SP101 cylinder diff on current 38 vs 357 models.

[wolfee]

If you go to the Ruger SP101 page, and toggle back and forth between the SP101/38/2.25" and the SP101/357/2.25" it appears that there is a tiny bit more barrel extension sticking into the frame on the 38. I assume this is because they use the same size frame, but the 38 has a slightly shorter cylinder, yes? Or is it just an optical illusion?

 

[wolfee]

Forgot to link the pic page. Here it is:
http://www.ruger.com/products/sp101/models.html

Also, Ruger shows the 38 weighing 1oz more than the 357. How's that? Just inattention to specs that were probably pretty casually developed for the catalog anyway?

 

[xtratoy]

There are 4 357 to look at and one 38. If you compare them all, they all appear to be different in that area to a small degree.

 

[darkwater67]

Forgot to link the pic page. Here it is:
http://www.ruger.com/products/sp101/models.html

Also, Ruger shows the 38 weighing 1oz more than the 357. How's that? Just inattention to specs that were probably pretty casually developed for the catalog anyway?

Actually, the 38 weighs the same as the equivalent length 357 with hammer spur...I think you're looking at the specs for the spurless 357, which does weigh 1 oz less because the spur is not there.

I can't definitively answer the cylinder question...don't have access to both models to compare them.

 

[wolfee]

That's it. Spurless. The one with the hammer is the same weight.

 

[9x19]

The frame window is the same, but the cylinder is usually shorter on the .38 so yes, the barrel extends into the frame farther... otherwise the .38 bullet would have a long way to jump from case to barrel.

 

[Sal1950]

Now I'm curious, does anyone here have a later model 38spl only SP101?
I have an old one that was made before the 357's came out and my cylinder is 1.517 OAL. I'm wondering if Ruger actually makes the new 38s with a short cylinder like mine or if they just ream the chambers short?.
Sal

 

[xtratoy]

I was thinking the same. It doesn't make sense to produce two different sized cylinders when all they have to do is run the reamer in deeper for the 357.