GP 100 or SP 101?
- Thread starter Morrell
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wlewisiii
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What barrel length do you want?
William
William
*hrmph*
prolly depends on what you already have and what you need.
For me, I don't have a packing piece, so I'd get the SP101.... first.
I already have a 4" .38, so the marginal utility of a 4" .357 is low. BUT I want one.
Wlewisiii makes a good point. If you want a target gun, the GP wins by default. If you want a shorty you've got more options.
-Daizee
prolly depends on what you already have and what you need.
For me, I don't have a packing piece, so I'd get the SP101.... first.
I already have a 4" .38, so the marginal utility of a 4" .357 is low. BUT I want one.
Wlewisiii makes a good point. If you want a target gun, the GP wins by default. If you want a shorty you've got more options.
-Daizee
wlewisiii
Member
Then the next question is, what do you want to do?
My first revolver is a 2" pocketable Taurus 650. That's a good defense weapon, not much good for anything else. I want a 4" Model 10 for my next revolver because I want something that is a bit more versatile but all around and I don't need to be able to hide it. If I was going to shoot serious target or longer range hunting, then 6" or 8" becomes more necessary. I personally dislike using anything with a 6" or longer barrel overall. If I need that much barrel, I want a Mauser 98 action between me and the cartridge
William
My first revolver is a 2" pocketable Taurus 650. That's a good defense weapon, not much good for anything else. I want a 4" Model 10 for my next revolver because I want something that is a bit more versatile but all around and I don't need to be able to hide it. If I was going to shoot serious target or longer range hunting, then 6" or 8" becomes more necessary. I personally dislike using anything with a 6" or longer barrel overall. If I need that much barrel, I want a Mauser 98 action between me and the cartridge
William
This is like asking if you should buy a Peterbilt or a VW Bug. Do you want to haul things, or commute?
Are you a collector, or a shooter? If you want to shoot a lot of magnums, the heavier gun will probably be more pleasant, over time. I don't understand collecting, so I won't go there.
Do you need a concealed carry piece? I can certainly hide a 4" GP100, but others insist that an SP101 is too big to conceal. Neither gun is light for its size envelope, but I don't mind the density and heft, and am used to sturdy belts and holsters. Some folks DO mind the weight and heft.
How big are your hands and fingers? I have skinny enough fingers, that I can get all of my fingers on the factory grip of an SP101. I can lock the SP101 grip into my hand, so that there is amazingly little kick. Your hands may vary.
I own several of each one of these guns. The GP100 is a superb utility sixgun. The SP101 is a superb compact carry piece. Two different roles.
Are you a collector, or a shooter? If you want to shoot a lot of magnums, the heavier gun will probably be more pleasant, over time. I don't understand collecting, so I won't go there.
Do you need a concealed carry piece? I can certainly hide a 4" GP100, but others insist that an SP101 is too big to conceal. Neither gun is light for its size envelope, but I don't mind the density and heft, and am used to sturdy belts and holsters. Some folks DO mind the weight and heft.
How big are your hands and fingers? I have skinny enough fingers, that I can get all of my fingers on the factory grip of an SP101. I can lock the SP101 grip into my hand, so that there is amazingly little kick. Your hands may vary.
I own several of each one of these guns. The GP100 is a superb utility sixgun. The SP101 is a superb compact carry piece. Two different roles.
Easy question.
I went through the exact same thing. got a 3" SP101. It's a "do-it-all" revolver like none other that I've ever come across.
1) Small enough that I can carry it all day.
2) Accurate and heavy enough to be enjoyable at the range.
3) Great to leave on the nightstand for HD.
The list goes on and on. The thing is this. It's not ideal for any one job. But it does all jobs very very well.
Actually, it is ideal in one job. Hiking. The primary purpose that I bought it for. Light enough to carry on the hip all day, but strong enough to take even the heaviest .357mag loads.
But seriously, mine does it all. I carry it during the day, it sleeps on the nightstand at night, and it comes with me every time I go to the range.
I went through the exact same thing. got a 3" SP101. It's a "do-it-all" revolver like none other that I've ever come across.
1) Small enough that I can carry it all day.
2) Accurate and heavy enough to be enjoyable at the range.
3) Great to leave on the nightstand for HD.
The list goes on and on. The thing is this. It's not ideal for any one job. But it does all jobs very very well.
Actually, it is ideal in one job. Hiking. The primary purpose that I bought it for. Light enough to carry on the hip all day, but strong enough to take even the heaviest .357mag loads.
But seriously, mine does it all. I carry it during the day, it sleeps on the nightstand at night, and it comes with me every time I go to the range.
