Ruger GP100 vs Ruger SP101

I assume it'd be the newbie's 1st? If so, I'd argue for the GP100. It's tough to beat the versatility of a full-sized 6-shot .357mag.

Personally, I never "got" the SP101 - too big & clunky for only 5 rounds, and it's got the ergonomics of a brick.
 
That's me as well. Started to drink the SP101 koolaid, then thought better of it, after shooting both.

For the OP: They are both excellent firearms. As a newbie, you may find the larger GP easier to grip, and better at soaking up recoil on hot .357's, not to mention making plinking with .38's an all day love affair. That's what sold me on looking for one myself.

ETA: 3" or 4" bbl. You posted before I could tap this out with my pointin' finger...


"A People that values its privileges above its principles soon loses both"
Dwight D. Eisenhower
 
i recommend a GP100 with a 3" barrel, and another to keep it company. :D

bothgp100s.jpg
 
The 4" 357 magnum revolver is a versitle firearm , no doubt !!

With the GP 4" it is a marginal concealment revolver even with the compact grips, the SP was made for it.

On the range shooting 100 rounds the SP will be punishing but bearable, where as the weight & heft of the GP will make it more comfortable.

Then there`s the option of shooting 38 spc. with less recoil/blast

I`ll close with this , my 4" GP is home !!
 
It really depends on what you are wanting it for. If you want a range gun that you can use for general home defense and fun shooting then go for the GP100.

I have a GP in 4" and its a great revolver but I am about to trade over to an sp101. The gp is a little heavier than I enjoy carrying in the woods and I rarely take it to the range. The sp101 just fits my needs for a woods bummin revolver that is carried more than its shot and still has the power of the 357 in a controllable package.
 
For a new new person 4 inch gp is hard to beat. I carry a 3 inch but most newer shooters find the adjustable sights easier to use.
 
GP100 with a 4.2" barrel for a new shooter. Easy shooting with .38 and .38+P and, therefore, easier to learn handgun shooting.
 
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For a Newb, I'd suggest the 4" GP 100. Great gun to learn the basics on with very good adjustable sights.

The shorter sight radius, lighter weight, smaller size and fixed sights of the SP 101 are going to be harder to master.
 
It depends on what you want it for. For the range gp100 in any barrel lenght you like. If you want to carry it sp101. I've owned both and the sp is the only one now. For me it fits perfectly and the stock grips work great for absorbing recoil.
 
@ lowercase, Yessir. The bottom one is what I had my grubbies on... Nice shooters.


"A People that values its privileges above its principles soon loses both"
Dwight D. Eisenhower
 
For a Newb, I'd suggest the 4" GP 100. Great gun to learn the basics on with very good adjustable sights.

The shorter sight radius, lighter weight, smaller size and fixed sights of the SP 101 are going to be harder to master.
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This has been my experience as well, having owned and shot both revolvers for many years. The SP101 is a fun little gun, but much harder to shoot well than the larger GP, and therefore potentially discouraging for many a newcomer to the sport.
 
If you've not shot a lot, you probably won't get a lot of practice in with an SP101. They can recoil pretty stoutly. They are easy guns to conceal however.

edit: ditto Savits.
 
"If you've not shot a lot, you probably won't get a lot of practice in with an SP101. They can recoil pretty stoutly"

Ya just shoot 38spl and recoil is mild. I don't know many people who can afford to shoot 357 as range ammo.
 
comn-cents said:
"If you've not shot a lot, you probably won't get a lot of practice in with an SP101. They can recoil pretty stoutly"

Ya just shoot 38spl and recoil is mild. I don't know many people who can afford to shoot 357 as range ammo.
Click to expand...

I shoot 357 Magnum as range ammo but I buy 1000 rounds at a time.
 
Overall, I prefer the GP. Better trigger and an overall better range gun.

As far as carry goes, I think GP is a bit too big. It can be concealed and carried and lots of people do, but in my opinion it doesn't lend itself to concealment as well as the SP does.

Personally, I'd prefer to carry a full sized gun at all times, but as the weather gets hot, my full size guns shrink to fit shorts and a t-shirt. A SP will lend itself to changing seasons better than the Larger GP will.
 
C) both...

I've owned both models in the past; a 4" barrel .38spl GPNY(a special DA only format for the NYPD) & a 2.25" barrel SP101 .357magnum DA only.

Both revolvers worked great & had no problems. The only minor issue I had was with the grips. I put a aftermarket Hogue Tamer on the GPNY. If I were to get a new SP101 I'd add a CT lasergrip, www.crimsontrace.com .
Gemini Customs does a lot of good custom Ruger revolver work.

In closing, either revolver model could do very well. ;)

Clyde
 
SP101 vs GP101

What are you using it for?

GP 100 - great gun, durable, dependable, hard to conceal. Great home defense.

SP101 - great gun, durable, dependable, easy to conceal. Better carry gun.

Application means a lot. Personally, I would like BOTH!
 
The new 4.2" barrel adjustable sight SP101 is an interesting little critter. Ballistics and accuracy like a GP100 4", but easier to pack. Has a lot of merit as a backpacker's gun, esp. in the lower 48.
 
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