GP 100 or SP 101

[Ex]

I had owned my GP100 and SP101 for about four years when I came across some police trade in S&W M64s, I bought three and gave one each to my Mom and sister, kept one for my household.

My wife loves shooting it, her 14 yr old boy likes to think it's "his" and I have spent a lot of time playing around shooting my inexpensive lead hollow point reloads.

The M64 and M10, in my opinion, are probably the most over looked revolvers for the average household.

EX, if you have a household that likes going shooting with you but does not care for the full house 357 out of a GP100 the S&W M10, or M64 should get a good hard look from you!

My wife likes my GP100 but only shoots a few rounds out of it before her wrists get tired. I have the 6" barrel with full underlug so it's no surprise.
She will shoot the M64 until we are out of ammo for the day.

Thanks DeMilled! Will be over at gunbroker and others this eve looking at M64 and M10.

But again, just how snappy is a .44 mag from a wheel gun? How much more oomph would be felt over the .357? I handle full boat .357s with no problem at all. But everything bigger than that in my possession is in a semi that absorbs much of the recoil.
Just curious...

 

[DeMilled]

I'd say the difference between stout 357 mag and 44 mag is a bit like the difference between 40 cal and 45 acp.

The 44 mag is stronger, for sure, but it's more of a strong push over a sharp/snappy recoil.

Bear in mind that this is just from shooting other guys 44 mag revolvers, I don't own one.
Yet...

 

[MCMXI]

I have the following Ruger revolvers chambered in .357 Mag.

GP100 4.2" barrel stainless
GP100 3.0" barrel stainless
SP101 3.06" barrel stainless
LCR 1.875" barrel stainless

I can comfortably shoot the heaviest magnum loads (numerous rounds) out of the GP100s and SP101 with Hogue grips. I wouldn't want to shoot too many Remington 125gr UMC loads out of the LCR but I can shoot Golden Saber 125gr ammunition out of the LCR all day long, also with Hogue grips. I use the LCR for CC and am adding another as a back up. I don't use the SP101 or the GP100s for CC because I find them too heavy. If I were out in the woods and had a good chest carry rig I'd have no problem with the SP101 or GP100 but if I were doing that I'd most likely carry my Redhawk or Super Redhawk.

Bottom line: Define recreation. What do you plan to do with the revolver. If I could only keep one of the four listed it would be the LCR ... no doubt about it. It is the single most practical handgun I've ever owned and I have a bunch. Second choice would be the SP101 followed by the 3.0" GP100 and finally the 4.2" GP100. Then again, my focus is on a defensive revolver so my opinion is just that.

 

[beag_nut]

Back to the original question:
I have both the GP and the SP. My SP is .357 with 4" barrel. Thus it is equally good at "recreational" shooting since the sights are adjustable and the front sight is fiber-optic. That said, it is better suited to .38 spl. +P loads, since the GP is so much heavier and can handle the mag loads without barking one's hand. As I have said before, I carry my SP in the boonies east of the Mississippi, and my GP west of that river. Black bear are commonly in the east, and browns are to the west. Guess which bear are larger?
I don't envision EVER trading either revolver for any type of S&W. I like rugged.

 

[Ex]

I'd say the difference between stout 357 mag and 44 mag is a bit like the difference between 40 cal and 45 acp.

The 44 mag is stronger, for sure, but it's more of a strong push over a sharp/snappy recoil.

Bear in mind that this is just from shooting other guys 44 mag revolvers, I don't own one.
Yet...

Interesting you used the term "push" and compared it to .40/.45. That is exactly the comparison I used years ago after having shot my first .45 rounds!

 

[tomrkba]

I dislike the SP101, but since this is THR, you must buy both.

But again, just how snappy is a .44 mag from a wheel gun? How much more oomph would be felt over the .357? I handle full boat .357s with no problem at all. But everything bigger than that in my possession is in a semi that absorbs much of the recoil.

