Which Ruger SP101?

[ravencon]

I am considering getting a Ruger SP101. I am interested in a 2.25" bbl. model for concealed carry. I am wondering if I should I get a .38 or .357 magnum. In a snubby I am assuming a .357 has a lot of muzzle blast. Does .357 magnum offer a significant advantage over .38 +P in this barrel length?

Does consistently shooting .38s in a .357 risk harm to the chamber? As you might guess, I am far more familiar with semi-autos than revolvers. At present the only center-fire, double action revolver I own is a S&W 642. This is a fine pocket gun. But, it does feel a bit small and insubstantial in my hand. Handling the SP101 in the gunstore, it just feels right.

Thank for the input and opinon.

 

[Working Man]

Personally I would go with the .357, you then have the option of .38, .38+P,
or .357. and can fire .38s all day long without issue.

Cheaper range time (.38) with more power for carry (.357). Especially if you are
using HP ammo, the .357 is better in a 2.25" bbl than the .38.

Just my opinion though.

 

[Mooseman]

I would recommend the .357 model which I own. It gives you more versatility. I'm pretty sure you can shoot .38 as much as you want but you may need to clean the gun before firing .357. I've heard that carbon can build up in the chamber making loading and unloading more difficult. The muzzle flash is significant but personnally I think it's pretty cool.

 

[Dienekes]

Either will work as some of the .38 Spl loads these days are quite good. OTOH I would default to the .357 as it gives you the most versatility and probably better resale in the event. I wouldn't lose sleep over it either way though.

Got one of these for my daughter in law--3" and dehorned it.

Good guns for the money. Good guns period.

 

[461]

I have three, 9mm-.357Mag-.32Mag, and love them all. The 9mm(no longer made) is my favorite with the .32 coming in second. I shoot the .357 pretty regularly and I shoot it with magnums and my son (11) shoots it with .38's so for me the versatility is important as it is my sons favorite gun. You lose a lot of velocity and gain a lot of flash and blast in a short barrelled gun with magnums so you don't gain a lot in performance so it's a toss up performancewise. Versatility of ammo is a factor but if you never use magnums then you're not missing anything. You won't damage a .357 by shooting .38's in it at all, but just remember that you need to clean the chambers after using a lot of .38's as a ring of fouling will build up making chambering of magnums difficult and increasing pressure if you fire it that way. SP's are great guns and any way you go you'll enjoy it.

 

[Dollar An Hour]

I'd get the DAO hammerless .357. Start out with .38's to get the feel of it, then work your way up to full house .357's for carry. Too heavy for pocket carry, but a good gun for IWB.

 

[rtl]

Dittos to Dollar an Hour - I'd recommend the bobbed hammer in .357.

 

[MrBigStuff]

I'v got the SP101

DAO with the spured off hammer in .357. Great well- made gun- only complaint ( though it doesn't affect function or mechanical integrity) is the flimsy ejector rod.To my knowledge, I think the .38's and .357's weigh very similar. Get the .357 as you can shoot both calibers if you want. A good low- recoil load for this gun is Remingtons Golden Sabers. Recoil is similar to shooting .38 +p's but offer almost 100lbs more energy.

 

[MCgunner]

Get the .357 and shoot .38s in it if you prefer. I prefer the 3" gun, but if you want the option to carry in a big pocket, the shorter tube is better. I love those things and have had the hots to buy one for a bit. I WILL be looking soon as I get enough scratch together. I'll carry mine IWB and am looking at it as an outdoor companion, too. I will be keeping the hammer spur.

 

[swatem]

sp101

I love my 2.25 inch .357

 

[tgfang]

SP101 is good

Based upon the chronograph results published in Gun Tests reviews of 2" revolvers, .357 is significantly more powerful than .38 despite the short barrels. Naturally the more powerful cartridge fired in the same gun will kick more. I prefer shooting .38 in my SP101, but I can manage .357.

Tom