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

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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.
Click to expand...

Bill Ruger caved in on the AWB, too.

Bill's now dead and S&W's had a couple owners since then.
 
I'd personally go with a 640-1 if at all possible.

My next choice would be a SP101 with the hammer spur removed.
 
I went through it, and decided on the SP101. Less expensive, stronger, heavier so it handles .357 mag recoil better, and the extra weight isn't a big deal since it's a belt gun anyway. Besides, the SP101 is ONLY 3oz more!!!! Big whoop.

I just can't say enough good things about my SP101 3". In fact, it's away with Marc Morganti at Gemini Customs right now, and I miss it terribly.
 
SP for me...

Recently facing a similar question, I opted for the SP101. Simple (revolver, no lock) rugged, good weight, very low bore axis. Very many applications: range, competion, car, house, carry (everyday carry). For me, the weight is a plus. If weight's an issue, the 442 wins out.

Good luck!
 
My original carry gun was a 3" sp101 bobbed hammer & ct grips. Then I purchased a 642 and put ct's on it. I preferred the 642 so I sold the sp. If I were to go back to
.357 I'd get a sp again. :cool:
 
As much as I try, I can't get past the trigger lock on a carry gun. I've had too many folks tell me that the lock will/can engage on its own.

I'm not sure if it's myth or reality - but I'm not betting my life on it.

I have a SP 101 - little heavy but a great gun. (I added hogue grips which take the sting out of the .357 rounds).
 
I have had 4 SPs and I currently own an SP 357 with 2.25" BBL DAO action that has been polished and smoothed; It sports a Meprolight night sight and a Pachmayr grip. This is a 357 shooter that works much better than any J Frame from Smith.

Don't get me wrong I like J frames if I'm packing a pocket gun; but I don't like 357s in a J Frame. I carried a gun for a living for 33 years and 95% of them were Smiths. I love their N, L and K frames but I only shoot Magnums in the L and N frames.

My hearts desire is to find another third generation Colt DS. The SP 2.25 gun fits perfectly in my El Paso Saddlery Tortilla made for a DS.
 
What is wrong with the locks on the S&Ws other than out of place looking? Have people had problems with them locking on their own or being faulty some other way?
 
I'd get a used 60 in .38 special. They carry well, and are both beautiful and accurate. If you think you would actually carry .357's, go with the sp101.
-David
 
What is wrong with the locks on the S&Ws other than out of place looking? Have people had problems with them locking on their own or being faulty some other way?
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Yes, some of the lightweight J frames have had them go into the lock position while recoiling.
 
Yes, some of the lightweight J frames have had them go into the lock position while recoiling.
Click to expand...

Thats a stinker, I just got a stainless model 60. Is there any way to disable the lock that you know of? Also what is it about getting an SP101 if you plan on shooting lots of 357 because the model 60 was a 38spl gun originally? Will my model 60 get loose or what should I expect, I only shoot 357 so I dont want to wear it out. Thanks for the info.
 
According to some, you may be putting yourself in a position of liability be altering the lock, but I am not one of them.

You can totally remove the lock or just grind the tab off of the lock or remove the flag on the guns with a hammer.

I think the bigger issues is with the guns with hammers, as the flag adds mass to the lock system as may engage.

My hammerless gun has no flag, but I still plan on modifying or removing the lock totally.
 
If you only shoot .357, the common wisdom is that the SP101 will last a lot longer. Then again, common wisdom is not very commonly found, so take it for what it's worth. I went with the Sp101 and one of the reasons was its ruggedness. That thing is a little tank.
I have heard of people disabling the lock, but I sure as heck don't want to be the guy on trial for defending my life with a gun where I disabled the safety feature. I'd rather just not have it to start with and call it a day.
 
I have heard of people disabling the lock, but I sure as heck don't want to be the guy on trial for defending my life with a gun where I disabled the safety feature. I'd rather just not have it to start with and call it a day
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Seeing how it is only for storage, I doubt that anyone would have a leg to stand on. How many Browning Hi-powers are out there with disabled magazine safeties? Tons.

Don't get to used to buying Ruger SP-101's without locks, the way the are slowly adding them to their guns, the SP and GP can't be far behind.
 
I had to make your decision recently and chose the SP101. The S&W 60 and all its variants are nice, but for me the fit in the hand, weight and potential were more appropriate to my need. Both are really great revolvers. Mine is a .357 and I carry .38 +Ps. Good luck! Mike
 
From what I understand, the S&W lock problems (3 occurrences perhaps??) have long since been corrected. I don't believe it to be a valid issue any longer unless someone can show me that it is still happening...

I have a S&W m60 with numerous rounds through it and find it to be a joy to shoot and shoot well.
 
I haved owned both and now own 2 SP101s and zero 640's.
If you are a shooter the SP101 simply has a better design to woth stand the heavy rounds....or more of them.
The S&W is a good gun but, for longevity, the SP101 wins the day with 357 magnums as a diet.

IMHO
 
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