A few months ago, I had to sell my SP101 to my a*****e brother because I needed the dough for rent. I liked it, but I am wondering if its replacement shouldn't be a GP100 to refill my .357 niche. I really dug shooting hot loads like Armscor (although it was kind of scary) and know that the SP101 could handle it...Therefore the GP100 should definitely be able to handle them. Anyway, is there anyone who feels that I should stick with the SP101 or go ahead with the GP100?
gp-100 or sp-101
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The SP is a good little gun for sure, but it pales in comparison to the GP, which has a much nicer action, better recoil absorption, more capacity, and is just more of a pleasure to shoot.
If you still want to keep size down a bit, the 3" GP-100 with smaller-than-standard GP-100 grips is an awesome choice. I have an SP and three GP's (two 3"ers and a 4" er). I could give them all up except for the 3" GP's.... they're just in a really sweet spot as far as size, weight, and shooting pleasure goes.
If you still want to keep size down a bit, the 3" GP-100 with smaller-than-standard GP-100 grips is an awesome choice. I have an SP and three GP's (two 3"ers and a 4" er). I could give them all up except for the 3" GP's.... they're just in a really sweet spot as far as size, weight, and shooting pleasure goes.
Boss Spearman
New member
I picked up an sp101 because I have never been able to find a 3 inch gp100 in my area.
I've been known to trade firearms, some of my friends say i rent them, but a SP101, 38+P, 3" inch followed me home one day from a funshow. My wife said "I really like the look and feel of that gun." I guess we all know how that came out. This got me back into wheel guns and a GP100, 357, 4" flung a craving that could only be answered one way. I really like the GP100 and putting some smaller finger grooved Uncle Mike's grips makes me like it even more. The only problem was i still missed the SP101 and my Chief Financial Officer could tell. Now i have a SP101, 2 1/4, 357 and it's NOT going anywhere. It will be the last revolver to leave this house. I guess it's to each his own.
Boss spearman, if your buying a 3" gp100 new, you can tell your dealer to have one shipped to him for your sale with a down payment. It only took 4 days approxmatley for delivery of mine. Funny thing is my dealer told me they didnt make a 3" gp100 . so I made him grab his ruger catalouge and he was like wow. ok Ill have one ordered.
BusGunner007
New member
Tough choice, depending on your needs.
Small frame + 5 shots, or 'somewhat' larger + 6 shots...hmmm.
Then there's the 'all-around' choice of the bigger gun for everything.
In the SP-101, if I had one AGAIN, I'd opt for the 3 1/16" bbl. version.
5 shots, but you get the extra bbl. length.
In the GP-100, I like that extra 6th shot.
When I bought one, I went for the 6" high-polished, full-length underlug version; aka the GKGP-161.
Splitting the difference, and the reason I gave my SP-101 to my Best Friend, is the Security-Six Snubnose!
I got my 6-shots PLUS sights and a blued finish.
Like I said, "Tough choice!"
Good Luck.
Small frame + 5 shots, or 'somewhat' larger + 6 shots...hmmm.
Then there's the 'all-around' choice of the bigger gun for everything.
In the SP-101, if I had one AGAIN, I'd opt for the 3 1/16" bbl. version.
5 shots, but you get the extra bbl. length.
In the GP-100, I like that extra 6th shot.
When I bought one, I went for the 6" high-polished, full-length underlug version; aka the GKGP-161.
Splitting the difference, and the reason I gave my SP-101 to my Best Friend, is the Security-Six Snubnose!
I got my 6-shots PLUS sights and a blued finish.
Like I said, "Tough choice!"
Good Luck.
Pezo... yes, I had to order both of mine as well. The blue 3" GP came from Davidson's (I don't know of any other source for them) and the stainless version came from Jerry's. It's possible that we won't see any more production of these 3"ers, except perhaps when Ruger issues their next generation with built-in locks... but I have no idea when that will be. I suggest that if you want a 3" GP-100, now is the time to act, especially if you want a blue one. Never know when or if you'll see them built again.
Had a chance to Shoot a sp101 yesterday would I change it for my GP100 I don't think so.Don't know if it was that gun but sure needed some trigger work it had a awful trigger.My GP 100 trigger is twice as good as that SP101 but is a nice looking gun just needed some work.The spur on the hammer was rough only pulled the hammer back a few times and started cutting my thumb.
Boss Spearman
New member
I'll probably order a 3 in gp100 some day, when I get my finances straightened out.
I just wanted to thank everyone for their input. It is greatly appreciated and interesting. And DHart, thanks for the awesome pics!!! I don't know if you are in the business, but I could use some of your skills to help me sell my beat-up '78 Datsun 280Z 
. Anyway, if anyone has anything else to add, I am still keeping tabs on this thread as I am sure some others are. As it stands, the GP-100 is the clear-cut winner in replacement of my SP101...that is when I get the money together.
. Anyway, if anyone has anything else to add, I am still keeping tabs on this thread as I am sure some others are. As it stands, the GP-100 is the clear-cut winner in replacement of my SP101...that is when I get the money together.The 2005 Ruger catalog shows only the 3 inch full lug in stainless. I think that's the KGPF-331, right? Anyway, it's the only one still listed. I have a blued on from Davidson's. The catalog shows no fixed sight 4 inchers anymore either...pity. I thought they were keeping the full lug fixed sight 4 inch but I guess not. My favorite Ruger GP is the 1/2 lug, fixed sight 4 inch in stainless, also now discontinued (at least for now). If you like the fixed sight GPs, scramble for them now.
Wow... I just checked Davidsons and the blue 3" GP's are all gone.
Just a couple of months ago they had 50 or so... didn't take long. They have just one 3" stainless GP, though I would guess that Jerrys or another distributor might have some stock on stainless 3" ers. But as Laz suggests, if you want a 3" GP-100, you would be smart to act now rather than wait.
Just a couple of months ago they had 50 or so... didn't take long. They have just one 3" stainless GP, though I would guess that Jerrys or another distributor might have some stock on stainless 3" ers. But as Laz suggests, if you want a 3" GP-100, you would be smart to act now rather than wait.
I have the 3" GP-100 as well (blued) and I have to agree. I alternate between this and a Ultra CDP .45acp. It's a little fatter where the cylinder is and a little heavier but not unobtrusive. I carry it in a OWB DeSantis holster. I can get thru a box of FED Amer Eagles .357mag no problems. 2 cylinders of hot .357 thru a SP101 and I'm ready to shoot .38's. My wife carries the SP101 for the compact size and ease of use. She shoots +P+ .38sp rounds no problems.