I am looking at a ruger sp101 in 357 in a 3 in barrel. I am wanting something o can take to the range and sometime I can carry when I need to and to have in my truck too just curious about it I heard it has more recoil then the gp100 I just curious about it thanks
ruger sp101 357mag
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Lost Sheep
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As a shooter of Ruger SP101, Ruger Security Six (2 3/4, 4 and 6 inch) and GP100 (4 and 6 inch), I can tell you that the greater weight of the larger guns absorbs recoil much better than the lighter SP101.
Also, the greater surface area/contact area of the larger grips soften the feel of the larger guns, too.
It is not just recoil, though. The trigger pull on the SP is tougher to master than the GP or the Sixes (Security Six, Service Six and Speed Six). I opine that it is the geometry of the lockwork inside the SP, while similar to the GP, is smaller and the springs stouter.
As a range gun, the shorter sight radius of the SP vs the longer barrels makes for a more challenging approach to target groups and all my Sixes and most of my GPs have fully adjustable sights. The SP has a notch in the top strap.
The SP, with its smaller size and simpler sights is a better concealed carry gun and lighter weight makes it more convenient in the holster. So it is better than the larger guns in those regards. The trigger pull can be smoothed and lightened considerably by a drop-in spring kit or working by a competent gunsmith. Just shooting it a lot can help, too. So, don't think I dislike the SP.
You have to balance what characteristics are most important to your needs.
Weight
Sight Radius
Trigger pull (especially the weight of trigger pull related to weight of gun)
How the available grips fit your hand (makes a huge difference in how the recoil feels)
Whether 5 rounds or 6 makes a difference to you.
Thanks for asking our advice.
Lost Sheep
Bama Drifter
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Having handled many SP101s and owned a GP100 prior to upgrading to Colts, I have nothing negative to say. If I hadn't recently acquired a Colt DS (3d issue) I would likely have spent the money on another Ruger. They are nearly indestructible, built like the proverbial "brick s--t house". In 10yrs in the gun business I've never heard anyone complain or have remorse about getting an SP101. 
Buy with confidence!
Buy with confidence!I have the 4.2 inch SP. The recoil is not bad and the extra barrel length helps with sight radius and taming the blast from .357. 158g loads aren't bad. 125g are still a little attention getting. The sites are adjustable. I think it is a good bumming around the woods gun...
TreeDoc
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I have a 2.25 DAO, yes it recoils more than the GP. It's not even in the same ballpark. Try a 125g screamer out of it. 99% of the people that try my revolver with this load always turn to me after the shot and say "DAM!". I've been shooting 357 for awhile and have at one time or another owned all the models. Couldn't tell a bit of difference between the longer tube and the shorter one in accuracy or recoil. The shorter tube was just a preference, the sp 101 is a fine gun that can cover many bases.
ColtPythonElite
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I have had a 2.25" since 1995. I carry near daily. It is a fine carry gun. Recoil with full tilt 125 JHP is stout but manageable.
Zaydok Allen
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I've had a three inch for almost 7 years. Lost Sheep hit the nail on the head and summed the gun up nicely.
If you shoot magnums out of it, I recommend 125 grain loads or 38+p ammo. If you have large hands, you'll definitely need a larger aftermarket grip. Dry fire the hell out of it as it really does help the trigger.
If you shoot magnums out of it, I recommend 125 grain loads or 38+p ammo. If you have large hands, you'll definitely need a larger aftermarket grip. Dry fire the hell out of it as it really does help the trigger.
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Omaha-BeenGlockin
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My little Taurus 605 .357 is a little bit smaller and lighter than a SP101 and recoil is no big deal with the little gun---the SP should be even better.
The Hogue rubber grip for the SP is a little longer and more hand filling than the factory grip---and only costs a few bucks. Try one of those if you don't like how your SP handles.
The Hogue rubber grip for the SP is a little longer and more hand filling than the factory grip---and only costs a few bucks. Try one of those if you don't like how your SP handles.
Deaf Smith
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I have a selection of SP-101 .357s and I can say that the shorter 2 1/4 inch barrel versions are much easier to carry and just as accurate.
Full .357s are not that bad in it (but then I've owned and shot S&W 'ti' 13 oz .357s with full magnum loads and they really are hard to shoot!)
My favorite of the bunch is the DAO version with the original old style rubber and wood grips.
Deaf
Full .357s are not that bad in it (but then I've owned and shot S&W 'ti' 13 oz .357s with full magnum loads and they really are hard to shoot!)
