First handgun: Ruger SP101 versus Glock 19
- Thread starter Mitlov
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For the record, I'm not a Yeager fanboy. My main source of YouTube reviews is Hickock45...is that better?
It's just something I heard that I was curious about. Hell, if Hickock had said it, I'd probably have taken it as gospel and not even bothered to ask. The fact that I don't automatically agree with stuff Yeager says is why I asked.
Confederate
Member
I've got another option to consider.
Instead of the excellent little SP-101, consider finding a Ruger Speed-Six, Service-Six or Security-Six.
The SP-101 is fine for street use, but for outdoors you need something with more punch. The discontinued models (above) are still available on the used gun market, and you can still get them in excellent shape.
I wouldn't feel comfortable using the SP-101 against cougars, bears and other ornery animals. I had a friend who was out checking posts on his father-in-law's ranch. At about 60 yards he saw a cougar drop out of a tree and charged him straight on. He quickly drew his Dan Wesson 4-inch revolver and squeezed of a shot. The cougar went down. This was in broad daylight and he thought the incident was unusual, so he cut off the cat's head and sent it to the Center for Disease Control in Denver. The news came back: It was rabid. My friend said shooting that beautiful animal was the hardest thing he's ever done, but it was already dead, and he had no intention of going with it.
The .357 is a wonderfully versatile caliber, and it will lay out a human almost a hundred percent of the time with the right caliber (125gr JHP). For heavier, more robust animals, though, you'll want something a little heavier, such as a 140gr JHP or even a 158gr JSP. Putting that fodder into an SP-101 is possible, but not practical. A Speed-Six with a 3-inch barrel carries six rounds vice five, and offers a little more weight and better sight picture.
Check their reputation out on this forum. A lot of people have both guns.
Good luck!
The SP-101 is too small to be a good trail or camp gun. Still, it will be
better than nothing. The larger Speed-Six holds six rounds instead of
five, and it's easier to shoot well.
The Security-Six is tough, plus it has adjustable sights! The grips on
these models have been rounded. The 4-inch model (top) is considered
ideal for home defense and outdoor use. It's what I carry on road
trips, as the .357 caliber will punch through tires and automobile
bodies. That's why the Highway Patrol loved it back in the early '30s.
The 3-4-inch revolvers they carried with heavy .38spc loads often
wouldn't penetrate the car bodies.
This Speed-Six is a rugged revolver which was once popular with
police. The fixed sights are fine for defensive use, and this gun is
great for outdoors. It also comes with rounded grips.
.
Instead of the excellent little SP-101, consider finding a Ruger Speed-Six, Service-Six or Security-Six.
The SP-101 is fine for street use, but for outdoors you need something with more punch. The discontinued models (above) are still available on the used gun market, and you can still get them in excellent shape.
I wouldn't feel comfortable using the SP-101 against cougars, bears and other ornery animals. I had a friend who was out checking posts on his father-in-law's ranch. At about 60 yards he saw a cougar drop out of a tree and charged him straight on. He quickly drew his Dan Wesson 4-inch revolver and squeezed of a shot. The cougar went down. This was in broad daylight and he thought the incident was unusual, so he cut off the cat's head and sent it to the Center for Disease Control in Denver. The news came back: It was rabid. My friend said shooting that beautiful animal was the hardest thing he's ever done, but it was already dead, and he had no intention of going with it.
The .357 is a wonderfully versatile caliber, and it will lay out a human almost a hundred percent of the time with the right caliber (125gr JHP). For heavier, more robust animals, though, you'll want something a little heavier, such as a 140gr JHP or even a 158gr JSP. Putting that fodder into an SP-101 is possible, but not practical. A Speed-Six with a 3-inch barrel carries six rounds vice five, and offers a little more weight and better sight picture.
Check their reputation out on this forum. A lot of people have both guns.
Good luck!
The SP-101 is too small to be a good trail or camp gun. Still, it will be
better than nothing. The larger Speed-Six holds six rounds instead of
five, and it's easier to shoot well.
The Security-Six is tough, plus it has adjustable sights! The grips on
these models have been rounded. The 4-inch model (top) is considered
ideal for home defense and outdoor use. It's what I carry on road
trips, as the .357 caliber will punch through tires and automobile
bodies. That's why the Highway Patrol loved it back in the early '30s.
