Springfield Armory 1911 or Ruger SP101

[tercel89]

Looking at which of these two would you guys choose and why ?

1. Springfield Armory 1911 .45acp plain jane version , like a Mil-Spec with no bells nor whistles

2. Ruger SP101 .357mag

I sacrificed two of my polymer guns to get the funds to get a good ole metal pistol for me and my son to shoot and last a lifetime. I narrowed it down to these two. I have owned them both in the past and both are built like a brick ***** house and tough as nails. Plus both are designs that go way back in time . The 1911 is over 100 years old and the revolver goes even further back , so both are proven designs still used today. I am presently reloading so these two will even support that hobby well. I grew up in the 70's and 80's and have watched the polymer/plastic guns arrive and I like them but I just want a good ole metal tank. So which one of the two I mentioned and why ? Thanks for the information .

 

[beeenbag]

The sp101 will conceal better and provide the option of cheap and lght 38 special ammo.

 

[tommy.duncan]

Ditto with Beeenbag!!

The 1911 is a great choice too, but I think the SP101 is the way to go.

 

[sherman123]

I agree on the sp101. Biggest benefit imo is the lack of any manual safety to deal with while under stress.

 

[ugaarguy]

How old is your son? Do you want a strictly range use gun, or does it also need to be a carry gun?

 

[TomJ]

I picked up the Springfield a few weeks ago and love it. I've also been looking at the SP101's, and they're great as well. If you're going to use it primarily at the range, I'd go with the Springfield. If you're going to carry it, I'd go with the SP101.

 

[cat_IT_guy]

Ruger if it were me, considering I've already got an SA 1911.

 

[200Apples]

.
I'm a 1911 guy... have several, one of which is a Springfield... so, between the two posted here, I'm gonna go with the wheel gun. Don't have one yet! and I like the option of .357 or .38

Then! get me another lever... this time, a Marlin, chambered in .357...

...and so on and so forth, ad infinitum.


Hee!

 

[Zaydok Allen]

I'd sooner save a little and buy a GP100, but the 101 is more useful to me.

 

[JohnhenrySTL]

I have a smith 442 with the 1 7/8ths barrel. It only shoots .38s, but it's a blast to shoot. At my 25 yard indoor range it is my favorite handgun to shoot. I have others.

Practicing consistent grouping, about six inches at 25 yards for me with that gun has been a worthy challenge, made my "range guns" group much tighter and more importantly given me the confidence to pop targets at 100 yards with my larger guns.

Reloading empty .38s comes easier for me, because I hate picking up brass off the floor. I do it, but prefer the clean and direct dump out of revolvers. Its modified my shooting.

I feel too as if shooting my carry gun is my most important shooting.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I have both. I carry the SP daily. My Springer is just a range toy.

 

[bannockburn]

I would go with the 1911 primarily because it fits my hand so well and I can shoot it better than a smaller sized .357 revolver. You can also add a .22 conversion assembly to the SA 1911 and have two guns in one. Change out the extractor and ejector (with one for the .38 Super), add a complete .38 Super slide, along with a 9mm. barrel assembly (and some spare mags), and now you have added two more calibers to use in your 1911. I just think the 1911 makes for a much more versatile gun.

 

[NGIB]

Iff'n you don't have a 1911 - you should. It is one of the iconic guns of our time and everyone should own one. Make sure it's at least a Mil-Spec model as the tiny sights on the GI model are not great. The SP101 is a fine revolver but...

 

[GP Henry]

On my way to the range. SP101 on my hip, SA Mil Spec in the bag. Lots of ammo for both.

What uses are you looking for?

 

[Propforce]

Is it a 4 inch SP-101 or a 2-inch?

I shot a rental 2-inch SP-101at an indoor range many years ago when I was still young. It was kinda fun watching 3 flame torches coming out of the barrel and the gap. But my ears were still ringing that night when I went to bed.

I have a 4 in. 686 and a 2.5 in. Model 19 -both are much more pleasant to shoot. I have a larger hand so the grips fit better with those two. Also have a SA 1911 and it's a gentle shooter.

So my recommendation is:

it all depend on what you are looking for

 

[hdbiker]

have both,reload for both,love both,the SP101 carrys much better IMHO. hdbiker

 

[Sergei Mosin]

I've had a Springfield Mil-Spec for years. It's a solid example of a 1911. I don't much care for the SP101 in .357; for carry I prefer the LCR, for the range (or outdoors) I prefer the GP100.

 

[buck460XVR]

Seems to me, your son is the one to ask. Both are good guns, neither is special or hard to get.

 

[earplug]

Springfield 1911

You can shoot it in many gun games, you can upgrade it as desired or funds come in. Lots of information and parts available to gunsmith a 1911. Some people can carry a 1911 without issue.
I have always thought the Ruger was to heavy and bulky for its use as a carry piece.

 

[just for fun]

Very first auto I owned was a Springfield in 45 APC. Still have it! Changed out the recoil spring a few times when it starts to stove pipe. That's about it.
Must admit that I'm a revolver guy at heart. Started out with them in the mid 60's and they are still my "go to" choice. But not Ruger. Owned one, Redhawk with 5 1/2 barrel in 44 mag. Barrel had a rough spot in it, and as a result leaded like crazy. Sold it and never looked back.

 

[Legionnaire]

Just me, but if I were buying one .357 revolver, it would be a GP100. I have and like my SP101, and it is excellent for concealed carry. But for a range and field gun I prefer my 4-inch GP100.

So I didn't vote. Hard to compare a full-sized 1911 with a compact .357.

 

[SlayerOfBunnies]

SP101 - easier to carry, cheaper to shoot (reloading or not), more versatile with regard to ammo, no spare mags to purchase. Additionally, I like the fact that revolvers don't make me chase down my brass.

 

[dbro822]

I love the wheel guns, but the 1911 to me is "the" hand gun to just go out and enjoy shooting.

 

[Fiv3r]

Man, that's a tough call. I have both an SP101 and a Springfield Loaded. It's funny, the weather is getting cooler and I was just fretting over which pistol I wanted to wear today. The SP is usually what I wear when I am not wearing a jacket. It carries IWB appendix wonderfully. I've had it for about 6 months, and it's become my go-to warm weather gun unless I HAVE to go as small as an LCP.

I usually carry a full size gun like a 1911 or my 92fs when I can conceal them under a shirt or in a shoulder rig. Winter months usually belong to the big beasties because they hide so much better.

That said, I've got an SP101 stuffed in a holster in my belt right here as I type. It's just so dang convenient to carry. Even though it's heavy, I forget it's there. 5 rounds of 158gr gives me the warm and fuzzies too.

I would say the 1911 if you are looking for a really fun range toy that can be carries as a defensive piece and the SP101 if you are looking more for a carry piece that can digest any .357 loadings under the sun.

 

[CWL]

You said that you want a "metal tank". If that is the case, go with the Ruger.

I'd say the SA is more like a reliable pickup truck.