Im looking for a carry revolver, something that can fit in my pocket, easy to carry, tuff and reliable. Today I took a look at a Ruger sp101 and a S&W, both in .357, the S&W was a couple hundred more then the 101. I like them both, Is the 101 built anything like the Gp100? Is it well built? And being that both of guns that I looked at had small barrels 2 1/4 what kind of accuracy could I expect. I can't remember which S&W I was looking at but it had a spurless hammer, I know that the SP101 also has a spurless hammer edition but the store didn't have one in stock. Thanks
Carry Revolver SP101 or S&W?
- Thread starter CC1
- Start date
I have a number of SP-101s, all with the 2.25" barrel, a couple of S&W J-frames and a number of Taurus small-frame revolvers.
If pocket carry is an important criterion for you, the SP-101 is really too large and heavy for pocket carry for most people. You would probably want to look at the S&W J-frames and the small Taurus models if you want to pocket carry. I have pocket-carried the SP-101 in a jeans pocket, and you really know it is there, at over seven inches overall length and 27 ounces loaded.
The SP-101 is built like a tank, much like its larger brother, the GP-100. It makes an excellent carry piece, albeit in a holster on the belt.
In regards to accuracy, most of the snub-barrel revolvers have acceptable accuracy for their intended purpose, which is firing at ranges from contact to 10-15 yards.
Regarding the hammer, again, if you will be pocket carrying, the lack of a hammer spur really does make a pocket draw much smoother. Looking at a S&W Bodyguard, or the Taurus 651 with the shrouded hammer, or the S&W Centennial, or the Taurus 650 with the internal hammer, may be the way to go. Alternatively, one could always bob the hammer spur if a spurless hammer is not available. Before acquiring my Taurus revolvers, I most frequently pocket-carried a S&W Model 60. My current most frequent pocket carry now is a Taurus 651 in titanium or a Taurus 650 in stainless. Both of them have worked very well for me.
PS: Edited to add the part about the Model 60 and my most frequent pocket carry now.
If pocket carry is an important criterion for you, the SP-101 is really too large and heavy for pocket carry for most people. You would probably want to look at the S&W J-frames and the small Taurus models if you want to pocket carry. I have pocket-carried the SP-101 in a jeans pocket, and you really know it is there, at over seven inches overall length and 27 ounces loaded.
The SP-101 is built like a tank, much like its larger brother, the GP-100. It makes an excellent carry piece, albeit in a holster on the belt.
In regards to accuracy, most of the snub-barrel revolvers have acceptable accuracy for their intended purpose, which is firing at ranges from contact to 10-15 yards.
Regarding the hammer, again, if you will be pocket carrying, the lack of a hammer spur really does make a pocket draw much smoother. Looking at a S&W Bodyguard, or the Taurus 651 with the shrouded hammer, or the S&W Centennial, or the Taurus 650 with the internal hammer, may be the way to go. Alternatively, one could always bob the hammer spur if a spurless hammer is not available. Before acquiring my Taurus revolvers, I most frequently pocket-carried a S&W Model 60. My current most frequent pocket carry now is a Taurus 651 in titanium or a Taurus 650 in stainless. Both of them have worked very well for me.
PS: Edited to add the part about the Model 60 and my most frequent pocket carry now.
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I agree with MillCreek!!! I own a SP101, a GP-100 and a Service Six, from whence they came...My SP101 has the 3.063" barrel, and is very accurate.
What I'm about to show you has been described as a 'pimp' gun by a member of staff. So all of you pimps out there, no offense. This is what I carry in warm weather.
The SW's are good also. More money... 
I have several Sp 101's and J frame S&W's. FWIW, I'd be hard pressed to find mechanical fault in either design. Still, for Concealed carry, it's hard to beat the slightly narrower & lighter frame of the S&W's. They just carry better IMHO. Of course, if I were to plan on shooting allot of full house 357 mag loads, ( which I don't) the extra beefieness of the SP 101 might win out. Hard to go two wong with either. FWIW, I have found the price of used Sp 101's and S&W 60, 640, 649's to be about equal in the mid $300's. Move back to the pre-improved J frame ( 38 SP only) S&W's and you cna knock another $100 and 3 ounces off.
armedandsafe
New member
I am not a pimp, nor do I play one on TV, but I love that gun.
Pops
Pops
I've had a SP101 in .357 mag with 2.25" barrel and bobbed hammer. Loved it and couldn't imagine a better carry gun... But money got tight an I sold it - what a mistake! So I determined to replace it as soon as I could, but money being tight I went for a less expensive version and picked up a Taurus 605 in .357 mag with compensated 2.25" barrel.
Because I have several friends with SP 101's I was able to compare ported vs. unported and can hardly tell a difference. That's the only critisizm I have of the gun - if you can call it a critisizm!
I'm so happy with my Taurus that I still haven't reaquired an SP yet, even though I've had plenty of opportunity and money lately to do so...
But that purty one of Bullrock's has me salivating again.
Only thing I don't care for is the internal locks that are becoming so popular/standard now... :barf: I like S&Ws less than Taurus's, but I don't think Ruger has defaced thier gun with one yet. That would probably be my deciding factor on a second gun of those you've listed.
Pick which one you'd like of those that've been mentioned and learn to shoot it well! They're good little snubbies, capable, and solid. The experience will be fun for ya.
Because I have several friends with SP 101's I was able to compare ported vs. unported and can hardly tell a difference. That's the only critisizm I have of the gun - if you can call it a critisizm!