The 3-4-inch revolvers they carried with heavy .38spc loads often
wouldn't penetrate the car bodies.
This Speed-Six is a rugged revolver which was once popular with
police. The fixed sights are fine for defensive use, and this gun is
great for outdoors. It also comes with rounded grips.
.
allaroundhunter
Member
I don't think you know what you are talking about. If you are holding your handgun and someone tries to take it from you then yes, you will probably clench it. If your finger is in the trigger guard then yes, it will go off. Now, that is the result whether you are holding a Glock or an XD. Glock leg comes from a poor holster (or no holster) causing an ND into the wearer's leg.
I carry a Glock 19 and have had someone try to disarm me by taking my gun out of its holster. Guess who didn't get shot in the leg with his own Glock?
OrangePwrx9
Member
I own the Glock 19 and a 3" SP101. I've had the SP about 17 years, the Glock about 4.
The SP101 is NOT my favorite gun. I have large hands and the gun is just a little too small for me. Also the sights are non-adjustable on mine and rather poor. It's very hard to shoot it accurately. BUT, if I take the time and pains to address each of my difficulties with the SP, I've found it to be very accurate. Much more accurate than the G19. The potential is there, it's just not a good fit for me and the sights preclude use as a target gun.
The Glock 19 fits me well, its fat grip is no problem and I find it comfortable. It delivers combat accuracy, which is to say, it's so-so. It's very reliable. It's also bulky and seems lighter than the SP101. However, the grip may be a little too big for you.
Even though the SP101 seems small for me, I've been looking at the newer version with the adjustable sights and the 4" barrel. I'd like to have one someday. If you decide to go to the SP, take a long look at that one. The fit might be perfect for you and those sights would make it great for target shooting.
Some here will advise you to get a GP100. The one I had seemed unnecessarily heavy and clunky to me, and not particularly accurate. My favorite is the Security Six. With Ruger's target grips, it fits me perfectly.
The SP101 is NOT my favorite gun. I have large hands and the gun is just a little too small for me. Also the sights are non-adjustable on mine and rather poor. It's very hard to shoot it accurately. BUT, if I take the time and pains to address each of my difficulties with the SP, I've found it to be very accurate. Much more accurate than the G19. The potential is there, it's just not a good fit for me and the sights preclude use as a target gun.
The Glock 19 fits me well, its fat grip is no problem and I find it comfortable. It delivers combat accuracy, which is to say, it's so-so. It's very reliable. It's also bulky and seems lighter than the SP101. However, the grip may be a little too big for you.
Even though the SP101 seems small for me, I've been looking at the newer version with the adjustable sights and the 4" barrel. I'd like to have one someday. If you decide to go to the SP, take a long look at that one. The fit might be perfect for you and those sights would make it great for target shooting.
Some here will advise you to get a GP100. The one I had seemed unnecessarily heavy and clunky to me, and not particularly accurate. My favorite is the Security Six. With Ruger's target grips, it fits me perfectly.
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I am a revolver guy at heart and often carry a S&W 357mag as my primary weapon, a 686 L frame. The Ruger SP 101 is a fine revolver but is hard to shoot 357mag in, just a bit to small. I'm fine with 38spl as a bug but prefure a more potent round as my primary cartridge. Between the two choices offered, I would choose the Glock 19.
Armored farmer
Member
It seems a no-brainer to get the auto with 2x capacity or more. The extra mags are just the ticket to keep even more ammo at the ready for quick reloads. Just about anyone would have to agree that the auto wins the comparison hands-down. My son bought a Ruger SR9c and began ventilating pop cans immediately, right out of the box with it. The SP101 was torture learning to shoot accurately. I nearly gave up on it.
That being said, I like my SP101.
That being said, I like my SP101.
Lost Sheep
Member
The GP family is larger, heavier and a bit stronger than the Sixes (Security Six, Service Six and Speed Six). The GP also has the ejector rod offset from the center of the cylinder (allowing a bit more metal around the threads where the barrel screws into the frame). The Sixes have a full grip frame where the GPs have a grip post.
