GP100 vs SP101 for a Fighting Gun
- Thread starter CTGunner
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Armored farmer
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I'm just a cowboy/farmer..not a tactical gun expert, but I'll throw you my $.02.
I bought my 2.25" SP101 because it was the smallest .357 that Ruger offered.
I consider the .357 the smallest useful centerfire.
I already reload for the .357.
I have taken several deer with the .357.
I can hit 3x5 cards from 20 yds with my sp101.
It conceals easily.
It seems indestructable.
I bought my 2.25" SP101 because it was the smallest .357 that Ruger offered.
I consider the .357 the smallest useful centerfire.
I already reload for the .357.
I have taken several deer with the .357.
I can hit 3x5 cards from 20 yds with my sp101.
It conceals easily.
It seems indestructable.
MIL-DOT
member
I have both the SP101 and GP100, and love them both dearly. But they both have longer barrels than in your question. That being said, the SP101,being lighter and smaller,is more comfortable to drag around,and more easily concealed. The GP100 with longer barrel is better for distance shooting, and has one more round in the cylinder than the SP101.
In a genuine firefight, I'd prefer my GP100, but I'd never have it with me unless someone started shooting at me while I was at the range
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In a genuine firefight, I'd prefer my GP100, but I'd never have it with me unless someone started shooting at me while I was at the range
.Marvin KNox
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To be an effective fighting gun it has to be on your belt when the crap hits the fan.
IMO the SP101 is much more likely to be ready for the fight when it breaks out.
Now - if this was the old West with it's open carry style - that would be something else again.
IMO the SP101 is much more likely to be ready for the fight when it breaks out.
Now - if this was the old West with it's open carry style - that would be something else again.
gglass
Member
When facing the same question, I chose the Ruger SP-101 .357 Magnum with the 3" Barrel. Not being the kind to leave well enough alone, I also customized mine a bit further.
My semi-custom SP-101:
SP-101 Specs:
My semi-custom SP-101:
SP-101 Specs:
- .357 Magnum 3" Barrel
- IBOK Trigger Job (2.5lbs SA pull / 5lbs DA pull)
- Complete pistol dehorn & shine
- Ugly lawyer roll-mark removal from the barrel
- Mepro Night Sight
- Hogue Grips
Why one or the other? Several of each! The SP101 is a bit larger and heftier than an S&W J-frame, so it will behave much more like a true fightin' revolver. A GP100 undoubtedly IS a big, hefty fightin' sixgun, but one with a 4" barrel can be concealed amazingly well.
Hammer spurs? I carried two SP101 snubbies to the grocery store earlier. One had a hammer spur, and the other no spur. Yes, within sight of the building housing the Israeli consulate, and within the shadow of an energy/banking center, I will indeed carry two snubbies, and actually, that was light. I often carry one snubby and something bigger on such occasions.
If it came down to having only one or the other, for all purposes, GP100 is my choice. I actually carry my SP101s more often.
Hammer spurs? I carried two SP101 snubbies to the grocery store earlier. One had a hammer spur, and the other no spur. Yes, within sight of the building housing the Israeli consulate, and within the shadow of an energy/banking center, I will indeed carry two snubbies, and actually, that was light. I often carry one snubby and something bigger on such occasions.
If it came down to having only one or the other, for all purposes, GP100 is my choice. I actually carry my SP101s more often.
S&W Model 19 (or variation of), SP101, Taurus Model 82. Any one of these would be fine with me.
scaatylobo
Member
I have a Ruger SP101 in 2 3/4" and the 3 1/8" as well as a Ruger Sec 6 in 2 3/4 and a S&W 386 3".
Of them all I carry the Ruger 3 1/8 in the woods as well as a carry gun when I do carry a wheel gun.
I like the SA/DA option as well as the longer barrel for a better sighting plain.
But the Security 6 shoots better than them all AND is comfortable with even Buffalo Bore loads.
Of them all I carry the Ruger 3 1/8 in the woods as well as a carry gun when I do carry a wheel gun.
I like the SA/DA option as well as the longer barrel for a better sighting plain.
But the Security 6 shoots better than them all AND is comfortable with even Buffalo Bore loads.
22-rimfire
Member
I would choose the GP-100 without a second thought between the two if I had the option to choose before a "fight". Seldom are things so orderly.
Seven For Sure
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I'd choose the S&W 627 over either of those. Eight cases popped out and rounds thrown back in with moonclips. A 3" barrel if shots were under 50 ft., 4" tube if shot's were longer.
It'd be great to pick a gun when the SHTF, I'd have an AK with 75 rd. drum with me or more likely just stay home that day. Since we can't predict the future, a 3" 686+ is about the biggest, highest capacity revolver I could (in reality) plan to have on me if my worst nightmares were to come true.
It'd be great to pick a gun when the SHTF, I'd have an AK with 75 rd. drum with me or more likely just stay home that day. Since we can't predict the future, a 3" 686+ is about the biggest, highest capacity revolver I could (in reality) plan to have on me if my worst nightmares were to come true.
InkEd
Member
If I know there is going to be a gunfight then I would take the SP101 with me AND MAKE PLANS TO GO SOMEWHERE ELSE! LOL. (Sorry, I couldn't resist.)
