In this case everything. Shimming and springing the SP101 isn’t necessary for it to function. It’s just a preference thing for some. If someone decides to do it, it’s cheap as was pointed out by stone buster. And besides, the MC is already shimmed.
From your perspective the LCRx is a “better gun” because the SP101 can receive some quality tweaks out of the box and in your opinion, based on the price, it shouldn’t need it. At least that’s how you presented it. But it doesn’t need it to function. So if you think they are just overpriced, fine.
From my perspective the 21.5 oz LCRx is not going to be pleasant to shoot 357’s out of and is a flawed concept. So to me the SP101 is a “better gun” but only for my needs. Your needs are apparently different than the OPs. Both guns do things well and the cartridge is important in this context for that reason. Because of perspective and desired usage. So a blanket statement that one is better than the other is not fair or accurate. This is about perspective and the ability to shoot the 357 mag repeatedly and comfortably is paramount IMO. But you're not going to hear me strole in and make a comment that it’s a better gun than the LCRx, because it’s not true.
Also, the OP never mentioned interest in an LCRx.
Material preference isn’t fanboyism. It’s preference for a heavier material that has a measurable benefit, recoil mitigation. But if it’s not worth the price tag or you don’t feel it’s beneficial that’s fine. Again, preference and perspective.
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I shoot 158 gr 357’s from my 3” SP101 and while it’s not the most comfortable thing to do, it’s certainly not punishing in the extreme. If you find 327 mag unpleasant from your SP101 that weighs 29.5 oz if it’s a 4.2”, I don’t understand why you’d want to shoot 357s from an LCRx that weighs 21 oz.
Yeah I get how some folks want to use them and I know what a kit gun is, but these MCs are marketed as match guns. My statement was geared toward this being a silly marketing scheme with the MC. I carry an L frame in the woods. A few ounces is not a deal breaker for me. But that’s just me. Small frame revolvers shine for concealed carry IMO, but that’s all it is, an opinion.