LCR or SP101 for CCW

[maximus2161]

I know we are talking two different animals here. I like the design of the LCR and how light it is. I have been looking at the LCR w/ the XS front sight in .38 for everyday carry. However I have also been looking at the SP101 w/ bobbed hammer for carry as well. I know the SP101 in .357 will last a long time and I know how durable it is.

Im just curious if anyone daily carries an SP101. If so have you been looking at the LCR.

I guess I just need a sounding board.

 

[maxpress]

i carried an sp101 for a long time till i discovered the 2.75 speed six.
i carry a m36 smith alot also though which is closer to the lcr.
the sp is not a pocket gun for me but rides well in the small of back and in a back pocket with a shirt pulled out. mine is a 3.25 barrel.
its kinda a toss up between power and size between the two. i feel safer with the sp and am not a fan of the lcr. nothing wrong with them for a "carry lots/shoot alittle" gun, just never needed one.
the shorty barrel on the sp will wake you up with full power loads. the fireball is quit impressive.
if its just in town i might lean torwards the lcr. for outback also i would get the sp. i notice no difference in concealability between the sp 2" and 3" so i might look at the longer barrel also. but i fish and hike alot.

 

[Slanteyedshootist]

I got the LCR because of the weight difference. I've got a bad back and hip and i can carry the LCR all day. I still want a SP101 as well. And a GP100 and a...

 

[Glupy]

I often carry an SP101 with the 2.25 in barrel. But I carry it only when hiking and hunting. I live in Southern Idaho and we have rattlesnakes in the desert, wolves/bears in the woods, and bad guys in many places. The CCI Shot Shells or hollow points will work just fine.

Maxpress is right that the SP101 is not a pocket gun. And it is heavy. But it does not need to be for my uses. It is relatively concealable in an SOB holster. That revolver is really sturdy and has thousands of rounds through it, about 2/3rd as reloaded 38s.

In town, I carry a Sig 238. It is much more easily concealable, even if the stopping power does not match the 38/357.

I do not own an LCR. I haven’t come to grips (pun?) with the looks yet.

Dave

 

[Jayhawkhuntclub]

It is a difficult choice. I've gone back and forth between an sp101 and a 357 lcr. I prefer the exposed hammer and 3" barrel of the sp101. But I'm probably going to go with the 357 lcr because I am buying primarily for CC. I really like the smaller size, the lighter weight and the smoother trigger of the lcr. I guess I can always trade for a sp101 or a speed/service six if I don't like it. I'd prefer to buy both, but there are too darn many other guns I'd like and too little cash. :cry:

 

[oregon73]

The LCR is an amazing little revolver. Super light, super trigger, and mine shoots really well with regular old 38's. I haven't tried it with any +P stuff yet.

And of course the SP101 is a stalwart. Heavy, reliable, and powerful.

Get the gun you will want to carry everyday. I started out carrying a S&W Model 60, which is about the same weight as an SP101, but have since moved to lighter revolvers.

Personally, I prefer bobbed or shrouded hammers on my concealed carry revolvers. Too much risk of a snag during the draw if there is an exposed hammer. If you've got to pull the gun, you don't want to worry about having it snag on your clothes.....

Rob

 

[Chance]

SP101 has been my carry gun for a long time. But now, with a "maturing physique" the lighter LCR is looking very good in the ongoing battle to keep my pants up. Have one in the safe but haven't made the decision yet.

 

[hittman]

I dumped my SP101 for a S&W Airweight Model 37. However, the primary carry piece is a KelTec P3AT. I always had to think about the SP or was conscious of having it; due to its size and weight ..... with the other two they're so light and easy to conceal I'm much more comfortable.

 

[maxpress]

the nice thing about an lcr (mine is the smith 36) is in jacket weather i just put it in my slant pocket on my jacket. i have talked to a couple "humans" with my hand in my pocket that were being beligerent and i didnt know which way the situation was going to go.
now if they would chamber the LCR in 9mm or especially 40 i would hands down have one right now so i didnt have to carry seperate ammo for auto and revolver. (hint hint ruger guys)

 

[CanonLyles]

With the SP101, you can pistol the crap out of sombody if you run out of ammo... lol

 

[JBL13]

I know we are talking two different animals here. I like the design of the LCR and how light it is. I have been looking at the LCR w/ the XS front sight in .38 for everyday carry. However I have also been looking at the SP101 w/ bobbed hammer for carry as well. I know the SP101 in .357 will last a long time and I know how durable it is.

Im just curious if anyone daily carries an SP101. If so have you been looking at the LCR.

I guess I just need a sounding board.

I have both. The SP (.357 Magnum) was my main carry gun for quite awhile after I bought it new five years ago. I bought the LCR (.38 Special) about four months ago, but I still carry the SP more often. I carry the LCR when deep concealment is more important, such as to the BBQ I went to yesterday where some anti-gunners were present.

As much as I like the LCR, I'd pick my SP over it if I could have just one of them. My SP is more versatile than my LCR, is more rugged, and is easier to shoot accurately.

 

[gobe]

With the SP101, you can pistol the crap out of sombody if you run out of ammo... lol

That's true. And, if you're using Buffalo Bore .357's, even if you miss 'em, you'll probably set 'em on fire!

 

[maximus2161]

Well after handling both I ended up with the LCR in .38 for every day carry. It has the XS front sight and boot grip and the lightness amazes me. It rides in a Desantis Super Fly holster in my pocket. Very happy with it and its comfortable to carry. I still want a SP101 in .357 but to be practical the LCR was really what I needed right now.

 

[Slanteyedshootist]

Congratulations on joining the Tupperwheel crowd. If you decide to try IWB carry, a Crossbreed holster works great.

 

[maxpress]

now that you have the lcr you might shoot for a gp100 to cover all your bases.

 

[nn]

I use both, depending the weather and the situation; though, the SP is a .327.

 

[Flint Ridge]

With the SP101, you can pistol the crap out of sombody if you run out of ammo... lol

That's true. And, if you're using Buffalo Bore .357's, even if you miss 'em, you'll probably set 'em on fire!

I looked at the SP101 a lot, but went with the LCR 357.

Oh, and by the way the above quotes are just hilarious :lol:

 

[WendyZXZ]

SP101 .357 3.16" is my daily carry. I also got a laugh at the above comments...especially about pistol whipping the guy if you run out of ammo. :lol:

 

[L3]

I saw my bro max talkn so I thought id jump in, hope im not to far off target, but what about a 44 in those new smith night guards, light and powerful, and night sights to boot. Please dont misunderstand, my heart always stays with rugers. oh sweet six.
3L

 

[DGW1949]

With the SP101, you can pistol the crap out of sombody if you run out of ammo... lol

Strange you should mention that.
I realize that in our Walter Mitty world, we invision ourselves having to shoot our way out of danger based on what our worst fears tell us may be out there just waiting to devour us. But my experiences in the real world have taught me that things aint ever like we thought they'd be.
In my days, I've laid-out more guys with a 6-gun than I've had to shoot. In some cases, the one's I had to knock out came to me later and appologized for starting the attack to begin with. On the other hand, every one that I've shot or killed took a piece of me with them.
Aint trying to influence anyone on how to run their business....just saying that shooting and/or killing another person is a serious thing, allways comes with repercussions, and should not be one's only option. That, and just to get back to the question of which gun to pick.... when things get perty-serious, I find a somewhat heavy, steel side arm to be very comforting.

As far as I'm concerned, them plastic guns are mostly for decoration.

Take that FWIW.

DGW

 

[CanonLyles]

You know, being around LE officers and in martial arts in my mid to late teens helped me understand a few things. There are ways to get out of fights, but if not, then appropriate action must be taken. The level of action is dependant on the threat, and job #1 is to stop the threat. When it comes down to brass tacks, most of the time the sight of a gun will stop an attacker. Sometimes it won't. It is our job as law abiding, armed, responsible citizens to make the best choice to defend ourselves and/or our families.

DGW, killing someone in self defense should not be painful for anyone. But, it is. It should be painful for the person committing the crime. The right choice isn't always the easiest. That's how you can tell a person has a conscience.

Even though my pistol whipping comment is funny, it is true too. It is one more way to stop a threat. IIRCC, Wyatt Earp pistol whipped a lot more people than he ever shot.

And, after 1 warning shot of buffalo bore out of a snub nose (especially at night), how many underpants would be filled to the brim?

 

[Jayhawkhuntclub]

Having thought it over, if you are only considering the bobbed hammer sp101, then I would definitely pick the LCR. It has a dramatically better double action trigger.