Sp101/Gp100

[Jim123_321]

Need some help choosing one, Im looking for another 357, I have a 6 inch 357 "Taurus" already and (2) 38's snub nose..

I want to be able to carry this in the woods hiking and camping, and like the 357 round...I cant open carry and will have to keep it some what covered, I also want this to be a fun gun for the range as well,

I know I want to much out of a gun,

I was thinking about a Sp101 in a 3 inch barrel, With the hogue grip, Thinking this would help with just shooting the gun at the range, and still could somewhat conceal it when hiking/camping..

OR

Should I go with the Gp100 in a 3 inch, I like the extra weight with the Gp100 and would be more enjoyable to shoot at the range but Im worried about carrying the gun concealed.

I have too many guns now and the wife is starting to turn her eye at the collection, lol...But I can always find a reason for just one more..lol

I want both but I cant have both now, What would you do in this case, Im on a Ruger kick lately and only have (3) wheel guns

Just dont know which one to buy...

Thanks for your help Jim

 

[TiteGroups]

If I were to carry one in the woods where it was just covered rather than carrying in a urban environment my choice would be the GP. No compromises.

 

[ChiefTJS]

Have you looked into the new 4" SP-101? Should be a really nice all arounder.

 

[Jim123_321]

havent looked at the 4 inch model, just worried about going over 3" for being able to carry somewhat covered,

I just have the itch again bad for another gun, since december ive bought 4 this year, so I guess the wife has a point, You just cant own too many

I like them both, I was already looking at the wood grip inserts for it as well,

decisiions decisions...lol

 

[glockman99]

I'd get the GP100, as the "extra" weight will help to tame the recoil.

 

[louiethelump]

I would vote for the 3" SP101. GP is too big to comfortably carry concealed.

 

[3spur]

I just picked up my GP 100 4.2" SS 357, and I love it, can't go wrong, can't wait to try it out! :lol:

 

[Sal1950]

I just picked up my GP 100 4.2" SS 357, and I love it, can't go wrong, can't wait to try it out! :lol:

+1 on that. I have all the guns your interested in and I just got my SP101 4.2 a few weeks back off GunBroker and fell in love. Light and agile enough to carry concealed afield but the barrel length combined with the fiber optic front sight and adjustable rear make it an excellent range gun. Won't say it's surpassed my 4.2" GP100 as my favorite FUN range gun but it's running a real close second.. I've wanted one since they were introduced last year but never expected to fall in love with the gun the way I have. YMMV
Sal

 

[Jim123_321]

Ive been back and forth over this all day, Were socked in with rain so nothing better to do than surf the web,

I like both guns, I think both have value in what I want, But with all the Glocks and Beretta's and Smith's that I have already, I really dont need anything....lol.....If we really reach that point

I do spend alot of time in the woods Hiking/camping, I was thinking about my wife using a glock, for two legged problems and the 357 for anything else that comes along, but also wanting a gun for the range to just have fun with,

Is the Sp101 a fun gun for the range, Maybe with a different grip, The Gp100 I think could be conclead with a large fanny pack.

I think both guns are great, But I work for a living and cant afford both right now,

Im leaning toward the gp 100, but I just dont know, the Sp looks good in the 3 inch model, I guess I'll end up buying both down the road, Just wanted some feed back right now

Thanks jim

 

[mr surveyor]

take this for what it's worth.... I carry a revolver on my belt every day "in the field" (I consider it a necessary tool) along with quite a few other tools of my profession. Having experimented with many different revolvers of various chamberings and sizes over quite a few years time, I found the SP101 in 3 inch ,357 to be the very best for all needs. The size makes it concealeable (and I do have to conceal), the weight is totally manageable to carry, and the weight makes shooting most any load very manageable.

I'm sure I'm a bit biased in favor of the SP101.... it's the first firearm I've owned in my lifetime that completely seduced me into starting reloading so I could afford to mindlessly waste lead downrange to kill paper :)

surv

 

[flyguy958]

Both guns are great, but if you want one to carry concealed and not dread it get the SP. The SP is the heaviest I can carry comfortably. It's a great "woods" and range gun too. My 2 cents.

 

[larry237]

I have a 3" SP101 and I find myself carrying it in the woods in the Yellowstone area, even though, I would argue that a larger gun or caliber would be smarter. I have a GP100, 44 Alaskan, and some Smiths, but on hot sweaty days or when I want to CCW, the SP101 rides all day without discomfort or unusually large sweat spots. I feel ok about shooting the SP101 with heavier 357 loads, although not comfy, it is controllable and not painful. Laziness is my excuse.

 

[darkwater67]

Availability may make the decision for you. Currently, the 3" SP101 is hard to find. There is exactly one on Gunbroker right now with bidding at $555, which is almost $100 higher than what they were 6 months ago. Bud's Gun Shop doesn't have any in stock, but VIP members only will get first notice when they are available. Davidson's Gallery of Guns is out of stock. Bottom line, unless a local dealer happens to have one in stock, with Ruger behind in orders, it may be awhile before they are more available.

