Ruger Sp101 and LCR?

Never owner a revolver, and only fired them a few times, but thinking about getting one after the trip to the gun store today. Looking for something fairly small and lightweight, in .357 and tolerable to shoot. It's main use would be as a carry gun for camping and hiking. Anyone own one of these and have some feedback. I'm leaning toward the SP-101 because I think the LCR's 2in barrel is a bit too short.

 

You said you want something light and then you mentioned the SP-101. Those two don't mix well because the SP-101 is considerably heavier than most revolvers of it's size. If you're going to carry something that heavy why not carry a 3" Ruger GP100 or 3" S&W M686?

If you really want something light go with the Ruger LCR, S&W Bodyguard or a S&W J frame. There are many 2.5" and 3" J frames available in the current catalog.

 

Have both. The SP is way heavier and has many sharp edges. The LCR is lightweight and smooooth everywhere. I prefer the LCR, the grips "Hogue Tamer" really help dampen recoil. The weight of the SP also attenuates the recoil very well. If your gonna tote the thing around the LCR would probably be more comfortable. Either way you wont lose. I would try to shoot each before deciding. Shoot the same load in both guns and try to compare 'em side by side if possible.

 

I guess a better way to put it is something comparable to a 4" XD or smaller. I'll look into those. Don't know anything about revolver models. I'm partial to Ruger, but open to other brands.

I like the feel and handling of the LCR, but worried I enjoy carrying it, but not shooting it.

 

I carried an SP for years. Great gun, but a bit heavy. I switched to an airweight and went to pocket carry and never looked back. Do I take it to the range for a 3 hours session..no, but it is real easy to carry all the time when it's so light and fits in a pocket. What I did like about the sp was it was easy to take apart and clean, and you could shoot 357's w/out crying. Like a dope I sold it, wish I still had it.

 

Well then, you have a problem. The LCR is small and light weight; the SP101 is larger and much heavier. The LCR would be (based upon shooting .38+p in a LCR) not tolerable to shoot in 357, while the SP101 is very tolerable in 357.

How are you going to carry this revolver? If you want to pocket carry, this thread might as well be over, because the SP101 is just too darn heavy for that. If you will belt carry, the SP101 may be a better choice due to its shootability, and comfort for extended practice sessions.

 

Uh, no. I have a GP100 and a SP101. The GP100 is considerably larger and heavier. It's not even close.

In addition, when you say the SP101 is heavier than other revolvers of its size, what revolvers are you talking about? I don't really see anything out there the size of the SP101. It's an intermediate size halfway between the j-frame sized revolvers and the duty sized revolvers, and I don't see a smith or taurus equivalent.

To me, what the SP101 represents is the smallest / lightest 357 that is comfortable to shoot with 357.

 

Exactlty!
I had a SP101 and absoultely loved shooting it and 200 rounds at the range was not uncommon. (mix 38/357) Its definately a tank (durability wise) but not all that bad to carry. You definately knew it was there but it also felt like I had exactly what I wanted and or needed too. A gun I was good at shooting and was comfortable with. This all comes from how awesome it felt to shoot and how comfortable it was to shoot with .38's and .357's.

I sold it and actually stepped up to a GP100 6". not to carry, but because I like long range shooting.

Now I carry my 4" 1911.....heavy..... to each their own i guess.

IMHO, You will not regret the SP101 if you get it. LCR....maybe....

 

Spend the money and get 8-shot S&W .357 "Nightwatchman?". Why carry 5-shot paperweight if you don't have to?

 

I wouldn't pocket carry. I have an LCP and PF9 for that. It would be belt carry, while camping, hiking etc. Mostly open carry, or concealed where I'm not too worried about it showing. Because I hike long distances, I want to be mid to small size.

 

From what you just described, the SP101 would suit your needs. You already have pocket autos for CC. The LCR wouldn't do much more than the pocket autos you already have.
You should consider this though: velocity is comparable from the short barrels in 9mm vs 38. While you are shooting a heavier grain bullet from the 38, overall it isn't that much of an upgrade (in my opinion)

http://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=108
Ruger SP101, 3 inch- 1143 fps (458 ft. lbs.)

http://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=119
Glock 19, 4 inch barrel------------------------------------1296 fps -50-75 FPS for 3 inch barrel length.

