Help: LCR 357 vs. SP101 357 for Carry

[GP100Wii]

Howdy.

I thought I had this matter decided, so I went to the LGS today with the notion of buying the LCR 357 unless something stopped me. I'd heard they were light, but yikes, the LCR weighs the same as a kids toy.

Then I picked up the SP101, and was surprised by how light it was. I'm used to the weight of a GP100 4", so both of these feel like puppy dogs.

I want to get a conceal carry (Illinois).

In terms of concealability (not weight, just things like contour, printing, etc), is there much difference between the SP101 and LCR in practice?

The big kicker for me is that the SP101 -- a nice hunk of steal -- is only $10 more than the polymer LCR.

Trying to decide.

 

[Wishoot]

If you have any plans on shooting full .357 loads, you would be better off with SP101. The light weight of the LCR makes shooting the heavy stuff pretty unpleasant. The SP101 weight helps with recoil a bit IMO.

If you plan on carrying .38spl (+P or Non +P), the LCR is easier to carry.

For a $10 difference, I think the SP101 is the better deal.

 

[LeontheProfessional]

Get both that's what I did. The LCR with 357s is stout. However you don't have to carry those and it's always a good option to have. The SP is a pleasure to shoot but a bit heavier. I couldn't choose though. Probably the SP bc it's more fun at the range

 

[Revoliver]

Concur completely with everything Wishoot posted.

Both the wife and I have SP101s (3" & 2.25") and love them. Shooting full .357 mag out of them is MUCH more pleasant than the LCRs we tried. We've come to equate the LCR to an 'in case of emergency gun'. It will be there and work when you need it to, but we wouldn't use it for anything other than that specific need.

For $10 more you're stepping up into a better gun for full use and enjoyment IMO.

 

[GP100Wii]

I'm 5'10, 150 pounds (not a lot of wait to me)

Concealing a SP101 snub an issue? Or doable?

 

[gilfo]

If your not going to shoot a steady diet of 357 then I would go with the LCR it's lighter for carry and the trigger is a masterpiece. I have a LCR in 357 and practice with with cowboy 38 loads and have Hornaday 38 for SD but I'm a puss.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

The sp will last and serve you well. It carries IWB well. It will handle full power .357's a lot better too.

If you want to carry in the pocket, the LCR will work much better.

 

[Snubshooter]

I would get the SP first. Heavier platform, easier to shoot. If you find the weight to be too much, then turn towards the LCR. Most people go through a series of carry guns. It is a learning process that changes with need and use and age.

 

[Waveski]

The SP101 is a FAR better value. It is a beautiful piece of steel. There is a difference as to concealability , but if you are comfortable with the SP101 as a carry , buy it.

A few weeks back I put 100 rounds thru of 38 sp thru an LCR ; my wrist was still sore the next day. Shoot the SP101 until you run out of ammo or daylight.

Molded polymer vs fine stainless steel ; take your pick.

 

[eldon519]

LCR trigger is best in class IMHO. I like my 3" SP as an all-around gun though.

 

[HexHead]

The choice really comes down to how you intend to carry. Pocket carry? Go with the LCR. Belt carry? The SP is the better choice. Just get a good belt.

While the LCR has a better trigger out of the box, you can't get a trigger job done on them. You can get one on the SP and have a much nicer trigger.

 

[Tony_the_tiger]

LCR or S&W are all-the-time carry options best suited, in my opinion, in a Mika's pocket holster.

SP101 is heavy enough to warrant IWB carry in a dedicated holster. I like crossbreed supertuck for this purpose.

I like to carry the Sp101 and the 442 together. One in the pocket and one on the hip. Gives me access to a firearm with either hand should one hand be otherwise engaged, and I can load the SP in .357 but have them share Gold Dot 135 .38 in the speedloaders, eliminating any mixing up of ammo should extra be required. This is the most adequate solution thus far for my specific needs.

