Is there any .38/357 that can match a Ruger SP101?

[Uteridge]

I love my Smith and Wesson Model 60 Pro 3" enough that I sold my SP101. They fill the same general use, the Smith is much lighter, and I shoot it more accurately. At market prices the Ruger is probably the best bang for the buck but Smith gives really good Military and Law Enforcement discounts and Ruger does not so I ended up with my 60 for about the same price as I paid for my SP101 which made it a no brainer.

 

[Inhimwelive]

I think your right Rugers are the best deal for the money. But I like S&W's better so I would buy a used one 1st.

 

[Screendmon]

yes, the Taurus 606, it is slightly heavier than the ruger sp101.

 

[JFrame]

I'm not sure I can quantify "bang for the bucks," but I would have to say that my S&W 3" Pro-60 is on my very, VERY short list of handguns I would keep if I could only keep one.

.

 

[dallascj]

My 3-in Taurus 605 is far superior IMO to my SP101 2-1/4-in barrel. Fit, finish, and, trigger are much better on the Taurus. The better trigger on the Taurus makes it a more accurate shooter for me, as well.

 

[riflenut]

cheaper revolver

dont get me wrong, i will always own a s&w and colt in my revolver collection.but todays prices on revolvers new are super high! I just purchased a rossi 2" snub 38sp. and i love it .new for 239 is a bargain comes with lifetime warr. I took it to the range fired 1oo rounds with no problems.no its not a smith or colt but it functions fine for the money i spent.

 

[Hondo 60]

New? no, I don't think there's anything that'll match the SP101.

Now if we're talking 20-30 years old or more?
A 2" Model 66 has IMHO a much prettier look & but still isn't built like a tank like the 101

 

[gamestalker]

I own some S&W's, Taurus, Ruger, and a Rossi. I love the precision works of the S&W, but they can be pricy. Can't argue with the strength of the Taurus, but they are rough in just about every aspect except looks. The Ruger is the one I always rely on as my hand load test gun for strength and good accuracy, but the triggers are pretty rough. And Rossi's look pretty nice but they are usually poorly timed and have loose locking cylinders. I'll never buy another one. Charter arms, even though they have taken the company back with recent critics describing their product as much better, I am still skeptical about their workmanship.
All in all, I'll stick with Ruger, S&W, and Taurus, probably in that order.

 

[heavyshooter]

Another Nope

 

[SaxonPig]

Again, the "built like a tank" comment.

The Ruger is big and overly bulky like a tank, but is it really any stronger than a gun with a forged frame? I doubt it. The reason the Ruger is so bulky is because cast isn't as strong as forged so to have equal durability the Ruger must be physically larger.

I would still take a Smith every time.

 

[Guillermo]

I would still take a Smith every time.

while I certainly understand and agree with your position, does that include from S&W's current production?

 

[NMGonzo]

Again, the "built like a tank" comment.

The Ruger is big and overly bulky like a tank, but is it really any stronger than a gun with a forged frame? I doubt it. The reason the Ruger is so bulky is because cast isn't as strong as forged so to have equal durability the Ruger must be physically larger.

I would still take a Smith every time.

Where you get the data to make such claim?

 

[equalizer]

Dan Wesson. They're strong framed, accurate as I can be, can change barrel length, AND I just plain like 'em.

 

[Uteridge]

If you are going to go with a larger frame 6 shot revolver instead of a smaller 5 shot you can't go wrong with a used Model 19 or 66.

 

[SaxonPig]

What claim is that? Forged is stronger than cast? Common knowledge.

Ask any race engine builder which he prefers, a cast crankshaft or a forged one.

