LCR 357 or SP101 for CCW

[JPC76]

I'm looking at both the LCR 357 and the SP101 for a CCW gun. I like the idea of the light weight of the LCR 357 but I'm thinking the SP101 may last a bit longer. I'm also not sure about buying something that hasn't been on the market for very long. I'm not sure I could pocket carry the SP101 but a good IWB holster should make it carryable. What do you all think about it?

I came to these two models after handling them in my local gun shop. I did handle a Smith 642 but I'm not fan of aluminum in a firearm in the slightest. I've not heard anything good about Charter Arms or Taurus and the one Taurus I did pick up had a wobly cylinder and felt really sloppy so I'm not interested in their line.

I also wanted to add that I've been reading these boards for awhile now and just now joined. I'm looking forward to being a part of the boards!

 

[eldon519]

Welcome to the forum!

I don't own and haven't shot either, but I am currently looking at these two guns as well. I'm actually considering getting both in time, probably the SP101 first because I enjoy shooting at the range a lot. The SP101 would be a much more enjoyable revolver to take for a long shooting session with protection-level rounds. I think it would also hold up better in time. The LCR is the type of gun I'd like to carry and maybe finish up a session with a couple cylinders full to stay in practice. If you've got similar thinking, your expected usage may tell you which would be better for you.

The second thing that comes to mind is that actual .357 loads in a snub barrel aren't very efficient unless you are using ammo designed for them or loading your own. With the typical slow or medium powder in a magnum revolver cartridge, you get a lot of flash and recoil for relatively modest increases in velocity. Diminishing returns if you will. The SP101 is available in a 3" model which I think would tame this trend a little bit, though it's still on the short side to take advantage of the powder/pressure.

 

[Cosmoline]

The SP101 is about the smallest .357 most folk will want to shoot regularly. And to my way of thinking, shooting full power loads in your carry piece is an essential part of training. The LCR is marginal for .38 Special and way too light for magnums. The practice of shooting only light specials for practice then loading with powerhouse magnums is popular but very questionable.

 

[JPC76]

Thanks for the fast replies!

I do plan to shoot the gun, I think that muscle memory is key and practice with your chosen defense load is crucial so you know what to expect. Will a 3 inch barrel conceal as well? Also I was looking at the double action only model, will a hammer really get in the way that much?

The big reason I was looking at the LCR would be for it's lighter weight so I could pocket carry but I'm not sure if the downsides make up for it. I'm also not entirely sure you couldn't pocket carry the SP101.

 

[harmon rabb]

You'll like carrying the LCR more than the SP101; you'll like shooting the SP101 more than the LCR. The LCR has a better DA trigger.

I guess you COULD put a SP101 in a large pocket... but lol. It is a heavy gun. It would pull your pants down if you didn't have your belt on really tight. SP101 is belt carry only.

I have a 3" SP101 btw, and it hides easily IWB. Just get a real gun belt to hold it up. Lighter guns you can do fine with a regular belt, but not the SP101.

 

[Naybor]

Cosmoline is right about the weight!!!!

The SP101 is a joy to shoot, and carries easily with a Don Hume IWB holster. I wouldn't want a .357 any lighter! For me, those smaller little fellas sting the hand like CRAZY! The exposed hammer has never presented a problem snagging, and you can always cock it to take a precise shot.

Yes, the 3 Inch barrel model does carry well in a IWB holster.

My wife shoots .38 Special and +P in her SP101 .357 and loves it! She says that the +P just begins to sting her hand after shooting a cylinder full and has not yet tried the .357.

She's a 66 year old new shooter, starting out with .38 Special,and after shooting a few rounds said "Hey, this is FUN!" She now has a new Mark III .22 to learn the fundamentals with. I'm proud of her!

Yeah, the LCR is lighter. It's got a pretty good reputation, too.

 

[harmon rabb]

LCR comes in .38spl and .357, not 9mm. A 9mm LCR would be pretty awesome though, and I wish Ruger would release one.

