Ruger SP-101 Or LCR .357?

[Confederate]

On paper I'm coming out a little on top. But I'm still a bit peeved at Ruger.

It began with a $400 purchase of a new LCR .357 at a local gun shop. It was the last one they had. Since I have a bunch of Ruger handguns that have pretty much been flawless (except two commemorative FBI Academy Security-Sixes w/6-inch barrels that had severe surface rust inside...Ruger fixed them to perfection and I got them for a great price), I didn't think I'd get a lemon. But guess what?



The LCR had a badly buggered screw, some bad blemishes (neither of which were deal killers), but it also had a crack in the frame right by the cylinder release, and that was a deal killer.
.
.



You can't see how buggered the screw is, but the crack was
obvious. How did it get past quality control?



So I called Ruger. They sent UPS out and picked up the gun at no charge. Several days later I got the bad news. The gun was irreparable and I'd have to get a whole new gun, with new paperwork and all...and in Maryland that's a pain in the pa-tut. Then, to make matters worse, they didn't have any LCRs in stock and they didn't know when they'd be making more!

After mulling it over, I asked them for an SP-101 with a 2.25-inch barrel and they said okay. And after looking at one in the store and reading a lot about it, it looks good. But I have a stainless Speed-Six and the SP-101 is still a bit chunky. And it has a so-so action.

So I have a new SP-101 and paid $400 for it, plus tax, bein' $434. I like being able to cock the gun and will miss the incredible action of the LCR. With a good holster, though, I should do okay. The SP-101 will handle the .357 a lot better than the LCR, but I kinda wanted the LCR.

What do you think? What would you have done and what's with Ruger not being able to come through on a replacement?

 

[Viper225]

I figure you need to look at what you are planning to do with it first of all.
If one needed a light weight pocket carry 38/357 the LCR fills the bill nicely.
Very light weight and concealable.
If on the other hand you plan to belt carry, and also plan to shoot it quite a bit, the SP101 is a pretty fair choice. Not a bad size for belt carry at all. I would not worry about the action of the SP101, with a spring kit and a little polishing the trigger can be made much better. For belt carry I would probably check out a Lobo Model 1 Pancake holster Add Detail Boned, and Inner Hammer Shield.

Just My 2 Cents

Bob

 

[NMGonzo]

sp101

Even out of ammo it's still a weapon.

 

[verdun59]

Well I own both and would take the SP101 over two LCRs. It is much more pleasant to shoot and consequently practice with than the LCR. Granted the LCR is lighter but other than pocket carry I don't see what advantage that offers, and it certainly becomes a negative when shooting time comes. It's only my opinion but I think you really lucked out.

 

[KennyFSU]

SP is a better buy in my opinion. It's more versatile and does a better all-around gun. The more you shoot the smoother the trigger will be.

 

[franco45]

I think you did well. I just got a 3 inch SP101 and it is my favorite revolver to shoot.

 

[97guns]

i have both also and think the lcr is better suited in 38 anyways so go ahead and add one of those now

 

[Confederate]

Which barrel length do you prefer? I got the shorter barrel, but the 3-incher looks nice too. I probably would have gotten it, but I have a Speed-Six with a 3-inch barrel.



It would be too much like the larger Ruger. I don't know which length is the most popular, but I suspect it's the shorter. One advantage is that it can be cocked. Still, I miss the action of the LCR.

 

[788Ham]

You'll get used to it in very short order. I have the 3.06" one, I love it. Mine had a gritty DA trigger, possibly just shooting it 10K rounds things would have been okay, I didn't wait. I took it to an smithy that used to smith for Les Baer, for $60 he did an action job. Stoned out the hammer and trigger parts, #2 .lb. lighter hammer spring, now the DA shoots like the SA did when I first got it. I think you'll like it, I wear mine in pancake holster, never know its there.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I do not like the SP101 because it's too heavy and larger than most snub nose revolvers. If I were going to buy something the size of the SP101 i would buy a 6 round snub K frame instead.

I would buy the S&W Bodyguard 38 instead of either you mentioned. (NO, I'm not bashing Ruger, I own 4 Rugers)

 

[Lonerider357]

I'd take the Sp-101 anyday over the Plastic LCR!!!

 

[Blackhawk30]

I have an SP101 in .357.Its a heavy gun.I have fondled an LCR and plan to get on in the future.I'm curiuos as to why the OP didn't catch the flaws in his gun?To me that crack looks like a mold line.

 

[kellmark]

I have both. I love them both for what they do.
For me the LCR is the best of the pocket revolvers because of its light weight, fabulous trigger, and excellent ability to handle recoil with the Hogue grips and the polymer design. The SP-101 is the best for holster carry. I would just recommend both. They each have their distinctive advantages and I prefer to have both. And they each can handle either .38 or .357.

 

[Madcap_Magician]

The LCR for CCW in the pocket or if light weight is the ultimate concern. For a belt revolver, it's hard to beat a 3"-barrel SP101.

 

[Ghost Tracker]

I like the SP101 (3 of 'em) more than the LCR (that I don't own!). So I guess I've already decided with my wallet. But I am surprised that Ruger had NO .357 mag LCR models available to replace such an obvious "whoops!", with no IDEA when more would be available. Kinda' makes me wonder how isolated your LCR QC problem really is?

 

[Confederate]

Well you all have made me feel a lot better about having an SP-101. The .38 model has more of a following than the .357 model, and I was surprised that I could feel the extra weight in the .357 LCR. How they can keep that gun from cracking the forcing cone is beyond me.

Getting an action job might be worthwhile.

But what do you think of Ruger not being able to make good on one of their guns. I mean, we don't have any in stock and we don't know when we'll be making more. Geesh.

 

[skidder]

50 years down the road...your grand-kids could will be shooting a steel revolver, enough said.

 

[msnden]

You must have good karma--Take it as a good omen. you did what you should have done in the first place. msn

 

[Haywood]

I think you did good. A new Sp101 is a little over $500. here in Ohio. I would order the LCR 357 now. I then would carry both guns. I carry my 2" SP101 DAO IWB and my LCR357 in the off hand pocket as back up and Three Speed Loaders for reloads. You can't go wrong with Two Five shot 357s.