 

[MCgunner]

I have a Taurus 66 3" that I like a lot. It's a tad heavier than my SP101 was, though, and a square butt. The SP101 was easy to carry. The Taurus ain't hard, just a little more lump twixed the belt and skin due to a 6 round K frame sized cylinder. To me, the SP101 is the best carry revolver in .357 for use with full power 357s extant, but that Taurus is a dandy. It's a little easier to shoot, both having Hogues, and it's a little more accurate than the Ruger was. If I didn't have the Taurus, I would be looking to get a 3" SP101. I will not buy a new Smith and Wesson, lock or no. The Ruger is a much better gun for the money than a new Smith IMO. Used ones, if you can find a deal and lockless, I would consider for sure. Nothing wrong with a 2.5" Smith M66 in the IWB role, either, far better IMHO than a J frame, especially a new one and if you can get a round butt on that 66, it's near as concealable and a round more capacity.

Lots of choices, but I really do like the SP101s.

 

[MCgunner]

BTW, the double sided Ruger SP101 frame I'd rank in strength with an L frame Smith any day. It's FAR stronger than a J frame by design. It's stronger due to lack of a side plate. It's strong for the same reason a Blackhawk or a Freedom arms is strong, two sides to bear the load in the frame. Has nothing to do with cast or forged. If I had a M60, it'd mostly get .38s in it and rarely full power .357s. I just wouldn't wanna wear out such an expensive gun. You ain't gonna wear out a SP101. Not only is the frame stronger, the lockwork design is much tighter. It locks at the crane, not a wimpy ball detent at the front of the ejector rod.

 

[Guillermo]

It's stronger due to lack of a side plate.

You are correct that the lack of a side plate is a design advantage

. Has nothing to do with cast or forged.

Of course it does. With your engine experience you are more aware than most of the disadvantages of casting than most people. Ruger makes up for it with extra material and removing the side plate.

 

[griz1]

another nope

 

[Olde School]

I have had S&W K and L frames and Rugers over the years but the SP-101 has been the workhorse of them all. It is built magnum tuff and does not get .38 spl but only a diet of WWB 110 gr. .357 for practice and Remington 125 gr. Golden Saber or Speer Gold Dots for carry. Mine has a Big Dot front sight and Pachmayers with stock springs.

 

[scaatylobo]

My not so humble opinion,I own 5 .357's.

2 S&W's and 3 Rugers.

The Rugers are not as slick as the S&W's = BUT they can shoot magnums all day and drive nails at night.

They are heavier and not as smooth,take a bit more practice.

But they sure can take a load of magnums !!.

I had a S&W 640-1 shoot it self out of time with factory ammo,300+ rounds and it went back.

 

[augustino]

357 Revolver...


Well I'm far from an expert when it comes to revolvers. Fact is there's a lot more revolvers I haven't even held, let alone fired, so please take what I say like a grain of salt. I have a SW 60-15 and have fired it many times since I purchased it. But prior to that buy I held the SP 101 along with the 60-15 at the counter in a local store. The Ruger is fine, real nice but the SW just felt better in my hand. The Ruger was a bit too short in the grip area and I found my pinky finger fell off the grip and a portion of that next finger. The Ruger also was "boxy" next to the SW.
Well I've heard some say that firing 357 rounds out of a 60-15 punishes the shooter. But I guess being used to firing my 45acp and 12 gauge riot shotguns, I'm kind of used to, no I actually like the punch from a heavy caliber firearm. So the 357 isn't beating the heck out of me. But granted when carrying the 60-15 I keep it loaded with 38SPL+P hollow points. But after reading this thread I think I might just start saving for one of those Ruger SP 357 magnums! With the way things are going in this crazy world it makes sense to be able to defend yourself and family these days.

 

[bluetopper]

I believe a Freedom Arms 357 matches up quite well.....and then some, thank you very much.

 

[Zebraranger]

Another to consider is the Ruger Security Six or Service six. Just a bit larger than an SP101 and smaller than the GP100. Its a six shooter of 38/357 and its a rugged Ruger. They dont make them anymore, but there are still plenty out there to be had, and still at good prices but they are going up. I have a 4" and a unfired NIB 2-3/4" that I bought a few months back. The Ruger Service Six also was made in a 3" and 4" version.

 

[frankiestoys]

The Ruger SP101 is one of the best revolvers ever built hands down. If you want a gun that will out last you and doesnt have too be sent back to the factory every 500 or so rds then buy the SP