SP101 with hammer or with spurless one

[camacho]

Hi folks,

Will be getting an SP101 in .357. It comes in two versions: one regular revolver and one with spurless hammer which makes it a double action only. For HD and CCW which will be a better choice and what will be the pros and the cons of one against the other? As always, your opinions on the subject will be greatly appreciated.

 

[pezo]

I have the 2" DAO model. I have absolutely no regrets having bought this thing. I only practice in da defensive shooting anyways. This gun handles magnums well. its still a snubbie and shooting more than say 50 rounds of magnum loads will get to you. I use a "glove" for recoil when shooting more than 50 rounds of magnum (148 grain fiocchi sjhp's) per session. If I dont wear the glove a cut will develop on my trigger finger and I will have temporary carpel tunnel. Still, I think it is the best of the magnum snubbies. If you carry .38 you could go smaller, such as the airweight for ccw. I like to carry the sp101 charged with .357 mag but sometimes in the summer a pocket carry .38 is easier.

 

[ewb45acp]

For CCW I would definitely go with the spurless hammer. Just one less thing to worry about if you ever have to draw from concealment. I have a Taurus 605 with a spurless hammer. It slips easily out from under a shirt or coat pocket when practicing.

 

[Ben Shepherd]

I have both in the 2 1/4" 357 version. I prefer the spurless one for carry. But I find one thing interesting:

I swear the spurred model has a lighter spring. The double action pull is definetely lighter than my spurless one, even though the spurless one has many, many thousands more rounds through it.

I've also heard several accounts(way too many to ignore) of people getting light strikes after dehorning thier spurred models. I really wonder if ruger puts a stiffer spring in the spurless models due to the lighter hammer weight.

 

[camacho]

Thanks folks. I also thought that for HD/CCW the DAO one would be better but wanted to confirm it with the experts. Thanks a lot!

 

[revolverman357]

I thought I might chime in a little late here, I carry a 3" Sp101 357 Mag w/hammer everyday. It gives me no trouble at all in an IWB holster. But, I do shoot single action at times with it at the range. It works well for me.
There are probably advantages and disadvantages to both configurations.

 

[Coltdriver]

I have a GP100 in DAO. I am looking for a hammer to convert it to SA/DA.

You can always take the spur on the hammer and grind it down. Thats what I am going to do. Just leave enough so that you can cock it but make it smooth enough that it won't snag on anything.

Its always nice to have options.

 

[Essex County]

I think for me it would be a toss up. DAO is fine for pocket carry, but I see the 101 as a great gun for belt carry. Whatever you decide you'll be happy with it.......Essex

 

[camacho]

Thanks folks!

 

[Vic]

SP101....

I got rid of mine because it was all over the paper after I corrected for a hard 12" left at 25yds. First and foremost...you better be able to hit what you're aming at and mine wouldn't do it. I'll never own another SP101.

I replaced it with a Colt 1968 Trooper with 4"bbl and adjustable sights. I now hit what I'm aiming at...every time...and they actually group.

 

[Ben Shepherd]

Vic: You got a lemon. It happens. My spurless SP101 has over 60,000 rounds. Hits poa/poi with full power 158 stuff every time.

Sorry you had a bad experience.

 

[nelson133]

I carry a DAO and it hits what I aim at at self defense distances. The action will really slick up with use and I believe the DAO is inherently safer in most people's hands in tense situations, including mine.

 

[camacho]

The action will really slick up with use and I believe the DAO is inherently safer in most people's hands in tense situations, including mine

My assumption exactly. From what I have been reading so far I will be getting the DAO since I want my wife to able to use if needed.


Thanks again for all your input.

 

[SolaScriptura139]

What about buying the sa/da and then bobbing the hammer? It would be more of a nuisance to fire single action, but you still would have the option of firing it single action.