 

[Jim123_321]

Thanks for taking some time to help with my choice,
I really appreciate it...Any Idea when Ruger is going to start taking
orders again,

Im seeing alot of 44's in stock and and other models, But youre right
about finding the 3inch in anyone's stock right now.

I saw one last January in a local store going for 400.00, I almost bought it
then but I was shopping for a safe to hold them all at that time,

so I didnt want to spend the money on one then, Ive kicked myself
ever since then, Now that I want one cant find it...

Again thanks for the replies
Jim

 

[Jim123_321]

Thanks for taking some time to help with my choice,
I really appreciate it...Any Idea when Ruger is going to start taking
orders again,

Im seeing alot of 44's in stock and and other models, But youre right
about finding the 3inch in anyone's stock right now.

I saw one last January in a local store going for 400.00, I almost bought it
then but I was shopping for a safe to hold them all at that time,

so I didnt want to spend the money on one then, Ive kicked myself
ever since then, Now that I want one cant find it...

Again thanks for the replies
Jim

 

[Jayhawkhuntclub]

That's an easy one: get the 3" sp101. It's a perfect hiking/trail/tacklebox gun. The 4.2" sp101 would be a good choice too.

 

[eveled]

My only problem with the sp101 I think it is too big to be only 5 shot. The S&W model 60 is a 5 shot and it is much smaller than an SP. If The SP101 were 6 shot it would be the perfect gun.

Everytime I think about the question you posed. SP101 or GP100? The only answer I come up with is Security Six. I know I'm beating a dead horse, but the Security Six is the perfect size revolver IMHO.

 

[Jayhawkhuntclub]

The model 60 is only 2.5 oz lighter than the sp101 and essentially the same size. I also have no problem with a security six. But it is significantly bigger and heavier (nearly 1/2 lb) than the sp101. It is however a nice in between size.

BTW, I wouldn't care that the sp101 is a 5 shot. If you need more than 5, maybe six isn't enough either. But that's just my opinion. 8)

 

[Sal1950]

My only problem with the sp101 I think it is too big to be only 5 shot. The S&W model 60 is a 5 shot and it is much smaller than an SP. If The SP101 were 6 shot it would be the perfect gun.

Everytime I think about the question you posed. SP101 or GP100? The only answer I come up with is Security Six. I know I'm beating a dead horse, but the Security Six is the perfect size revolver IMHO.

I love my 4" Security Six that I bought new in 1984 but compared to the position we're in now I find it as a compromise, a great compromise, but a compromise none the less. IMHO today's catalog of a SUPER strong 357 duty gun in the GP's, and a 357 that is sized for great CCW, backup, etc; in the SP's is a much better position.
Plus while the S6 line of guns are GREAT guns in and of themselves, the GP-SP redesigns did bring some valuable improvements to the Ruger wheelguns.
Sal

 

[bronco45]

The SP 4.2" with adjustable sights, makes it the winner. 38/357 loads are notorious for needing adjustable sights due to change in POI?POA issues with diverse bullet weights and powder charges.

I have owned 6 Sps and currently own a GP. None of the SPs whether 3" or 2.25" bbls ever shot to Point of Aim. The field grade 4.2" SP you can dial in your favorite load for precise shot placement.

The 4" SP is the same size as a Colt Police Positive D Frame. My next 357 is a 4.2" Sp just because of it's versatility. We report; you decide.

 

[woodsy]

Have you looked into the new 4" SP-101? Should be a really nice all arounder.

Got one. Still have it. Really great, especially the F/O front sight. Will never let it go.

 

[Major T]

I carried a sidearm daily for almost 40 years. IMO (worth what you paid for it), the bit extra barrel length of the 4.2" 101 is not an issue for most to carry. A really small or very thin person might like the three inch better. I have four J-frame S&W .38s in various configurations all with 1 7/8" barrels (2airweights [40 and 37] and two 60s). By the time you get a shooter grip on them, it is a greater problem to conceal than a bit longer barrel would be.

My next revolver will likely be an SP 101 four incher for a light trail gun, for times when a .44 seems to be a bit much. Unless you are really fond of the Tarus, you could trade it in or sell itto help offset some of the expense - then get both a GP and SP. jack

 

[wproct]

I think you have decided that you really want both, you are just agonizing over which one to buy first. Buy whichever one you find at a decent price first, then start saving the coins for the second one. Sounds like you already have guns that will fill your needs, you just want a more complete collection. Let us know what you wind up buying. :D

 

[P94/GP100]

I'd try both and see which one you index best with. I've had a 3" GP100 (one of the older .38 Special ones, with green Xenoy grip inserts at that); I liked it, but I found the GP100 easier to use and more accurate. The hardest part of a revolver to conceal is the butt, not the barrel-especially given the relatively small length differences between 3" and 4.2"

You might want to consider taking a hard look at the 3" GP100; it's fixed-sighted (the sights on mine were optomized for 158 gr loads, which I presume is still the case, but Ruger may have some alternative heights on hand to compensate for various cartridge weights, or judicious gunsmithing can be employed to achieve the desired sight height/cartridge synchronization). While Ruger is now issuing all GP100s with Hogue rubber grips (except the Clapp Special Editions), I'm sure you can still find the older small OEM "round butt" grip, which uses the same inserts as the SP101. Just be aware that while both the older Ruger OEM grips are interchangable on GP100s, they use different screws-so if you get the smaller grip, make sure that you concurrently get the proper-sized inserts and screw.