My favorite of the bunch is the DAO version with the original old style rubber and wood grips.
Deaf
I hold my SP101 in high regard , but I did have to make an adjustment : 357 recoil resulted in bashing the knuckle of #2 finger (the "bird flipping" one...). I tried to learn to tolerate it ; after a couple of range trips I considered to possibility of trading to Ruger away. Then I got smart and added one piece Walnut grips by Hogue. Very handsome and functional.
Now I have a great revolver.
Now I have a great revolver.
Zaydok Allen
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Hey man, I'm just curious how that Hogue affected the grip angle for you and how much wood meats the web of your hand.
I've put full size Badger Grips on mine, and the trigger reach is too short, and the grip angle was increased to a point I found uncomfortable for my particular hand.
The only grip I have for mine that fits me alright is a CT laser grip. But since that thing is an abomination, I want some nice wood for it. I've been thinking about buying some Eagle Roper's for it.
Richard Head
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Don't overlook the 2.25" barrel model. They shoot good and are more concealable. I've shot some heavy loads out of mine and yes there's more noticeable recoil than from a GP100, but nothing crazy. These guns are still quite heavy at 25 oz and are about the softest shooting pocket revolvers around.
dmattaponi
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I think the others have covered it well. I would recommend the 3in SP if you want a balance between ccw and home defense. The GP for home defense and range use, if you don't plan to ccw. Here is a pic for visual comparison.
Really like that comment as I had a friend of mine shoot mine he was done after one round LOL! IMO they excell with .38 +p & that is what is carried in mine 98% of the time. I got mine to carry in hiking country with a known black bear population and do carry .357 158 grain HP's when doing so. Hope I never ever have to use it with them but it's nice to know it's available if the need arose.
Hondo 60
Member
I sold a 2.25" SP to finance a 3" Blue GP100
(they don't make 3" blue fixed-sighted GP100s anymore)
But at some point I will buy another SP
They're Very good guns - you'll have your great-grand kids fighting over who gets it.
My answer to recoil is to learn how to make your own.
Just dial it back a bit & you'll never run out of ammo.
(they don't make 3" blue fixed-sighted GP100s anymore)
But at some point I will buy another SP
They're Very good guns - you'll have your great-grand kids fighting over who gets it.
My answer to recoil is to learn how to make your own.
Just dial it back a bit & you'll never run out of ammo.
Lost Sheep
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Just my opinion, but bears (brown or black) are not known for being thin-skinned. Penetration is your friend in a defensive shoot and solid hard-cast flat point lead is my preferred configuration.
You will make your own choice and I will not seek to educate you (not with my meager knowledge base), but I will suggest you research what hunters, guides and others knowledgeable in your area have successfully (and unsuccessfully) used.
Good luck.
Lost Sheep
RealGun
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The SP101 was originally 38 Special, so it is pushed to its limit as 357. I like mine and have the 3" SP101 in 3 cartridges...357, 32 H&R, 327 Federal Magnum. I have the 4" in 327 Federal Magnum. I load milder 357 ammo for range use and go to Speer Short Barrel for carry. The original grips are not for me, certainly not for 357 Magnum of any power. I tried a number of options and favor the nylon Hogue combat grip. The 32s are fine with the factory grips and handsome aftermarket inserts.
Would the 3 in gp100 be better I like both I like the 3 in. I want some I can carry but it mostly be a truck gun or with me in my boat or beside my bed but if I want to go burn powder I want to be able to. I like the 4 in but would it be a little big?
MCgunner
Member
My SP101 was awesome. I need to look at buying another, only this time I'd like a 4" adjustable sight model, be a better trail gun than my 2" was. Might compromise on a 3", though.
The things have enough weight to tame heavy loads, especially with a Hogue grip on 'em, and they're super accurate, or at least mine was. I put a Wolff mainspring in it which significantly helped the DA trigger, too. I miss it, but it's a long story....
The things have enough weight to tame heavy loads, especially with a Hogue grip on 'em, and they're super accurate, or at least mine was. I put a Wolff mainspring in it which significantly helped the DA trigger, too. I miss it, but it's a long story....
