Barrel recommendations for SP101

[TwoNiner]

I am about to buy a new Ruger SP101 and I'd like your advise on which model to choose. I see that Ruger sells this gun in a 2 1/4 and a 3 1/16 inch barrel. Unfortunately I can't go the range and test fire either of them because the range doesn't keep them in stock, and my local gun shop can't keep them in the display case longer than a day, so I'll have to have my local shop order it from Ruger.

This gun will primarily be used for home defense. With that in mind, I'm leaning towards fixed sights and the smaller 2 1/4 barrel. I also plan on getting some extra large wooden grips for it (big hands). Occasionally, I wouldn't mind throwing this side arm in a backpack when in the woods for some peace of mind. Around here mountain lions are a cause for concern. Attacks have happened in the last few years and when we're in a drought the kitty cats stray farther and farther from their homes and towards civilization looking for food.

That said, since the SP101 shoots 357 loads, and the 3 1/16in barrel is only 2oz heavier than the 25oz short barrel, I'm also considering the longer barrel. Will a 357 load in a 2" barrel knock you to the ground? How intense is the muzzle flash? Will an extra inch on the barrel make any difference?

If its too cumbersome to shoot a 357 load out of a small framed gun like this I probably won't practice with it and just end up leaving it in the night stand. I have a full frame 357 that I use for camping.

If anyone has any experience shooting an SP101 I'd appreciate your input. Thanks!

 

[moosehunt]

May I suggest that you instead look for a used one with the 4" barrel? They are quite superior in my opinion, yet strangly, they no longer make them.

 

[sm]

TwoNiner,

Welcome to THR.

I am partial to 3" barrels, as they seem to index/point better, allow a better ejection of spent ctgs, and deal with the recoil curve a bit better due to just how they fit and balance in my hands.

For a home gun I would go with a 3 1/6" barrel.
Now these conceal carry well, and just a matter of proper belt, and holster.

That said, there is nothing in the world wrong with the "snub nose" , any of them from 1 7/8" to 2 1/4 inch.

If anything, they are a bit more difficult to learn to shoot well. Another consideration just boils down to proper training and quality practice.

Short guns are short. There is less gun/barrel for one to see with peripheral
vision and especially in a stressful situation.

Meaning you do not want to shoot yourself, such as having a weak side hand, wrist, arm in the way.
Again, gun fit assists, as does training.
IF a gun fits, it will be more of an extension of self, and training and quality practice reinforces this.

It just seems a tad longer barrel, is easier for most folks to get all this down pat correctly.

 

[ArmedBear]

If it's for HD, I'd suggest getting a 4" GP100 instead. 6 rounds, easier to shoot accurately, more comfortable with serious loads. Comes with a grip that you don't need to replace.

Unless you want the size for carrying, a compact revolver is not the ideal choice IMO.

 

[TwoNiner]

Thanks for the helpful responses. I have a 6" 357 GP 100, but I want something smaller for HD. I have felt the 4" version of the GP, and while it is much more easy to point, my impression is that it was a little too bulky for HD in my opinion...weighing in at 40oz, but to each his own.

I guess I am wanting something of a paradox--a sidearm small enough to have it not be a hassle to take with me to the front door, while stout enough for 357 payloads.

Unfortunately I cannot carry since State Law prohibits it.

 

[ArmedBear]

I guess I am wanting something of a paradox--a sidearm small enough to have it not be a hassle to take with me to the front door, while stout enough for 357 payloads.

If that's specifically what you want, the SP101 does fit those criteria.

I'd get the longer barrel, then.

(Personally, I'd lean towards a 2 1/2" 686+ for that but they can be hard to find, and expensive.)

 

[Action_Can_Do]

I'm also going to recommend you use your GP100 for home defense. I've owned both the 2 and 3 inch SP101 and both are a bear with 357 loads. I eventually sold the 3 incher to get the 2 incher when I decided the gun would be used for pocket-carry. I planned on using 357 loads with it, but the recoil made practicing with it very unpleasant. I settled for 38+P.

 

[don95sml]

I guess I am wanting something of a paradox--a sidearm small enough to have it not be a hassle to take with me to the front door, while stout enough for 357 payloads.

My answer to your paradox would be to select any barrel length, but to load it with .38 Special +P self-defense loads (available from several manufacturers).

 

[shameless]

TwoNiner,

The 3 1/16" bbl loaded with 3gr of Bullseye, and a 158gr Lead SWC is possibly the best combo you could have, IMHO, for HD or CCW.

But, I reload,and if you do not, check into RCBD ammo, in San Antonio, TX
Pricey, but watch the video they have and you will see what I mean.

I have not shot any of their ammo, so, I'm just speaking from watching the video.

 

[popeye]

The only reason to have a 5 shooter (.38/.357) is the size reduction to be associated with concealed carry. I had a short barreled sp101 that I sold recently. As a carry gun it's a holster gun. As a HD gun why limit yourself to 5 rounds? I saw a test where a 9mm went through 9 half inch wall boards spaced 4" apart. A .357 would probably do the same. Who's in a room down the hall? A new sp101 goes for minimum $500 around here. I'd look at a used shooter 4" model 10. Also nothing excites the senses of a burglar like the sound of a 12 gauge shotgun shell being chambered in a pump shotgun.

