Ruger SP101/LCR for CCW?

Been undecided??

I bought a SP-101 3" 357 in Dec 2011 I just feel its to big and heavy for me to carry. I'm going to trade my Ruger single six in for a LCR357 I want to carry with 38spec +p I like the 357 because it has stainless frame as opposed to alum. in the lcr 38. Hope I finally get a carry rev. that I'm comfortable with.



Rich
 
I carry my sp101 in a crossbreed holster and it very comfortable. The weight doesn't bother me at all. I keep it loaded with critical defense 357 rounds and although I wouldn't want to shoot them all day, they aren't so bad that I could put follow up shots on target.

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The first thing to consider is how do you plan to carry it????

If you plan to belt carry in a holster either will work very well.

If you plan to pocket carry, which I do some times. I normally carry in a jacket or vest pocket, and not a pants pocket. The SP101 is to heavy in a pocket to not be a pain for me, and I carry something from my rotation daily.

I have the LCR 357 and an LCR 22 for practice and woods carry some times. I like both very well.

I also have a 2-1/2" 66 which is very close to the SP101. It is for belt carry in a Lobo Enhanced Pancake only.

I have also owned the SP101, which I traded off at the time because it was too heavy for pocket carry. I wish I had it back today, it was in 9mm.

Bob
 
I carried a Ruger SP101, loaded with .357's for 8+ years, in a belt holster. When the LCR's came out, I bought a .38 first, for a pocket gun.
When the .357 LCR's came out I bought one to carry in my belt holster.
The belt holster gives me much better access to my CCW, than the pocket holster. And the .357 LCR, with .357 loads, is much lighter to carry every day, all day, than the SP101.
The .38 LCR I carry in my pocket, when I need to tuck my shirt tails in.
I'm not going to sell the SP101, though.
 
You guys pocket carrying 3" SP101's must be giants. I am 6'2" and weigh 230lbs and there's no way I could fit one in the pocket of any of the pants I own/wear. A 1 7/8" aluminum J-frame is pushing it for me and big enough that I'd rather not carry it that way.
 
SP101 With DPX .357 Magnums.

Mine has Secret Service stocks.

Yes I have several Js but now I really like this DAO SP101.

Deaf
 
I purchased a 357 LCR for my primary CC - I got the 357 so I'd have the option of using either 38 spls or 357. I prefer on the belt carry myself. I love the LCR as it's light and fits the bill for my requirements - and, I keep it loaded with 38 spls - I like the cartridge and I am comfortable with it. I have a number of handguns - both revolvers (38s & 357s) as well as semi-autos (9mm_ and the more I carry the LCR, the more I like it.

A person has to go with what THEY are comfortable with - not what someone else thinks they ought to carry.
 
Well, I've been pocket carrying my SP101 for almost two weeks, while I wait on a pancake holster for it to arrive. It is a little too large for actual front pants pocket carry, at least in my jeans and cargo pants. However, I have carried it in several jacket side pockets and in my hoody pockets no problem. I do have a awesome rosewood boot grip on it so it helps it conceal it a smudge.

I love it, it is definately weighty enough that you don't forget it's there, but to me it feels re-assuring. I have never tried the LCR, so I can't compare it really. I did not even consider buying the LCR because I knew I would be belt carrying the SP101 mostly, and I thought the LCR was ugly enough to make a Glock feel pretty.
 
My snubs get a special role. They either do ankle carry as a back-up or go into my 5.11 shirt when I'm riding my bicycle.

I literally just came back from my LGS an hour ago to put my 2 1/4" SP101 on consignment and look for a lighter option. I looked through the J-Frames even though I owned a 638 Airweight before and only thought so-so of it. I then came up to the LCRs. I asked to look at one and loved the way it felt in the hand. Lightweight and well balanced where the next things I noticed.

I then looked down the row and saw a Talo edition in grey/blue for only $10 more. After thinking about it (felt like forever but I knew my decision) I put money down on it right there. Only 1,500 made, only $10 more and it looks a little different then the norm. I say, why not? :D

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IMO, it takes a little practice to get proficient with the small lightweight revolvers but once you do, it's like second nature. The main problem is most people don't want to put in the time to practice so a heavier snub might appeal to them more.

There's a reason why I always say that a snub is the worst gun for a woman to thrown in a purse or a guy to throw in a pocket if practice is not going to be a regular thing. It's great for carry, but shooting them is not quite a "pick up and go" type of gun without some experience behind it.
 
......"and I thought the LCR was ugly enough to make a Glock feel pretty.".....

I have to agree somewhat, but the LCR is kind of like the creature in Alien, ugly as sin, but tough, almost indestructible, and you sure don't want it coming for you. Nobody is supposed to see your LCR until you need it, and then they'll be looking at the hole in the muzzle, not critiquing the styling.

I love my 38 and .357 LCRs. But my 3" SP101 is the pretty one of that trio. I often have the .38 LCR in my left front pants pocket, and either the .357 LCR or SP101 in a gunpack under an untucked shirt.
 
I would choice the .38 LCR for ease of carry and reduced weight. The SP-101 is not much smaller than a GP-100.

I like Speer Gold Dot for short barrels in my 442 and if the shot well in the LCR would just use them in the LCR.
 
I have to agree somewhat, but the LCR is kind of like the creature in Alien, ugly as sin, but tough, almost indestructible, and you sure don't want it coming for you.
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True, true. I have no doubt its designed and will function well. It's not near as ugly as that Rhino snubby anyways. I just like revolvers to have some style!
 
:p"Officer, after we get to the hospital I want to press charges against that guy I tried to rob. He shot me with an ugly revolver!"
 
CogSci that's where im at w carrying. Need to drop some pounds so its more comfortable. Wish I heard more guys suggesting that instead of buying bigger pants (skinny guys are excused). Im about ready to go to pocket carry. That LCR don't look nice but looks nice to carry.
 
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