MCgunner
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On the GP100, it's a heavy beast, but if you can put up with it, recoil is not an issue at all, even if the SP101 is problematic, not for me, but for some. I had a Security Six whose perceived recoil was worse than the SP101 with the Hogue on it. The GP100 does offer a 6th round, if that's important. Either gun's design is bank vault strong. I prefer the SP101 for its size and utility as a carry, but I don't sweat the loss of a round of capacity, either. If I need capacity, I'll carry my Ruger P85.
palmetto99
Member
I've had a 3" SP101 for a little over a years. Mine was used and the seller didn't know much about it (had been taken in on a trade). The trigger pull is pretty good (heavy-ish, but smooth) in DA. SA is good. I usually carry IWB (Lobo Gun Leather off-set clip) but found a good OWB from Winthrop. I wouldn't tell anyone to not pick up one if it suites them.
minutemen1776
Member
I had a 3-inch SP101 for a while, but I eventually sold it. Though these are quality revolvers that are very popular, I found the SP101 to be too small for shooting more than just a few .357 Magnum rounds. For a concealed carry gun, there are also a lot of other options that are smaller and/or more capacious. I now have a GP100 that I enjoy greatly. It is a much better fit for the .357 cartridge. For a range or truck gun, I think the GP100 is the better choice.
I purchased a Gp100 3" that came with an iwb holster. If you ever plan to carry one you better mean it. They are large and heavy. The sp101 will work much better for double duty but I think both are displaced by Ruger's LCR models if you plan to spend much time carrying.
I have owned two of them; one was a hammerless model. Love to shoot them but too heavy for me to carry. My carry revolvers are between 11-13 ounces and my range revolvers are all over 33 ounces, with some at 44 ounces.
As much as I love the SP101, they are a little too heavy and large for concealed carry for me but certainly capable of it. I rather carry my 11 ounce .357 mag loaded with .38 Spl +P and use a full sized 44 ounce gun for range shooting. I also have a 2.5" S&W 686 plus. 7 rounds of .357 magnum in an L frame is still a big gun for ccw. Some can carry it but not me when I have lighter and smaller options.
Take a look at the SP101 in .327 magnum. It will allow you to shoot about 6 different .32 caliber bullets. the .327 mag generates near .357 power but with 80% of the recoil. Due the thinness of the .32 rounds, you usually get a 6 shooter like their LCR has.
It is always difficult to recommend a gun to someone you do not know. I do know several people who bought a SP101 for carry, me included, but gave up on it after a while. I can carry a thin .45 ACP 1911 that weighs the same and is easier to carry. Few of those I know with .357 magnums load them with magnums. Like me, they prefer a .38 SPL +P. Just measure the time it takes to shoot accurate follow-up shots sometime.
As much as I love the SP101, I would not think it is a good range gun or carry gun these days when there are better choices out there. I ended up with a snub nose for carry and a Ruger Redhawk for the range. If you like to have fun, buy one of their Alaskan models. I used to own both and they were a hoot to shoot and could be carried on a chest holster but not concealed. I tried in an OWB holsters but I needed suspenders to hold up my pants and even my gun belt which is reinforced with a polymer band, was crying.
May I suggest the new Ruger LCR 3". Light enough to carry and the same barrel length as the SP101 you are interested in. I may get one soon. It will fit the bill for carry, HD and range.
As much as I love the SP101, they are a little too heavy and large for concealed carry for me but certainly capable of it. I rather carry my 11 ounce .357 mag loaded with .38 Spl +P and use a full sized 44 ounce gun for range shooting. I also have a 2.5" S&W 686 plus. 7 rounds of .357 magnum in an L frame is still a big gun for ccw. Some can carry it but not me when I have lighter and smaller options.
Take a look at the SP101 in .327 magnum. It will allow you to shoot about 6 different .32 caliber bullets. the .327 mag generates near .357 power but with 80% of the recoil. Due the thinness of the .32 rounds, you usually get a 6 shooter like their LCR has.
It is always difficult to recommend a gun to someone you do not know. I do know several people who bought a SP101 for carry, me included, but gave up on it after a while. I can carry a thin .45 ACP 1911 that weighs the same and is easier to carry. Few of those I know with .357 magnums load them with magnums. Like me, they prefer a .38 SPL +P. Just measure the time it takes to shoot accurate follow-up shots sometime.
As much as I love the SP101, I would not think it is a good range gun or carry gun these days when there are better choices out there. I ended up with a snub nose for carry and a Ruger Redhawk for the range. If you like to have fun, buy one of their Alaskan models. I used to own both and they were a hoot to shoot and could be carried on a chest holster but not concealed. I tried in an OWB holsters but I needed suspenders to hold up my pants and even my gun belt which is reinforced with a polymer band, was crying.
May I suggest the new Ruger LCR 3". Light enough to carry and the same barrel length as the SP101 you are interested in. I may get one soon. It will fit the bill for carry, HD and range.
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