642 vs SP101

[duallydave]

I recently bought a GP100, it is a pleasure to shoot. I have a semi-auto 9mm compact (SW M&P9c) which I got for CCW, but I have been thinking lately that perhaps a revolver would work out better for CCW, especially as a pocket gun.

I see that a lot of people like the SW642 for this purpose, and it is substantially lighter than an SP101, but I don't like the 642 grip, and I'm thinking a little more weight would be better for recoil and controllability when shooting the gun.

Has anybody out there owned both of these guns, that can give an objective opinion on the differences between them for CCW and pocket carry? I'm leaning towards a SP101 since I like the GP100 so much, and since I don't like the 642 grip, but I'm concerned about size and weight with the SP101.

 

[Charles S]

For pocket carry I recommend the 642 hands down.

The SP101 is one of my favorite, if not my very favorite small revolver and I carry it almost all the time....in a holster. For me the SP101 is not a pocket gun, it is just too heavy.

I love the accuracy, controllability, durability, and concealability of the SP101.

The 642 is, for me, harder to shoot well. However, to just drop in the pocket it is a better gun.

 

[hceptj]

i have them both right now and have for quite a while...as Charles said, the 642 is much lighter and easier to hide...the sp101 is more fun to shoot, but you can't carry it nearly as easy...

 

[mavracer]

Both, 642 weak side front pocket SP strong side IWB.

 

[JNewell]

Have both, like both, have carried both, only carry a 642 now. The SP101 is a fabulous revolver, but it is just a little too big and too heavy for pocket carry - at least for how I dress.

 

[tblt]

For pocket get the LCP
For other carry go with the SP101 in 357 mag. IWB(man stopper)More than 2x the knock down power of a 38 +p.

I have a GP100,P95 & Single six,
My main carry is a mod 85 taurus 15 oz. no good in the pocket I have to carry IWD now looking at the SP101 myself.I carried a friends for a day and could not tell the difference from my 15 oz to his 25 oz gun.If I have to carry IWB I want a 357 mag not a 38

 

[BikerRN]

I sold my PM9 that I carried as a Pocket Gun because I found my 442 to be more reliable.

Sorry to say it but in the smaller guns the Revolver is still the more reliable of the two. The 442/642 is a great ankle or pocket gun, and that's where I carry mine. My SP101 is residing in an OWB Holster on my weakside. My 3" GP100 is inside my waistband in it's Milt Sparks Summer Special II.

The SP101 is too heavy for pocket carry unless I'm wearing my Carhartt Pants. Yes, I carry three guns off duty, as per the teachings of Evan Marshall a retired Detroit City Detective, and a fine human being.

I don't think you can go wrong with a 442/642 for pocket carry. I find it more concealable in that yes it's a "lump" in my pocket, but you can't tell it's a gun. When I pocket carried my PM9 you could discern that I was carrying a gun in my pocket. I also find the roundness of a wheelgun easier to draw from the pocket as oppossed to the sharp edges of a "bottomfeeder".

BikerRN

 

[Moonclip]

Comparing apples and ornages really. I have both, both fine guns, but the SP101 is heavy for some uses. It's nice to have the .357mag chambering though.

 

[Guillermo]

you are getting spot-on advice. I can only parrot.

The 642 can be hidden easily. The SP cannot. But it sure is fun to shoot!

 

[duallydave]

Thank you for all of your responses! I may just have to get both, but I think I will look at some IWB holsters first, and possibly go that way rather than pocket carry.

I wish there was something that was as light as the 642, but as easy to shoot as the SP101, but that will probably never happen I suppose, as the extra weight of the SP101 seems to be what makes it more manageable. Maybe a different grip on the 642 would help, something that would fit the hand a little better so that it would not try to jump out of your hand. Any thoughts on that angle?

 

[BikerRN]

Dave, part of what makes the little J-Frame so concealble is the stocks (Grips to the unknowing).

If you put a set of Hogues on it you will lose a lot of the "pocket concealability" of that gun. There are better guns to carry on the Belt. As I said before, the 442/642 really comes in to it's own as a Pocket or Ankle gun.

Take care and stay safe.

BikerRN

 

[DawgFvr]

What BikerRN said....

One for the pocket....
and one for for belt carry....

 

[Malodorousroadkill]

I carry a 638(642 with a bodyguard style hammer) in a Mika pocket holster. Used to carry a Bulgarian Makarov which is about the same weight as a sp101. The airweights are a joy to carry, but not so easy to shoot. Also I don't carry +P and nor would I unless it was in an all steel revolver.

 

[duallydave]

DawgFvr, thank you for the picture, a picture truly is worth a thousand words. Big difference in size!