I really like SP101 revolvers. My oldest, with a 2.25" barrel, and spur-less hammer, dates from about 1997. I added another, in the same configuration, a few years later. Both of these have now-faded Trijicon front sights, installed by Jack Weigand, when he still did custom 'smithing. He performed his "Tame the Beast" package, minus the porting, on both of these. These are priceless treasures, and have not been safe queens, especially during the 2002 to 2006 time period, when they were daily carry guns during personal time, while one rode in an ankle rig while on duty.
During that 2002-2006 period, I was on the look-out for a smooth-action 3.06" SP101, but chanced upon a 2.25" version, with a hammer spur, that was particularly nice. I eventually found my smooth 3.06", and bought it, too. I then installed a spurless hammer that I had been keeping on hand for several years, and not only did the hammer not require fitting, the trigger pull became even better. Neither of these will need any trigger work, as I cherry-picked them from a large number of samples. With the factory springs, they may have a bit heavier pulls than my Weigand Beasties, but they are smooth as silk.
I gradually phased-in a P229, starting in 2006, then added G19 Glock more recently, and have mostly discontinued ankle carry, but still carry an SP101 some of the time. When I retire from public service, some time in the next few months to about three years, and will no longer be obligated to go toward the sound of gunfire, on or off the clock, I may return to largely using my SP101 revolvers.
Want a really nice, and very comfortable revolver holster? The ultimate answer, IMHO, is the Milt Sparks PMK. I have three of them, for right and left 2.25" SP101, and for the right hand 3.-6" SP101. Now that my right hand and wrist are ailing, I may well order a lefty PMK for the 3.06". (I do not blame the SP101, or .357 Magnum, for my aches and pains. Though they may have played a part, cumulatively, it was probably the .44 and .41 Magnums I fired in the Eighties that played the larger part.)
I also have a Milt Sparks VM II for the SP101.
When I want a gun to truly and seriously disappear, I have a 1980s-vintage Eagle Industries IWB holster, made of nylon fabric, that I can wear in the appendix position. This holster does not have a reinforced mouth, so it collapses when the gun is drawn, but when the need for concealment trumps the need to be able to re-holster the weapon quickly, well, it is available.
I have liked the .357 Winchester Silvertips, and Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel .357 ammo, but may down-grade to some premium .38 Special load(s), in the interest of preserving the health of my left hand and wrist. "Premium" does not necessarily mean +P. I have some research to do.
I like the factory Ruger grips. My hands are narrow, my fingers quite thin, and my thumbs and some of my fingers are relatively short, so I do not need large grips. Obviously, this is an individual thing; others' hands, and needs, will vary. I am relatively slim, so small grips aid concealment, as well. The SP101 is large-enough to behave more like a fightin' revolver in my hands, whereas the J-Snub seems like something suited more to the hide-out/back-up role. The 3.06" barrel puts the front sight a bit farther away, allowing somewhat more daylight on either side of the front sight, within the rear notch, for a better sight picture. I like that.
For the day I may need a softer-recoiling small revolver, I have a 4" SP101, chambered in .32 H&R, in the safe.
My favorite revolvers remain the S&W Model 19, and Ruger GP100, with 4" barrels, but the 3.06" remains a close third, and is likely to see more carry time, long-term
