I had the same dilemma back in 2018. I even started a thread about it (SP101 vs 640 Pro vs K6s?). I ended up going with the Model 640 pro. I loved it and carried it up until last month when it was stolen.I've never shot a M60, but I've owned both SA/DA and DAO j-frame Airweight snubbies and I also had an SP101 with the 2.25" barrel for a couple years. I spent a lot of time with the Ruger and carried it for a year but it always naturally pointed high, similar to how Glocks do for me. And I never could shoot the SP101 as accurately in single action as I could my little 442 in double action. I eventually sold it, I thought about getting a S&W 640 but for the price they are I decided I might as well spend a tad more and get the Kimber K6s with an extra round. I opted for the 3" barrel and I love that gun, it's my daily carry piece.
I had the same dilemma back in 2018. I even started a thread about it (SP101 vs 640 Pro vs K6s?). I ended up going with the Model 640 pro. I loved it and carried it up until last month when it was stolen.
Back then, a 640 Pro was $750ish, and the k6s was around $200 more. In the current market, they cost about the same. The 640 Pro is going for around $900 now. Plus, I still have hopes that I might someday get my 640 back, so I don't want to buy another one just yet.
Anyway, I was looking at the 3" Ks6, but my only issue with it is it seems like a boutique revolver. Does not seem as rugged or like a "go to war" type of revolver that can handle abuse or a study diet of 357. Then again, I never handled one in person. What's your opinion on that?
I know the Smiths are smaller compared to Rugers. That's because Smiths are forged steel and the SP101 is cast steel thus needs the extra bulk to be as robust. Like the SP101, the Ks6 also has a casted frame, but it seems like a much smaller gun. Wish I could get my hands on one in person.
Well I maybe should have said "duty grade" revolver. IDK, K6s just appears to be less robust, but that might just be because they made it look more pretty and less utilitarian than the 640 Pro and SP101.Looks like I posted in that thread too, good to know the memory of my experience with the SP101 hasn't changed much.
I think if you want to "go to war" with a revolver you're better off stepping up to at least a medium frame GP100 or 686. That being said, I don't see any reason the Kimber wouldn't last as long as a 640 or SP101. I've only put maybe 350 rounds of .38's and 100 rounds of .357 mags through mine since I got it at the end of April, with closer to a thousand or more dry-fires, but I fully expect it would hold up to a lifetime of normal use just as the other two will. Now if you like to abuse them bycreating super hot .357 loads I don't know how it would last, but I didn't have any experience with doing that to my SP101 either. While these small frame steel guns soak up recoil better than Airweights, I still don't necessarily enjoy shooting .357 mag through them like I do my k-frame.
Also, I'm pretty sure the Kimber's frame is forged, at least that's what these two articles claim:
http://guntoters.com/blog/2018/05/06/kimber-k6s-357-magnum-revolver/
https://www.gunsandammo.com/editori...topping-power-unrivaled-concealability/383359
If I had a complaint it's just that the 3" version isn't as common so it was difficult to find a holster I liked. I started out with a universal leather holster, which understandably sucked. I soon found a kydex from Etsy which seemed to be built OK, it just wasn't comfortable since I carry AIWB and the plastic dug into my thigh, even when I covered the back with moleskin. Eventually I discovered that Tucker leather makes one for a 3", it took most of the summer to wait for it to come in but it's made well and is comfortable.
I know the current market is unpredictable, but I was able to get mine for $700 new back in April 2020, total was $750 after shipping and FFL fee.
View attachment 976585
Put both on a scale. Go with lightest one for 24/7 carry.for carry
I have a J-frame and have had several Taurus equivalents (Model 85).
I decided to give SP101's another chance and bought my third one used just recently.
The J-frames are much easier to carry. The aluminum-framed ones are a nice light weight and the recoil doesn't bother me.
SP101's are heavier and chunkier than J-frames. I would carry one OWB with a good belt, but that would be a real brick in cargo shorts or something like that.
J-frames point well for me and fit my hands decently. I can shoot them as well as any other small CC handgun.
SP101's don't fit my hands well, but that's just my hands. I haven't shot them well in the past, but I will try harder this time.
The triggers on most of the SP101's I've owned or shot or fondled haven't been that good, but one of my friends does own one with a decent trigger, and my recent one is decent, too.
On average, I would expect the J-frame trigger to be much better, but you might get particularly lucky or unlucky with either.
Looking specially at the S&W 60 3" and the Ruger SP101 for carry. Anyone carry or have experience with both? Any one have side by side pictures? Will the SP101 fit Jframe leather holsters?
I carried a full-lug 3" J-frame .38SPC for a while, it carried well enough. Mine had target sights on it, so it did catch the clothing a little. I can't shoot a J-frame very well, different grips helped, but the problem was me... I retired it for a semiauto.
View attachment 976512
What's that 1911 platform on the bottom right ?
Yea, even with all the usual raving and good reviews for the SP101, for some reason something or another kept me from buying one. I honestly think Ruger should make a stainless frame LCR and offer it in different barrel lengths. It would be a hit.I have a J-frame and have had several Taurus equivalents (Model 85).
I decided to give SP101's another chance and bought my third one used just recently.
The J-frames are much easier to carry. The aluminum-framed ones are a nice light weight and the recoil doesn't bother me.
SP101's are heavier and chunkier than J-frames. I would carry one OWB with a good belt, but that would be a real brick in cargo shorts or something like that.
J-frames point well for me and fit my hands decently. I can shoot them as well as any other small CC handgun.
SP101's don't fit my hands well, but that's just my hands. I haven't shot them well in the past, but I will try harder this time.
The triggers on most of the SP101's I've owned or shot or fondled haven't been that good, but one of my friends does own one with a decent trigger, and my recent one is decent, too.
On average, I would expect the J-frame trigger to be much better, but you might get particularly lucky or unlucky with either.