NMGonzo
Member
Get her the sp101.
If she does not like it, you will.
If she does not like it, you will.
Ruger SP 101 .357 mag for women?
- Thread starter dodgecity
- Start date
- Status
jimk0512
Member
I went shooting today with my daughter and one of her friends. The friend brought a Ruger SP101 in .357 magnum and I got to shoot it. First round I fired, I thought the recoil was fine, but the blast was loud (indoor shooting range). My daughter in the next shooting lane pulled her shot at least 6 inches low because she was that startled. The guy two lanes over stopped what he was doing, and looked over to see what I had just fired.
You might want to let her shoot it first with the .357 before buying it. I'm just saying ...
You might want to let her shoot it first with the .357 before buying it. I'm just saying ...
My wife loves hers, (so do I, I want one). She is in no way recoil shy, and the SP101 has plenty of flash/bang with magnums, but the factory grips fit her smaller hands well and the hefty weight make the recoil plenty manageable despite the fireworks. Make the one-time investment in a box of magnum loads and let her testdrive it.
*edited to add*: she did find the DA trigger pull a little long and heavy out of the box, but has gotten much better at working it quickly/briskly/smoothly. Always a good idea to keep plenty of mild .38's on hand for lots of paper time. Helps make practice frequent and pleasurable.
*edited to add*: she did find the DA trigger pull a little long and heavy out of the box, but has gotten much better at working it quickly/briskly/smoothly. Always a good idea to keep plenty of mild .38's on hand for lots of paper time. Helps make practice frequent and pleasurable.
CAgunowner13
Member
- Joined
- Jan 1, 2011
- Messages
- 20
I have an SP101 .357 with the 3" barrel and my wife does not like shooting the full load .357's but has no issues shooting 38 special through it. I love this gun and have it for my HD gun loaded with 38+P hollow points I would definately recommend spending the money to rent one and see how she likes it before I spent the money on it. I would also recommend getting the longer barrel
HelterSkelter
Member
- Joined
- Jan 4, 2011
- Messages
- 110
for me the kick with .38s is non existent, but i have been shooting for a while. +p .38s there is a little kick but no pain. .357s hurt newer shooters but you quickly get used to it. the muzzle flip and recoil is manageable all the way up to double tap .357s.
harmon rabb
Member
- Joined
- Mar 14, 2009
- Messages
- 2,699
My wife has zero issues with .38spl from my SP100. Haven't had her try +p or .357 though.
1858remington
Member
Take your wife to the range and stop being so cheap
Seems every man always wants to be the one to buy the gun his wife will use. When I worked in a gun shop, many guys bought guns like the Walther PPK for their wives. Almost every one brought them back with the wife in tow. (PPK's like to cut the web of your thumb with the slides.) The wife, with bandaged hand, now wanted the thing gone.
Your wife is a big girl, she can make her own decisions. Let her shoot a couple different guns till she finds out what she likes. If she has something she likes, she will want to shoot it, she will enjoy the trips to the gun range, and you wont be giving her a reason to be pissed at you.
Sure a $50 rental is pricy, but if it saves you years of complaining, its worth every cent.
Buying a gun is like buying a ring to a woman. A cubic zarconian looks good to us men, but to a woman its just cheap junk. Women want what they want, so let her get the gun she wants, the one she is comfortable with.
You may be suprised... small gun doesnt equal "made for woman". Your wife may like a 45 over a 380, but you wont know till she shoots one.
You wouldn't buy your wife a coach bag, without her first looking it over for flaws and making sure its perfet for every outfit. The same goes for her gun.
Seems every man always wants to be the one to buy the gun his wife will use. When I worked in a gun shop, many guys bought guns like the Walther PPK for their wives. Almost every one brought them back with the wife in tow. (PPK's like to cut the web of your thumb with the slides.) The wife, with bandaged hand, now wanted the thing gone.
Your wife is a big girl, she can make her own decisions. Let her shoot a couple different guns till she finds out what she likes. If she has something she likes, she will want to shoot it, she will enjoy the trips to the gun range, and you wont be giving her a reason to be pissed at you.
Sure a $50 rental is pricy, but if it saves you years of complaining, its worth every cent.
Buying a gun is like buying a ring to a woman. A cubic zarconian looks good to us men, but to a woman its just cheap junk. Women want what they want, so let her get the gun she wants, the one she is comfortable with.
You may be suprised... small gun doesnt equal "made for woman". Your wife may like a 45 over a 380, but you wont know till she shoots one.
You wouldn't buy your wife a coach bag, without her first looking it over for flaws and making sure its perfet for every outfit. The same goes for her gun.
Response and thanks
Thanks to those who responded to my question regarding any who had fired the sp 101 .357mag 2.25:bbl. and to those that offered other related and appreciated feedback.
