Thoughts on Ruger SP101 vs Smith Model 60, 66, etc???

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After hearing Massad Ayoob tell how he and his friends switched to Ruger revolvers over S&W to avoid frame screws working themselves out I would go Ruger every single time unless there is a must have design feature in a S&W that Ruger does not offer.

-Stan
Stanley_White: i had not read that about Ayoob before, good to have that fact. It defintely does alter a perception about Smiths for me. Wonder if those were heavily-shot or just standard service guns? Mine would probably fall into a 90% carry/10% shot group at the most, but.....
 
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BiggFoot44: I must say it's surprising to see M60 , SP101 , and M66 used in the same sentence , unironically , as they are so different . So , I'll repeat back how I interpret the OP's parameters , and further input , so that I'm on the same , or nearby page :
This is an excellent paragraph you wrote, and deserves some interpretation on my part. I like differing aspects of each of those models: Weight for recoil vs weight for comfort carry, refinement vs build strength, at at least partially, just the looks of the gun. I was asking for those with good experience to chime in and offer up facts that would swing me to their way of thinking, based on what they had seen/felt/learned. I have been quite gratified at the results so far, as everyone has gone out of their way to offer up good advice and unexpected extras (.327, 44 Special, etc). The main purpose of my question was to arrive at an answer that wasn't pre-conceived on my part, but rather that would make me think (and rethink) all that I had considered as an absolute before. I am perhaps 70% commited to a Ruger SP, 3" barrel, with hammer, and I still lean towards Novak sights.
BUT... I am enjoying all the comments I am hearing so far about pros and cons of each contributor's choices. Defintely worth my time to read all of these comments! Please keep the advice coming, I promise it is not going to be wasted on me. Knowing me, I am probably going to buy 2-3 options and carry them all for a while, to help decide.
 

stanley_white

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Stanley_White: i had not read that about Ayoob before, good to have that fact. It defintely does alter a perception about Smiths for me. Wonder if those were heavily-shot or just standard service guns? Mine would probably fall into a 90% carry/10% shot group at the most, but.....

My apologies for the lack of detail.

In Massad Ayoob's case, he shot it heavily.

In your context, you probably wouldn't ever have the same issue.

-Stan
 

JStacy

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I have a 4" AS Sp101 in 327 and it recoils a lot less than a 357 but IMHO it is just as loud if not more so. The Federal 100SP ammo is HOT!!
Stout loaded, AKA+P+ 32 mags, would be pretty potent and leave the new Super carry 30 in the dust for energy .I would choose, and have, a 357 SP101 3" or 4" AS, as first choice with Hornady +P defender 38spl ammo Look up "Lucky Gunner" and see their ballistic gel test on various ammo on ballistic gelatin blocks. 327 would be second choice with hand loaded hot 32 mag loads. If you can carry the 4"AS SP101 the green lite pipe front sight is good for quick sight acquisition.
 

wproct

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Very interesting thread. I am overall about an equal fan of Ruger and Smith & Wesson, and I love double action revolvers. In a small carry size revolver I can be quite happy with one chambered in .38 special cartridge, but if it is chambered for .357 magnum, all the better. I have about an equal amount of love for the Smith & Wesson model 60 and the Ruger sp101. In the model 60 I prefer before lock and MIM models, and in sp101 I prefer before MIM models. Many will say that preference is really not warranted, but that's just me.

Of the two models I mention, the positives for me of the model 60 is it's smaller size of the two and IMO generally has the better trigger action out of the box. My love for the sp101 is in the design with the modular trigger guard assembly with no screws to worry about and quite simple to do spring changes etc. and I also think it is just about the stoutest, heavy built little revolver ever produced. You simply can't go wrong with either one but if I absolutely had to pick just one of the two it would probably be the sp101 with a nice set of Hogue smooth wood combat grips on it..
 

Biggfoot44

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Seeing more from Mr WonderLust . a 3 inch SP101 is the obvious choice , unless he deliberately wants something different for a specific reason .

If you Like Novaks , and Want Novaks on purpose , that's fine . But you don't * need * them , the stock fixed sights are perfectly adaquate .

And then there's the interesting story how Mas Ayoob was instrumental in the SP101 being offered in .357 .
 
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JStacy: That's exactly the kind of feedback I am looking for! Thanks for that. I have strong thoughts on a 4" carry piece for a great balance of "short enough to carry, long enough to be accurate." I wondered about the real-world recoi; and noise of the .327 vs .357; I believe that takes care of that answer. Thank you.
Wproct: I liked the true comparisons between both models, and I was a bit surprised by the simplicity of the Ruger over the Smtih (but shouldn't have been, knowing Ruger). I have seen quite a few pics here of smooth wood grips on carry guns, and wondered how they stacked up against good rubber grips. Interesting to have that confirmed.
Biggfoot44: I have the same thoughts about the fixed sights vs the adj. sights, and not really sure how to decide. You won't know which is best, in my opinion, until AFTER you've bought it and shot for a while. When I shoot, I prefer accuracy, but I'm not sure how much any sights help with a 3" version.
I'm narrowing down my choices; I know its a bit harder to find anything with Novaks on them. Good point that you made on fixed sights doing the job.
And now I'm curious about Massad Ayoob and the Sp101! I'm going to search for that story.
My thanks to all for some great tips.
 

