GP100 VS SP101

[jimjc]

I have a GP100 and it is comfortable shooting 357`s so I was thinking about adding a SP101....

I do experience some discomfort in my right thumb joint when shooting maximum loads [ the joint was broken 2 times ] So if you have shot both guns how would you compare both guns with the same load in recoil...I know there`s about 11/12 ounces different in weight so does that equate into much more recoil in the SP101?...Thanks Jim

 

[hittman]

does that equate into much more recoil in the SP101?...Thanks Jim

Yes unless you use Trausch grips.

 

[Carry_Up]

Sorry to hear you broke your thumb shooting .357's. The GP's are definitely built to shoot .357 without any serious recoil problem. The SP is one of the only smaller frame guns that is manageable with .357. That is because it is heavier than airweights. The main reason people sell their airweights is because you cannot practice with them even with .38 spl. If you can't practice with them, then you won't know what to expect when you fire it in a tense situation. Maybe you would break your thumb. You can carry the SP and you can shoot .357 in it. The 3" bbl model is balanced and proportional. What more could you want?

CU

 

[Yermo]

I wouldn't call myself recoil-shy, but I never shoot .357's out of my SP101, although mine isn't a 3" version. I simply cannot maintain good accuracy in double-action shooting when the recoil tries to twist the gun out of my hand. 38 specials are just fine, even the +P variety.
With my GP-100, shooting my own XTP 110gr. over 8.7 gr. Unique, I group 24 shots in a 4' circle from 10 yards out, but if I used the SP101 the same load would be all over the place.
Of course, this is just my opinion, and I'm sure there are guys out there who routinely load their SP101's with .357 mag, say 180 grainers over a max load of H-110, and shoot weak-handed one-hole groups from 50 yards out. Not me.

 

[chuck-ia]

OK, so why does everyone recomend buying a .357 sp 101 when asked which to get? Instead of the .38? chuck

 

[hittman]

So you can shoot .357 if you want to.

Recoil is managable ~ not painful at all. The factory grips are great but the Trausch are much better if you're gonna make it a range gun, which mine was.

 

[jimjc]

Sorry to hear you broke your thumb shooting .357's. The GP's are definitely built to shoot .357 without any serious recoil problem. The SP is one of the only smaller frame guns that is manageable with .357. That is because it is heavier than airweights. The main reason people sell their airweights is because you cannot practice with them even with .38 spl. If you can't practice with them, then you won't know what to expect when you fire it in a tense situation. Maybe you would break your thumb. You can carry the SP and you can shoot .357 in it. The 3" bbl model is balanced and proportional. What more could you want?

CU

I didn`t word my post well ....I didn`t break my thumb joint shooting...I broke it in construction accidents....Thanks for the reply...Jim

 

[mjh]

If I've been practicing regularly with the SP and 357's it becomes more and more managable, if I have not been practicing I perfer 38 + P, haven't changed grips but have thought about it......The GP, 357 no problems with factory panel grips.....

 

[louiethelump]

"EVERYONE" does not suggest the 357.

These guys do:

"..guys out there who routinely load their SP101's with .357 mag, say 180 grainers over a max load of H-110, and shoot weak-handed one-hole groups from 50 yards out. Not me."

I got rid of the 357 SP101 and went to the 327 3" SP101. Recoil is less with full loads that are more than enough and you get 6 rounds. I use 32 H&R for routine use and only use the factory 327 ammo on occasion.

Your posting was very clear about the thumb. Some read stuff fast and don't always get what was said....................

 

[Tommy Kelly]

I am not recoil senitive at all and have both the gp100 and sp101. The sp101 will handle years and years of 357 loads with no problem from the gun I feel ceartin but I have tried the 357 loads in mine and much prefer the 38's for use in it but I also shoot mostly 38's in my gp100 also. I own quite a few big handguns and enjoy shooting them including a 45-70 BFR a 500 S&W a 475 linebaugh a 480 ruger so recoil doesn't bother me. especially something as small as 357 but the 38's are more pleasureable to shoot. I keep them loaded with 357 ammo for emergency use but when I go out to shoot them for fun I remove and replace the 357's with 38's and enjoy then after shooting I put the 357 ammo back in the guns.

 

[glockman99]

Unless you NEED a new gun, why not look for a good Ruger Speed-Six or Service-Six in .357 magnum?...These are excellent wheelguns.

 

[Jimbo357mag]

I shoot 38 specials or reduced 357 magnum loads in both guns. But I like the option of shooting full house 357 magnums every once in a while. Best of both worlds. The Hogue rubber grip will also help handle the recoil in the SP.