In summary: get both

 

[Fiv3r]

I had both. I loved the trigger on the LCR, loved the weight too. But I couldn't hit anything with it.

I stumbled upon a nice gently used SP101 and gave it a whirl. I'm not a great shot, but I am way more deadly with the SP than I ever was with the LCR. True, it's heavy. However, I find any revolver too thick and bulky to pocket carry. I prefer an OWB holster.

I made a quick and dirty rig for my SP101, and it's been riding on my hip for months. As much as I love my 1911 and how well I shoot them or the high capacity 9mm, the SP101 is just so much handier to pack through the day.

A friend of mine made me some beautiful wood inserts for the grip, and it's as classy/professional as you can get

 

[goon]

I like the LCR and may end up with one eventually, but if I could only have one handgun, it would be a 3" SP-101 .357 with Hogue grips.

Depending on where you live, your build, and how you dress, concealing any mid-sized gun could be a challenge. Even when you can conceal it, some people don't like the weight. There is a reason that J-frame Airweight S&W's are still selling well in .38 Special. As others have said, figuring out what works for you is a process. I'd say maybe start with the SP-101, then add something smaller or lighter if you need to.

 

[LeontheProfessional]

Like these?

 

[EnsignJimmy]

I have an SP101, and I love it. It's a bit heavy for pocket carry, but guns light enough for pocket carry are amazingly unpleasant to shoot full .357 Magnum loads out of. What I can say about the LCR is that it makes a dandy .38 Special gun, and I imagine that'd be especially true for the ones that have ".357 Magnum" printed on the side.

So, another one on the SP101 bandwagon.

 

[Doug S]

My vote goes for the SP101, and although doesn't do as well in a pocket as say a LCR or J-frame, it can be done.

 

[788Ham]

I carry a 3" SP 101 in a pancake holster, 3:0'clock position. I never know its there, even when sitting in the car. I put Houge grips on mine, trigger guard kept biting my mid finger. I never notice the weight, I carried it today for about 10 hours, most days even longer.

 

[Water-Man]

If you want to shoot alot of .357 you're already covered with the GP-100.

If you want the ability to shoot 357 for defensive purposes and also want comfortable carry and concealability the LCR is your huckleberry. Plus it has a great trigger.

 

[OrangePwrx9]

I have an SP101. If I planned to pocket carry it, I'd wear suspenders.

Pocket carry is convenient and easy compared with IWB or OWB, so my primary carry piece is selected for pocket carry. For the pocket, I use a Smith 37 Airweight. The LCR should be about the same.

If IWB or OWB, the SP101 works fine; though suspenders might still be a good idea.

 

[horsemen61]

I'd get both now in saying that I only have the LCR at the moment but I havre shot both I prefer the lcr's trigger as always ymmv

 

[rlgreen]

Search my handle you'll find I've sung the praises of the LCR platform elsewhere on THR (.38) from soon after it was first available. Many many many rounds later I still am its biggest fan and its with me more than the prized and pricey custom 1911's I'm highly trained on thanks to Uncle Sam and my own $$$ ....That said, given the choices presented I say no question. Go with the SP. The LCR platform just doesn't make sense for .357.

 

[REB]

I have carried a SP101 everyday for around 10 years. Its not that bad in a good holster with a good belt. However I have recently considered a LCR in 38sp because they are so much lighter. I have no issue concealing the SP even under light clothing here in the summer. If its something you plan on shooting a lot then the SP is probably a better choice. I would not consider the SP suitable for pocket carry, its just to heavy.

 

[MCMXI]

I have two KLCRs and a 3" SP101 and much prefer to carry the KLCRs. I've shot loads of rounds through both platforms and carried both. I'll agree that the SP101 is nice to shoot but so is the KLCR with a number of .357 Mag and .38 Spl loads. The real difference is how easy the KLCR is to carry and live with day to day. Now that I have two KLCRs I have no interest in or need for any other carry pistol or revolver.