Ruger SP101/LCR for CCW?

J

Johnnymurad

New member
I normally carry a LC9 loaded with Hornady Critical Defense but have been considering carrying a revolver, last night at the range I shot the LCR with .38 Special and the SP101 with .357 Magnum, after shooting a box through each I think that the best option for SD would be the SP101 with .38s... maybe even a lighter load than the American Eagle ammo we were shooting. Considering sound/recoil what would you/do you carry? I uploaded a few videos of these revolvers to my youtube account:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykQddA8RhWw
 
Said it before... will say it again... To me, not a LEO - just an average guy in an average city - the statistical likelihood that I'll ever have to actually shoot my carry gun in an SD scenario is very very low. So, to me, the prime consideration is NOT a slight difference in lethal effectiveness between these two similar guns... The prime consideration to me is; Which one will I rather lug around for years or even decades?

And, for me, the choice is clear... because of weight... the LCR... LCR is listed in .357 version too, another option... probably best choice of all 'cause it gives you the option of both with light weight too.
 
Last edited:
.38+p would be a great choice coming out of that SP-101. The report/recoil won't be much worse than standard .38s, but still much more agreeable than .357. I carry a Charter Bulldog that is about the same size as the 101, and it isn't difficult to conceal at all. Though it isn't a pocket gun (at least not in my pockets).
 
I got a SP101 (2.25" barrel) because it has more weight to help tame the 357 but it is still a hand full. It shoots good with 38Sp +P. I don't care for the look of the LCR, but it is hammerless if snagging is an issue.
 
It really depends on how you plan to carry it. If for pocket carry go with the lightweight LCR with 38 spl's. If for belt carry and shooting 357's go with the heavier SP 101. I believe 38 spl's are what is needed for the snubnose guns. 357's in a snubnose is asking a lot from both the gun and the shooter.
 
I just got a 3" SP-101 it seems a bit heavy and large might be OK with proper holster mines a 357/38 its a handful. Built like a tank.


Rich
 
I carry a 3" sp101 in a crossbreed holster. Carry's very well. I have a Trijicon front sight and a CT lasergrip. It's about as good as you can get.

I'm working on a midrange .357 load that will give more power than a .38/9mm but still be controlable for fast follow ups.
 
I'm about to 'pull the trigger' on a SP101 at the end of the week myself.:cool:

I'm getting the snub nosed version with a XS bigdot sight and probably a boot grip on it. Can't wait!
 
Not a problem pocket carrying the SP101 as so many folks allege. That is now my EDC in my right front pocket. Maybe a bit heavy if you want to run or something like that, but geez, I am nearly 54 so my running days are long over anyway.

Works well with anything I wear and it is easy to conceal in summer as well tucked, untucked, coat, no coat.
 
I carry the SP101 DAO In the waist at appendix position and a LCR357 in my off hand front pocket. I can handle 357 Ammo from both guns with no problems. I have been shooting 357 Snubs for years. These Guns have great grips that fit me and make shooting 357 Ammo painless for me. Painless shooting makes practice a lot of fun. If you are having fun you practice more and you can get pretty good with these short little guns. Some people find them too much to handle. I admit I didn't start out shooting with small high power guns. It took a few years and quit a few guns. I am no expert but, I get by OK.
 
I agree with Alaska444 I often carry a 3 inch SP101 in my front pocket with no problems.


You really can't go wrong with the SP101.
 
I went with the sp-101 in 327 Federal Magnum. More than adequate for anything I might encounter and relatively concealable. Don't know antthing about the LCR except it is the ugliest thing I have ever seen.
 
I've got an LCR with critical defense 38+p in my pocket every day. My mom carries around the same thing. I haven't shot a SP101 but they do look pretty nice.
 
The sp101 is a nice gun with a medicre trigger. It is a fine CCW, but it's a bit on the heavy side. I have a 3" and it's an ideal backwoods/truck/tackle box gun. The LCR is a nice gun with a GREAT trigger and it weighs half as much. For CC I would go with the LCR.
 
I solved the very same question by getting the SP-101 3.06" .357 mag. I reload mag cases with .38spec loads. Didn't like the mess in the cylinder after shooting the shorter .38spec, + it gives me more reloading choices. I carry it in a Don Hume IWB holster tugged between waistband and belt at 4 o'clock position. My new jeans are just too tight for IWB carry. Need to loose a few more pounds! ;-) This way it's very comfortable, even while driving.

Stay safe!
***Klaus***
 
Either one is a good choice...

I've been carrying the DAO 2 1/4" SP101 packed with Speer 357 magnum 135gr GDHP Short Barrel ammo in a Mika Pocket Holster for years.
 
They are both great guns. I just picked up a 357 LCR as a back-up/2nd gun.
I do not prepare for the mathematical probability that everything will be ok, I prepare for my number coming up. I carry a Glock 23 with 2 reloads and now the LCR with 2 reloads. I have always carried 2 guns (unless I would have got fired if I got caught.)

The litmus test I use when deciding on a carry gun, I ask myself a very simple question; "Is this the gun that I want to have if I get in a gun fight?".

Both of those guns will do if you will. The lite 357 loads are still better than any 38 load. Practice your reloads. That is why I love IDPA, I don't practice in the living room, I practice at the range.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top