Niel4
Member
If you don't want to carry get the 4" GP100.
If you want to fire 357 a lot get the GP100 the sp101 HURTS when you fire 357.
If you want to fire 357 a lot get the GP100 the sp101 HURTS when you fire 357.
gwnorth
Member
I own two GP100's - 6" blued and 4" stainless. They serve as range guns, HD guns, and woods (ie. open) carry (usually the 4"). I would not use one for concealed carry.
I don't own an SP101, but I do own two 3" barrel .357s (S&W65-3 and Ruger Service Six). They will serve as concealed carry pieces, work fine as HD, but would not be my first choice for a woods gun, and they certainly are not as comfortable spending hours slamming .357 loads down range (which the GP100 is just fine for).
Different guns for different purposes, to my mind.
I don't own an SP101, but I do own two 3" barrel .357s (S&W65-3 and Ruger Service Six). They will serve as concealed carry pieces, work fine as HD, but would not be my first choice for a woods gun, and they certainly are not as comfortable spending hours slamming .357 loads down range (which the GP100 is just fine for).
Different guns for different purposes, to my mind.
snooperman
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For CCW , hunting, target work....
Your needs??? For conceal carry and home defense the SP101 is fine especially in a 2" barrel. If I were going to hunt with a 357 magnum , I would rather have a 4" or 6" GP 100 .
Your needs??? For conceal carry and home defense the SP101 is fine especially in a 2" barrel. If I were going to hunt with a 357 magnum , I would rather have a 4" or 6" GP 100 .
minutemen1776
Member
If you want something bigger than the SP101 and lighter than a GP100, a good used Security-Six will fill the bill.
fourdollarbill
Member
GP100's are the best choice for range, hunting and general shooting fun. For these choices I would stick with a 6" barrel. If your packing it maybe a shorter barrel.
SP101's are okay for all the above plus conceal carry. For me they are too small to rapid fire comfortably.
IMO both are useless under 3 inch.
I carry the sp101 357 mag in 3" inside the waste band and it carries very nice. The weight of the barrel helps hold the center of gravity below the belt line so it doesn't creep up and try to fall out like the lite weight J frames.
SP101's are okay for all the above plus conceal carry. For me they are too small to rapid fire comfortably.
IMO both are useless under 3 inch.
I carry the sp101 357 mag in 3" inside the waste band and it carries very nice. The weight of the barrel helps hold the center of gravity below the belt line so it doesn't creep up and try to fall out like the lite weight J frames.
Big Mike
Member
In my opinion, I had the 3"GP100 for over a year, and it was just too heavy and bulky to carry concealed, for me. Shooting it was OK. Sold to fund the SP101, .357 2.25 inch barrel and haven't looked back. If I purchase a GP again, it will be the 4". Good luck and let us know what you get. Mike
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nachosgrande
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Had to make that decision once myself. Ended up with a GP100 4" stainless. Awesome gun but I can't conceal it real well even though I'm 6'5" and skinny as a rail. I thought I could, but if I can't do it, then nobody can unless they know a secret I don't.
So then I went back and did the LCR vs SP101 (again) and decided on the LCR. I'm sure eventually I'll get a SP101.
So then I went back and did the LCR vs SP101 (again) and decided on the LCR. I'm sure eventually I'll get a SP101.
NMGonzo
Member
I am finding myself carrying the smallest I have most of the time.
don95sml
Member
It is obvious to me that at some time in the future you will want both guns. As others have pointed out, they fill completely different roles. So the question is which one you lust after the most right NOW! I own a 6" GP100 (blued), but my reasons for buying it are unrelated to YOUR desires.
frankiestoys
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hirundo82
Member
As others have said, if you want a gun to shoot get the GP100; if you want a carry gun get the SP101
I have a 4" stainless GP100. I got it because I wanted a shooter, not a carry gun. I could conceal the GP100 with the right holster and right clothes, but I have other guns that fit that niche better.
I have a 4" stainless GP100. I got it because I wanted a shooter, not a carry gun. I could conceal the GP100 with the right holster and right clothes, but I have other guns that fit that niche better.
I disagree. 110gr zingers sting less in the SP101 than standard .38 SPL in an Airweight. Same grips on both.
125gr and 158gr standard .357 loads don't bother me a bit.
To the OP: It depends what you're going to do with it. SP101 tucks away and is comfortable for all-day carry. The GP100 is preferred for home defense, target practice, or hunting.
Thanks everyone! I do want to get both at some point in time, but can only get one for now. This would be my first revolver. Not too worried about carry (unless I fall in love with it) as I already have several guns that fill the role. Think I will go for the GP100 for the range and home.
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