The lockwork inside is a bit different, too.
For everyday carry the lighter weight of the sixes is a significant factor to me. For concealability, too. The 2 3/4" Speed Six is nearly as concealable as the 5-shot SP101.
I wish Ruger still made them. It would have been a great choice for a 22 rimfire (as a companion piece for the .357 Magnum version). Pity they are discontinued. Bill Ruger is said to have stated that they lost money on everyone they made. Since it was Ruger's first double action revolver, that could be close to true, but you couldn't prove it by me and I expect if they resurrected the model they would sell like hotcakes at any price south of the GP (in .357) and SP (in 22).
As background, I own samples of all three.
Lost Sheep
lobo9er
Member
I carry a 3inch sp-101 hiking with 200 gr corbon hunter flat nose. Used to carry winchester partition gold when they were making them, hiking of course. I too wouldn't mind the 4inch with adjustable sights.
Follow this endurance test/blog in progress...
http://pistol-training.com/archives/8238
His rule is shoot till he doesnt feel comfortable with them as a CCW piece. He went through 70K + with a Glock 19 and 90K + with a HK P30 before calling it quits.
Its interesting none the less.
Anyone have any feelings about the Ruger P95? My same friend with the 1911s had a P95 and I shot a few times. I dismissed it as "not as nice as the 1911" until realizing that it's a quarter of the price of his Kimber. Of course it's not AS nice! But it still isn't bad, fits my hand just fine, and the price of $399 is fantastic. I like the manual safety (not many handguns I've looked at have them, and maybe it's just my shotgun background, but I like a manual safety) and I like the exposed hammer.
Quick searches online suggests it's a durable and reliable (if slightly unrefined) gun, far more reliable than cheapo 1911s. Does anyone here have one or have experience with one? What do you like about it? Hate about it?
Quick searches online suggests it's a durable and reliable (if slightly unrefined) gun, far more reliable than cheapo 1911s. Does anyone here have one or have experience with one? What do you like about it? Hate about it?
okiewita40
Member
I will tell the OP to go and handle as many different Guns as he can get his hands on. That way he can get what feels best to him.
I am also a small guy guy with smallish type hands. I carry a Glock 19 daily. I have shot the S&W 686 with 4" barrel. I thought the trigger was heavy in DA mode but in SA it is just fine.
I would say that if he gets a revolver to get a GP100 or a 686 with the hogue grips. Since IMO they tame the 357 mag to tolerable. Stick with a 4" barrel on the revolvers. Since you can do everything with them that the OP wants to do.
Also a double stack semi-auto is not that hard to handle either. Any decent two handed will work fine with them. If the OP can go to a range and rent the guns he feel interested in that is just that much better.
Best of luck to you.
I am also a small guy guy with smallish type hands. I carry a Glock 19 daily. I have shot the S&W 686 with 4" barrel. I thought the trigger was heavy in DA mode but in SA it is just fine.
I would say that if he gets a revolver to get a GP100 or a 686 with the hogue grips. Since IMO they tame the 357 mag to tolerable. Stick with a 4" barrel on the revolvers. Since you can do everything with them that the OP wants to do.
Also a double stack semi-auto is not that hard to handle either. Any decent two handed will work fine with them. If the OP can go to a range and rent the guns he feel interested in that is just that much better.
Best of luck to you.
LeontheProfessional
Member
It's been a few months what's the update?
I have both the SP101 and the 19
The first handgun I ever bought was a Glock 22 that I still own. Like others have mentioned the Glocks ergos are unique but they are just fine especially if its your first hangun. My favorite auto on the other hand is my Glock 19. It is a smooth shooter and just down right fun.
My SP101 is the 3" model and as far as revolvers go and I own a few it is my favorite. It is the perfect balance of firepower and conceal-ability. It is heavy but it's not really a snuby... Its a medium size 357 and its weight helps to make it fun to shoot. It can handle anything and it is downright accurate. It points naturally and for woods carry it is my go to gun. I Conceal Carry it a lot as well. It's kind of the every mans gun because it does everything well but nothing perfect.
As for the two, given that I own both I'd have a hard time choosing just one. If I was recommending one to someone given your criteria I'd say the SP101 because it's more versatile.