I had a j-frame that I hated. Painful to shoot, atrocious trigger. My SP101 is 10x the gun that j-frame was.

 

[Marshall]

It's really a personal preference based on your carrying method.

IWB & OWB the SP-101 carries just fine with a good holster and belt and would be much more pleasant for you when shooting.

Pocket carry, no way I would try to use an SP-101 carrying in that method. Just too heavy, so an LCR would be my choice of these two revolvers for pocket carry.

If I wanted one gun for both methods, it would have to be the LCR due to weight and size.

 

[moxie]

If you must have a .357, go with the SP-101. Otherwise go with the .38 +P LCR. The LCR is great for pocket carry. It has surprisingly great sights and a nice trigger. Hitting steel gongs at 25 yds. is no problem. For pocket carry a #3 Uncle Mike's or a Nemesis work fine. The LCR is a great gun with no drawgacks I can find.

 

[herkyguy]

I like the size of the LCR, but purchased an SP-101 for carry AND shooting. I can shoot a box of .357 with my SP101 and really enjoy it. I can't speak for the LCR, but the SP-101 is a great gun. I carry it IWB, pocket carry is not an option for me with that gun, but i do love it.

 

[MK11]

I've got both. The SP101 is a sweetheart that was worked over by Gemini Customs and is one of my favorites but the LCR has replaced it for as the CCW. It's so much easier to carry. You have to stay on top of it though. I shoot it well if I take it out a couple times a month. If I let it lag beyond that, the first range trip back is tough.

The LCR also has one of the best triggers you'll ever find. Stock SP101 triggers range from OK to dreadful (mine was dreadful).

 

[ArchAngelCD]

The LCR and SP101 are like night and day and only you can decide which is for you.

If you like the SP101 you might want to take a look at the S&W M60, M640 or M649. All are Stainless so they are heavy enough to shoot but all are slightly smaller and lighter than the SP101. I have carries a M640 in my pocket without too much fuss even though I prefer to pocket carry a S&W M642 instead.

As for Charter Arms, since the Ecker family has come back to the company they are again making high quality revolvers. You might want to look at what they have to offer too. http://www.charterfirearms.com/index.html

 

[TexasBill]

If you want to carry Magnum ammunition, the SP-101 or a S&W Model 60 is the way to go and a three-inch barrel is preferable. Definitely a belt gun, either OWB or IWB.

Incidentally, you might want to take a look at the Smith & Wesson J frames. The 637 is fairly inexpensive and there's a $50.00 rebate on any .38 Special or .357 Magnum J-frame until December 31. Bud's has the M637 listed at $418.00 with free shipping and the rebate should cover your local FFL's charges and leave you some left over.

I own both a Model 60 with the three-inch barrel and a Model 637 (I like hammers). But of the two guns you mention, the SP-101 would be my choice.

 

[Quoheleth]

For CCCW (comfortable concealed carry weapon) the LCR can't be beat. I had the .38 +P version and let me tell ya, while regular .38s weren't bad, +P got my attention fast. I cannot imagine touching off full-house magnums in that gun, esp the hot 125gr stuff.

The SP101 weighs - I'm guessing - 2.5 times the LCR and that mass helps tame down the magnum recoil. Plain .38s in the SP101 are pure gravy.

My answer would depend on how much you want to shoot it. If it's carry lots and shoot (or at least shoot magnums) as little as possible, the LCR is a good carry gun - IWB, OWB, and pocket. If you are going to shoot it lots, ESPECIALLY with magnums, the SP101 is the way to go. It can be carried IWB or OWB, but I have a hard time packing my SP101 in a pocket, other than a very noticable lump in the pocket --- obviously something heavy is in there.

Both great guns but, I suspect, depending on what your intent is, one might serve better than the other.

Q

 

[WaywardAce]

If you plan on doing a lot of shooting, I would suggest the SP 101. I have the 2.25" SP 101 and IMO it handles magnums better than K Frame S&Ws. Shooting .38 specials are downright fun and easy and shooting magnum loads aren't punishing like in other snubs. As far as carrying, my personal favorite holster is the OWB Galco SPD 118 Paddle holster.