I am going to look more at the 3" barrel as a result.
When I posted my question, I did not know I would need to give a detailed account of my wifes and my situation and all the details of why I was purchasing a gun for her etc. etc.
For those that responded with their own opinions of a man buying his wife a gun, or to the arrangement we have with one another, or my financial responsabilities or even my devotion to the love of my life, then I will take the time to set the record straight. Remember, I only asked for information regarding this particular gun and how it handles for a woman. I also asked for info on various ammo, but did not specify to its purpose.
To start, my health is not what we would like. I have every intention of my wife being in a position to protect her self if need be. I know guns, I have always owned guns from early childhood. My wife does not. Up until a year ago she refused to "touch that thing" in referance to my Colt .357 mag. However, recently of her own volition entirely, she decided that she wanted to be apart of our family shooting one day. She fired my daughters Ruger gp 100 .357 mag 4"bbl and did great! She was so proud of herself and so was I. We have come a long ways over the years. She is now willing to join the range in our area and go out shooting for short periods of time. But she is not a gun person. She does not like research, has no desire to test different guns and is only willing to do what she needs to do to get aquainted with a self defense gun.
My wife puts very much trust in me that I will research, research and research, gleening every ounce of info I can as to what I believe will be a 1. dependable gun, 2. easy to handle and shoot (revolver), 3. have the necessary stopping power to give her the confidence in all situations, and any other considerations such as her size, strength, reflexes, etc. etc. This gun would have the Rubber crimson trace grips for her possible. This is why she has handled and dry fired the sp 101 at Cabelas. As far as the $50-60 for the range that provides gun rentals, she simply hates going through this process. She, not I, is far more comfortable in letting me make the choices. This is our marriage and how it works. I trust her judgement when she tells me to "be quiet, your making things worse". I listen to her and take her advice in many matters. In these type of matters she puts her confidence in me and if I make a poor choice after months of research, then she knows I will make it right and learn where I went wrong.
As far as the various caliber ammo, I want a gun that can handle Rem. .125gr. .357 mag SJHP's, which is my preferred ammo for myself. I know this will not be manageable for her, no brainer for a 26oz, 2.25 barrel. I was hoping to hear about the .38+P for her, or does she need to stick with regular .38 ammo. I was hoping for the 2.25" for easy carry, both her and me. I will not buy a hammerless for her. I am looking for the most stopping power that she can handle without going out of town to a range that is going to cost the money to shoot off a few rounds of ammo in each caliber when she is going to be annoyed at the process anyway.
She is very willing to honor me and protect herself, but she will do it on her turms. I am not a macho guy that buys my wife a .454 super redhawk short barrel and says, "toughen up woman". My wife does not buy earings for me cause I don't wear them and I would not buy shoes for her unless she told me which ones to get. We, unlike many today, understand our individual roles and how it effects the relationship. I am happy with that and I believe she would concur.
Thanks again
Thanks to those who responded to my question regarding any who had fired the sp 101 .357mag 2.25:bbl. and to those that offered other related and appreciated feedback.
I am going to look more at the 3" barrel as a result.
When I posted my question, I did not know I would need to give a detailed account of my wifes and my situation and all the details of why I was purchasing a gun for her etc. etc.
For those that responded with their own opinions of a man buying his wife a gun, or to the arrangement we have with one another, or my financial responsabilities or even my devotion to the love of my life, then I will take the time to set the record straight. Remember, I only asked for information regarding this particular gun and how it handles for a woman. I also asked for info on various ammo, but did not specify to its purpose.
To start, my health is not what we would like. I have every intention of my wife being in a position to protect her self if need be. I know guns, I have always owned guns from early childhood. My wife does not. Up until a year ago she refused to "touch that thing" in referance to my Colt .357 mag. However, recently of her own volition entirely, she decided that she wanted to be apart of our family shooting one day. She fired my daughters Ruger gp 100 .357 mag 4"bbl and did great! She was so proud of herself and so was I. We have come a long ways over the years. She is now willing to join the range in our area and go out shooting for short periods of time. But she is not a gun person. She does not like research, has no desire to test different guns and is only willing to do what she needs to do to get aquainted with a self defense gun.
My wife puts very much trust in me that I will research, research and research, gleening every ounce of info I can as to what I believe will be a 1. dependable gun, 2. easy to handle and shoot (revolver), 3. have the necessary stopping power to give her the confidence in all situations, and any other considerations such as her size, strength, reflexes, etc. etc. This gun would have the Rubber crimson trace grips for her possible. This is why she has handled and dry fired the sp 101 at Cabelas. As far as the $50-60 for the range that provides gun rentals, she simply hates going through this process. She, not I, is far more comfortable in letting me make the choices. This is our marriage and how it works. I trust her judgement when she tells me to "be quiet, your making things worse". I listen to her and take her advice in many matters. In these type of matters she puts her confidence in me and if I make a poor choice after months of research, then she knows I will make it right and learn where I went wrong.