I'm so happy with my Taurus that I still haven't reaquired an SP yet, even though I've had plenty of opportunity and money lately to do so...
But that purty one of Bullrock's has me salivating again. Only thing I don't care for is the internal locks that are becoming so popular/standard now... :barf: I like S&Ws less than Taurus's, but I don't think Ruger has defaced thier gun with one yet. That would probably be my deciding factor on a second gun of those you've listed.
Pick which one you'd like of those that've been mentioned and learn to shoot it well! They're good little snubbies, capable, and solid. The experience will be fun for ya.
P. Plainsman
New member
Previous comments right on point. For a true pocket gun, get a S&W and stoke it with .38 Special +Ps. Spurless hammer is a definite plus.
The SP101 is better regarded as a small belt gun, but it is also the only one I'd actually carry .357 Magnum ammo in. SP101 triggers can be kind of rough and heavy -- not as good as the GP100. However, none of the new J-frame Smiths I've handled lately have had good actions either.
Use, dryfire practice, and a bit of gunsmithing should improve either.
The SP101 is better regarded as a small belt gun, but it is also the only one I'd actually carry .357 Magnum ammo in. SP101 triggers can be kind of rough and heavy -- not as good as the GP100. However, none of the new J-frame Smiths I've handled lately have had good actions either.
Use, dryfire practice, and a bit of gunsmithing should improve either.
dairycreek
New member
Dear CC1!
I would not presume to give you advice but you raise some very valid questions with which I have some personal experience. I would be pleased to relate that experience to you and, of course, it is then up to you.
The 101 is, indeed, built like all Rugers which means that it is an extremely strongly built revolver. It also means that the 101 is likely to be somewhat heavier than its S & W counterpart. For me, that was a problem when it came to pocket carry but, with a properly built holster and belt, no problem at all.
Your accuracy with any "snubby" is strictly a function of how much you are willing to practice. While short barreled revolvers are not inherently more or less accurate than their longer barreled cousins - they are more difficult to master because of their shorter sight radius. But, if you are willing to practice, practice, practice you can become quite proficient with a "snubby"!
I am quite fond of both the S&W and the Ruger "snubbies" but, when it comes to packing one, I have opted for the S&W because of Ruger's weight. If that is not of concern to you then both are excellent choices.
I would not presume to give you advice but you raise some very valid questions with which I have some personal experience. I would be pleased to relate that experience to you and, of course, it is then up to you.
The 101 is, indeed, built like all Rugers which means that it is an extremely strongly built revolver. It also means that the 101 is likely to be somewhat heavier than its S & W counterpart. For me, that was a problem when it came to pocket carry but, with a properly built holster and belt, no problem at all.
Your accuracy with any "snubby" is strictly a function of how much you are willing to practice. While short barreled revolvers are not inherently more or less accurate than their longer barreled cousins - they are more difficult to master because of their shorter sight radius. But, if you are willing to practice, practice, practice you can become quite proficient with a "snubby"!
I am quite fond of both the S&W and the Ruger "snubbies" but, when it comes to packing one, I have opted for the S&W because of Ruger's weight. If that is not of concern to you then both are excellent choices.
I have one, as noted above. Very smooth and compact in the pocket. I actually prefer carrying this to my titanium 651. The additional weight makes it a lot nicer to shoot. All of my Taurus revolvers were manufactured in 2004, and I have been happy to date with the fit, finish and performance.
Well, if you insist!!! 
About 2 years ago I discovered custom leather holsters. I had been around to all the populars, and was always disappointed.
Then I discovered Black Hills Leather in Texas, and with some reluctance ordered my first holster. I had no idea what I was getting into, no-one but, no-one, had a holster to fit my new Browning Pro-9.
10 holsters later I'm still buying from Rudy at BHL. His prices are about equal to Galco, but his holsters are better by far. The pros, he makes the holster to fit your gun, The leather, and workmanship are excellent. Open top holsters (my preferrence) have reinforced tops for ease of reholstering, and faster draw, the interiors are smooth leather lined for fast draw, and less holster wear, he will customize the cant, thumb break, belts, or anything else your heart desires.
The con's, I can't think of any...Except the more I tell you guys about this holster maker, the longer I'm gonna hafta wait for my next holster...
About 2 years ago I discovered custom leather holsters. I had been around to all the populars, and was always disappointed.
Then I discovered Black Hills Leather in Texas, and with some reluctance ordered my first holster. I had no idea what I was getting into, no-one but, no-one, had a holster to fit my new Browning Pro-9.
10 holsters later I'm still buying from Rudy at BHL. His prices are about equal to Galco, but his holsters are better by far. The pros, he makes the holster to fit your gun, The leather, and workmanship are excellent. Open top holsters (my preferrence) have reinforced tops for ease of reholstering, and faster draw, the interiors are smooth leather lined for fast draw, and less holster wear, he will customize the cant, thumb break, belts, or anything else your heart desires.
The con's, I can't think of any...Except the more I tell you guys about this holster maker, the longer I'm gonna hafta wait for my next holster...
Thanks BullRock, I'll check them out, I don't know much about holsters as I just received my 1st CCW or CPL permit Last weekend, so I have yet to compile a large collection of holsters... Im gonna look for there website and see what they have.
Pezo, Thanks for the input, I figure if the trigger is too stiff after lots of dry firing and shooting at the range, I'll have it polished up a bit, Looking forward to the Sp101.
Pezo, Thanks for the input, I figure if the trigger is too stiff after lots of dry firing and shooting at the range, I'll have it polished up a bit, Looking forward to the Sp101.