I have too much time on my hands. Cruising Rugers websight, I see identical SP101s, chambered in .357 and .38 Special. Since you can shoot .38s from a .357, why is there still a dedicated .38? Its not a service revolver, so the idea that some official use commands .38s only doesnt make sense. The .38 model isnt a lightweight aluminum revolver, like a S&W 638, and isnt a few ounces lighter, like the difference between the .38 and .357 LCR. So what do you think the reason is that Ruger keeps it as an available model?
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Why Does Ruger Still Offer a .38 Special SP101?
- Thread starter weblance
- Start date
aarondhgraham
New member
Perhaps they just have some cylinders left in stock,,,
Perhaps they just have some cylinders left in stock,,,
I like Ruger guns but I gave up trying to make sense of their business decisions.
Does Ruger do any overseas/south of the border sales to law enforcement?
It's quite possible that some countries don't allow the evil "Magnum" cartridges.
Just guessing here,,,
Aarond
.
Perhaps they just have some cylinders left in stock,,,
I like Ruger guns but I gave up trying to make sense of their business decisions.
Does Ruger do any overseas/south of the border sales to law enforcement?
It's quite possible that some countries don't allow the evil "Magnum" cartridges.
Just guessing here,,,
Aarond
.
Bob Wright
New member
At one time, guns for personal carry were limited by the county sheriff's office here in Tennessee. (Not so, now, I hasten to add.) And .357 Magnum revolvers were not permitted.
Old Tennessee code made no provision for carry permits. "Commissions" were given (sold) through the office of county sheriffs based on how much money the person usually carried (make that "had") or what business he was in. (Bootlegging and moonshining almost always was reward with a deputy commission.) And the commission was legal only in the county of issuance.
This long, long ago.
Bob Wright
Old Tennessee code made no provision for carry permits. "Commissions" were given (sold) through the office of county sheriffs based on how much money the person usually carried (make that "had") or what business he was in. (Bootlegging and moonshining almost always was reward with a deputy commission.) And the commission was legal only in the county of issuance.
This long, long ago.
Bob Wright
leadcounsel
Moderator
It's a niche, admittedly, but for sensitive shooters with weaker hands/arms.
.38 is easier to clean than a .357 shooting .38s.
And the .38 revolver is slightly lighter, and generally less expensive.
.38 is easier to clean than a .357 shooting .38s.
And the .38 revolver is slightly lighter, and generally less expensive.
g.willikers
New member
Some old timers don't need any of them new fangled Magnums.
What was good enough for Gramps is good enough fer us.
What was good enough for Gramps is good enough fer us.
Waspinator
New member
Well, I pretty much shoot only .38 special out of my .357 SP101. I bought the .357 for the versatility of it, but it turned more into a novelty for me. I wouldn't miss it if my gun magically turned into a .38 special only.
Also, I believe I read that the French National Police carry the SP101. Perhaps they are limited to the .38 special round? I know Trausch grips, a french grip maker that make grips for the SP101, say that they are the official grips for the police forces (link: http://www.trausch.com/form/accueilA.htm )
Also, I believe I read that the French National Police carry the SP101. Perhaps they are limited to the .38 special round? I know Trausch grips, a french grip maker that make grips for the SP101, say that they are the official grips for the police forces (link: http://www.trausch.com/form/accueilA.htm )
Deaf Smith
New member
I have an oritional SP-101 .38 spl. Short cylinder and frame.
But I sure would not get the ones made today in .38. I mean why?
Maybe Ruger makes them for export. In South America they won't let .357s in.
Deaf
But I sure would not get the ones made today in .38. I mean why?
Maybe Ruger makes them for export. In South America they won't let .357s in.
Deaf
Micahweeks
New member
The dimensions and weight are different, for one, so I suspect it is more concealable and easier to carry in the .38 variant. As others have mentioned, there were times and places where the magnum cartridges were not permitted for carry.
It remains because it sells.
That pretty well sums it up.
Micahweeks said:The dimensions and weight are different, for one, so I suspect it is more concealable and easier to carry in the .38 variant.
They are exactly the same size, and weight.
Micahweeks
New member
They are exactly the same size, and weight.
You are right. I was looking at the LCR in .38 and 357.
Kreyzhorse
New member
Personally, I would't buy a .38 if a .357 was available, but I understand the thought process why someone would.
Homerboy said:Probably because many people have no intention of ever shooting .357 out of the gun, and the .38 is cheaper then the .357.
The .38 revolver is the same price as the .357 revolver.
really? S&W are always more expensive in .357. The 10 is cheaper then the 13. The 64 is cheaper than the 65. The 60 is cheaper in .38 then .357. Maybe the LCR is the same price in either caliber.
But if they were the same pirce in the SP101, I would get the .357, as well. Always good to have options.
But if they were the same pirce in the SP101, I would get the .357, as well. Always good to have options.
Waspinator
New member
The .38 revolver is the same price as the .357 revolver.
IN my area, the .38 specail 2.25" sells for approx $509 and the .357 2.25" sells for approx $549. So, I do see a slight price difference in the shops I frequent.
I would venture to guess that the main reason is to keep it as an option for a plainclothes/backup/off-duty weapon for LE agencies that allow .38 Special revolvers but not .357 Magnums. Also, as has been mentioned, some countries, many of them in Central and South America, permit private ownership of .38 Special handguns but not .357 Magnum models. Remember, Ruger's customer base is not limited just to the U.S. For example, the reason that the SP101 and GP100 are offered with 4.2" barrels instead of the more standard 4" is because 4.2" is the minimum length that is legal for private ownership in Canada.