Sp101 vs gp100

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sbaker10

New member
I am looking for a mid range magnum revolver. I was leaning towards the gp100 but after handling one at the local gunstore it's a tank, the hand grip is huge for my medium hands. It would absorb recoil nicely and is not hard to hold by any means but it did make me think "why am I not just holding a rifle instead" seemed more like it belonged on a .44 mag. The sp101 only has a 4.2 inch barrel which I wish it was slightly longer but Tue overall frame is much smaller and it would actually fit in my glove box. And probably wouldn't feel like a boat anchor on my hip. But the sole reason I want a .357 is for a bit of punch so I might miss the barrel length.


Which do you guys who own or handled both prefer? I'm talking about a 6 inch gp100 vs 4 inch sp101
 
I Handled the 4" SP101 in .357 Mag and did not see the point in it. My opinion is, you give up a round for a weapon that is slightly smaller then a 4" GP100. I'd rather go with the GP100 4" and have the extra weight to offset the hot rounds and the extra round in the chamber. If the 6" GP100 is too big, I think the 4" SP101 is too small. I think the 4" GP100 is the perfect compromise for what you're looking for. Just order a smaller grip for it to fit your hand size better.

I know that is not what you asked, but that is my opinion.

If you are going to conceal carry, then I think that the SP101 might make more sense, but if would be on your hip, outside the waistband, then the GP100 is the way to go.

I own a 2.25" SP101 .357 that I wear concealed, IWB. I also own a 4" SP101 in .22LR that I think is a great gun (for a 22LR it is the right size).. so I do love my SP101's, but for you, I think going with a GP100 is the better option.
 
I think the long barrel SP101's niche is as a trail gun; lightweight and compact to be unobtrusive while in the field, but with enough versatility and punch to be worth taking along.

I was seriously considering one myself, except I happened upon a 2.5" M19-5 that I couldn't walk away from.

For a range or hunting pistol, I'd imagine a GP-100 with 6" barrel would be good medicine. The extra weight would tame the heavy .357 stuff, I'm sure you'd feel it in the smaller revolver!
 
The 4.2" barrel SP101 (which is new, and has an adjustable sight not found on smaller variants) is, to me, a very interesting gun. Stronger than a K-frame, smaller as well, right at the smallest limit of being able to shoot stout 357Mag ammo. "Backpacker's Special" is a very good description but I think it has a lot of merit as a general carry piece.

It's 4.2" so that it's legal in Canada :).

S&W has built similar J-frame "kit guns" and it's good to see Ruger jump on that mini-bandwagon.
 
If you are going to conceal carry, then I think that the SP101 might make more sense, but if would be on your hip, outside the waistband, then the GP100 is the way to go.
Click to expand...

Having 2 GPs and 2 SPs, I agree with this 100%.

I also agree that if you are going to go 4"+ in barrel length, the GP makes more sense.
 
Not sure what the OP terms as a "mid-range" pistol.

I have an early Ruger SP-101 3" (1989) originally chambered for .38 SPL (with the cylinder reamed for .357 125 gr loads) sporting a Hogue Monogrip.

http://www.brownells.com/handgun-pa...87_a_7c1021_a_7c408502101_d_408501001_d_10573

The original grips are just a bit too short as I don't like my pinky hanging out in the breeze.

Very controllable with these loads, very solid, but a chunk of steel to carry in a pocket.
 
I's rhink about a 3 inch GP-100..

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One is a SP-101 and the other the GP (of course!)

My 'Canadian' GP you see above is my field gun.

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And I highly recommend it for both CCW and the field (but I do wish sometimes it had adjustable sights!)

Deaf
 
By mid range I mean not a 9mm but not a .454 casull either.

I'm thinking 6 inch gp100, it's not the barrel length that bothered me it was the grip size but I'm thinking a sp101 might he a little TOO small
 
You can always swap out that over sized Hogue grip on the GP100 to one better suited to you. The original Lett grip is what mine sports and it's just about the perfect revolver grip for me. My SP101 has its original grip too and it is too small for serious target shooting. I bought it for CCW though so the grip stays.

If you want the 6" GP100 but are put off by the grip then getting the SP101 will never fill your needs, or your hands. Get the GP100 and replacement grips.

Altamont sells really attractive original style grips for the GP100 reasonably priced here.

There is an almost endless number of choices by other makers of revolver grips out there too from plain to fancy.

Even factoring the cost of the GP100 and a new grip you are still a couple hundred less than a comparable S&W, which also comes with the Hogue grip you hate.

Here's a pic of my guns to give you an idea of the difference in grip sizes.

 
If the GP100 is TOO BIG, and the SP101 is too small... get the gun that Ruger built, that is in between in size. The Security Six(or its variants, the Speed Six, or Service Six) are an excellent choice. Made in Stainless or Blue, a 6 shot cylinder, 2 3/4", 4" or 6" barrel, fixed sights or adjustable. Excellent .357, or .38 Special only, revolvers. Lighter than the GP100, heavier than the SP101.
 
The GP100 is 6 shot and the SP101 is 5, so there is more than size involved. Among the 6 shooters, my favorite would be the Security Six. That is followed by S&W 686, both 4 inch. I think that is the right barrel length for compromising between sight radius, balance, and comfort/concealability.

I own all these in one length or another (3-5"), but can say that only the Security Six arrived without needing some gunsmithing of the chambers and triggers. YMMV.
 
I have the 4.2 inch SP101. It's a terrific gun. I don't CCW it ofen, but I have a few times. It carries and handles very well. Most of the time, though, I use it as it's supposedly intended, a "backpacking" gun. I wouldn't hesitate to wear it for CCW, though. I prefer the Wiley Clapp GP100 for CCW, but only by a little bit.
 
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