I have both the SP101 and the 19
The first handgun I ever bought was a Glock 22 that I still own. Like others have mentioned the Glocks ergos are unique but they are just fine especially if its your first hangun. My favorite auto on the other hand is my Glock 19. It is a smooth shooter and just down right fun.
My SP101 is the 3" model and as far as revolvers go and I own a few it is my favorite. It is the perfect balance of firepower and conceal-ability. It is heavy but it's not really a snuby... Its a medium size 357 and its weight helps to make it fun to shoot. It can handle anything and it is downright accurate. It points naturally and for woods carry it is my go to gun. I Conceal Carry it a lot as well. It's kind of the every mans gun because it does everything well but nothing perfect.
As for the two, given that I own both I'd have a hard time choosing just one. If I was recommending one to someone given your criteria I'd say the SP101 because it's more versatile.
Madcap_Magician
Member
If you do get the SP101, get the 3". Longer sight radius, slightly better recoil control.
If you wanted a revolver, I would recommend the 3" or 4" GP100 actually, if you weren't planning on CCW.
If you wanted a revolver, I would recommend the 3" or 4" GP100 actually, if you weren't planning on CCW.
Hometeached1
Member
I have a Glock 19 (was my CCW) and like it, but they are not for everyone. I have shot the sp101 although in .327 Magnum and love it. If you reload I'd say go with the sp101. Both are good handguns, if you can try to shoot them or at least handle them. Hope you enjoy which ever one you get.
AZ Desertrat
Member
They are both nice weapons...it's a toss up to me...I love my G19 and had one for a long time...only drawback is if you are shooting .357's in that short barrel...pretty harsh...lot of
recoil, flash and it will sting your fingers for sure. I do love the .357.....but not in a snub.
recoil, flash and it will sting your fingers for sure. I do love the .357.....but not in a snub.
For those who don't know you can load snake shot in a 1911....
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/549829/cci-shotshell-ammunition-45-acp-120-grains-9-shot-box-of-10
I was out shooting with a buddy one day. We were playing with our HD shottys and a skeet thrower, and I had my 1911 on my hip with a snake load chambered. He launched a bird to test the thrower, I drew and fired, broke the bird, and holstered like it was an everyday occurrance. He never figured it out.....
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/549829/cci-shotshell-ammunition-45-acp-120-grains-9-shot-box-of-10
I was out shooting with a buddy one day. We were playing with our HD shottys and a skeet thrower, and I had my 1911 on my hip with a snake load chambered. He launched a bird to test the thrower, I drew and fired, broke the bird, and holstered like it was an everyday occurrance. He never figured it out.....
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F-111 John
Member
Thanks, Leon, for reviving this thread. But I guess we'll never know what the OP settled on? His last post leaned towards the Ruger P95...
Hokkmike
Member
My vote, as verified by my purchase, is for the SP-101. American made, solid, reliable, effective, and tailor made "so to speak" for smaller hands. Easy to clean, use, and maintain. I would prefer the .38 special over the 9mm but they are both fine rounds. Better yet get a .35/.38 in the Ruger.
I would be happy with either but chose the Ruger.
I would be happy with either but chose the Ruger.
I have always been a believer that ones FIRST(1st) handgun should be a revolver.
The manual of arms is simple; it allows for more varied ammunition and it is ultra reliable.
Although semi auto's are all the rage, and sexy their manual of arms is just a bit more complicated (even a glock) and they will jam (eventually) depending on loads used and the care the weapon is given.
This requires a more dedicated shooter, in my view, as without the training and ability to clear said jam (and depending on WHY you bought the gun in the 1st place) that malfunction could occur at the WORST possible time. This would be catastrophic if it were a SD situation.
The other thing one must consider is, not everyone can shoot a glock. I have four(4) daughters. All have been taught how to shoot (and clear malfunctions). The eldest prefers a revolver, #2 daughter prefers a revolver, #3 daughter prefers the glock and #4 cannot shoot the glock pistol. It will jam on her EVERY TIME. A steel semi auto is not an issue (I suspect she limp wrists a little and the flexing frame creates the jamming; but none the less it's not her gun.
