model 60 or sp101

[Brutz]

So I have been looking at getting a revolver .357 for cc. I have really taken a liking to the sp101 and also the model 60. My question is as a ccw I want to range shoot a lot. I plan on using .357 instead of .38 special, which of these will not only handle the load better, but which can handle the steady diet of .357? I hate the lock on the model 60, but would be willing to remove it. I really like the sp101 especially in price comparison. So which would yall go for? I appreciate any input. Thanks

 

[JCF]

I've had both. The SP101 is a sturdier revolver. I expect it would stand up better to the kind of use you are describing. On the other hand, it is considerably heavier. The 60, in my opinion, conceals better.

 

[spyke]

Well I dont have any input about the model 60 but i just got an sp101 and took it to the range for the first time today. I love this little gun. You wont be dissapointed with the ruger. The 357 out of that gun is going to take some getting used to for me. The golden sabers i shot today hurt my hand a little bit (and these are a mild Magnum so I hear) but not enough to matter. I bet the Ruger would have no problem handling all the 357 you can throw at it.

 

[doberman]

I went down this same road. Both great guns IMO. I found the SP101 too heavy for my tastes for CC. The model 60 is certainly a great choice, but I opted for the "hamerless" 640 for CC.

I found a used prelock 640 and have never been happier.
It may be difficult to find prelock smittys, but they are out there.


To ease your mind concerning the lock, I also have a 642 with the lock and have carried and shot it a lot without any problems.

As for me, I think any of these choices can handle plenty of 357. I think the guns would be more up to it than my hands.


Good luck!

 

[bowfita]

I've fired both, own a 60 3". I'm not sure why I see the question regarding the 60's ability to take a steady diet of 357, it can take as many factory load 357's as you can feed it. Just because it weighs 3 or 4 oz less than a 101 doesn't mean it is under-built. I ran a box of 50 Buffalo Bore heavy loads through it with no problems. Well, the blast and kick are a *&^%! but that's no surprise.

The 101 is a tad heavier, I didn't find it significant - if you like the 101 don't let the extra 3 oz or so deter you. I will admit that the 101 stock grip is more to my taste than the "combat" grip that came with the 60. I use a Packmeyer for the range and a stubby grip for carry which I find more comfortable than the combat grip and measurably easier to conceal.

 

[GRIZ22]

which can handle the steady diet of .357?

Based on your primary criteria listed above I'd get the Ruger.

 

[frankiestoys]

There both fine revolvers i happen to own and sometimes carry the SP, i dont think its to heavy at all. You just need the right set-up, that works for you. The sp is a great range gun i found it more accurate then my 642. Good luck with your choice.

 

[myusername01]

I have a model 60 and I've shot plenty of magnums through it. I like the grips and the trigger pull is much better than the SP101. If you don't mind spending more I'd go with the model 60, but both guns can handle magnums fine.

 

[LRS_Ranger]

I have a snubby SP101 in 357. It's a part time CC gun, and in the last 4 years I've beat it pretty good. I got it used. The only signs of wear is some VERY light scratching on the cylinder. Shoots like a dream. I love it! Get a hogue grip for it tho, the stock one kinda sucks.

 

[19-3Ben]

Both guns ought to be able to handle more magnums than you can. But, the extra weight of the Sp101 will allow you to shoot more of them because the recoil will be a tad more comfortable.

 

[jmortimer]

I have both (Model 360 13 ounce .357) and a SP101 with 3" barrel. If you are "normal" you will not want shoot many "full" power .357's in either one. The SP101 is not something "light" and easy to carry CCW. Since I live in California and no CCW I would get the 101 for field carry but the clear trend is towards "light" and that would describe the S&W's and the Ruger LCR not the SP101. If I could CCW there is no question that I would carry the S&W.

 

[TexasBill]

I have a Model 60 and have shot a SP101. To be honest, if you plan to put a bunch of Magnum rounds through either one, you may want to consider adding some shooting gloves to your range kit. I have the 3-inch barrel on my Model 60 and with factory .357 Magnum rounds, the recoil is definitely noticeable. As I originally planned to carry the M60 with Magnum ammo, I wanted to be familiar with it, so I put a box of 50 rounds through it. Nothing fancy, just a box of Blazers, but the experience left a painful reminder that was with me for a few days while the hand muscles between the thumb and forefinger recovered. The revolver itself was quite happy and ready to go again.

After a bit of reappraisal, I decided good old .38 Specials were adequate for SD ranges.

In your case, if you really want to carry the Magnum rounds, I'd recommend the SP101 with a 3-inch barrel. Every bit of additional weight will work to your advantage.

Incidentally, you should also be aware the Magnum rounds are going to produce a lot of muzzle flash from either the 2-inch or 3-inch barrel.

 

[oldfool]

I own only the older 2" model 60
(the newer vintage 60 is built a tad stouter)
and also own the 3" SP101

and agree with all above comments
both will hold up better than your hand

for me-
if CCW was primary, the model 60
if shooting lots and lots of 357 mag was primary, the SP101

but I am not a big fan of 357 in any 2"-3" revolver, I do only 38sp in 2" snubbie, 38+P in 3"
and I would use shooting gloves and extra good earplugs if shooting a lot of 357s out of either