 

[jimjc]

Thanks for all the replay's guys...I enjoy shooting the GP.... I usually shoot about 65% 38`s in it but always shoot some 357`s when I shoot this gun...I simply was getting a itch for a smaller gun and the SP101 would be a very good choice...it`s good and beefy for its size...

Actually the SP101 would make a very good 38 spec. gun to shoot at the range... then my GP 100 would be for 357`s....that might be a good reason to get one

My thumb doesn't kill me but it fatigues much faster... but if the SP101 [ 4 inch barrel] has a bit less recoil in 38 compared to a GP100 with 357`s that would be great...

I guess I`ll travel over to the indoor shooting range and rent a SP101 and see...

 

[rdf009]

I let a friend of mine shoot my 2" SP101 the other day. It was his first time shooting any handgun larger than a 22. He was doing very well with my mild .38 reloads (158 gr. LRN over 4.1 grains of Unique) so I decided to load it up with heavy Buffalo Bore 180 grain hollow points (some of the hottest .357 loads that money can buy) just for giggles. After the first shot I could see a hint of pain in his eyes. After the second shot he handed it back to me and told me that he felt like "someone smacked his *@#$*%* hand with a sledgehammer!" By the way.....he's a dairy farmer and has STRONG hands.

SP101s are extremely tough little guns, and they can handle FAR heavier loads than the average shooter can comfortably hang on to. If you have a tender thumb I recommend sticking to .38s with the SP. Save the Buffalo Bores for your GP100.

 

[chuck-ia]

I guess I should have said most people recommend the .357 over the .38. in the sp 101. I have been thinking about getting one, most likley in .38, as I would not shoot .357s in it. Probably just me but I would think accuracy would be better in the .38 over the .357 shooting .38s only. Probably not noticable to me as I don't think the sp 101 is a target gun. I am allso not an authority on center fire hand guns. chuck

 

[5of7]

I probably shouldn't say this, especially right here on the Revolver section, but if you want more power than the .38 special +P loads, AND if you are recoil sensitive, then you might be better served with a good semi auto in something like the .40 S&W chambering.

A compact model with a 3.5" or so barrel carries well and the .40 S&W is a very good personal defense choice PLUS the recoil will be easier to handle at that power level than a small frame revolver.

The extra capacity is comforting too. 8)

 

[Verndog]

I probably shouldn't say this, especially right here on the Revolver section, but if you want more power than the .38 special +P loads, AND if you are recoil sensitive, then you might be better served with a good semi auto in something like the .40 S&W chambering.

Or...as I did the SP101 in .327 magnum. Very near .357 ballistics with reduced recoil, and 6 shots instead of 5. This round is a perfect match for the SP101 frame, and there are 85g lower recoil rounds that still put out 370 ft. lbs.

 

[Major T]

If you get an SP, go for the .357 regardless of what you shoot in it from.38 wadcutters on up. They hold their value better, and you will never be able to tell the accuracy difference unless you do some serious 50 yard slow fire bullseye competition, and that is not the platform for such. jack

 

[5of7]

If you get an SP, go for the .357 regardless of what you shoot in it from.38 wadcutters on up. They hold their value better, and you will never be able to tell the accuracy difference unless you do some serious 50 yard slow fire bullseye competition, and that is not the platform for such. jack

I agree to that too.

Or if one is a handloader, it is fairly simple to load .38 Special level loads in .357 brass.

 

[larry237]

I bought a 3" SP101 as a light, easy to carry gun for walking on back trails where there are animal threats. I have better, much heavier guns for the job, but they aren't pleasant to carry all day. The SP101 is a fun, relatively accurate shooter for 38's, which are the most common loads shot and carried in this gun. The capability to shoot heavy .357 loads, which are controllable, if not comfortable, is an added plus for an SP101. This gun on the belt or in the pack, is more protection than the Alaskan locked in the car.

 

[BillH2121]

My first trip to the range after getting my SP101, I shot 50 rounds of .38 special followed by 70 rounds of .357 180 gr. I thought the .357 loads were fun and pretty loud I guess because people started gathering around to see what the heck I was shooting. I guess I'm not that recoil sensitive, but I will say my hand was a little tender the next day. Get the .357 - you can alway shoot .38 and use the hotter loads for HD.

BTW - the Trausch grip is a great addition to the SP101 - I really like the added beef - the gun feels better in my hand and seems to point easier.