SP 101 357mag help

[thumbs]

I am leaning toward the 4". I do not intend to use the revolver as ccw but maybe a cross draw owb in winter. What are the thoughts of people that own this revolver?

I guess the first question is can this revolver be loaded with an effective bear load? I will be reloading for the revolver so there maybe more options. If there is a good bear load commercially that could work.

Are any of you using am wondering a few things about the Sp 101 357 mag as a trail pistol. I am leaning this revolver for the same job as my intentions and how do you feel it fills the roll?

thanks for the help

 

[22/45 Fan]

I had one and liked it. The 4.2" barrel and adjustable sights made it far more versatile than just as a CCW gun. As for "bear loads", I assume Black Bear, not Grizzly, right? I think any 158 gr or heavier soft point or hard cast lead flat point loaded to full power will do the job nicely.

 

[thumbs]

Well actually Grizzly. Well not mostly but occasionally. I do hike and dual sport in the west and they are around. My intention, of course, is to avoid at all costs. But wondered if the 101 would be as good a choice as any.

What go me thinking is last week I was on a trail with my dirt bike and she quit in the middle of no where. I could have been a long hike out and there are quite a few bears in the area. Only had a 9mm with me and thought that was about as good as a stone. Thought maybe I my need something a bit more appropriate.

 

[Bear Paw Jack]

4" SP101 is as good as any 357 Mag and better than many. Nice thing is, it has a long cylinder and if you want to use a 180 gr or 200 gr HC you can use it. It's a handy gun, not too heavy and good to have adjustable sights.

 

[Bob R]

I really like the SP101, and I have my 3 Inch on as I type this. As you do not plan to conceal carry have you given any thought to a GP100 instead. The GP100 hold 1 more round, and will be a lot more pleasant to shoot with a HEAVY Bear Load. Especially with the Hogue Tamer Grips on it. Any 357 load for bear is not going to be a 357 Mid Range like most of us carry in an SP101 for self defense. It is going to be Loud, and Recoil Hard.
Just another option to consider. I also have a GP100, and if I were going to go to FULL HOUSE 357 Magnum, I would carry it.

Bob R

 

[stevemb]

Since you said you'll be reloading, look at the 180-187gr WFN type bullets.

 

[eveled]

I'll second the recommendation for a GP100 instead.

 

[drastic_quench]

3rd the GP.

The SP grips and weight are fine with defense loads but bear loads would be nasty. Give the 44 mag fair consideration too. Many think of it as the bare minimum for bear.

 

[diyj98]

I agree the recoil with heavy bullet bear loads would be... well.. a "bear" to handle. If I was going to pack a 357 in grizzly country, it would be a GP100 for the extra round capacity and heavier weight to help with recoil.

 

[David LaPell]

If I were to carry a .357 Magnum for grizzly, (we have only black bears here) I would lean more towards the 170 grain cast Lyman #358429 with a good load of 2400. I carry some in mine when I go berry picking because the black bears like the same berries I do and I don't want any misunderstandings between us to get out of hand. I load mine in .38 Special +P brass with 12.5 grains of 2400. I know out of my Blackhawk with a 6 1/2 inch barrel I chronographed them at about 1,250 fps. Not sure what it would be like out of a short barrel. I have shot some out of my 2 1/4 inch SP-101 and the recoil isn't that bad.

 

[Chuck 100 yd]

GP 100... I 4th that emotion. +4 +4 +4

 

[woodsy]

I have both the 4" SP and 6" GP. I carry either one in a waist pack while hiking (to not be visible). Try Buffalo Bore (I think that's the company) for bear loads, but try not to carry the SP against grizzlies. That revolver is more effective against black bears. Either way, high-end (expensive and effective, fog-producing) bear spray should be the first go-to during a bear encounter.

 

[Bear Paw Jack]

I've spent a fair amount of time around grizzly's bottom line is IF you actually think you are going to be around one I'd carry something starting with a 4.