly, and is comfortable to shoot, regardless of which gun you choose. Whether you choose to shoot 357 mags, 38 Special +p, or standard pressure 38's, just make sure you can hit your target, as bullet mass and speed are secondary considerations compared to the need to simply hit your target center mass.

I would also contend that all the talk of grips thus far has missed a really key point, and IMO it's a point that people miss consistently on THR when magnum revolvers are being discussed. The mass of the gun affects recoil, which is very dependent on the frame size and specific design of a revolver. It is also something that could be measured given the proper testing criteria. The PERCIEVED RECOIL, which is the important part, is dependent on the shooters ability, technique, and specific hand characteristics.

Having large hands does not make a small magnum revolver easier to shoot, unless you have meaty hands. I wear XL gloves, but my hands are very boney, and are cold for all 7 months of the winter season in my locality. Trying to shoot a small revolver with narrow, or boot grips, just plain hurts because it is rocking around in my hand. I have met people with smaller, and/or, meatier hands that could shoot a small frame revolver far better than I. I'd rather shoot my 460 magnum with a full sized, closed backstrap grip that fits me than any small frame magnum revolver. The recoil is far more tolerable for me.

How could a 460 be more comfortable to shoot than a 357? It's because the grip FITS my hand. Even though the gun recoils harder, it isn't rocking around and beating my hand up, and as a result, the recoil is transferred to my arms and upper body. When the grip fits you well, your entire upper body becomes part of the recoil absorption mechanism.

So any time I hear a comment that a particular gun recoils two heavily with a particular cartridge, I contend that the problem is not the weight of the gun, or the pressure of the cartridge, or even the size of the person, it's that a grip doesn't fit them well. I watched my 120 lb female friend shoot a 454 Casull like a champ. The grip fit her, and thus her hands were unharmed. She didn't enjoy the blast or noise, but that's a totally different issue.

There are limits of course, but with a proper grip that fills the OP's hand, and proper technique, the OP, and anyone really, should be able to shoot magnums out of a small revolver. I have never found a grip for my SP101 that really fits me well, and thus I stick mostly to 38+p. I have one option left, and if it doesn't work, I'll simply stick with that, and if I really need a 357, I'll carry my 686+ with a Nill grip that does fit me perfectly.

Good luck to the OP.

 

[MrBorland]

Seems the thread's run it's course, and 460Kodiak's post is a good stopping point.