Ruger SP101 VS S&W 649

[JFrameTwitch]

I have a three inch and a four inch sp101. I vote sp101 all the way if you are going to carry it and have it loaded with hot 357s. I have smiths too but the sp101s are the ones that get carried. Plenty of guidance out there to do your own trigger job and bob the hammer if you want. Swap out the rubber grips for some nice all wood ones if carrying concealed.

 

[Buckeye63]

Well between the used 649 & New SP101
I picked a Charter Arms Bulldog DAO 44 spl

 

[sequins]

The SP101 Isn't bad to shoot with powerful magnums. It's stout but still fun. At a certain point, like the Lcr, you won't like shooting it regardless of the rating

The Smith will have a better trigger though for sure. DA On an SP101 Is not ideal.

 

[Rock185]

Deleted, moot. I somehow missed OP's post #27.

 

[Cump]

I have opted for the S&W M60 two (or is it three) times. I carried both and shot regularly and I thought competently with lighter 357s and 38s. I carried the 125 grain Golden Sabers in 357. But I never really liked the jframe trigger in double action, and though I shot decent groups, they gathered a bit to the right. And I couldnt figure out how to adjust the trigger finger while maintaining a smooth DA pull. Not an issue out to 10 yards, but not so confident out farther.

But recently, I picked up a SP101 DAO. I actually like the trigger better. It may be somewhat heavier, but to me it feels more predictable than the jframes I have shot. And it must just fit my hand better too because with the same trigger finger placement it groups center.

The SP is more practical for me.

 

[ThomasT]

You will never go wrong with a S&W. But if you are wanting to shoot full bore 357 the Ruger would probably be a better choice. The trigger on the Smith will be better out of the box. Ruger over springs all their revolvers. And no, dry firing will not make your trigger better. If it does your trigger parts are way too soft. Take it apart and polish the trigger parts. There are instructions and videos for doing it.

Thats what I did on my SP-101 and now the double action is very smooth through the whole pull. Its smooth enough that my record so far is 22 dry fires before I bounced a penny off the barrel. Is it S&W smooth? Not quite but close. And the SP points very well for me. And when you run out of ammo it makes a decent Mini Club.