That's a 55 gallon drum worth of worms. You can go from mild to insanely wild with 44 Magnum. 44 Special is pleasant to shoot out of a Ruger Alaskan. Speer Gold Dot JHP 44 Magnum at 1150 FPS is stout--you definitely feel it in your hand. Remington UMC 180 grain would seem light...but they're flashy, flaming screaming monsters that devastate paper targets and cardboard backers. I consider 1100 FPS or so (240 grains or less) to be "comfortable" with the Alaskan; anything more than that limits my shooting for that session. I found that 240 grain bullets at 1300 FPS to limit my shooting to one cylinder per session (with Hogue tamer stocks).

Pencil barrel 629s shoot differently than 629s with bull barrels. The extra weight matters. I found the 629 with 4" pencil barrel to be too much with the above ammo with any open backstrap stock. It was a 1000 FPS gun for me. We'll see about the 629 bull barrel...I have yet to shoot it. It should be a bit better and I plan upon using better stocks.

 

[Ex]

Back to the original question:
I have both the GP and the SP. My SP is .357 with 4" barrel. Thus it is equally good at "recreational" shooting since the sights are adjustable and the front sight is fiber-optic. That said, it is better suited to .38 spl. +P loads, since the GP is so much heavier and can handle the mag loads without barking one's hand. As I have said before, I carry my SP in the boonies east of the Mississippi, and my GP west of that river. Black bear are commonly in the east, and browns are to the west. Guess which bear are larger?
I don't envision EVER trading either revolver for any type of S&W. I like rugged.

For me, when camping or in woods where animals might become a problem, it's ALWAYS my G20 or G29 10mm. For me, revolvers are more for collecting, enjoying, shooting for fun. Not that I trust them more or less than other but I like having 15 rounds of 10mm in the tent or on the trail and with a spare mag.

 

[Ex]

I dislike the SP101, but since this is THR, you must buy both.

What might I ask is it that you dislike about the SP 101? To me the only obvious thing (never having shot one) is the lack of adjustable sight...

 

[DeMilled]

Interesting you used the term "push" and compared it to .40/.45. That is exactly the comparison I used years ago after having shot my first .45 rounds!

I figure most people are somewhat familiar with the 40 to 45 comparison.

Now, a big booming 44mag round is still quite a bit stronger than any 357.
I was just speaking to the "characteristic" of the recoil.

If hot 44 mag is not to your liking 44 spl rounds are always an option.

44 spl is actually very nice to shoot, from my limited experience with another guys revolver.


I really think you may want to get some range time with a 44 mag/spl before you spend that money that's burning a hole in your pocket.

 

[Ex]

I figure most people are somewhat familiar with the 40 to 45 comparison.

Now, a big booming 44mag round is still quite a bit stronger than any 357.
I was just speaking to the "characteristic" of the recoil.

If hot 44 mag is not to your liking 44 spl rounds are always an option.

44 spl is actually very nice to shoot, from my limited experience with another guys revolver.


I really think you may want to get some range time with a 44 mag/spl before you spend that money that's burning a hole in your pocket.

Always my friend! In fact there are several range/shops here that have lots of "demo" guns to rent/try in hoping you will buy from them. But you know, .44 mag and spl will be more sets of dies for me to buy! What we consider a fun advantage, my wifey sees as a nonsense "shouldn't have bought that" purchase

Anyone have one of those large cal Ruger convertibles? Like the .357/9mm?

 

[tomrkba]

What might I ask is it that you dislike about the SP 101? To me the only obvious thing (never having shot one) is the lack of adjustable sight...

I have owned two in different years. Long story short:

1) Front sight must be changed to something useful with Tritium or a gold bead.
2) Rear sight should be mounted on the gun. Sunlight makes it all sparkley and pretty which coincidentally causes misses
3) Crane too short; difficult to reload quickly.
4) Too large for good concealment; it's a belt gun.
5) Grips stink and get in the way of speed loaders. Easily fixed, but cost is another $75+.
6) Too heavy for a five shooter. Make the cylinder a few millimeters larger and squeeze in a sixth round. I'd buy two.
7) The trigger was terrible on the first one, decent on the second. There goes another $75-100 for a trigger job. You can make it workable using shims and springs from triggershims.com.

Other than all that, it's great

 

[lobo9er]

depends what you are going to with it.
Hiking, ccw or carrying, sp101.
Range gun and HD only GP100.

