SP101 38 Spl

P

PALongbow

New member
I found a very little used SP101 38 Spl at the local gun shop yesterday and they are asking $300 for it. I really wanted the 357 SP101 but for concealed carry purposes the 38 should be fine. What do you think about the 38 over the 357 and the used price of the 38 spl SP101?

Ron
 
Price isn't too bad for a 100% gun. I would (and did) go with the .357 though. Expecially since that is what you really want to start with.
 
I feel a snub .38 and the right ammunition is a good choice for self defense. In my opinion, the right ammunition is Winchester 158 gr. lhp+P or Federal 125 gr. jhp+P or Remington 125 gr. sjhp+P or the standard pressure Federal Nyclad 125 gr. lhp(if you can find it)--whichever you shoot the best.

If you think you might be able to control magnum rounds in a 25 ounce revolver (many people can't) than keep looking for a .357 magnum.

Not really up to date on SP-101 prices, but I just heard about one in 9mm at an Indianapolis gun shop for $300.
 
Around here a brand new .357 SP can be had for around $350 if you shop around. I've never seen one priced over $400. In my opinion, the extra $50 to $100 would be worth it to get exactly what you want.

The .38 SP would be fine, but personally $300 is more than I would want to give for a new one, much less a used one. For a small frame .38 only, I think there are others out there that would be a better choise (if CCW is your intention). The SP in .357 is about the smallest and lightest I'd care to have in that caliber - but it's a bit on the heavy side for a small .38.

As far as down range energy goes, the .38 is completely acceptable - however, the .357 is exceptional.
 
The SP is a nice little gun. I would look for the .357 version at that price though. The resale will be easier due to the flexibility of two calibers. However, if you can talk the shop down to 250 cash, I would jump on it. I think the .38 is perfect in this platform, the .357 is a tad on the strong side. The SP is easy to disassemble and work on. You should have alot of fun.
 
My first ever handgun was an SP101, .38 +P, with a 3 1/2 inch barrel.

Still have it. Still love it. It is my nightstand gun.

Must have been about 7 years ago and I paid $240 for it brand new. It was an oddball in the dealer's case and he just wanted to get rid of it. I would not trade it for anything.

I much prefer the .38 in small frame revolvers. Modern .38 +P will do the job. The .357 belongs in a larger gun like the GP100.
 
I bought a used but never fired KGP-141 for $269 last year. Have seen SP's in perfect condition for the same price or a little less.
 
I am not all that familiar with the .38 Special in the SP101 but I do own a .357 SP101. It seems to me that if they are the same size, the gun is awfully big and heavy for a .38 Special. I am just going from memory here but I believe my SP101 is much heavier than my S&W Model 36 and Model 60 along with my Colt Detective Special. This isn't nessessarily bad, but if you are buying the gun for carry, I think you could get a smaller and lighter gun, which should make concealed carry much easier over the long hall. On the other hand, I think the size and weight of the SP101 is perfect for a small .357. There are other smaller and lighter, pocket .357s out there, but this one is IMO the only one that is practical. Because of it's weight, you can realistically control full house .357 loads in it. I haven't kept up with the price of SP101s, but if you get a good deal, I am sure the .38 Special version would be a dandy; certainly way over built for the cartridge.
 
I have an SP101 in .357MAG with the short barrel. Nice little gun.

If I was able to get the dealer down in price - say $275 max, maybe $265 - I'd go for it.
 
Today I saw a new one in .357 for $260. (Price was $289 minus 10% end of year discount.) Yesterday I saw 2 new ones in .357 and they were priced at $295 and $300. $300 seems high for a used .38, even if it's in excellent condition.
 
I see NIB SP101s in 357 for $350 all day long here in Florida. I'd rather have the option of 357, especially for $50 more.
 
Yep, agreed that $300 somewhat on the high side for SP-101 that shoots only 38s, at least in these parts. I traded in a nice one (in .357) earlier this year and the gun dealer promptly marked it $295 and put in case. Also traded in a clean 6-shot Rossi a few months ago at another store, and when examining, the clerk said "Too bad this is not a .357. I could give you more for it."

Have still got a 3" 101 .357 stainless. In my view, a great "house gun" or "car gun" but heavier than what I care to carry on a daily basis. (another fan of S&W j-frames here). Factory grips on 101 found adequate with .38's, but I put bigger, softer ones on mine pretty quickly. With the bigger grips and weight (27 ounces?) of the 3" 101, .357 loads ain't all that vicious on the non-flashing end. 38s in it are rather tame, so excellent for new shooters.
 
I would offer him $250 or save for a new sp in 357. A +p 38 will do the job and will be easier to shot out of a little gun.
 
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