Opinions on Ruger SP101 versus a Smith snubbie

[Frandy]

I realize I need to get my hands on both to make the best decision (I have shot a few rounds through the Ruger), but I'd like your opinions on the Ruger SP-101 (.38 DAO) versus a "comparable" Smith, such as the 642.

Equally reliable/dependable?
Fit and finish?
Given their weights and design, difference in handling?
Opinions on DAO or should I "keep the hammer, baby!"
Anything else that would help me?

Thanks!

Frandy

 

[mec]

some people don't like the ruger grips. i do. They dampen recoil very well even with the full loads. They are durable and very easy to shoot double action out to 25 yards.

The J snub 357s I've shot were fairly painful. Never shot one to distruction but would expect nothing to equal the sp101 in terms of durability.

The Smiths are prettier.

 

[Risasi]

You might also want to think about a Ruger Security Six, if you can find them. Very handy, and DA/SA. Plus they can usually be found for about $200.

If you are set on DAO Smith is okay, and also the SP. Just be prepared to dryfire the crap out of 'em in front of the TV...

 

[Frandy]

I'm not set on DAO. Actually, I would miss the choice, but I am thinking of concealability as well.

 

[R.H. Lee]

The 642 weighs 15 ozs and fits into a pocket easily. For me, it's a keeper. I have no experience with the SP101.

 

[PowderBurn]

I compared the two side-by-side and walked away with a Smith 60. The trigger was better by far. The Ruger is perhaps more durable, but I don't know anybody that shoots the pee out of their J-frame with hot .357s. So durability is probably more of an academic argument than a practical one.

 

[Tacoma]

You might be talking apples and oranges a little here. The SP 101 is closest in general to the 60's series magnum J frames. The SP 101 conceiled hammer and 640 ( both stainless and weighing around 23 oz in 2".) are the closest comparison. (Even then , the Sp has a hammer that gets exposed during fireing and is not shrouded like the 640 so they are not as close as you would think. ) IF you want a 642 /442, you are talking a 15 oz alloy but similar sized frame revolver which is nicer for carring but less pleasent to shoot.

I own 2 SP's and "a few" S&W J's including a 640 and 60 (J magnum frame). I think the S&W's have better initial fit, finish and action smoothness. The S&W's also get a better selection of grips and holsters. Having said that, the SP's are still very desireable ,well built and smooth out with use.

Lastly, if in doubt on whether you like a DAO, consider a mod 649 or 638. I myself have DAO snubbies but am partial to the humpback style and or bobbed hammers so I can keep the SA feature for when I want it.
hth

 

[JNewell]

Tacoma is right, it is very hard to compare the SP101 and the 642 -- they are in different classes.

The 60 or 640 is slightly smaller and slightly lighter than the SP101. It will conceal slightly better. If you have big hands it will be slightly harder to get a good grip on. It will have slightly greater perceived recoil. It is probably somewhat less durable over the long haul, but I doubt that you will shoot either enough to find out (I certainly don't expect to). In my experience, if you have to return the gun to the factory, the S&W will cost less (because you don't have to try to talk them into paying for shipping back to the factory) and spend less time away. The SP101 is somewhat easier for most people to do mid-level maintenance on, because the lockwork simply drops out the bottom of the frame.

I keep saying "slightly" -- I have lots of time with both and don't think the differences are terribly great at the end of the day. However, YMMV!

 

[P. Plainsman]

Different guns, both excellent.

The 642 is a true pocket gun, very highly evolved and refined. Since my job and circumstances limit me to pocket or jacket carry of a rather small piece, the 642 is what I will carry when I get my CCW. I shoot my mom's from time to time, and it's a reliable, discreet gun.

The SP101 is, for the average man, a belt gun, albeit one of the least obtrusive of guns so carried. It's the biggest of the small snubbies, and the only one I'd shoot .357 Mag in. Feels nice in the hand. Easier to shoot accurately than the 642. Basically indestructible.

To my mind the 642 is "city mouse" CCW and the SP101 is "country mouse" CCW.

 

[Doug Add]

Well, you know what I chose. Before I got the SP101 .357 I spent months debating between it and a S&W 60. For me the smaller, lighter S&W models were too light for enjoyable and accurate shooting.

