SP101 vs GP100

[eldon519]

My mom and I shoot together quite a lot. She is fairly thin woman, but not petite. She basically took over my GP100 6". In contrast, I have a 3" SP101, and I have only gotten her to shoot it once. She did not like it, and will not practice with it to try to get better. For reference though, I do load all of our ammo with full-power H110 158gr loads. The 3" is significantly more intimidating to shoot and will give me blisters on long shooting sessions. The GP100 trigger is better in my opinion, but it probably has 4000 rounds through it and who knows how many trigger pulls? The SP101 probably only has 500 rounds through it as I just got it this past year. You can tell the GP100 trigger does seem to simply offer better mechanical advantage, besides grit and spring-wear, but I dry fire it a lot and it has improved somewhat.

I think the GP100 4" or 6" is the way to go.

 

[Homerboy]

Another vote for a K frame S&W .38. If it's gonna be a house gun, you're not gonna load .357's in it. The noise and flash are brutal. You can get a nice used model 10 or 64 in 4" for much less than a new GP or SP. Spend the cash you saved on new grips (if she doesn't like what comes on the gun), some ammo and a speedloader or two. And you'll still have money left over for a nice dinner!

 

[Coal Dragger]

Between the GP and the SP, I would opt for the GP as a general purpose (in the name after all...) house and range gun. Longer sight radius for better practical accuracy, more weight to dampen recoil, longer barrel for more velocity, plus an extra round in the cylinder.

 

[MCgunner]

I much preferred my SP101 (I sold it) to my Security Six, much easier to carry and stronger built. Felt recoil was terrible on that Six, too, and not bad even with 180 grain HOT loads in the SP101 with a Hogue grip. The SS is NOT indestructible, nothing is, but it lacks the locking system of the beefy little SP101. The SP101 is simply a better (read stronger) design and my 2.25" SP101 would out shoot my 4" Security Six with .38 ammo hands down. Go figure. AND, the SP is 27 ounces, the SS about 36 or 38. The GP100 is just too danged big and heavy to have a spot in my collection. If I go that big, I'll use one of my Blackhawks. I prefer single actions for outdoor uses.

 

[MCgunner]

Another vote for a K frame S&W .38. If it's gonna be a house gun, you're not gonna load .357's in it. The noise and flash are brutal. You can get a nice used model 10 or 64 in 4" for much less than a new GP or SP. Spend the cash you saved on new grips (if she doesn't like what comes on the gun), some ammo and a speedloader or two. And you'll still have money left over for a nice dinner!

Some folks want new. I know there's police trade ins out there still in good shape if you know what you're lookin' at, but then, you might just be buying someone else's trouble, too.

 

[788Ham]

I got a 3 1/16" SP 101 about 4 months ago, yes, in my estimation it had a bad, gritty DA trigger, but unlike treedoc, I chose the trigger/action route. When I got the revolver back, there was definitely a difference in it. The smith stoned the trigger and hammer, replaced with new Wolff springs, the DA is now MUCH smoother, I can shoot it better now DA than SA. Worth the $60 I paid for the action job!

 

[NinjaFeint]

I have a 4" SS GP100 made in 1989 that I picked up used for under 400. Shoots like a dream, trigger is very smooth at this point. No idea how many rounds it has had prior to me but I have put about 1000 full power .357's and about 500 .38 special of varying pressure through it.

Gun is a tank, recoil is not a factor, couldn't be happier for the money spent.

I would get the GP100 for my lady. if she cared about shooting at all, it's a better home and range gun in my opinion.

 

[Snubshooter]

Let her handle both, see which one she is most comfy with. She might like the LCR as well. You should be happy with any of them but women have their own parameters for what they like. Also try to moderate your inclination for more power, the noise and flash can bother non-gun inclined people, better to hit with a .38 than miss with an ultraMag.

 

[76shuvlinoff]

Thanks all I appreciate the input about .38s in the house but I can't see a drawback of having .357 as an option.

However, I can relate to getting something in the same configuration as the Taurus 82 she feels secure with, and is handling well, now.

Yes I am going to get her to fondle some merchandise before we purchase. The trigger is definitely going to be a big deal.

 

[jad0110]

I appreciate the input about .38s in the house but I can't see a drawback of having .357 as an option.

The only practical drawback is cost, which is typically going to be $100 to $150 more for a .357 in the case of a S&W K Frame. If you are going to shoot .357s, then it is probably worth it. If not, you can use the money for more practice ammo in .38 special.

I've got a half dozen revolvers in both calibers, so I love both.

 

[jon86]

Some folks want new. I know there's police trade ins out there still in good shape if you know what you're lookin' at, but then, you might just be buying someone else's trouble, too.

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/...2/Smith+&+Wesson+64+.38+Spl+P+4"+HB+Stainless