If you HAD to choose: S&W #60 or Ruger SP101?

[doc540]

I'm going to buy a heavier frame, 5 shot snub (than my 642) in .357 for concealed carry.

I may end up carry .38+P's in it, but I want the .357 option.

I've just about narrowed it down to a Smith Model 60 or a SP101. (And will probably have a little action work done on either one.)

Probably six of one, half a dozen of another.

Any critical factors I need to consider?

 

[MCgunner]

I chose the SP101 for carry. I do like, however, the M60 5" I've seen with adjustable sights. That one would make a fantastic hiker's/back packer's sidearm.

They're both fantastic guns, I just like the SP101's designed strength and ease of shooting. It's an accurate little toot, too. It's a tad heavier, but not much, and it carries well IWB or in thunderwear.

 

[papabear]

sp101 hands down.

 

[Cougfan2]

SP101. Ever since S&W caved to the antigunners and installed those damn ugly trigger locks I've sworn off buying any new S&W. If I could find a used model 36 3" though, I would try to snag it.

 

[Matt Almeda]

Hi,
My choice between the two would be for the Model 60.
However, have you considered the Model 640 in .357 Magnum?
Big brother of the 642.

 

[longtooth]

Shot them both & own the Ruger. It is my Sunday carry &, for me at least, answers all the issues normally weighed on this type choice.
Handles +P real good w/ negligable recoil. Magnum loads are still quit manageable. Mine is super accurate. 5 shot is very concealable. Fits standard J-Frame holsters that are plentiful & affordable.
Guess you can tell I like it.

 

[SwampWolf]

Matt Almeda has a good suggestion. The 640 is a compact, hammer shrouded .357 Magnum that makes for a nice carry concealed piece if a little more weight than the 642 is wanted.

 

[GaryP]

I have both but if I could only keep one of these it would be the Ruger SP101.

 

[TimM]

prelock 60

 

[colubrid]

Hands down the 60. It will make for a better trigger job and that makes a big difference. The Ruger is to big and blocky. Might as well get a K frame S&W.



I would consider the M640-1.




K frame model 13 P&R with action job, polished trigger and trigger stop.

 

[rdrancher]

For me the choice was easy (after going thru exactly what you are for 4 months)

I'll be the first to agree that aesthetically the S&W (J or K) wins hands down. It took me awhile to get past that. I love my 642-1, and I'd probably like a steel J-frame in .357 too. But truth be told, the SP just plain shoots easier than a J for me and the Ruger is smaller than a K.

Ruger SP101 by a nose.

Good luck in your quest.

rd

 

[Pistol Toter]

I carry the 2.25" SP101 and my son the 3.0625" both of use use the Bianchi model 7 which is pancake style.

 

[Elvishead]

Model 60's are nice, and maybe a little more refined, but I think it was a .38 modified to .357.

The Ruger is over built to withstand more full .357's so my vote is logical.

 

[Serpico]

I had the same dilemma myself a while back..wanted a heavier shooter to go along with my 442...the 60 is nice, but I didn't want the lock...I found the base SP for a good price from Gemini Customs and had him do some work on it...so I also saved on shipping the gun to them...all in all, I'm very happy with the SP101..but if you find a nice model 60 at a good price (maybe a pre-lock), you can't go wrong...either way, you are doing okay.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

I've had both the Ruger and S&W 640-1. Even with lighter .38 Special loads I preferred the Ruger for actually shooting.

 

[DMK]

A few months ago I'd have taken whichever was cheaper.

However, since I've had my SP101, detail stripped it, seen how simple and robust it is, lived with it a while, shot it a bunch, I wouldn't trade it for an S&W.

 

[sm]

The way I was raised and come up dictates my choice and reasons.

Model 60 is a fine and dandy .38spl as it was originally designed.
Just a steel Model 36 is all it is.

Model 19 snubby is the .357

Ruger, it too was originally a .38spl, but one could frame houses and cold cock a bull with that Heavy gun.
So again for me, the Ruger Six Series was preferred for .357.

Damn it all if the SP don't do .357 very well. Actually pisses me off, as I really liked the Six Series better, even today still.

This from a Southern Boy raised on Smith for Revolvers and Colt for 1911s and Brownings for HighPowers and Beretta small caliber tip up guns.

At my age, toss me something, I'll make it work...

 

[SAWBONES]

I own two pre-lock Model 60s and three SP101s. The SP101s are fine for shooting full power .357.
The Model 60s are far less comfortable with those loads.
The SP101 is, shall we say, more robust than the Model 60.

 

[Brian Williams]

I have a 3" 60-4 with adj sights and a 3" 36 and I would trade them for nothing..
My daughter has a Ruger and while it is great for stout loads, I prefer the S&Ws for looks and triggers. Lately I only carry 38 spec.

 

[doc540]

"I prefer the S&Ws for looks and triggers."

Thanks, Brian, can you educate me about the trigger aspect?

Are you saying the Smith has a better trigger design, a better factory trigger, the Smith accepts trigger work better, or what?

I'm considering having some basic trigger/action work done on the 642 and then seeing how much confidence and control I have.

 

[Legionnaire]

SP101. But I'd be happy with either.

 

[gb6491]

I think you will be well served by either one

When I went looking for a small revolver, the SP101 was my first choice. I think it is a fine weapon. That said , circumstance at the time led to the purchase of a S&W Model 60-9. I've never regretted that.
It's been a reliable and accurate piece that carries well (I have had it with me when I really might have needed it). 158 gr. 357 is a little stout in it with Eagle Secret Service grips on; +P is fine. Currently, I have some style of rubber boot grip on that works better for me in in regards to the full bore stuff. Rubber grips that cover the back strap should also reduce felt recoil even more (if needed).
Also, there is a certain rhythm to the S&W lock work/timing that I like when shooting DA.

Regards,
Greg

 

[JPP]

LOVE my model 60!

JP

 

[Gary in Pennsylvania]

Sp101!!!!

 

[MillCreek]

I have a pre-lock Model 60, bought new back in the early 90's. I also have five SP-101s (one .22, one .38 and three .357). Having carried and shot both, I prefer the SP-101, primarily since I am such a fan of the simpler and more robust construction of the Ruger. But like the others posting to this thread, neither of them would be a bad choice.