Here's an image of a 4" GP100 with the smaller Ruger grips installed, with the full-size grips adjacent for comparison:

If you decide on the SP101, I strongly recommend that you consider getting a set of Trausch grips for it; see www.trausch.com.

Best, Jon

 

[twopipe20]

My long-time shooting buddy bought a 3" .357 SP101 for concealed and general carry. He put a set of Hogue rubber grips on it right off. It's a little "jumpy" but not uncomfortable to shoot, even with full-house 158 gr. loads. The sights were dead on and we had no problem picking off clay pigeons at 25+ yards over sandbags. Great little gun.

 

[Lost Sheep]

Need some help choosing one, Im looking for another 357, I have a 6 inch 357 "Taurus" already and (2) 38's snub nose..

I want to be able to carry this in the woods hiking and camping, and like the 357 round...I cant open carry and will have to keep it some what covered, I also want this to be a fun gun for the range as well,

I know I want to much out of a gun,

I was thinking about a Sp101 in a 3 inch barrel, With the hogue grip, Thinking this would help with just shooting the gun at the range, and still could somewhat conceal it when hiking/camping..

OR

Should I go with the Gp100 in a 3 inch, I like the extra weight with the Gp100 and would be more enjoyable to shoot at the range but Im worried about carrying the gun concealed.

I have too many guns now and the wife is starting to turn her eye at the collection, lol...But I can always find a reason for just one more..lol

I want both but I cant have both now, What would you do in this case, Im on a Ruger kick lately and only have (3) wheel guns

Just dont know which one to buy...

Thanks for your help Jim

I have a couple of SP101s, and GP100s in 4" and 6", also Security Sixes in 2.75", 4" and 6".

I vote for the GP, but suggest a 4". It will be more fun on the range than the SP and not that much more difficult to conceal in the woods than a 3".

My SPs are challenging to shoot well. Rudimentary sights, short barrel and fierce recoil. With the same ammunition, the GPs and the Sixes are much easier to control, so are a LOT more fun.

In the woods, I don't have as much problem concealing as I would in town. I always have a vest, rain gear, day pack or something. Besides, Alaska is an open carry state. My woods gun is a 7.5" Super Redhawk.

Second choice (second only because you didn't mention it) would be one of the Sixes (Security Six, Service Six or Speed Six) in 2.75" or 4".

My 2.75" Security Six slips into my jeans pocket almost as easily as my SPs, though does bulge more. (I don't carry that way, but mention it just as a comparison.)

Bottom line:

Top choice: Security Six in 2.75" or 4"

Second choice: 3" or 4" GP100 and a fanny pack holster.

Third choice: SP101

Good luck

 

[mdewitt71]

I was wanting a new SP101 in 4.2" for months but, when I finally got my hands on one and got to play around with it, I ended up buying a 4" GP100.
Awesome looking pistol but, once I felt it and held it, I didnt care for it. The grip was alot smaller than I was thinking it would be and I do not have large hands....
I liked the look of the front fiber optic sight post but, in a good tight holster, it wanted to snag a lil bit from its higher profile.

 

[eveled]

Not all of them have the fiber optic front sight. Ed

 

[hammeredbean]

Here is my experience with the SP101

I am a small guy and I have a permanent 3" SP101 tatoo on my right hip. It
NEVER leaves my side..... I like it because I can conceal it wearing anything from church clothes to shorts and a t-shirt. It is the only small size 357 that is strong enough to shoot full enchilada loads without damage to the shooter or the gun. I can kill milk jugs free handing at 35 yds pretty easily, and I shot straight through a large fat doe from a tree climber at nose bleed height and 20 yds distance.....she didn't run but a few yards either. I also shot a small buck through the top of the back and out of his gut....he never took another step.

It is too heavy for pocket carry, but perfect for IWB. I intend to try Hogue grips soon, but haven't yet. I also intend to try my hand at smithing to file a channel in the top strap to make room for J-Frame sights...(fingers crossed)
It shoots magnums so well, I scoff at 38's. I do however intend to buy a 4" GP100 in the future, but the SP101 won't be leaving my side. I am getting close to to getting reloading equipment and hope to find some nice 180gr loads for it. The 3" barrel is the ideal length for me to be able to conceal/ vs shoot. I also like the fact that if I find myself needing a crow bar, or small hammer, I can just use the Ruger :lol:

I hope this helps. If I had ANY complaint, it would be the rear sight not being adjustable. But the deer don't know the difference. I think the 357 in a small package like this can just about do it all. I will say though, that is Ruger would make an sp in a 44 special, now theeeeere we'd have a little sweety too!


SP101 # 2 by mtnbikerealtor, on Flickr

 

[woodsy]

Not all of them have the fiber optic front sight. Ed

The only 4.2" SP101's are F/O front sights, as per the Ruger website.
Look:
http://www.ruger.com/products/sp101/models.html