Can anyone explain the differences between the SP101 in 22LR and the GP100 in 22LR ?

[C0untZer0]

I know the GP100 has a longer barrel, holds 2 more rounds and is a little heavier.

If Ruger gave the SP101 a 5.5" barrel and cut 2 more chambers in the cylinder - would it be the same as the GP100 Model 1757 ?

 

[Bert W.]

Aren't the GPs and SPs different size frames? The GP being the larger of the two. I own S&Ws and a Security Six, so I'm no expert.

 

[jrmiddleton425]

Bert W. has it right...if Ruger went by S&W frame sizes, the SP-101 would be a "J" and the GP-100 would be an "L."
To extend the comparison, the Redhawk/Super Redhawk would be an "N."

 

[Tallball]

The GP has a significantly larger frame.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

There isn't room for two more rounds in the SP101. The GP has a larger frame.

 

[Varminterror]

Adding to and confirming what has already been said:

• GP100 is a larger frame than the SP101. The GP is a 6 shot 357mag frame, roughly a K-frame in S&W terms, whereas the SP101 is a 5 shot 357mag frame, roughly a J frame = longer and larger diameter cylinder which allows 2 more rounds than the SP101, adds a small amount to the sight radius, even with the same barrel length, and comes with heavier weight to stabilize on target and soak up recoil.

• The grip on the SP101 is considerably smaller than the GP100, so there's more to hold onto for the GP. Even the compact GP100 grips are considerably larger than the SP100 grips, and tout a very different profile - oval vs. round-edged rectangle. Throw a big Hogue grip on the GP100 22LR and you have a very target friendly revolver.

• GP100 is a little different for how the cylinder is installed, vs. the SP101, the SP relies upon a little lip on the cylinder frame at the rear of the window to retain the cylinder on the main pivot, the GP does not.

• The larger GP100 frame offers a longer hammer and longer trigger, so the leverage is considerably better - meaning the GP100 has a better feeling trigger out of the gate, and even in reworking both actions, the GP100 trigger comes out considerably ahead in terms of ignition reliability and trigger feel.

That said - I favor the SP101 22LR over the GP100. I have a GP100 for use as a loaner/demo gun in handgun courses, but I get more enjoyment shooting the lighter handling SP101. I'll admit, I'd love to have a 5.5" or 6" SP101 22LR, or better still, 22WMR or 17HMR, D&T'd for a scope mount, but I really don't mind the 4.2" barrel.

 

[JohnKSa]

Great summary. I would add that part of the difference in the cylinder is that the GP100 cylinder turns on ball bearings while the SP101 cylinder spins on a friction bearing. I assume that Ruger felt there wasn't enough space in the smaller SP cylinder to fit a ball bearing system in to it.

 

[Dave T]

The GP is a 6 shot 357mag frame, roughly a K-frame in S&W terms...

The GP100 is much closer in size and weight to the S&W L-frame. The old discontinued Security Six was the Ruger equivalent of the S&W K-frame.

Dave

 

[clang]

The GP will weigh about a pound more