My experience with the 686 led me toward the 60, but I also remembered how well I shot my uncle's SP101 a couple of summers prior. What it came down to for me was availability and price. I found a great deal on a used Ruger that saved me over $150 off the price of the model 60. I have not regretted my choice, but if I found a similar deal on the S&W I would have gone that way.

As for the DAO, that is not for me. I have no trouble at all concealing my SP101 in the Kirkpatrick 4100, and as you know I just ordered another Texas Heritage, this one for the Ruger. As a matter of fact, I have been in conversation today and yesterday with an acquaintence who has an SP101 without the hammer, and he is having difficulty finding a suitable holster.

 

[Marshall]

I looked at both a bought the S&W Model 60. I hate DAO revolvers for one and, the Model 60 is lighter with a better trigger. 22oz compared to 25oz, or something like that. It's is a breeze to carry, accurate for a snubby too!

 

[Frandy]

Thanks for all this good info. I will definitely check into the S&W 60. Oh, and Doug, your SP101 is got me to thinking about all this. Great revolver you have there.

Da** gun-buying enabler, that's what you are, my friend!

 

[Tacoma]

Frandy, Just be aware that mod 60's were smaller and lighter ( 20 oz) before 96' when they went to the J magnum frame and 357 rating. A new 60 weighs in @20.9oz while a new 649 weighs 1.2 oz more. P.s. Here is something to sleep on

http://www.hunt101.com/showphoto.php?photo=252031

Marshal, nice polish job on that 60. I did my 60 and 642 that way. Just a lousy pic.

 

[Marshall]

Thanks, It turned out nice.

I picked up a tip here from GUNKWAZY.....Mothers Mag Wheel Polish, the paste.

 

[Tacoma]

Yep, use the same stuff myself. Even had it left over from what my wife calls my "motorcycle phase"

 

[Marshall]

Maybe Smiths site is wrong on the weight of the M60...........?

Weight: 22.5 ounces

Tacoma, I use it on my Bass Boat. Never occurred to me to use on my stainless guns though, until I read it hear.

 

[Norm357]

Frandy, FWIW I carry two guns daily. A Ruger SP 101 on my belt, and a S&W 442 in a pocket holster. This setup has served me well. I really love my SP 101 and wouldnt part with it for the world.

 

[Frandy]

Thanks for the additional info... I have more thinking to do here...fer sher.

Frandy

 

[Jim PHL]

Tacoma, a pre-96 "J-small" vs a "J-magnum" is only 20 oz. vs 20.9 oz? (Not doubting, just confirming.) I have handled both, just not at the same time and felt the old .38 would have been more significantly lighter. Just an impression

 

[Stainz]

If weight isn't a problem, the 2" 10 would be ideal. A bit bigger, and heavier, it is the best snubby I have seen in .38. If you can find a recent example, it would be rated for +P's, too. It is perfect for the 'FBI' load of 158gr LHPSWC +P's - or that new Speer 135gr GDJHP +P... and, it takes six. My 2" 10-11 was made 1/03, so they are around. Of course, the little 642 is a pocketable piece, for sure... and a handful with the OEM grips and those 'FBI' loads.

Stainz

 

[tension]

This will show you the difference between a Ruger Police Service Six and a Smith 640 and 642.

 

[PaleRyder]

Well, my Smith snubbie was a 649 .357. It stuck the heck out of my hand, even shooting .38 special ball ammo.
I traded it for an sp101, and it's so much more comfortable and milder in my hand the difference is amazing. Even my girlfriend who only likes shooting semi autos liked it.

 

[Frandy]

Hey Tension,

I'll take that Service 6 of yours! Suweeeetness.

 

[mjb]

I had a Ruger SP101 and I think it is a good weapon if carried in a holster. I now carry a S&W model 49. It is much easier to carry without a holster than the Ruger. For me, the Ruger was too bulky for a concealed carry gun.

 

[Unisaw]

The SP101 is an excellent CCW piece as long as you don't want to carry it in your pocket. I have carried one in a VM2 with great success. I also really like the gun and the trigger has gotten quite smooth after many thousands of rounds of live ammo and dry firing. The sights are also quite good for a snubby.