As far as the various caliber ammo, I want a gun that can handle Rem. .125gr. .357 mag SJHP's, which is my preferred ammo for myself. I know this will not be manageable for her, no brainer for a 26oz, 2.25 barrel. I was hoping to hear about the .38+P for her, or does she need to stick with regular .38 ammo. I was hoping for the 2.25" for easy carry, both her and me. I will not buy a hammerless for her. I am looking for the most stopping power that she can handle without going out of town to a range that is going to cost the money to shoot off a few rounds of ammo in each caliber when she is going to be annoyed at the process anyway.
She is very willing to honor me and protect herself, but she will do it on her turms. I am not a macho guy that buys my wife a .454 super redhawk short barrel and says, "toughen up woman". My wife does not buy earings for me cause I don't wear them and I would not buy shoes for her unless she told me which ones to get. We, unlike many today, understand our individual roles and how it effects the relationship. I am happy with that and I believe she would concur.
Thanks again
Caliper_Mi
Member
My g/f carries a 2" SP101 loaded with .357.
The pistol is a 2 pound chunk of steel with a Pachmayr grip, recoil is no issue. The grip also fits the hand well, which is a plus. There is a bunch of muzzle blast, which is less pleasant at the indoor range, but shooing in the backyard, no one from my cousins to my mother has disliked shooting it (although this is usually with .38).
The pistol is a 2 pound chunk of steel with a Pachmayr grip, recoil is no issue. The grip also fits the hand well, which is a plus. There is a bunch of muzzle blast, which is less pleasant at the indoor range, but shooing in the backyard, no one from my cousins to my mother has disliked shooting it (although this is usually with .38).
Women who have shot my SP101s want to keep them, or want to know where to buy one. That being said, every individual person is unique, so what is true for many is not necessarily so for one. The person for whom the weapon is intended should definitely be in the loop during evaluation for purchase!
With .38 Special ammo, the SP101 is gentle to shoot. It tames magnum recoil, in MY hands, better than some larger and heavier sixguns. Therefore, it should, in MOST cases, be a good weapon for a relative beginner. I personally believe in .22 handguns for a beginner to learn shooting.
Notably, the SP101 chambered for the new .327 Magnum can be fired with the very gentle .32 S&W Long cartridge, and the still-gentle .32 H&R. All of this .32 ammo, however, can be difficult to find, and expensive.
With .38 Special ammo, the SP101 is gentle to shoot. It tames magnum recoil, in MY hands, better than some larger and heavier sixguns. Therefore, it should, in MOST cases, be a good weapon for a relative beginner. I personally believe in .22 handguns for a beginner to learn shooting.
Notably, the SP101 chambered for the new .327 Magnum can be fired with the very gentle .32 S&W Long cartridge, and the still-gentle .32 H&R. All of this .32 ammo, however, can be difficult to find, and expensive.
Trad Archer
Member
- Joined
- Dec 5, 2010
- Messages
- 274
327 is the way to go. 6 rounds vs 5 and a lot less recoil.
Jim Watson
Member
I went to the range with my gunsmith to test and zero a newly tuned up gun.
There was a guy there shooting his Way Euro Kewl Tackytickle P7 Squeezy Cocker.
He had furnished his wife a SP101 and all the magnums she cared to shoot... which was not many and not with good result. She seemed earnest and interested so we caught him looking the other way and supplied her with a box of .38 wadcutters.
You could see The Light Dawn in her eyes about one cylinder full. Before that box of wadcutters was gone, she had settled down and was shooting it at least as well as he was doing with his Way Euro etc.
So that is a reasonable choice for somebody who does not want to do her own research;IF she sticks with .38s. I'd say Chinamart Econoball for practice and low end JHP for defense like some of the Federal Personal Protection stuff.
There was a guy there shooting his Way Euro Kewl Tackytickle P7 Squeezy Cocker.
He had furnished his wife a SP101 and all the magnums she cared to shoot... which was not many and not with good result. She seemed earnest and interested so we caught him looking the other way and supplied her with a box of .38 wadcutters.
You could see The Light Dawn in her eyes about one cylinder full. Before that box of wadcutters was gone, she had settled down and was shooting it at least as well as he was doing with his Way Euro etc.
So that is a reasonable choice for somebody who does not want to do her own research;IF she sticks with .38s. I'd say Chinamart Econoball for practice and low end JHP for defense like some of the Federal Personal Protection stuff.
How true!
My wife has always preferred full size handguns: first semiautos and now revolvers. With respect to this thread, when we discussed the SP101 vs GP100 her reply was why settle for 5 when you can have 6. Go figure.