Honestly, I would say it's preference but IMHO if concealment isn't a concern carry a full size gun with good ammo capacity and a barrel between 4-5" depending on taste. For a duty type weapon, I like the full size 4" polymer semiautos. If a revolver is still what you want then a good service model gun like a Security Six or Model 13 should work.
Honestly, I would say it's preference but IMHO if concealment isn't a concern carry a full size gun with good ammo capacity and a barrel between 4-5" depending on taste. For a duty type weapon, I like the full size 4" polymer semiautos. If a revolver is still what you want then a good service model gun like a Security Six or Model 13 should work.
Deanimator
Member
Unless concealment is the overriding concern, I'll ALWAYS prefer six shots to five.
Given that I won't buy any six shot revolver that S&W makes these days, if I needed a NEW six shot double action revolver, it'd just about HAVE to be a GP100. I've got a 3" S&W Model 65 and the 3" GP100 would about fill the same niche.
Given that I won't buy any six shot revolver that S&W makes these days, if I needed a NEW six shot double action revolver, it'd just about HAVE to be a GP100. I've got a 3" S&W Model 65 and the 3" GP100 would about fill the same niche.
frankiestoys
Member
There both fine revolvers each having there own pro's and con's the GP having the extra round would have the edge for me but that being said thr SP is almost always in closer reach... sorry tough choice.
Brett Byers AKA Slow
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- 98
Good Evening CT,
I have both and as others have said the GP100 has longer sight radius and one more round and heavier. Consequently, IMHO is easier to shoot well. However, for a CCW for a civilian the SP101 IMHO is superior. I don't feel undergunned with one less round and since I subscribe primarily to point shooting in close encounters of the worst kind the longer sight radius isn't a concern. I don't pocket carry either one so I prefer a hammer. I believe either weapon to be a viable fighting weapon. I recommend reading Stephen Camp's posts regarding these two options.
Brett
I have both and as others have said the GP100 has longer sight radius and one more round and heavier. Consequently, IMHO is easier to shoot well. However, for a CCW for a civilian the SP101 IMHO is superior. I don't feel undergunned with one less round and since I subscribe primarily to point shooting in close encounters of the worst kind the longer sight radius isn't a concern. I don't pocket carry either one so I prefer a hammer. I believe either weapon to be a viable fighting weapon. I recommend reading Stephen Camp's posts regarding these two options.
Brett
Lucky Derby
Member
If I know there is to be a gun fight, I will bring either a Garand or an AR. Any pistol will be a back-up weapon. gain, if I know there is going to be a gunfight, and my only choices for a back-up are a GP100 or a SP101, I will go with the GP100 for the extra round.
That said for the average CCW weapon, a SP101 is a hard to beat gun. I can think of no better comprimise of size, power & controlability . A Steel J frame magnum might come close, but not quite there.
That said for the average CCW weapon, a SP101 is a hard to beat gun. I can think of no better comprimise of size, power & controlability . A Steel J frame magnum might come close, but not quite there.
I have Both a Ruger SP101, 2.25" .357, and A Ruger GP100, 3", ,357.
I would not part with either of them.
I carry the SP101 every day, in a Galco OSW, High-ride open-top, pancake holster.
It is lighter & easier to lug around all day.Both guns are great shooters.
On occasion I carry the GP100, because of the extra round and quicker repeat shots,
like when I go up to the City. I live rural.
I'm just an old guy who feels safer with a .357 at my hip. I don't really ever expect I'll ever get into a gunfight......But just in case..........
The only thing I've killed with my EDC is a Copperhead snake I ran over while mowing, out away from the house.
I would not part with either of them.
I carry the SP101 every day, in a Galco OSW, High-ride open-top, pancake holster.
It is lighter & easier to lug around all day.Both guns are great shooters.
On occasion I carry the GP100, because of the extra round and quicker repeat shots,
like when I go up to the City. I live rural.
I'm just an old guy who feels safer with a .357 at my hip. I don't really ever expect I'll ever get into a gunfight......But just in case..........
The only thing I've killed with my EDC is a Copperhead snake I ran over while mowing, out away from the house.
NMGonzo
Member
If you are going to carry, the sp101 fits in a pocket holster without much trouble.
The gp100 not so much.
Summer carry with the gp100 limits your attire.
Sp101 will fit be easier to tote around in the summer, since it really does not print much, and in winter can be tossed in a coat pocket.
The gp100 not so much.
Summer carry with the gp100 limits your attire.
Sp101 will fit be easier to tote around in the summer, since it really does not print much, and in winter can be tossed in a coat pocket.
sniper5
Member
Clint Smith: "The handgun would not be my choice of weapon if I knew I was going to a fight....I'd choose a rifle, a shotgun, an RPG or an atomic Bomb instead."
If I couldn't get my hands on my choice of weapons I'd pick the GP100 if it was laying beside the SP101. If the GP100 wasn't there, well then I'd pick the SP101.
If I couldn't get my hands on my choice of weapons I'd pick the GP100 if it was laying beside the SP101. If the GP100 wasn't there, well then I'd pick the SP101.
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