Xrayist

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For a small frame I either use/carry a S&W M36 or 60's vintage Colt Cobra. If and when parts availability for those become almost non existent, (the Cobra is very close), I will switch to a SP101. I use a 3" fixed sight GP100 as a carry weapon a lot of the time. It is a tank. I have had various S&W medium frame revolvers, 586, 19, 10, etc., and while I like the lines of the Smiths, for durability and ruggedness, the Ruger has them beat hands down. Another plus, is I only like pre-lock, pre MIM Smiths, so if something happens, the Ruger is easily replaceable as the Smiths not so much.
 

Bigbore5

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I carry a Service Six 4" with me daily on the homestead, but it's a S&W M36 that travels away from home the most.

If I want power and cocealability I'm packing the Bulldog 44sp.
 

Jon406

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I carry a S&W mod 66-8 2.75" and really love it, and it has great accuracy.
 

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wproct

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I have owned both the sp101 and an older model 60 chambered in .38 spcl +. I love the durability of the sp101, but the model 60 had the better double action trigger pull. I know this is a Ruger forum but between these two revolvers I preferred the model 60.
 

harley08

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Buy a Ruger! S & W s are junk! (MHO) My S & W .357 blew up in my hand while shooting .38 specials. S & W would not do any thing about it (They told me to buy a new one)(BS) I have always had good luck with all Rugers!
 
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I have many choices. 3" S&W 65. S&W 642. 2 3/4" Speed Six. 4" S&W 66 and, more. Honestly. This gets carried more than anything. It's the absolute smallest .357 I'm willing to shoot. Solid. Reliable. Easy to carry appendix.

I live in the high desert. Between 158 GR hardcast and rat shot, I can solve any 2 or 4 legged and, no legged problem.


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You have my gun!!! Lol great SP-101 combo. I carry it concealed with an IWB from Ken Null Holsters, Resaca, Ga. OWB I have a Bianchi leather holster #5BHL. Good luck in your quest. In the summer time I also load ratshot as my first round.
Out and about on my farm I carry a Charter Arms Bulldog in .44 Spcl. It uses the same holsters.
gramps
 
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stonebuster

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I own a SS Security Six 2 3/4" 357, Speed Six 3" 38spl & Speed Six 2 3/4"(fixed sights) , 3" GP100 357 and a DA/SA SP101 2.25" 357. I sold a DAO SP101 2.25" to buy the 3" GP100 because I didn't shoot it as well as I did my larger revolvers. I soon regretted selling it because it carried so easily for me compared to larger revolvers especially AIWB. After a year missing it, I bought this DA/SA SP101 357 determined to learn to shoot it well, which I did accomplish. Of the larger revolvers I own the Speed Six(fixed sights) 357 is my favorite carry. I still find myself carrying the SP101 more than my other revolvers. I don't worry about Ruger not supporting the Six Series because I was careful about choosing lightly used guns. A SP101 trigger can sometimes leave something to be desired but can be made much better by a little work about anyone can do(even me). Hammer shims, hammer dog shims and a 12# mainspring made my "new" 2002 SP101 trigger smooth, lighter and 100% reliable. I've no experience with the Model 60. It just comes down to what you can comfortably carry & conceal in your particular situation. I carry the SP OWB in a Simply Rugged Silver Dollar pancake holster on a Beltman dual bullhide gun belt with liner. The SP101 2.25" weighs about 25-26 ounces and the Speed Six weighs @32-33 ounces BTW, I'm 72yrs old, with one bad eye and I still like fixed sights on a carry gun. Third photo for frame comparison between DAO SP101 2.25" & 3" Speed Six DAO
 

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Stantheman1986

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I have a 2" .38 SP101 and an older 1980s era S&W 60

The SP101 is way more shootable, and the S&W is way more packable if that makes any sense

The older S&W J-frames aren't guns that I want to shoot alot, even with standard
38 and I view them as pretty much well made 5 yard "shoot and scoot" guns

I feel as if I'd have a better shot at hitting something past bad breath distance with my SP. It's just heavy for IWB carry since I don't often dress around guns and usually end up carrying one of my NAA's
 

Stantheman1986

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Massad Ayoob also at one time recommended Taurus 85 snubbies so I don't know what to trust anymore

I do know that crane screws in S&Ws coming loose during matches was a thing. Given that S&W basically just updated the same action they've been using since the 1890s
 

GypsmJim

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Massad Ayoob also at one time recommended Taurus 85 snubbies so I don't know what to trust anymore

I do know that crane screws in S&Ws coming loose during matches was a thing. Given that S&W basically just updated the same action they've been using since the 1890s
I have a Taurus 85 snubby and it won't hit the side of a barn.

I have a S&W Chief's Special and it is quite accurate and has an awesome trigger.

I have many Ruger GP and Securitys, but none in a short barrel length. Given what I know I would buy a Ruger for the intended purpose.
 

Stantheman1986

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I have a Taurus 85 snubby and it won't hit the side of a barn.

I have a S&W Chief's Special and it is quite accurate and has an awesome trigger.

I have many Ruger GP and Securitys, but none in a short barrel length. Given what I know I would buy a Ruger for the intended purpose.
I've had a few Taurus 85's, they were all junk and I sold them off.

I'm basically 95% Ruger at this point and that 5% is just oddball stuff that I can't bring myself to sell.

One that I regret selling was a 1970s era Colt Detective Special.

Still, there hasn't been a revolver, pistol or rifle that I've sold that I wasn't able to replace with an equivalent Ruger
 
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