So, if one just has to have the latest and greatest plastic fantastic; at least rent one first to insure it works for you.
My recommendations will never change. For your 1st, get a revolver for all the reasons many have already said. If you find you're enchanted with firearms, and willing to put in a little extra training, auto's will not be far behind.
The manual of arms is simple; it allows for more varied ammunition and it is ultra reliable.
Although semi auto's are all the rage, and sexy their manual of arms is just a bit more complicated (even a glock) and they will jam (eventually) depending on loads used and the care the weapon is given.
This requires a more dedicated shooter, in my view, as without the training and ability to clear said jam (and depending on WHY you bought the gun in the 1st place) that malfunction could occur at the WORST possible time. This would be catastrophic if it were a SD situation.
The other thing one must consider is, not everyone can shoot a glock. I have four(4) daughters. All have been taught how to shoot (and clear malfunctions). The eldest prefers a revolver, #2 daughter prefers a revolver, #3 daughter prefers the glock and #4 cannot shoot the glock pistol. It will jam on her EVERY TIME. A steel semi auto is not an issue (I suspect she limp wrists a little and the flexing frame creates the jamming; but none the less it's not her gun.
So, if one just has to have the latest and greatest plastic fantastic; at least rent one first to insure it works for you.
My recommendations will never change. For your 1st, get a revolver for all the reasons many have already said. If you find you're enchanted with firearms, and willing to put in a little extra training, auto's will not be far behind.
This is an old thread that got resurrected, I see.
I own both guns and like them both. I don't intend to get rid of either of them but they truly are apples and oranges.
I would choose the Ruger with a heavy .357 Magnum round for bear or mountain lion. But I would rather have a rifle.
For defense, I would choose the Glock.
Both are fun at the range.
Ease of maintenance is pretty much a toss up.
Oddly enough, I've had a couple of problems with my SP101 compared to zero problems with the Glock. On a couple of occasions at the range (one of which was ammo-related, the other a defective hammer spring) the Ruger stopped working. One thing few people point out is that when you have a jam with an automatic, you can usually clear it with a little "tap, rack and bang" drill but when you have a jam in a revolver you probably will have to pick up another gun or just go to the house. In both cases with the Ruger, I had to go to the house. Once to clean a clod of burned powder residue from around the ejector and once to disassemble the gun and replace the hammer spring. Revolvers don't mess up often but, in a defensive situation, once is all it takes.
I own both guns and like them both. I don't intend to get rid of either of them but they truly are apples and oranges.
I would choose the Ruger with a heavy .357 Magnum round for bear or mountain lion. But I would rather have a rifle.
For defense, I would choose the Glock.
Both are fun at the range.
Ease of maintenance is pretty much a toss up.
Oddly enough, I've had a couple of problems with my SP101 compared to zero problems with the Glock. On a couple of occasions at the range (one of which was ammo-related, the other a defective hammer spring) the Ruger stopped working. One thing few people point out is that when you have a jam with an automatic, you can usually clear it with a little "tap, rack and bang" drill but when you have a jam in a revolver you probably will have to pick up another gun or just go to the house. In both cases with the Ruger, I had to go to the house. Once to clean a clod of burned powder residue from around the ejector and once to disassemble the gun and replace the hammer spring. Revolvers don't mess up often but, in a defensive situation, once is all it takes.
TheGoldenSaber
member
I'm assuming you already made your decision by now ... but personally I would get a semi auto. Not a big Glock fan lately but they generally seem okay. I like as much capacity as I can get. Revolvers are fun, but even if you practice with .38 Special ammo it will still be a good amount more than 9mm ammo. I hardly ever bring out my smith because the ammo is so much. Plus, if you only have one pistol and the crap ever hits the fan I would feel pretty lonely with only 6 or 7 shots when everyone else has 10-15+.
Semi autos aren't that hard to learn. There's really only a few key components. Revolvers are easier but they can fail too and I think of revolvers as more of a fun gun than a business/combat gun. Good luck.
Semi autos aren't that hard to learn. There's really only a few key components. Revolvers are easier but they can fail too and I think of revolvers as more of a fun gun than a business/combat gun. Good luck.
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