Thats my opinion.

 

[Ex]

Great info there Tom! Appreciate the candid opine. Not having shot an SP, this is all new info for me and very valuable!!!

 

[Ex]

Great info from all and many thanks! I have a lot to digest. I am "leaning" towards that Ruger convertible.

 

[Confederate]

I tell everyone who wants a GP-100 to either get a Ruger Security-Six or a S&W 686. But if you like the GP-100, at least get one in stainless steel. It doesn't show holster wear, keeps its value better and resists pressure and gas cutting more, not to mention rain! At least try out a 686 before you buy.

As for the SP-101, nice little gun. Better in the 3-inch, I think. Nice action with a better spring and it is built like a brick outhouse.

You can't lose. But if you buy a 686, you won't regret it!

 

[Ex]

You can't lose. But if you buy a 686, you won't regret it!

Interesting. Hadn't noticed this one either! 7 rounds in a .357 interests me. Choices... great but increases the homework!

 

[tomrkba]

Great info there Tom! Appreciate the candid opine. Not having shot an SP, this is all new info for me and very valuable!!!

Definitely go shoot one with 2 1/4" and 3" barrels. You may like it and can modify it to fit your needs. A heavy 357 compact revolver works for many THR members.

I think any of the choices listed will work well for you. Shoot them all. You'll likely end up buying one of each. Or two. Or three. It's an addiction. Just don't look at Dillon reloading presses.

 

[PO2Hammer]

GP100 all day long.
The SP101 is too small for my hands, especially with the factory grips. Hogue rubbers help, but it still feels like I'm trying to strangle a pencil.

 

[skidder]

I put a Wolff spring kit in my SP and it made a huge difference. The DA pull is under eight pounds and ignition has been reliable.

I wouldn't want anything lighter than an SP for 357.

People that say these new 10-18 oz plastic/aluminum/potmetal 357s are a good choice loaded with 357 magnum ammo are handing out plastic flowers. They are not fun to shoot, and do not make a practical 357 for carry. Even the 38 +P can be a handful. I recommend using 38 special for these types of guns.

My SP weighs 25 oz and my GP 40 oz. My SP gets to ride shotgun more due to the lighter carry weight. I think everybody needs a "special purpose" revolver like the SP. They can still handle the HOT 357s without wearing down the gun or your hand.

 

[RealGun]

Confederate -You can't lose. But if you buy a 686, you won't regret it!

EX - Interesting. Hadn't noticed this one either! 7 rounds in a .357 interests me. Choices... great but increases the homework!

The 686 comes in 6 or 7 shot, the latter being the "686 Plus". I have the 6 shot 4" and like my choice. For one thing, it shares speedloaders with other guns. It's a challenge finding 5 shot accessories, let alone 7 shot. The 7 shot costs more, at least when new.

 

[mavracer]

This thread needs a long pair. 3" SP and 6" GP and as others have mentioned the correct answer is both.

 

[MCMXI]

People that say these new 10-18 oz plastic/aluminum/potmetal 357s are a good choice loaded with 357 magnum ammo are handing out plastic flowers. They are not fun to shoot, and do not make a practical 357 for carry. Even the 38 +P can be a handful. I recommend using 38 special for these types of guns.

This is nothing more than your opinion. I find my LCR fun to shoot and it makes an excellent carry handgun ... but that's nothing more than my opinion ... which is what matters to me.

 

[skidder]

This is nothing more than your opinion. I find my LCR fun to shoot and it makes an excellent carry handgun ... but that's nothing more than my opinion ... which is what matters to me.

What? You don't you know that I'm always right? You must have missed the memo.

IMO of course. I guess I'm just getting wimpier as I get older.

 

[MrBorland]

Recreational use? GP100, no question. Never "got" the SP101, myself. Awfully heavy & clunky for a 5-shot revo, and, IMO, has the ergonomics of a 2x4.

Someone mentioned the 686. Another good recommendation, though I'd opt for the 6-, rather than the 7-shot. For higher capacity, I suggest a 4" or 5" S&W 627.

 

[Ex]

Such a plethora of good info and comments. Appreciate the comments from ALL!!!