FullEffect1911
Member
I think that you should just get the SP101 in .357 magnum, and just shoot .38 special out of it. That is exactly what I did.
SP101 2" Need some help choosing the model (.38 vs. .357 mag)
- Thread starter Roman2in
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Legionnaire
Contributing Member
I think you should go with the .357. Once you've shot a lot of .38s out of the SP, you'll likely find that you can handle .357 loads more easily. Nice to have the option to move up in power. The .38 Spl only model won't allow you to do that.
bflobill_69
Member.
That one inch actually makes quite a bit of difference in recoil and accuracy in my humble opinion.
But, just fire the 2" more and you'll see improvement pretty quick =P
Yeah would agree with the folks above that the versatility and power of a .357 makes it the right choice.
Enjoy your new gun,
Bflobill_69
But, just fire the 2" more and you'll see improvement pretty quick =P
Yeah would agree with the folks above that the versatility and power of a .357 makes it the right choice.
Enjoy your new gun,
Bflobill_69
Snapping Twig
Member
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Shooting .38 in a .357 has such a little difference in performance I'd say it was negligible if that.
I wouldn't be concerned about this quandary, but a weapon is a personal choice, so do what's right for you.
My $.02 is a solid vote for the .357 and further, the 3" version.
I wouldn't be concerned about this quandary, but a weapon is a personal choice, so do what's right for you.
My $.02 is a solid vote for the .357 and further, the 3" version.
texas bulldog
Member
i have the 2" .357 model. like some others here, i see no good reason to get the .38 model. load it with whatever you like, but give yourself options. the very slight loss in energy will never be noticed.
now the 2" or 3" question has the potential to keep you up nights...
good luck!
now the 2" or 3" question has the potential to keep you up nights...
good luck!
BoneDigger
Member
Definately get the .357. I can see no real reason to get the .38 only version when the .357 is slightly more versatile and about the same price.
Todd
Todd
SimpleIsGood229
Member
Ditto on the three inch SP101 in .357. Load it with mid-range .357's like Cor-Bon 125 gr. DPX.
Another option would be to go with the new .327 Federal "Magnum."
Another option would be to go with the new .327 Federal "Magnum."
Legionnaire
Contributing Member
While it looks like many here favor the three-inch version, I'm quite happy with my 2.25" and would readily purchase it again. I like the compact form factor, and can shoot it accurately enough for its purpose.
wuchak
Member
I've never heard that the 38 loses velocity out of a .357. I'd like to see some chrono results or other proof that this is true and just how much velocity is lost. Can anyone explain why the 38 would lose velocity in a .357?
easyrider604
Member
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- 735
Go with the flow!
.357
.357
MillCreek
Member
I have one of the very first SP-101s ever made, that I bought new back in the early 80's. It was chambered only for .38 when it first came out and that is what I have. All the other SP-101s I have bought (I have four more) are .357. The .38 and .357 SP-101 2.25" are identical in weight and dimension. The .357 gives you options that the .38 does not. And if there is no weight or size penalty, and the difference in ballistics when firing a .38 out of a .357 in the same barrel length is minimal, why not go for the .357?
SAWBONES
Member
As an owner of three SP101s in .357 and many S&W J-frames in both .38 Special and .357, I'll offer my opinion that unless the gun is to be used mostly by someone very weak and small, employing an SP101 for anything other than .357 is a good example of "size inefficiency" (term as applied to CCW).
Many better, smaller, lighter weight, more compact dedicated .38 Special gun choices are available if you mean to carry and shoot only .38 Special (including "+P") rounds. Dedicated .38 Special SP101s are made, but are getting hard to find, while .357 models are readily available, but are a suboptimal choice for shooting .38 Special for two main reasons: the increased space between bullet nose and forcing cone can reduce accuracy in shooting .38 Special rounds, and the accumulation of firing residue in the cylinder chambers' free space after shooting much .38 Special will make subsequent chambering and shooting of .357 ammunition difficult and even potentialy dangerous, unless you assiduously clean out the chambers beforehand.
If you're determined to shoot only .38 Special and to use the gun for CCW, I'd suggest an all-steel J-frame. If it's to be mostly a range gun, then a .38 Special Ruger SP101 is a good choice, as also are many other larger, heavier revolvers from S&W.
I don't carry or shoot anything but .357 in my SP101s. If I mean to carry a gun in .38 Special, I usually choose a Smith pre-lock 649.
Many better, smaller, lighter weight, more compact dedicated .38 Special gun choices are available if you mean to carry and shoot only .38 Special (including "+P") rounds. Dedicated .38 Special SP101s are made, but are getting hard to find, while .357 models are readily available, but are a suboptimal choice for shooting .38 Special for two main reasons: the increased space between bullet nose and forcing cone can reduce accuracy in shooting .38 Special rounds, and the accumulation of firing residue in the cylinder chambers' free space after shooting much .38 Special will make subsequent chambering and shooting of .357 ammunition difficult and even potentialy dangerous, unless you assiduously clean out the chambers beforehand.
If you're determined to shoot only .38 Special and to use the gun for CCW, I'd suggest an all-steel J-frame. If it's to be mostly a range gun, then a .38 Special Ruger SP101 is a good choice, as also are many other larger, heavier revolvers from S&W.
I don't carry or shoot anything but .357 in my SP101s. If I mean to carry a gun in .38 Special, I usually choose a Smith pre-lock 649.
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