I'm a shooter and not a collector or someone that takes pleasure in the simple ownership of a gun. I've owned over 200 handguns at one time or another and in order for me to keep a handgun, it has to fulfill two requirements. I have to have a need for it and I have to shoot it. If I haven't shot it in 6 months, then I must not need it. Although that may sound foolish to some, it's just the way I am.
I'm owned many revolvers and pistols and I've owned my SP101 longer than any other handgun that I own. When I was looking for a practical sized revolver for me, I ran through all that made sense to me.
The GP100, too big and heavy, but was impressed by how robust it was.
The Security Six, not quite as robust and a bit smaller, but still too big.
Smith 586/686, the L frame was nice. Sweet trigger, but again, too big.
Smith 19/66, the K frame was almost there. Sweet trigger but not robust enough for a steady .357 diet. Just my opinion, not looking for a debate.
The SP101...a sweet spot. It's like a scaled down GP100. Very robust, but you give up one round. Easy to shoot due to size and grip and very concealable, especially with a bobbed hammer. I don't know what the current offerings are, but I think if you look, there's a 3" model around. I can't speak highly enough of this little revolver. If you can live with the weight, this is the way to go. It's no J frame, but it packs a punch and you can actually practice with rounds that pack a punch.
With regard to the posts about the SP101s trigger, they're pretty much accurate, but I wouldn't say it stinks. The trigger just isn't as nice as that of a Smith. Still, it's nothing that keeps me from hitting steel plates at 25 yards.