 

[dubshooter]

My SP101 is my favorite gun. Carry it IWB with a UBG holster. Totally comfortable. Love to shoot it. Love to polish it. My wife even loves to shoot it.

Rented an LCR. Trigger is good, but the grips were just too thick. Didn't like it nearly as much as my Sp101. But still a decent gun if it fits you right.

 

[Lucky Derby]

The SP101 will be a nicer gun to shoot.
The LCR will be a nicer gun to pocket carry.
A gun like the SP is not hard to carry at all in a GOOD IWB/OWB holster combined with a GOOD belt.
Personally I see guns like the LCR (I prefer airweight S&Ws, but these are the same class of gun) as pocket carry only guns. Shoot them enough to be familiar and carry a lot, as it is always easy to have them with you.
If I am going to bother with a belt and holster, I'm going to carry a more substantial firearm. It is really no more difficullt to carry a full size firearm on the belt than a short barreled lightwieght.
2" barrels are great for pocket carry but a 4" hides just as easily on the belt.
As far as the hammer spur, again the pocket carry thing. Carried in the pocket, a bobbed or concealed hammer helps a lot. On the belt, I notice no difference.
With magnums the difference in muzzle flash and muzzle velocity is not worth the trade off in a barrel of less than 3". Under 3" of barrel shoot .38s.
My recommendation would be the SP101 with a 3" barrel and go shoot it a lot. Later on pick up and LCR when funds allow.
Of course this is all my opinions based on my experience and obsevations. And I can be an opinionated cuss. YMMV.

 

[KBintheSLC]

Welcome!

The SP101 will make magnums a lot easier to handle if you plan on shooting a lot of them. The LCR would be the hands-down winner for ease of carry. Either gun ought to serve you well for many years.

 

[Girodin]

I have a .38 LCR and a magnum SP101.

The SP is heavier. Much heavier than even the .357 LCR. I see that having two effects

1) It is nicer to shoot with heavy loads. The .38 with +p lets you know its there. .38s in the SP101 feel like a cap gun by comparison.

2) It is heavier to carry around and doesn't pocket as well if you like to carry that way. The SP101 is not a pocket gun.

The LCR trigger is MUCH nicer. The SP101 seems much more robust.

 

[Domino]

For CCW I would get the LCR in .357 Magnum. Its lighter, smaller, and has a better trigger than the SP101. I wouldn't shoot full house .357 magnums in a snub nose anyway since the performance gains are marginal and the noise and flash are excessive when compared to the .38 +P. But I like having the option if I want to.

If you want a "shooter" then the SP101 is a much better choice but if your not carrying it then you might as well go up to the GP100 sized gun. I think the SP101 is best used as a truck or trail gun.

 

[kludge]

I like my SP101.

Magnum loads are no big deal - feels like an Airweight with +P loads. In fact, less.

.357 loads will have about a 200fps advantage over .38+P. I wouldn't want to shoot them in a light gun, but they are fine in a SP101.

That said I carry .38+P in my SP101 because I haven't found a SD load yet. And it's expensive to try a bunch of them... I'll probably end up handloading one.

 

[wow6599]

Love my 3" SP101. Just ordered a set of Missouri walnut grip inserts from a member at another forum who makes them, and I ordered a Simply Rugged holster. I've been through 2 other holsters that didn't work very well, so we'll see if the SR holster works.
Shooting .357 rds through it is a ton of fun, not sure it would be with a 17 oz LCR.
Plus I like my revolvers to be made of steel..........

 

[BamaUmp]

Thank you for all the advice I really appreciate it. Has anyone ever built their own out door range? I'm looking for some suggestions.

 

[Old krow]

SP101 in my opinion. It's a bit less demanding to fire and you'd likely practice with it more. I like the LCR, but I'd prefer one in a .38.