Made the Decision on the SP101

[ColColt]

I've been looking for a 3 inch S&W 686 for months now and either someone got to it before me or they just aren't out there. I've all but given up trying to find one. The 4 inch is a bit too large for what I'm looking for. So,l I considered the model 66-2 or -3 and even the 60-15 but, neither of these are going to be able to digest many 357 Magnum loads and if I'm going to have to shoot 38 Special or +P, I may as well get a 38 Special.

Taking all that into consideration with the fact I can't find what I'm looking for and if I do, at a decent price, I've decided maybe an SP101 may be the best route to take. From all indications of what I've read, it can take full bore 357 ammo regularly, not that that's all I'd shoot, but it's nice to know it won't shoot loose at a box each month.

I shot one guy's 2 1/2 inch SP101 at the range not long back and liked it...except for the grips. They caused my middle finger knuckle to be sore after just half a dozen rounds. I'm looking into other grips and these are the ones I think I'd like. Does anyone have these and if so, how do you like them? I'm just trying to get my knuckle away from the trigger guard to eliminate that pounding.

http://www.amazon.com/Monogrips-Rubber-Grip-Ruger-Sp101~/dp/B003F6F8OY/ref=sr_1_fkmr2_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1294080314&sr=1-3-fkmr2

 

[Okie69]

I have a 101 in 327 and use the Hogue grip. I couldn't take the factory grips, I guess I am to much of a wimp.

 

[Swampbilly]

I'll make my recommendation, based on being a past owner of a Smith & Wesson Model 586 357 Magnum revolver. The S&W Model 686 is the modern day replacement for that.

First, let me say I owned the Model 586 (no dash) for many years and eventually sold it...a poor and later very regretted decision.

If you have decided against the Model 686 and looking for a comparable Ruger revolver, my recommendation would be for the GP100, which also is available in a 3" barrel :

http://ruger.com/products/gp100/models.html

One day in the distant future, I would like to have a stainless model GP100, with 6" barrel, in replacement for my old Model 586. I don't really like the new model Smith revolvers and can purchase the GP100 for less and have a "tough as tanks" revolver. Apart from that, it would be great to find another older Model 586 that someone had as a safe queen, practically new, that I might pick up. Though I much preferred the $250 price I bought my original 586 for.

I believe the Ruger GP100 comes a bit closer in comparison to the S&W 686 than the SP101 does...a key difference being the GP100 being a 6-shot vs the 5-shot of the SP101. My Model 586 was a 6-shot, but seems I recall the 686's are 7-shot now.

I believe the SP101 to be a fine revolver in its own right, but of the opinion you will find the GP100 a closer 686 comparison.

 

[ColColt]

The blue 586 is indeed a fine looking revolver...almost bought one. I've handled the 686 at gun shows and at the gun shop here and it's just a mite larger than I want. That's why I thought of the SP101. I don't recall seeing the GP100 and can't identify with it's size. Is it smaller than the 586? I don't really care for the "hump" on the GP100 if you know what I mean.

I've read of so many problems with the lock on current production S&W revolvers, it's pretty much soured me on getting one and there's been plenty problems on the S&W forum about this.

 

[mtnbikerx]

I just bought an SP101 (today) and before shooting it I noticed the knuckle/guard interference issue. AND I can wrap my fingers all the way around the grip and touch my palm. Also my little finger is below the grip. This grip fits my wife's hand perfectly and she is anxious to get out and shoot it. however, my plan is to use this as my CCW and I will change out the grips for that. Is the Hogue grip what most are using?

 

[Eric N.]

I have the Hogue on my 3.06 in 357.

 

[cwegga]

I just bought an SP101 (today) and before shooting it I noticed the knuckle/guard interference issue. AND I can wrap my fingers all the way around the grip and touch my palm. Also my little finger is below the grip. This grip fits my wife's hand perfectly and she is anxious to get out and shoot it. however, my plan is to use this as my CCW and I will change out the grips for that. Is the Hogue grip what most are using?

I prefer the Badger boot grips for CC.

 

[41manor44]

These are exactly the grips I put on my SP101. Now there is room for all my fingers. It also makes the full house loads more managable

 

[41manor44]

The blue 586 is indeed a fine looking revolver...almost bought one. I've handled the 686 at gun shows and at the gun shop here and it's just a mite larger than I want. That's why I thought of the SP101. I don't recall seeing the GP100 and can't identify with it's size. Is it smaller than the 586? I don't really care for the "hump" on the GP100 if you know what I mean.

I've read of so many problems with the lock on current production S&W revolvers, it's pretty much soured me on getting one and there's been plenty problems on the S&W forum about this.

I have both a 686 and GP100. Size is about the same but the GP100 is a bit beefier. The 686 seems a mite slender thru the grip frame. The price is where the big difference comes in. Smith is about $200 higher. :lol:

 

[protoolman]

The Trausch grip is bigger and more hand filling and is my favorite.

 

[ruumis]

Consider the nylon version of those grips you linked if you plan on carrying the SP101 concealed. Nylon prints through clothing less than soft rubber for better concealment potential. I have the nylon version and it's excellent.

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/default.aspx?productNumber=161834

Does anyone have these and if so, how do you like them? I'm just trying to get my knuckle away from the trigger guard to eliminate that pounding.

http://www.amazon.com/Monogrips-Rubber-Grip-Ruger-Sp101~/dp/B003F6F8OY/ref=sr_1_fkmr2_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1294080314&sr=1-3-fkmr2

 

[mtnbikerx]

Saw a beautiful SP101 in another thread and that prompted me to order a set of Badger grips for my own. Ordered Rosewood last night at 1000, this morning at 0900 Jim Badger calls me with his apologies for being out of stock on the Rosewood because of his CNC machine being down and offers either Walnut or silver and black. I chose Walnut and mentioned my hands are a little larger than average. He offered to make the palm part of the grip slightly thicker for me and he'd try to get them out tomorrow! Woowoo, Custom "Custom" grips just for me. :wink:


Can't fault that CS in any way.