SP101 vs. S&W J-frame.
- Thread starter RancidSumo
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I have owned both, I now personally own two sp101s, one in .357mag and one in .327 federal and I like them both. I really like the .327 federal as I find it to be a perfect blend of size, power and shootability.
However, Smith and Wesson make some outstanding J frames that would be hard to vote against. I would love to pick up a model 640, but in reality I find the grip to be a bit too skinny for my hand. Actually, I think the model 60 and the sp101 need aftermarket grips.
Its a tough call, but since I own two of the Rugers and not a one of the Smiths, I am going to have to vote ruger. I would love to get that 5" barreled model 60 though, what a great tacklebox gun.
However, Smith and Wesson make some outstanding J frames that would be hard to vote against. I would love to pick up a model 640, but in reality I find the grip to be a bit too skinny for my hand. Actually, I think the model 60 and the sp101 need aftermarket grips.
Its a tough call, but since I own two of the Rugers and not a one of the Smiths, I am going to have to vote ruger. I would love to get that 5" barreled model 60 though, what a great tacklebox gun.
Mr. Bojangles
Member
I absolutely love my sp101. And I mean love...
silverbullet1976
Member
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- Jan 15, 2009
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SP 101 vs J Frame
Ruger SP101's are overbuilt hog legs that are fabulous, reliable firearms. They're overbuilt, which is what makes them so great. They're so solid that you can shoot the snub's like an auto. Thousands of rounds with no worries. And because of their weight, the recoil is mild an manageable. J-Frames are extremely well made guns, but a bit more to handle because they are smaller an weigh less. They are better to carry when you need somethin' light weight. They just aren't much fun to shoot. Both are a great weapon, but if you want a snub you can enjoy shooting, and shoot for years, the Ruger is the way to go. J-Frames are meant to be carried often, shot little, and will never break
Ruger SP101's are overbuilt hog legs that are fabulous, reliable firearms. They're overbuilt, which is what makes them so great. They're so solid that you can shoot the snub's like an auto. Thousands of rounds with no worries. And because of their weight, the recoil is mild an manageable. J-Frames are extremely well made guns, but a bit more to handle because they are smaller an weigh less. They are better to carry when you need somethin' light weight. They just aren't much fun to shoot. Both are a great weapon, but if you want a snub you can enjoy shooting, and shoot for years, the Ruger is the way to go. J-Frames are meant to be carried often, shot little, and will never break
Madcap_Magician
Member
Have both. A 2.25" .357 SP101 and a 642. The 642 is the carry gun. The SP101 is a belt gun. It is almost impossible to pocket carry the SP101. I love the bank vault build of the SP101, but the 642 actually shoots better for me.
Just my $.02.
Just my $.02.
Eightball
Member
Trigger and ergos seem better on my Smiths. To each their own, however.
"It is almost impossible to pocket carry the SP101."
I do it all the time.
While not as comfortable as when it is done with a weapon that is 10 oz. lighter such as the 642, it really isn't that bad overall.
I carry the heavier SP101 because that is the revolver that always gets shot when I go out to burn up ammo.
It can handle the abuse that regular shooting inflicts on even a quality gun.
Day in, day out, the SP101 is the one wheelgun I turn to and is the one I'm most comfortable with.
I have a Taurus Ti here in the house I could carry but since I don't shoot it much(especially with heavy loads), it stays home, and the SP comes with me when we go out.
Let's put it another way... My girl might have a big butt on her, but I KNOW she can perform any time I need her too!
I do it all the time.
While not as comfortable as when it is done with a weapon that is 10 oz. lighter such as the 642, it really isn't that bad overall.
I carry the heavier SP101 because that is the revolver that always gets shot when I go out to burn up ammo.
It can handle the abuse that regular shooting inflicts on even a quality gun.
Day in, day out, the SP101 is the one wheelgun I turn to and is the one I'm most comfortable with.
I have a Taurus Ti here in the house I could carry but since I don't shoot it much(especially with heavy loads), it stays home, and the SP comes with me when we go out.
Let's put it another way... My girl might have a big butt on her, but I KNOW she can perform any time I need her too!
Madcap_Magician
Member
Pocket carry of the SP101 depends on your wardrobe and belt. I have no pants or belt that I could pocket carry it in... I tried them all. *shrug*
It's not the weight so much; it's the balance.
I hiked around in the mountains for a while yesterday with the a 642 in a Nemesis. It was no problem. More weight would have started to get uncomfortable, just because of the unbalanced weight.
When I load them down with stuff (GPS, water, etc.), my pants can be like a backpack. They're comfortable when properly balanced, but after a few miles hiking up and down hills and canyons, an unbalanced load causes premature fatigue, back pain, etc.
I wouldn't let that stop me from getting an SP101; I wouldn't, however, trade one for the other, myself.
Bottom line?
I think these are two different guns, that will serve two different purposes.
I hiked around in the mountains for a while yesterday with the a 642 in a Nemesis. It was no problem. More weight would have started to get uncomfortable, just because of the unbalanced weight.
When I load them down with stuff (GPS, water, etc.), my pants can be like a backpack. They're comfortable when properly balanced, but after a few miles hiking up and down hills and canyons, an unbalanced load causes premature fatigue, back pain, etc.
I wouldn't let that stop me from getting an SP101; I wouldn't, however, trade one for the other, myself.
Bottom line?
I think these are two different guns, that will serve two different purposes.
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