The 357 from the SP101, on the other hand, is an upgrade.

http://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=100
Item 19C/20-158gr. Jacketed Hollow Point = 1398 fps from a 3 inch J frame

I personally carry a 3 inch GP100 in the woods, loaded with hot hardcast rounds, but then again, my needs and possible encounters may be different from yours. I just think that you will be happier with the SP101 for what you describe.

 

No Al Gore "green" gun!

Get a gun belt like Beltman's and a pancake holster for the Ruger 3" SP101. Or consider an S&W 3" model 60. You will have a real gun instead of something made from recycled toothbrush handles and sardine cans, and will forget you even have it on. A 25-27 ounce gun ain't that heavy, but are way more comfortable to shoot than the lightweights.

 

I shoot 158 grain buffalo bore out of the sp101 for critter defense.

Try that on anything else that size.

 

Have you fired 357 in the LCR 357? It is not the beast that some think. 38+p in the 357 LCR is very light shooting, in fact it is my training round. 357 is more of a handful, but I can keep 5 in COM at 7 yards which is all I need for SD. Honest, the 357 will not knock you down or break your wrist as some think. It will, however, do it's stuff in a SD situation.

 

The last time I fired any revolver was in 08, and I have very little experience with them. Just think one would be better suited for carrying outdoors than either of my 9mms.

 

Would 500 be a good price for an Sp101 with 170 rds of ammo and a holster? looking at FTF sale locally.

 

Just checked on gunbroker and they are running in the high 400s, so I would say with the ammo and holster it'd be a good deal.

 

Ok so you're really looking for an open carry woods gun. LCR is going to beat everything out there in weight. Shootability is going to be the heavier gun. The lcr wasn't designed to be a hiking gun. It's a ccw gun through and through.

 

I don't own a LCR but I really enjoy my SP101 and bought it barely used, 100 rds, for $400. with a Cross Breed Holster included BUT, I carry a P238.

IF my choice to carry was between the SP and the LCR I'd wear the LCR just for the weight savings. Many carry the SP but I think it's too heavy for me to carry. I might someday and may change my mind.

 

The LCR and J-frames are made to be carried a lot, shot little. Sure there are those who enjoy the brutal recoil of a super light gun with 357's but I'm not one of them. I own a Smith M&P 340 and do NOT shoot 357 out of it. 38+P is fine by me and isn't fun at that. The LCR I shot with 38+p was similar to my 340, if you need it you'll have it but its not fun to shoot. The S&W 60 is right in the middle of the pocket guns and the SP101 and in my opinion its great for 38's but not 357s. As one person already said the SP101 is the smallest gun I'd choose for 357. A K frame snubbie 19/66 might be even better at 6 shots of 357 but much bulkier and not as strong as the Ruger. The SP101 really is an awesome gun, mine is the 2" and I find myself wanting a 3" as well. Lots of neat tricks you can do to them such as cleaning up the action a bit - instructions are easy to find online. For your belt get the SP101, no doubt the best choice for what you want. $500 otd, ammo and holster would tempt me big time.

 

Are you positive that is what you want?

If so go for it.

NEVER sell it.

 

My choice would be both, but that's just me. I can't discriminate against either one.

 

The LCR is mostly comprised of polymer and aluminum. The spec-sheet on Rugers website says, "barrel material is stainless steel". The sp101 says, "material is stainless steel". Why don't they say what the lcr is made of on their website? If you want a deformed plastic Dick Tracy cap gun go right ahead, but I'll stick with a solid double walled frame stainless steel construction any day ......SP101 or bust.....

 

The spec sheet on the 357 LCR says "blackened stainless". The barrel is stainless steel. The stainless is why it weighs more than the aluminum LCR. Just to be sure, I just checked the entire upper and yes, it's steel. The grip frame is not. No worries about an aluminum 357, the 38 spec +p is aluminum, but about 4 ozs. lighter..

 

A Ruger SP101 IHMO is the smallest platform to shoot .357. Heavy, but built tough. I would put it up against a Taurus or an airweight as far as durability over time.