She also preferred the 4" GP100 to the .38 snubby....although still a bit shy (for now) with the .357...which led to me receiving the following commentary, "I'll take the .357 in a rifle". Thank goodness the levers were on sale @ Cabelas the very next weekend
788Ham
Member
Dodge,
You made mention of your wife shooting the daughters 4" revolver, and doing great, why not get her the 4"? I always thought the S&W's were the "only" revolvers out there, so when I got married, that's what my wife was gonna shoot too, by Gawd!!! Wrong: She wanted a Ruger Security Six w/ 4" barrel, thats the one she bought. We took a handgun course, she shot 98/100..... I learned two lessons: 1- not all folks like a S&W, 2- when she outshoots you, keep your pie-hole shut! I've still yet to hear the end of this one.
You made mention of your wife shooting the daughters 4" revolver, and doing great, why not get her the 4"? I always thought the S&W's were the "only" revolvers out there, so when I got married, that's what my wife was gonna shoot too, by Gawd!!! Wrong: She wanted a Ruger Security Six w/ 4" barrel, thats the one she bought. We took a handgun course, she shot 98/100..... I learned two lessons: 1- not all folks like a S&W, 2- when she outshoots you, keep your pie-hole shut! I've still yet to hear the end of this one.
p35
Member
Where do you live? If it's near me I'll lend you my SP101 for her to try out without charge. The things are common enough that someone near you should be able to make the same offer!
FWIW my wife would much rather shoot a 9mm but that's not what you want.
FWIW my wife would much rather shoot a 9mm but that's not what you want.
P.S. I love the 4" Ruger, however she is stuck on smaller. I have a Sec.6 2.75 barrel but the old 150xxx. She said it was really a pretty gun, so I got it. Too much for her with the wood grips, no rubber grips available for this gun. I will always give her final say, whatever it is for her, however she does not want final say and is not willing to do the footwork.
I read her many of the posts on hear, I should just see if she will post so everyone can understand the process we (I) am in.
Thanks again to all,
PS
love talking guns either way. I just became a life time NRA member after years of 1-3 year options. My daughter will become as well, late Christmas gift. Hope every owner of a firearm is a member.
Thanks again to all,
PS
love talking guns either way. I just became a life time NRA member after years of 1-3 year options. My daughter will become as well, late Christmas gift. Hope every owner of a firearm is a member.
Fishman777
Member
- Joined
- Sep 20, 2007
- Messages
- 520
Sp101
Great revolver.
If she finds the trigger to be too heavy, have her check out the LCR. The LCR trigger is about as good as what you'll find.
Great revolver.
If she finds the trigger to be too heavy, have her check out the LCR. The LCR trigger is about as good as what you'll find.
Old Shooter
Member
I think the Ruger is a good choice, the only issue is what you load it up with. In my experience, the difference in recoil between standard 38's and +P is not a whole heck of a lot. Stepping up to 357 is a much bigger jump in recoil and muzzle blast. In my S&W 66 w/ a 2 1/2" barrel I can shoot any flavor of 38's all day long, no problem. A half a box or so of 357 at one time is enough to suit me, after that the fun kind of goes away. If the SD scenario is likely to be inside the house that flash and blast is something to consider also.
Hobie
Member
I no longer carry other than .38 Special +P in my 2½-3" .357 Magnum revolvers. Muzzle blast, recoil (for the wife if she must use the gun because I'm incapacitate), and practice wear (I prefer to practice with the same stuff I use) on the gun are all considerations. One exception is the Remington Golden Saber 125 gr. load for the .357 which is a sort of .357 -P or long .38 Special +P, i.e. a reduced recoil load.
I personally think that the factory SP101 grip is one of the best compromises out there of size and shape for many hand sizes and shapes. I know several women who prefer it.
I personally think that the factory SP101 grip is one of the best compromises out there of size and shape for many hand sizes and shapes. I know several women who prefer it.
Sauer Grapes
Member
My wife shoots a 3" version. She's not into .357s so the .38s are good to go. She shoots the my creampuffs at the range and +P's for carry.
Vern Humphrey
Member
That's the way to go. Having an SP 101 doesn't mean you have to shoot full charge .357s out of it. And the weight and other features that make .357s shootable for most of us will make .38s shootable for those with less recoil tolerance.
One other consideration is that while I agree the Ruger is a very high quality firearm if you buy one you really should have the trigger rounded and smoothed. The machined edges that Ruger leaves on their triggers are sharp enough to open a can with. They will very quickly chew your wife's finger enough that she will tire of shooting it pretty quick. If you do not want to do this yourself take it to a smith and have him do it. The result is a gun that is MUCH more pleasant to shoot.
- Status
