Ruger SP101 vs. Smith & Wesson 649

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YankeeIronSights

New member
Hi Everyone,

I have been searching for anyone who has owned both the Ruger SP101 2.25" in .357 and the Smith & Wesson 649 in .357.

I am familiar with the Ruger (I already own one) but would like your opinions about the S&W.

They are both heavy, made of stainless steel, 5 round capacity and meant for close range self defense scenarios.

After testing/owning both, if you could only keep one, which one would it be? Why?
 
I own the 649 and its a good shooter with 357's. I would keep it over the Sp101 as I have done. Manageable recoil good pocket carry gun and a lot more accessories for the S&W. With some practice you should have no problem reaching out 25-50 yards with accuracy.
 
I have both a 649 and several SP101s.

If you mean to carry and shoot .38 Special+P, the 649 is lighter, smaller and easier to tote.

If you mean to shoot and carry .357 Magnum, the SP101 is definitely the choice.
 
I'm interested in this as well. I had a 2 inch sp101, and it was OK... I say OK because the trigger in double action was not exactly smooth or consistent but I could work with it.
Also the darn thing shot to the left!!!
Not real far, about an inch at 7 yards or less, but that ends up being around 4 inches at 25 yards... and while it's just a little snub nose, I still want to keep things centered. Nothing like hitting a pop can at 25 yards with a little 2 inch revolver.

For the record, I shot it from a rest in single action on two separate occasions with 38 special and 357 mag and it always shot left. I have an old Rossi with an even worse trigger and it shoots to point of aim just fine. After a lot of testing I finally came to the conclusion it was the gun and not me, and sold it too a guy at a bit of a loss, he didn't care that it shot an inch to the left at 7 yards ;) lol

Anyway, since then I've been looking at getting another, possibly a 3" this time, or maybe the 649... How does the trigger on the Smith compare to the Ruger?
 
I've not owned both, but I've shot both. I like the SP101 better, but they're both good guns. I just like a little extra heft and the easier recoil of the SP101. That's subjective, though. It's what feels good to me, though.
 
Both are great guns.
Me being me, suggests shooting both and seeing which one you shoot best.
 
Not familiar with the S&W, but I had a SP101 .357, 2" bbl in stainless.

Like others have said, it is a great shooting gun. I really didn't notice much difference between .357 mags or .38s through it.

But, it wasn't very comfortable for me to carry. It is a heavy pistol. My daughter likes it, so I gave it to her to keep at home.
 
Well I have the SP101 in DAO and SA/DA and the 640-1 as well as the older 649 in .38 spl.

For pure CCW I'd take the 640-1 over all the others, and then the 649 as second.

But if you want it for other uses to the SP-101 is more versatile.

All of them will do for CCW though.

Deaf
 
I started with the S&W and traded it for the SP101(s).
Both are good guns it just depends on what you prefer.

I like the Ruger design for durability, strength and the often over looked advantage of no screws to tighten when they work loose and tie up your action, like on Smith and Colts.
 
SP101 for magnums. With a Hogue grip it's a pleasure to shoot.
Click to expand...

:rolleyes::rolleyes: Is there a better word for it? I agree that the Hogues, rubber or wood, make the gun more manageable and less punishing behind the trigger guard.
 
I used to own a number of S&W revolvers but sold them all and kept the SP DAO. I'd just rather have a gun without a lock and I didn't feel like waiting to bid on gunbroker only to be out bid, again, at the last minute. With a trigger job, it's sweet.

Laura
 
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