Gun lust: SP101 and 649

S

Slimjim9

New member
This isn't really a "help me decide" thread, just sharing about my trip to LGS today.

It's a good thing I don't have my CC yet, or I probably would have come home with a used 3" SP101 for $419. Man, that just feels *good* in the hand. I rented a 2" my last range visit and I think I would like the 3" even better.

I was able to cross some S&Ws off my list:
-Model 60 2" - meh - I liked the feel of the 3" SP101 better.

-638 - I like the shrouded hammer but it's too light. I also rented an LCR my last trip to the range and absolutely hated it. I can't imagine the airweights being any better.

-640 - I liked the feel of the steel 640 much better than the 638 and I think it would pocket carry well despite the extra weight.

My next revolver might be the one they didn't have - the 649. It's steel and shrouded so combines the best features of 638 and 640 in my view.

That 3" SP101 is very tempting, but I probably shouldn't get it, as it would be too big to pocket carry, and if I do IWB, it'll probably be with my G19 to start.

I know what you lot are going to say - "GET BOTH!" Don't even start. :p
 
My DC is an SP 101 2" with the spurless hammer. It is heavy compared to many but that's part of makes it an easy gun to shoot. I use a Kangaroo daily wearing button up shirts which is not at all uncomfortable and the weight isn't a factor. Built like a veritable tank sitting next to most any of the competition. I love it.
 
Even many S&W aficionados agree that the Ruger SP101 .357 3" is maybe the best handgun in this size class. I love Smiths, but there is no Smith that I like as well as my 3" SP101.

 
Yup, recoil absorption is a major consideration in my thinking. Last week, I rented a 2" SP101 with hammer spur and a LCR with a box of .38 range ammo. I started with the SP101, shot half the box, then switched to the LCR. I didn't even finish the box. It was bad.

My only revolver right now is a M36-2 that I wrote about here. I'm working on getting it to be serviceable with better grips and ammo choices.
The 649 might have enough features over the M36 (stainless, bit heavier, shrouded hammer, .357 capable though that's hardly a consideration for me-see recoil) to make it worthwhile. But I do think the 3" SP would be the more comfortable shooter.

Nice looking SP rogervz. Is that a factory grip? Looks a lot purtier than the current stock grip.
 
Heh....

I came into this thread to tell you to go for the SP101 ... you know, help someone else on the internet spend THEIR money.....
I think this thread had the opposite effect though... Now I want a 3" SP101 !

After all.. my 2" and 4" SP101's need that inbetween company,lol .. darn you interwebs...my bank account hates you! ;)

 
Nice looking SP rogervz. Is that a factory grip? Looks a lot purtier than the current stock grip.
Click to expand...

That is an Altamont grip with Chigs grip inserts. Have 'em on all of my Ruger revolvers. Feels, shoots, and looks great!



 
I think you should buy the one you enjoy shooting. Pocket carry with hammer guns is a bit tougher than the concealed hammer but the bottom line is, if you will shoot one more and get better with it, then buy that one. The weight will make its self known to you just a little ways down the line.
 
Yup, good advice. Unfortunately, I doubt I'll be able to try either directly, so the best I can do is educated guess by association, e.g. SP101 2" vs steel J frame like my M36. Next step is see if I can get happier with my M36 with new grips and/or softer ammo. If I can't, I think that pretty much rules out the 649 too. If I can, well heck, what do I need the 649 for then anyway? Seems like scales are tipping Ruger. :-)
 
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