Ruger SP101

It is my opinion that the 3-1/16" SP101 would be an excellent carry weapon, perhaps as close to perfection as a .357 carry revolver can be for the urban/suburban environment, for most people. I am willing to put up with the extra weight and bulk of the larger-framed weapon, for now, so I don't yet actually own a 3+" SP101. I probably will, eventually.

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+1 to what Rexster was saying here.
I too, own several GP100s and SP101s. I do not have the 3 1/16" brl version yet but it is at the top of my list. But I think if I had to do all over again that this brl length / gun configuration would be an ideal all around gun for HD, SD, CCW, and woods packing.

sp101

I carry a 2 inch DAO IWB appendix carry frequently. I think the 2 inch barrel will be much more comfortable if you have to sit. I can stand, sit, drive a car, and bend down fairly comfortably with it IWB. While I've never carried the 3 inch barrel, it seems to me the longer barrel would be less comfortable IWB appendix carry. If you want to carry OWB all the time at 3 or 4 o'clock, then the 3 inch barrel would be better. I've just settled that for me appendix carry is most comfortable and most concealable.

I've been carrying the 2.25" at 3:30 for the last couple of weeks in D.M. Bullard's Dual Carry Concealed holster. I've found the holster to be very comfortable. I now have it adjusted to a more severe forward cant then is shown in the photo.

Since I prefer IWB, the shorter barrel is a comfort thing for me. YMMV




rd

Where did you get those grip panels rdrancher?

Where did you get those grip panels rdrancher?

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Here are a couple of links for you. Excellent quality and service.

http://www.rugerforum.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=9015
http://www.rugerforum.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=17663

rd

I used to have a spurless 2-1/4" SP101 .357 and it was a great revolver. I kick myself for trading it away.

However, when I buy a SP101 again it will be a 3 incher. Why? Because the 2" is still too heavy for pocket carry and I think most folks end up carry it on the belt. A three inche is no less convenient on a belt/IWb than a 2 incher , so there is no advantage to a shorter barrel on a SP101.

When I finally wanted a pocket gun again I bought a S&W 642 and a Kel-tec P3AT. But I would like to get another Sp101 for IWB.

The shorter 2" barrel on the SP101 will give you noticeable more muzzle blast and there is a drop in velocity which if I recall is more like 100+ fps. Not a big difference but why lose 10% velocity if you don't gain anything in return. I hadn't thought of the increased sight radius, so that is just one more plus to the 3".

If I were buying I would probably look for a used one and get whichever I could find at a better deal. If I was to buy new I would definitely go for the 3 incher.

I actually like longer barrels for IWB, based on my prior carry of short and long 1911 pistols, and J-K-N-frames. Vigorous movement can cause a shorter weapon to try to pop out of the waistband, and at least with my anatomy, the shorter weapon tends to poke me in the, uh, gluteus. This was true when I was 150 pounds, and was true when I was up to about 170+; I am 6' tall. Of course, when worn forward of the hip, you will reach a point when too long of a barrel will jab you; it depends on how deep the holster rides. A major reason reason I want to try a 3-1/16" is for IWB forward of the hip, as a 2.25" SP101 wants to pop out, with some pants, even with a 1.75" G. Wm. Davis belt, and a 4" Speed Six is a bit much for that location, with some pants. I already have a bobbed factory hammer, waiting for the right fivegun to come along. (I used to regularly search evilbay for bobbed hammers.)