SW 637 (38) vs. Ruger SP101

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ssjones

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Trying to make up my mind on buying a revolver and have two choices. A shop in DC (hour from the house) has a new SP101/357 for $519. My local shop has a used S&W 637 in .38 in their case for $459. It looked in new condition, but didn't run thru the Jim March checks.
This gun would be used only for home defense, no CC here in MD. The price spread seems a little too close to pass up on the Ruger, but considering making an offer on the S&W.
Smith's seem to hold their value more, but I'll probably never get rid of the revolver I end up getting, so that's points a bit moot.

Anyone offer up would a fair price on the S&W would be?
 
I think the Smith is a tad high, but you are in a state (like mine) where the prices run high.
I have a 637 and I've used an SP101. The 637 is great for putting in your pocket and keeping it with you (which is what I do). If I were just going for home defense and those were my 2 choices, I'd go for the Ruger. Very solid, more pleasant to shoot (those 10 ounces or so of extra weight makes a difference) and thus you will enjoy practicing with it. The Ruger gives you more options in ammunition as well.
Whatever you get, enjoy!
 
As you say it won't be used for concealed carry, I'd go for the Ruger. Not that I don't love lightweight S/W J-Frames, but they give up a lot of things for the ability to tote in your pocket comfortably. If your not going to use it for that, your taking on drawbacks for no advantage at all.

Price wise as said all states are a bit different, so I really can't help there. In my neck of the woods S/W 637's go NEW for $425 to $450, and new SP 101's go for $500-$550, so I'd say the 101 is a much better deal.
 
This gun would be used only for home defense, no CC here in MD.
Click to expand...
There is no particular need for a handgun used thus to be lightweight, or even small for that matter. I would go for the Ruger because its greater weight and larger, cushioned grip help make it easier to shoot, with less recoil.

Before doing that, however, it is likely that for the same or just a little more money you can get a medium frame, six-shot revolver. Just a thought.
 
If no CCW would go the Ruger, and that says a lot since I'm a huge S&W aficionado (wheelguns).

If CCW were an issue it'd be no contest in the Jframe's favor IMO.
 
GET THE 637!!!!!!
You will LOVE it!

At least I do...

Easy to shoot, no recoil. Gets dirty easily though.
Price is a high, though. I would look around for a better price.

Here is a pic of mine...
DSCN0434.jpg
DSCN0436.jpg
 
For a house gun, I'd definitely go for the Ruger. Actually, though, I'd go with something even heavier (such as the GP100) for a house gun. In PA, both of those guns (if new) would be a little over $400.
 
Thanks guys. Hadn't thought about the ease of shooting, thought either would be similar. No chance of CC here in MD, so that's definitely not a consideration.
I'm checking the Ruger tomorrow AM, will keep you posted.
 
If CCW isn't a consideration, I'd be looking at the 6 shot Ruger GP100, or even one of the 7 shot Smith & Wessons.

Those are going to be much easier to shoot well than the little J frame or SP101.

Having a 5 shot, small frame revolver for a house gun doesn't seem to make much sense to me.
 
I agree, a compact fiveshooter doesn't make a lot of sense as a house gun. As a CCW, it would, because you're giving up capacity, sight radius, and general shootability in favor of portability.

A house gun need be neither light nor small. There are tons of good 4" .38s and .357s out there. And quite a few 6" guns at phenomenal prices, because no one wants to carry that much iron. But your nightstand won't complain much.

~~~Mat
 
for home use go with the ruger it is alot easier to shoot. but the price is high for it, we have the sp101 for $419 with no hammer
 
Go with the new Ruger

The S&W is a good gun, but being used, the price is high and there is a chance it was traded in for a reason such as having been damaged by the previous owner.

Shooter429
 
Neither makes sense as primary home defense gun. They are great for concealed carry but it takes a lot of practice to learn shooting them well. For home defense light weight, small capacity and short barrel are disadvantages.

You should rent and shoot a few different guns before buying. Try 4" GP100 and 686 too and then make your decision.

Mike
 
I traded out a SW J frame for a SP101 3 inch. The SW was an excellent gun, but as others have mentioned, the light weight makes recoil an issue. The SP101, to me at least, kicks less with middle ground .357 mags than my old SW 442 did with normal .38s.

If I were going to pocket carry it, the SW would be my choice. But since you said no CC I would go with the bigger, heavier Ruger to help tame the recoil. Also like others have said, look into an even bigger revolver if you can. They will be easier to shoot and hold more rounds.
 
From your two choices go with the ruger since it will be a house gun only. But think about what some of the others are saying in the pass a standard recommendation for a house weapon have been a med. frame .357/.38 with 4" barrel 3" are just as good they are still great choices for the house. If there a chance down the road for cc them maybe a 3" ruger sp 101.

Be safe
 
ssjones, When you consider S&W Airweight revolvers, remember to check for cracked frames. This goes for both new and used Airweight revolvers, more than a few have left the S&W factory with cracked frames, because the barrel was put in to tight to the frame. The cracks are very hard to see. orchidhunter
 
I would look at a S&W 686 Plus with a 4" barrel. You get 7 shots low felt recoil and an excellant trigger. The gun is not light but well balanced. Add Crimson trace Laser Grips and you will have a formidable house gun.
 
Where I live $519 is high for a Ruger. I just bought a new SP101 for $409. I don't know if prices vary that much from GA to MD, but maybe.

I don't like S&W revolvers that have internal locks on them. I will ot own another one that does, so if the one you are looking at has that lock, I would not get it for that reason alone.
 
I was actually happy just to see and hold one in my hands and contrast it to the GP100. Maryland is definitely not a revolver friendly state. This shop http://www.atlanticguns.com/index.html must have had 150 or better handguns on their wall display. The 5-6 local shops I visited had maybe 6-10 guns in their cases.

Gunbroker.com had the Ruger SP101, same specs for $425 opening bid, but with shipping and transfer, I'm close to $500. At least for an extra $20 I was able to handle the gun and get some ammo advice, etc.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=117154095

Other good news is I found a nice place to shoot. Neighbor stopped by this evening and saw the box of 38's on the counter and asked if I bought a gun. Her family farm is 20 minutes up the road in Hancock MD and they have 100 acres at my disposal. Her brothers shoot there and she said I'd be welcome. Not sure I'm ready to join a gun club, which was my only other option.
 
Prices have definitely spiked in the last few weeks. The closer we get to Jan.20 the higher they will go. Kicking myself over all the shoulda, woulda, coulda and now can't afford to buy anymore.
 
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