Primary carry: SP101 or Glock 26?

[Dollar An Hour]

I've always liked wheelguns and the simple manual of arms is a plus, but
considering I already have a 442 .38 Spl 5-shot, I'm wondering if the SP101 is too similar? Would get the 3" barrel most likely to get the most out of the .357 cartridge, although I like the 2-1/4" DAO model alot.

OTOH, the Glock 26 wins on capacity with 11 rounds of 9mm on tap, and should offer faster follow-ups. Seems like it may carry a bit easier than the SP101, and it weighs less.

Either one will see high OWB carry in a belt slide.

Which one would you pick and why?

 

[Mongo the Mutterer]

Use the 442, unless you are a LEO and need more. YMMV

 

[RyanM]

The 2" barrel doesn't lose that much compared to a 3" or 4" barrel. Mostly what you lose is sight radius.

But I'd say get a Glock 19 instead. More controllable, easier to rack, higher capacity, and still very lightweight. The midframe Glocks are actually almost identical in overall size (butt to muzzle) to an SP-101 with 2.25" barrel.

 

[ARperson]

I think it depends a little on situation.

ARperson's hubby again,

One of the rentals we own is in a not so great part of town. Was nice at one time, has been getting worse the last year or so thanks to slum lords .

I really prefer my Glock 26 because of the capacity issue. 11 beats 5, plus I carry a full size 17 round G17 mag as backup. I prefer the Glock and the capacity because I fear that if I needed to use it in a self defense situation, odds are that there would be 3 or more assailants as a group. Odd are already against me, and though I practice as much as time allows, I don't want to rely on 1 rnd/assailant.

I also use the G26 as my work gun. I don't care if I get paint on it, it may get scratched up, or whatever while I do rental work. The G is light enough to not pull my pants down, fits well against my side for long periods of time for concealablility, and is able to handle all the sweat, paint, mud, etc. abuse that it takes as a permanent part of a landlords tool belt. It also blends in with tools fairly easy. It has proven reliable with all but my very fist batch of coke-bottle cased reloads.

I think in a situation where you only have 1 or two attackers, the 5 shots is okay, but if you have high probability of multiple assailants, I like having 11 rounds on tap.

Just one man's opinion.

 

[Cosmoline]

I've had very good results with my SP. To me there's no comparison with the Glock. It's a solid piece of steel throwing an array of slugs from 125 to 200 grains. No semi can match the range of options it offers. But it really comes down to a combination of needs and preference.

 

[calzoom]

Been where you are. My 642 and SP101 safe queens, long time now. Would sell em but I still like to look at em. Went to small Glock. 26/27 then just recently to P-ll in a Fobus Paddle, for outside carry. P-32 in the pocket for long time. As you get older the weight factor begins to rear it's ugly head.

I began with S&W 44 Mag snubs 20 years ago. Now settle for most bangs per the ounce. IMO.

Good luck.

 

[one-shot-one]

own both

carry the g-26, i have a better holster for it, easier to just drop an extra mag into pocket and have 21 rounds with me.

 

[ugaarguy]

Why not a Glock 27? One less round than the 26, but a bigger round, and still more capacity than the wheel gun.

 

[Dollar An Hour]

Why not a Glock 27?

1. Cheaper Ammo = more practice

2. Less recoil = more practice & quicker follow-up shots

3. 9mm Glocks seem to get the most positive feedback from folks who have owned several Glock models. .40's and other calibers seem to be less of a sure thing.

 

[LeonCarr]

To kinda echo what Dollar An Hour said, I like the G26. A buddy has the G27, and with 155s or 180s it can be a handful with increased muzzle flip and slower follow up shots. And as mentioned the 9mm Glocks are the most trouble free Glocks.

The SP101 is my most favorite snubby, but I think the G26 offers more advantages and capabilities in only a slightly larger package.

Jusy my .02,
LeonCarr

 

[Charles S]

I voted for the SP101. I own both (actually I own 2 SP101s), and find that I carry my SP101 far more.

If you are law enforcement or in a situation where multiple (more than 2) assailants are an issue then consider the Glock.

The Ruger offers a tremendous amount of versatility, from light 38s, 38+P,38 +P+ light 357, 125 gr 357, and 357 hunting loads. I carry my SP101 around town and in the woods.

I used my SP101 for this earlier this year.

I really like the versatility of the 357 magnum.

Charles

 

[MK11]

Nice pics. Charles, what is that holster for your SP101?

 

[Charles S]

MK11

Blade Tech.

http://www.blade-tech.com/

Charles

 

[Dollar An Hour]

The SP101 is my most favorite snubby, but I think the G26 offers more advantages and capabilities in only a slightly larger package.

Is the G26 *really* bigger than the SP101? I've held 'em both quite a bit (but not side-by-side) and I though the Glock was smaller and lighter.

There's alot of good IWB/OWB leather for either one though.

 

[Dr_2_B]

I don't think the G26 is bigger. I have the G27 and the SP101 in 2.25 inch. I love my new Ruger, but not only does the G27 have twice the round capacity, I feel it is more compact, lighter, more accurate with a quicker reload capability.

