I am just about to get a .357 sp101 da/sa and I can get a pretty good deal on a 2.25" barrel. The shop does not have any 3" but I am sure they can get one. My question is Would I be just as happy with the smaller barrel? I have read alot of people prefer the 3". I will use this mostly for a nightstand gun but will maybe use this for ccw in the future. Thanks in advance!
ruger sp101 ?
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critter
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Mine is the shorter one and I have no problems with it. In fact, I love it. The ONLY advantage with the longer one is the slightly longer sighting radius. The miniscule increase in velocity is of no consequence in its intended role. Your choice but neither is a bad choice. Have fun with it!
bestseller92
Member
Personally, for a nightstand gun, I'd go with the 3" (actually 3 1/16"). The longer barrel is a tad easier to shoot, gives a bit more velocity, and I don't find it a hinderance even in concealed carry. The SP101 is a superb gun, by the way; excellent choice.
Stephen A. Camp
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Hello. I've had very fine luck with the 3 1/16" version, but the shorter gun is favored by many other folks. Frankly, I think either is a good choice, but unless interested primarily in concealment, I'd go with the longer barrel.
Even though not quite as easy to conceal, I've had no problems with this one for concealed carry as a belt gun.
If interested, here are some personal observations on the revolver shown above:
http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/Ruger SP101 Report.htm
Best.
Even though not quite as easy to conceal, I've had no problems with this one for concealed carry as a belt gun.
If interested, here are some personal observations on the revolver shown above:
http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/Ruger SP101 Report.htm
Best.
Ric
Member
I can't speak to the three inch as I've not had one, but I do carry a 2 1/4 most all the time and I really like it. Had it worked over by Gemini Customs and it's always been reliable, accurate enough,and concealable.
Quickdraw Limpsalot
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I have a 2.25" and love it.
You'd have a hard time convincing me that there's enough difference between the two for it to even matter. Personally, I think it just comes down to the one you think looks better. 13/16" ain't a lot of difference when you're talking about a (very) short .357 mag barrel.
They're great guns, regardless. If you want the 3.0625", hold out for it though.
You'd have a hard time convincing me that there's enough difference between the two for it to even matter. Personally, I think it just comes down to the one you think looks better. 13/16" ain't a lot of difference when you're talking about a (very) short .357 mag barrel.
They're great guns, regardless. If you want the 3.0625", hold out for it though.
Just_a_dude_with_a_gun
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My mother carries a 3" SP101. She loves it.
Rover 'n Rugers
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I have the shorter one. As noted the longer one does give some addiitonal sighting radius (maybe 20%) and a bit more velocity (maybe 75 fps). For concealed carry the shorter one offers one additional option with that being pocket carry. I have heard some makers will custom make a pocket holster for the 3 1/16" version but one would need to be fairly large with deep pockets I would think to pull that off. Otherwise for belt carry or ? shouldn't matter so pick the one you prefer.
JNewell
Member
Depending on how it's carried (not your primary concern, I know), the extra barrel doesn't really matter - best example would be IWB, where the extra length just goes down your pants.
I also have a 2¼" SP101. It's a nice gun, but I don't carry it at all.
Please note: these are only my opinions! As always, YMMV!!
At 25 ozs unloaded, I think it is too heavy for pocket carry. Put this gun in a pocket without an equal amount of weight on the other side & pretty soon your jacket will be listing waaaaay to 1 side. I'm not sure what 5 rounds of .357MAG weigh, but at 1.4 ozs each you'd have 2lbs to equal out.
For OWB belt carry it would be fine. I usually go IWB when I belt carry & therefore employ a flat semi-auto.
Now the advantage to the weight is when you are touching a round off! While it does recoil, that extra 13 ozs or so it has over the super lightweight S&W & Taurus guns will not shock your wrist & pound your hand as badly. I would think that the 3.06" barrel would even be milder. While it is true that 13/16" isn't much, it is over 36% longer. Maybe someone here has fired both & can advise?
At least in my example, the trigger pull is a lot heavier & not as smooth as the 637 I recently picked up for my daughter. Not even close. I bought the SP101 used. I haven't shot it too much, but it definetly has more rounds through it than a NIB.
To your question: if I was to use an SP101 for carry it would be the shorter barrel & only belt carry. I use mine for an HD gun, but if a used 3" would have been in the same case when I bought this one, I'd have gone for it instead. I'd expect it to be a nicer shooting gun.
But with either one, I'm sure you'll enjoy your purchase!
Please note: these are only my opinions! As always, YMMV!!
At 25 ozs unloaded, I think it is too heavy for pocket carry. Put this gun in a pocket without an equal amount of weight on the other side & pretty soon your jacket will be listing waaaaay to 1 side. I'm not sure what 5 rounds of .357MAG weigh, but at 1.4 ozs each you'd have 2lbs to equal out.
For OWB belt carry it would be fine. I usually go IWB when I belt carry & therefore employ a flat semi-auto.
Now the advantage to the weight is when you are touching a round off! While it does recoil, that extra 13 ozs or so it has over the super lightweight S&W & Taurus guns will not shock your wrist & pound your hand as badly. I would think that the 3.06" barrel would even be milder. While it is true that 13/16" isn't much, it is over 36% longer. Maybe someone here has fired both & can advise?
