S&W 60 3" vs Ruger SP101

Styx

I have been pretty much into S&W J frames since I got started with CCW. Either snubnose or with a 3" barrel in .38 Special they have served me well. Have had a few of Colt's snubbys and while they were decent guns in terms of size and weight I still preferred my S&Ws. Had a Ruger Speed Six and that's about as small as I like to go with a .357 short barreled revolver. Never found much to like about the Ruger SP101 as it doesn't point naturally for me and most of them that I have tried have had really rough DA triggers on them. No experience with the Kimber K6S but just about everything I have read about them has been positive about their overall quality and their DA trigger.

Styx said:

I'm leaning towards the K6s. The only issue now is finding one. One last question. Does your 3" K6s not fit in 3" jframe leather holsters securely?

Click to expand...

I can't say, my only j-frame holster is a pocket holster for a 1.875" barrel. I've read plenty of people say that their Kimber fits in a j-frame holster, but I've also heard people say that j-frames fit perfectly inside SP101 holsters so I know everyone's definition of a "perfect fit" is different. Rather than take a risk on a looser (or tighter) fit I waited to find something dedicated.

I can tell you in comparing my K6s to my 442 that the frame size are practically identical, but the Kimber's cylinder is 0.085" fatter at the rear, and IMO that's a lot of stretch for leather to accommodate. But then again the K6s is pretty "melted", so maybe that would offset things enough. My S&W won't fit all the way into my K6s's holster because Kimber rounded a lot more of the edges.

Styx said:

I'm leaning towards the K6s. The only issue now is finding one. One last question. Does your 3" K6s not fit in 3" jframe leather holsters securely?

Click to expand...

As soon as I posted my last comment this DeSantis 106 caught my eye that I had just carried my 442 in yesterday. My K6s does fit pretty nicely inside, just a tad more snug than the 442 but not too tight. So it's very possible that a leather holster for a 3" S&W would work.

I have actually owned both, so I wanted to chime in here...

The Smith will likely have a better trigger out of the box and most would consider it more handsome. The trigger part can impact performance; the handsome part, of course, does not.

I also have a Smith model 640 (regular, not the pro). If you have experience with that, a 3" model 60 would be rather similar with the notable exception of the adjustable rear and taller ramp front sights, which are a plus for shooting but a bit of a minus for concealed carry (at least for me).

I think I would feel a lot better about the SP101 vs. a J-frame S&W for lots of .357 shooting.

At the end of the day either would work, but I am mainly posting to mention the 3" GP100 with a compact Altamont grip. You get what seems to be a better trigger than the SP101 and a sixth shot for not much more weight and bulk. The aftermarket grip actually makes it a potential carry gun for me where it was a bit of a stretch with the factory grip, or even the full-sized Altamont I bought at first (compacts were out of stock at the time). Of course - if you're willing to put up with this amount of bulk then a smallish K-frame might be on the table. And down the rabbit hole you go...


Kimber and Colt small-frame revolvers might be a good solution as well, but I have no personal experience with those. I can say that they will provide that sixth round in a lighter package. That 6th round certainly doesn't hurt anything; indeed, it means the world to some people. YMMV. Good luck with your decision.

bassjam

I have the same holster for my S&Ws! Well made and comfortable to wear.

I don't have any experience with the Ruger, but have had a 3" full-lugged 60-15 for years and it has become one of my favorite Smith and Wessons. It is most often carried on my acreage and nearby hunting/hiking properties. I also makes a great ccw gun. I have been shooting revolvers for over 50 years and find this particular gun quite easy to shoot well. It has accounted for much small game, and I believe that when shooting single action a 75 yard coyote would be in trouble. I put a spring kit in it and have changed both the front and years sights to my liking. It wears Nill grips and is sighted in at 50 yards with Remington 125 grain Golden Saber magnums (this is a 'light' magnum load).

Holster comment:

I am very comfortable with IWB carry , just inside my hip bone. (is that what's called "appendix carry"?) Comfortable though I am with IWB , I am also quite sensitive to height of carry , based on how the gun rests in the holster.
In #29 the slightly larger Kimber is riding noticeably higher in the holster than the 60. That would not work for me ; the gun would feel top heavy and not quite secure. The best thing to do is get a holster that is designated for the specific model , then form it to that particular firearm.

My well worn Bianchi w/ thumb break provides a comfortable , very secure ride.

.

Another vote for the 3" Model 60. I have one with the full underlug and it performs well.

I have cherry-picked from among J-Frames and SP101 revolvers, over the years, and have have found rough and smooth actions, among both brands. The SP101 factory grip is perfect for my hands, as if the guy who designed them were a long-lost twin brother, from whom I was separated at birth. Having said that, I used to own a 3” Model 60, with a non-tapered barrel and a square-butt grip frame, that was mighty nice, and I wish I had not let it get away. It was from a limited run, made for either Lew Horton or John Jovino, in the way that Lipsey’s and TALO now have special production runs made for them.

A problem, for me, is the keyhole. The internal parts of the lock are a potential failure point, and the hole is a potential entry point for debris. Plus, S&W factory grips are not a best fit, so I need to budget for aftermarket grips. So, although I buy the occasional S&W, I am more of a Ruger buyer.

For the price point of the M60, you are in the range of a Kimber and Cobra, both of which have a nicer trigger than the 60 and SP101.

I have a 2.25 inch SP101 and a 3 inch model 60 Pro. The larger adjustable sights on the M 60 makes for better precision but the extra 3 or 4 ounces on the Ruger make it more comfortable when shooting magnums

243winxb said:

Put both on a scale. Go with lightest one for 24/7 carry.

Have M60 2" & 337PD. The PD @ 10 oz weight empty is a dream to carry. But recoil is not for the inexperienced.

Click to expand...

I had a 340PD and I just gave to a friend without arthritis. It was not nice even with .38 special.

Nice score.

A 60 is a great gun, no doubt. Never used a 101, but if it's like any of the Ruger handguns I've had appart, I'd pass on it.

I have both and I do prefer the adjustable sights on the Mod 60. With a little work both triggers will equal out but the overall quality of the Smith wins out. If you have the extra money, look at a Kimber K6s which in my opinion is a better choice than either of the other two.