 

[Glockman17366]

I'd go with the 3.06" barrel (which is what I did). To me, it's easier to point and still small enough to carry concealled (IWB) if you wanted to.
There is some discussion as to the effectiveness of the .357 Magnum round in a 2" barrel. Although there is ammo specifically formulated for short barrelled guns, that isn't the normal stuff one finds at Wally World.
I have fired full house .357 Mag out of my SP101. Recoil is subjective, but I didn't think it was too bad at all.

 

[wallskm]

I have a 3 1/16" sp101. It shoots great and I am very happy with it. You should know it's very difficult to find a holster in that barrel size. Lots of option in 2.25".

 

[Glockman17366]

I have a 3 1/16" sp101. It shoots great and I am very happy with it. You should know it's very difficult to find a holster in that barrel size. Lots of option in 2.25".

Don Hume makes at least two. One is an IWB type, the other OWB. I've got both (don't use the IWB one much) but I forget what model numbers they are.
Very good quality holsters for a very reasonable price.

 

[wnycollector]

I am partial to the 3" barrel as the minimum length for a .357 CCW. Since yours will not be carried, I would suggest a nice 4" model 10 loaded with the remington FBI load as a GREAT HD combo.

 

[Lone Star]

You shouldn't load .357 rounds for home defense. The blast will mess with your ears, and the flash is usually bright, too. Load Plus P .38's in it.

Magnum rounds work great outdoors, for large targets or longer ranges.

 

[Madcap_Magician]

I've got an SP101, 2.25" DAO, that has Crimson Trace overmolded grips. Those grips are great for the SP101.

It's also for sale, if you're interested.

 

[crawdaddy]

I have the same problem, deciding between the 2.25" and 3.06". My purchase will be for ccw, but from what I've read, there is little difference in carrying both. I have a 6" gp100 and I've had to put it in my front left jeans pocket kind of cross draw because it's all i have and we weren't in a very good hotel, so when my wife went outside to smoke I didn't feel comfortable unless it was close by.
Back to the sp101, I know it all boils down to personal preference but does anybody have any experience carrying both concealed? or have any pics of how you might ccw with both.

 

[L-Frame]

Find a GP100 with the 3" barrel, fixed sights. Wonderful gun. With the Sp101 I greatly prefer the 3" barrel. All the advantages have already been listed above, but the 3" GP is the best option of all IMHO.

 

[jfh]

about carry guns--if you want to consider pocket carry, then that will limit your options. My original carry gun was a 2" 357 SP101. At that time, I carried SOB, and it worked great for that. I did not pocket carry then, but I did check it out, and IMO a 27 oz. plus revolver is unsuitable for pocket carry, with or without a pocket holster--not to mention the hammer spur issues. (That SP101 was modified to spurless DAO long before the factory model became available. A friend of mine still has it.)

Similarly a 3"-barrel gun is usually unsuitable for pocket carry, unless you have a special pocket. I have a 3" Model 60 that would be suitable--but even with deep pockets, concealment is not easily possible, and the draw is that much slower.

If your idea of concealed carry is IWB--or OWB, with an overshirt for concealment--then an SP101 is an excellent choice. Similarly, a shoulder rig can be considered. The weight issue is largely irrelevant, as are any draw problems. However, high-ride holsters may well inhibit a fast draw for some. Personally, I've never been adept at it, even with lots of practice. (I do have some range-motion issues, however--i.e., a bone spur.)

In the long run then, my personal set of criteria include 1) suitable for pocket carry, in both barrel length and weight, and 2) secondary use in a shoulder or belted holster.

For home SD use, unless has an particular need--i.e., the smaller grip size on a 101 is preferable because of a small hand--I see no reason to consider 5-shot revolvers with under 3" or 4" barrels. Thus, currently I have a 686-4" by the bed, and it sometimes alternates with a NG386(2.5").

So, to sum it up--unless you "need" the SP101, for home defense, I'd jump up to the GP100 in 4". If you want a carry gun that is most flexible in meeting your needs, look elsewhere. Personally, my carry guns now are lightweight S&Ws (M&P340, 360), and Ruger now has the LCR.

Jim H.

 

[Pistol Toter]

I carry, and have for years, the 2.25" SP and know a fellow that has the 3.06" gun. The difference is minimal! If I were to buy another it would be the 3"er but only because I have the 2" barrel. The 3.06" wiil have a slight advantage. Both lengths will fit into a Bianchi 7/7L which is a pancake or the Bianchi 3S which is an IWB. I have both holsters and have put both guns the leather.

If the gun is not going to be carried, I'd go with the 4" GP100 or better yet a nice used S&W Model 19 or 66.

 

[BlindJustice]

I have a S&W Model 60 3" Bbl. .357 Mag
I'd recommend the same Bbl len. for an SP101
CHambered for .357 Mag.

R-

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

I am unsure why a revolver intended only for home defense needs to be small. I would prefer a three- or four-inch, medium frame, six-shot for that usage. If the "full frame" revolver you already have fits that description, you may already be good to go.

 

[gmh1013]

I have the 2.25 but have shot the 3
incher too with plain .38s or +p both
shoot about the same IMHO.....
you might get 75/100 fps more from the 3 inch