Hard to choose against the Glock.

 

[magsnubby]

If you compare them side by side the 26 seems a little more compact. Actually, size wise, there isn't really that much difference between the two. The 26 is a little easier to conceal, but not by much.

Shootability is a whole different story. Even with +P's the 26 is easier to control than the SP 101 loaded with .38 +P's. With magnums it can be a real handful.

It really comes down to personal preference.

 

[Matt King]

Like the simplicty of the sp101, the reliabilty, and the abilty to shoot such a large range of ammunition from it. Both guns are good, but in my opinion, the sp101 is better. (But then again I am a revolver nut so what do I know? )

 

[Pistol Toter]

It was hard for me to vote on this as my CC's are the 2 1/4" SP101 and the GLOCK 21. I don't imagine that I will ever own a 9mm anything, but I do like the .357 and the .45 acp. Oh I voted for the SP since my Glock is a .45 acp. P.T.

 

[DPB]

G26.

I still own a G26, and I used to own an SP101.

The SP101 is significantly heavier, just as wide (cylinder), harder to shoot accurately (trigger/sights) and harder to find decent leather for.

But most importantly, the 25 oz. SP101, with .357 ammo and stock grips, is the most painful firearm I have ever shot (I haven't shot one of the S&W 12-15 oz. .357s). The vast majority of people will not be able to fire it rapidly with adequate accuracy, as is likely to be required in a self defense situation. It is marginally better with aftermarket grips, but not much.

The first day I had it, I fired 100 .357s and 100 .38s. My right hand still hurt 3 days later. You will not do a lot of full power training with one of these, and if you do all your training with .38s, you are setting yourself up for failure when you need the .357s.

Also, I believe that statistics show that a significant number of violent crimes involve multiple assailants. The requirement to engage several targets is not unique to the law enforcement community.

I also second the idea of getting a G19 above either. Not significantly bigger, better capacity, much more shootable.

 

[bpisler]

I like revolvers so i voted for the
SP-101.I would put the ruger on my
belt,put your 442 in your pocket.

 

[Cosmoline]

But most importantly, the 25 oz. SP101, with .357 ammo and stock grips, is the most painful firearm I have ever shot (I haven't shot one of the S&W 12-15 oz. .357s). The vast majority of people will not be able to fire it rapidly with adequate accuracy, as is likely to be required in a self defense situation. It is marginally better with aftermarket grips, but not much

Bah. It's no different from any other handgun. You have to practice with it and learn the ropes. I put Hogue combat grips on my SP and can fire several hundred .357 rounds out of it during one range session without problems. The recoil is not bad at all. If you don't know how to shoot wheelguns, you will find it odd and possibly uncomfortable. But if you don't know how to shoot semis the Glock will tear your thumbnail off. In neither case can you just grab the sidearm and expect to be able to use it well.

 

[Kamicosmos]

I've been carrying a 2 1/4 DAO SP101 for over a year now. I like it, and recommend it alot.

But, I have also been eyeing a RAMI or a Taurus PT145. While I don't feel under gunned with 5 rounds of .357 mag, I do kind of like the idea of 10+1 .45acp with quicker reloads.

But, for now, I still say SP101. If I need more than 5 rounds of .357 Magnum, I really screwed up!

 

[LeonCarr]

Dollar An Hour,

I dunno...the G26 just "feels bigger" when you are carrying it, blockier I guess. I think the various snubbies ride better inside the waistband, but with a little practice the G26 carries ok.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

 

[TOADMAN]

For CC, the Glock 26 gets my vote...Just as reliable - Just as easy if not easier to carry (5oz lighter without mag) - 11 round capacity of Speer Gold Dot 124gr +P ammo specifically made for short barrel 9mm pistols/revolvers - For me, the G26 is more accurate - For me, reload faster/easier - can use the higher capacity G19 and G17 magazines. I have both, G26 and SP-101. The SP sits in the safe next to my S&W 642 and 442. If I have the CC need for something lighter than the G26, I pocket carry the 642/442.

 

[MCgunner]

I picked the Ruger because I have always liked .357 Magnum caliber and I dislike "safe action" triggers for CCW carry. The G26 is a little heavy, anyway, as compact 9s go. Actually, I prefer a compact 9, just not the Glock. If I were going for a glock, like RyanM said, I'd get the G19 and carry IWB and I'd install the NY trigger (8 lbs) in it.

I really like 3" SP101s. I'd like to have one. I'd slick the trigger up on it. What's keeping me from REALLY wanting one is I'd like to have one for outdoor use, but I sure would prefer to have an adjustable rear sight on it so I could regulate it for light .38s or heavy magnums depending on what I'm carrying. With my Taurus M66 medium frame (not that much heavier and with 4" barrel) I can do that. So, I'm losing my SP101 wants lately. But, some desire always takes a previous desire's place with me. Not like I need another friggin' handgun with 19 sitting in the safe...:banghead: