LCR or SP101?

[omega]

I messed up and bought an SR9. I love the pistol, but I have a bad left hand and just can't manage to work the heavy slide. So...it looks like the solution for me is to get a revolver, which I probably should gotten in the first place!

Anyway, between the LCR .357 mag and the SP101, which would be better all around for concealed carry, carrying in th woods, and home defense? I like the trigger of the LCR much better than the SP101 trigger, so I'm guessing I'd shoot better with it. I'd probably shoot mostly .38spcl +P, but it's nice to have the .357mag option. I like the extra weight of the SP101 to help reduce recoil, and I like the longer barrel.

Is there much of an accuracy difference between the two, primarily at under 10 yards? Does the .357mag lose much of its ballistic advantage coming out of the shorter barrel of the LCR? Is recoil in .38spcl +P managable in both guns?

Any opinions would be appreciated!

 

[MCPO]

No info on an LCR but I do own 3 of the SP101.

2 with 2¼" Bbl and one 3" Bbl. The 357 lets you know it (sore wrist after 25 rds), the 38+P I could shoot all day and I have stock grips on all 3.

 

[Flint Ridge]

Can't go wrong with your choices. I have the LCR in 357, shoot mostly 38 spl's but have put some 357's down it as well. Seemed easy to shoot for me, not a big guy by any means. I like the choice of ammo. IWB for CCW works fine with the Hogue grips. Would be nice if you could test them, but you probably won't find the LCR in 357.

If you liked the LCR trigger wait till you use it. I dry fired mine about 2,000 times and it has gotten substantially better. Rapid fire with 357 magnums yesterday about 21' would make a very nice CCW and at 17 oz is all day friendly.

Let us know what you decide.

 

[smokehouse]

I have my reservations about the LCR...

With the .357 models you're talking about 17oz-vs-25oz...not that big of a difference depending on how you want to carry.

So many people get caught up in the weight game only to finally mess with a SP101 and say "Wow...the difference isn't as much as I thought." That extra weight also translates to better build and easier and more manageable recoil.

When it comes to self defense there's one thing no expert can deny...the key to using a firearm correctly is...


Practice, practice, practice, practice, practice...

Now...while I would trust the LCR to handle .357 loads...I do not trust it to handle 1000's of them. Having put some 500 rounds down the barrel of my SP101 since buying it 4 months ago...I would be safe to say that when my pistol is 3-4 years old, I'll have close to 2500-3000+ rounds down it. I don't think a LCR could handle that.

I think too many people sacrifice usability for weight nowadays. The thing is, people carry heavy 1911's, full size semi autos and even heavier revolvers every day...a 25oz SP101 isn't that much of a hog and I believe the build is far superior to that of a LCR.

Ruger sells guns and they're going to cater to a customer's demands. Right now the customer is screaming for lightweight firearms and Ruger is going to make what sells. This doesn't mean it is necessarily a superior product...it just means its a light revolver...

 

[Flint Ridge]

I have my reservations about the LCR...

With the .357 models you're talking about 17oz-vs-25oz...not that big of a difference depending on how you want to carry.

So many people get caught up in the weight game only to finally mess with a SP101 and say "Wow...the difference isn't as much as I thought." That extra weight also translates to better build and easier and more manageable recoil.

When it comes to self defense there's one thing no expert can deny...the key to using a firearm correctly is...


Practice, practice, practice, practice, practice...

Now...while I would trust the LCR to handle .357 loads...I do not trust it to handle 1000's of them. Having put some 500 rounds down the barrel of my SP101 since buying it 4 months ago...I would be safe to say that when my pistol is 3-4 years old, I'll have close to 2500-3000+ rounds down it. I don't think a LCR could handle that.

I think too many people sacrifice usability for weight nowadays. The thing is, people carry heavy 1911's, full size semi autos and even heavier revolvers every day...a 25oz SP101 isn't that much of a hog and I believe the build is far superior to that of a LCR.

Ruger sells guns and they're going to cater to a customer's demands. Right now the customer is screaming for lightweight firearms and Ruger is going to make what sells. This doesn't mean it is necessarily a superior product...it just means its a light revolver...

No question the SP101 is a fine item and I may very well get one over time, truely wonderful. The weight issue will be up to the individual user as will the size. Personally I went with the 357 LCR because of the extra weight, to help with recoil for The Bride.

However, I am curious as to what you think might be failing with the LCR after 3,000 rounds of 357? Not that I plan to put that much of the heavy stuff through it. I just trust Ruger a little more than that.

Unfortunately most folks won't follow your rule either to practise and therefore will only have a few hundred through it at best and that IS a problem. Like yourself, we have had ours just a few weeks and have about 350 through it. Amazingly soft shooting with the 38 spl's.

Once omega gets one, he'll like it so much he will have to get the other one anyway! I bought my first Ruger pistol last August - now I have 4

 

[WAYNO]

omega...Welcome to the Forum!

I own both.

For urban survival, either revolver should fit the requirements, just fine.

But, when you add "woods carry" to the mission, then I impose a few more requirements, and I believe the SP101 is a better choice.

When I'm in the woods, I do always think of survival scenarios. These scenarios could involve shooting a handgun at longer than urban self-defense distances, so the extra advantage of single action capability is important. I might actually have to shoot food, to survive.

And, at the same time, when I'm in the woods, my handguns are loaded with the stoutest loads they are chambered for. When the chips are down, the SP101 will handle a .357 much better than a .357 LCR.

Now, here's the deal, and here's where so many of us get caught up in owning so many niche guns. If a guy carries a .357 in the woods, in a SP101, it's very likely it would be in a 3" model. Then, with just slightly more weight, and a slightly bigger size, a guy could be carrying a short barreled, medium-frame revolver.

Oh, the choices... :wink:

Good luck in making your choice. No matter what you get, you'll very likely second guess yourself, and go shopping, again.

WAYNO.

 

[maxpress]

I have a 3" sp and like it. that would be my choice out of those 2 for your requirments since you mentioned woods travel.
If you happen to see a speed six with a 2.5 barrel get it. So close in size and its a six shot. And i find mine to be much more accurate.

 

[Hugh]

I have a 3" sp and like it. that would be my choice out of those 2 for your requirments since you mentioned woods travel.
If you happen to see a speed six with a 2.5 barrel get it. So close in size and its a six shot. And i find mine to be much more accurate.

I have not handled the LCR. I do own and shoot a 2-1/4" SP-101 .357. I really like the SP-101, shooting either .38 Spl+P or .357 Magnum ammunition. I won't deviate other than to mention I also have a 3" Ruger Police Service Six .357 Magnum. Great shooter; I believe the weight is 34 ounces. The weight difference between the SP-101 and 3" Service Six is very noticeable. Not a complaint, but it sure manages heavy duty .357 ammunition well.

 

[smokehouse]

However, I am curious as to what you think might be failing with the LCR after 3,000 rounds of 357? Not that I plan to put that much of the heavy stuff through it. I just trust Ruger a little more than that.

.357 is a hot round...hotter than many give it credit for in this day of uber handgun calibers like the .454, .460 and .500. The .357 is underestimated. I have my doubts about the long term condition of the top strap on these lightweight revolvers via flame cutting.

Look at the ultra lightweight S&W .357...people are 100% having problems with them. A thin strap and hot round like the .357 isn't a good combo.

.38 is a different ball game...even in +P...a .357 is so much hotter (often up to 50% more FPS out of a similar +P-vs-.357 type of ammo). Taking that much umph and putting it into a lightweight revolver seems like you're asking for it over time.

I then hear "well...I don't run many .357 rounds through it" comments and that too doesn't seem like a good idea. If I buy a .357 small frame revolver for self defense, I'm going to run 1000's of hot rounds through it to get used to it. Shooting .38 all of the time seems rather pointless if you're going to pack .357...even +P rounds.


I'm not hammering the choice of a ultra lightweight revolver...I just think you're giving up major functionality just to shave a few ounces...

 

[Flint Ridge]

However, I am curious as to what you think might be failing with the LCR after 3,000 rounds of 357? Not that I plan to put that much of the heavy stuff through it. I just trust Ruger a little more than that.

.357 is a hot round...hotter than many give it credit for in this day of uber handgun calibers like the .454, .460 and .500. The .357 is underestimated. I have my doubts about the long term condition of the top strap on these lightweight revolvers via flame cutting.

Look at the ultra lightweight S&W .357...people are 100% having problems with them. A thin strap and hot round like the .357 isn't a good combo.

.38 is a different ball game...even in +P...a .357 is so much hotter (often up to 50% more FPS out of a similar +P-vs-.357 type of ammo). Taking that much umph and putting it into a lightweight revolver seems like you're asking for it over time.

I then hear "well...I don't run many .357 rounds through it" comments and that too doesn't seem like a good idea. If I buy a .357 small frame revolver for self defense, I'm going to run 1000's of hot rounds through it to get used to it. Shooting .38 all of the time seems rather pointless if you're going to pack .357...even +P rounds.


I'm not hammering the choice of a ultra lightweight revolver...I just think you're giving up major functionality just to shave a few ounces...

Which one will probably be better 200 years from now? The SP101 would be a pretty good guess. On the 357 LCR the frame is Stainless Steel, that is where the extra weight comes from, so I am hopeful it will not be cutting through the SS.

This is my first LCR 357, so it designated as The Bride's as she learns to carry, but will use the 38's. Me I like the 357's as well. However, it is so much fun to shoot and so light, I can see myself getting one as a primary for myself. If you get a chance try one with the Hogue grips sometime. I'll try or just buy an SP101 at some point.

Happy shopping Omega!

 

[Bear Paw Jack]

I messed up and bought an SR9. I love the pistol, but I have a bad left hand and just can't manage to work the heavy slide. So...it looks like the solution for me is to get a revolver, which I probably should gotten in the first place!

Anyway, between the LCR .357 mag and the SP101, which would be better all around for concealed carry, carrying in th woods, and home defense? I like the trigger of the LCR much better than the SP101 trigger, so I'm guessing I'd shoot better with it. I'd probably shoot mostly .38spcl +P, but it's nice to have the .357mag option. I like the extra weight of the SP101 to help reduce recoil, and I like the longer barrel.

Is there much of an accuracy difference between the two, primarily at under 10 yards? Does the .357mag lose much of its ballistic advantage coming out of the shorter barrel of the LCR? Is recoil in .38spcl +P managable in both guns?

Any opinions would be appreciated!

I have both the LCR and the SP101. When you talk about concealed carry I'd go with the LCR. WHen you add the other things I'd stick with the SP101. I really think the SP is more of an all around gun and I like the 3" barrel for added sight radius, I like the option of shooting single action for woods buming and like Wayno said I may have to shoot my own dinner. I think the grips available for the SP are better and a little more weight in the gun gives more control. Out in the woods I won't carry the lighter personal defense loads I think the heavier 180 grain rounds that can handle bigger issues is important. The Federal Cast Cores are good there. Welcome to the forum. I believe others have posted issues that you didn't address. Also rethink the SR9. It is a fine handgun and with a little training you will find you can handle the slide. There are other ways of working a slide like using a pocket or table top and it will give additional options for personal defense.

 

[JBL13]

I messed up and bought an SR9. I love the pistol, but I have a bad left hand and just can't manage to work the heavy slide. So...it looks like the solution for me is to get a revolver, which I probably should gotten in the first place!

Anyway, between the LCR .357 mag and the SP101, which would be better all around for concealed carry, carrying in th woods, and home defense? I like the trigger of the LCR much better than the SP101 trigger, so I'm guessing I'd shoot better with it. I'd probably shoot mostly .38spcl +P, but it's nice to have the .357mag option. I like the extra weight of the SP101 to help reduce recoil, and I like the longer barrel.

Is there much of an accuracy difference between the two, primarily at under 10 yards? Does the .357mag lose much of its ballistic advantage coming out of the shorter barrel of the LCR? Is recoil in .38spcl +P managable in both guns?

Any opinions would be appreciated!

I have both the LCR and the SP101. When you talk about concealed carry I'd go with the LCR. WHen you add the other things I'd stick with the SP101. I really think the SP is more of an all around gun and I like the 3" barrel for added sight radius, I like the option of shooting single action for woods buming and like Wayno said I may have to shoot my own dinner. I think the grips available for the SP are better and a little more weight in the gun gives more control. Out in the woods I won't carry the lighter personal defense loads I think the heavier 180 grain rounds that can handle bigger issues is important. The Federal Cast Cores are good there. Welcome to the forum. I believe others have posted issues that you didn't address. Also rethink the SR9. It is a fine handgun and with a little training you will find you can handle the slide. There are other ways of working a slide like using a pocket or table top and it will give additional options for personal defense.

+1. I own an .38 LCR and an SP .357 2.25" DAO. If I were to pick between the two basic models for what the OP wants to do, I'd get a 3" SP for the reasons you cited. But when I carry a .357 in the woods (and sometimes even around town), I usually pack one of my 4" GPs.

 

[Knuckles]

I think there would be someone on the forum here who would do some swapping with ya'... ain't nothin' wrong with your SR9.

I started out with a GP100 3" bbl... I now have the SP101 .357mag/.38spl (double-action-only), I really... REALLY! like it, if I get another gun it won't be because I sold my SP101.

 

[Jayhawkhuntclub]

I agree about the 3" sp101 and woods carry. And while the LCR has a MUCH better trigger, the sp101 can be dramatically smoothed/lightened.

I really don't buy the "LCR can't handle 357 loads" talk. I just don't see why it can't handle it.

It's not an easy decision. Good luck.

 

[maxpress]

I really don't buy the "LCR can't handle 357 loads" talk. I just don't see why it can't handle it.

It's not an easy decision. Good luck.

So has sombody blown up an LCR or had a cylinder do the freespin dance or is this just because of the "I dont like glocks because there plastic" crowd again?

 

[Jayhawkhuntclub]

I really don't buy the "LCR can't handle 357 loads" talk. I just don't see why it can't handle it.

It's not an easy decision. Good luck.

So has sombody blown up an LCR or had a cylinder do the freespin dance or is this just because of the "I dont like glocks because there plastic" crowd again?

Are you asking me? I've personally never heard of a problem with the 357 version. I was only responding to the above posts that question the revolvers ability to hold up over time.

 

[Knuckles]

I really don't buy the "LCR can't handle 357 loads" talk. I just don't see why it can't handle it.

It's not an easy decision. Good luck.

So has sombody blown up an LCR or had a cylinder do the freespin dance or is this just because of the "I dont like glocks because there plastic" crowd again?

Are you asking me? I've personally never heard of a problem with the 357 version. I was only responding to the above posts that question the revolvers ability to hold up over time.

The LCR doesn't have the track-record that the SP101's do... time will tell.

I just question my own manhood in regards to blasting .357mags in a lightweight revolver like the LCR... anyone doing it yet?... I'd like your feedback too! :shock:

 

[maxpress]

No, I dont buy it either. It was just a question of curiosity. I keep hearing all these speculations of critical failure but havnt actually heard a confirmed failure yet.

 

[rhatimi]

Knuckles, what kind of grips are you running on that sp-101? Looks great!

 

[Purple Sage]

I think there would be someone on the forum here who would do some swapping with ya'... ain't nothin' wrong with your SR9.

I started out with a GP100 3" bbl... I now have the SP101 .357mag/.38spl (double-action-only), I really... REALLY! like it, if I get another gun it won't be because I sold my SP101.

Great picture, knuckles...... Tell me about those grips.......

 

[Knuckles]

They're 'Uncle Mike's' (Boot-Grips) last distributed by "Butler Creek"

My favorite SP101 Grips... I wish I could make the same thing in wood to sell, but I'm no carpenter.

 

[OldNavy]

I have both the .38 LCR and SP101. Because of the weight difference, I much prefer the LCR for carry in a front pocket holster. If you are going to carry in a belt holster, the weight difference between the two becomes insignificant.

My primary belt gun is either a 3" GP100 or a 4" FP100 with fixed sights. I'm a large guy and can CCW the GP100 in a IWB holster about as easily as I can the SP101.

Speed of access is a major part of the decision. The standard (old style with the wood inserts) GP100 grip fills my hand better and more quickly and consistently than the smaller SP101. I replaced the factory compact grips on the 3" GP100 with a standard sized set for this reason.

Your mileage may vary.

 

[ftlupton]

Wifey and her LCR, she's 103 pounds and if you can match her groups at 10 yds my hats off to ya. She loves the gun and even with stiff reloads she just keeps pourin em in there. I had one too but daughter shot it and now it is in Pennsylvannia.

 

[bjec1248]

seems like there have been a bunch of these LCR vs. 101 threads; maybe it should be a FAQ by now.

short answer: I have both. LCR to carry, 101 to shoot. but the LCR is OK to shoot, & the 101 is OK to carry. the other is just better.