At least in my example, the trigger pull is a lot heavier & not as smooth as the 637 I recently picked up for my daughter. Not even close. I bought the SP101 used. I haven't shot it too much, but it definetly has more rounds through it than a NIB.
To your question: if I was to use an SP101 for carry it would be the shorter barrel & only belt carry. I use mine for an HD gun, but if a used 3" would have been in the same case when I bought this one, I'd have gone for it instead. I'd expect it to be a nicer shooting gun.
But with either one, I'm sure you'll enjoy your purchase!
Ultraman
Member
If I didn't have a SP101 at all and I could get a "pretty good deal" on one today, I'd go with whatever barrel length the shop had and then buy the other at my leisure later on. Can't go wrong with either one!
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MCgunner
Member
I have read articles comparing .357 magnum ballistics, same gun model, 2" vs 3" and the added velocity of an inch more barrel at that short length is NOT insignificant. I also much prefer the longer sight radius of the longer barrel. I've owned and now own a 2" .38 and a 3" .38 and I can shoot the 3" much better. All I've ever been able to do with my wadcutter load in a 2" gun is about 3" off sand bags at 25 yards. I have a 3" gun now that I can group that load into 2" with. I am convinced it's the sight radius that is the difference. The gun is just easier to accurately aim with.
Therefore, I'm a 3" convert and my position on the .357 magnum in particular is the more barrel the better. .38 specials shoot a faster powder and are less affected by the shorter barrel, but the .357 shoots a slower burning powder and much of its velocity is lost in the shorter lengths. It benefits from every inch of barrel right on out to carbine lengths where it shine like no other pistol caliber, but a magnum can.
I want the longer barreled SP101. I will carry it IWB. If you intend to carry the gun in a pocket, I'd say that's a good reason to go 2", but as others have said, the SP is a might heavy to carry in a pocket. I carry IWB and the gun with a longer tube is no hindrance.
Therefore, I'm a 3" convert and my position on the .357 magnum in particular is the more barrel the better. .38 specials shoot a faster powder and are less affected by the shorter barrel, but the .357 shoots a slower burning powder and much of its velocity is lost in the shorter lengths. It benefits from every inch of barrel right on out to carbine lengths where it shine like no other pistol caliber, but a magnum can.
I want the longer barreled SP101. I will carry it IWB. If you intend to carry the gun in a pocket, I'd say that's a good reason to go 2", but as others have said, the SP is a might heavy to carry in a pocket. I carry IWB and the gun with a longer tube is no hindrance.
Don't guys like Ultraman tick you off? I've only got three I have two of the 2 1/4" and one 3 1/16" and like both sizes, for all around I'd probably pick the 3" but the difference is minor. The feel of the 3" is better balanced to me but it's very subjective to the shooter as lots of folks prefer the shorter tube. One thing I can say is I didn't like the 4" at all but it was never available in .357 anyhow.
I have two of the 2 1/4" and one 3 1/16" and like both sizes, for all around I'd probably pick the 3" but the difference is minor. The feel of the 3" is better balanced to me but it's very subjective to the shooter as lots of folks prefer the shorter tube. One thing I can say is I didn't like the 4" at all but it was never available in .357 anyhow.TallPine
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For home defense, I would get a GP100 instead
Tiny in Ohio
Member
I have the 2.25" barrel, and absolutely love it. At combat distances it is a natural pointer. I have never shot the 3", but do like the looks of it. For a house gun, the GP100 in 3" will be easier to rapid fire, but again at combat distance the SP is a natural. I stake my life and that of my family on it. The one extra the GP100 has is the extra round capacity.
azredhawk44
Member
Ultraman:
What, no 4", 6-shot .32 H&R Mag in that group? You infidel!
What, no 4", 6-shot .32 H&R Mag in that group? You infidel!
Ultraman
Member
What, no 4", 6-shot .32 H&R Mag in that group? You infidel!
I'm getting there. I had to get these S&W's first...
4" 631, 3" 632, 2" 631, 2" 632
I'm getting there. I had to get these S&W's first...
4" 631, 3" 632, 2" 631, 2" 632
JNewell
Member
What I'd like to see Ruger offer is a 3" SP101 with sights adjustable for windage and elevation. It's not like it'd be hard to do -- just a click or two on a the computer program that's running the milling machines. S&W has made a Model 60 in that configuration for quite a few years and apparently does quite well with what Taffin once referred to as the "Trail Masterpiece."
MCgunner
Member
Amen to that! They have a windage adjustable sight on the .32 and .22, but I'd want elevation to compensate from light .38 to heavy .357 loads. That's how I do my blackhawks and my M66 Taurus .357. The SP101 with 3+" and adjustable sights would be a wonderful trail gun!
Dollar An Hour
Member
If I was going to carry OWB on a good gun belt with either a Yaqui or a belt slide, would the 3-1/16" model be difficult to conceal? Wondering if the shorter barreled model is the way to go for OWB with the tucked-out shirt.
I owned a .22lr 2-1/4 SP and never fell in love with it, but a .357 model sounds like a good carry piece.
I owned a .22lr 2-1/4 SP and never fell in love with it, but a .357 model sounds like a good carry piece.
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