Alright guys, here goes i am now in the market for a open carry revolver in .357 mag and i am torn between the 3" sp101 and the 3" gp100,i will need this gun to be easy to carry while hunting and fishing, right now i carry my beretta 96 and it gets in the way sometimes while sitting in the boat and such, so will the gp100 be about the same size as the beretta and be in my way, if so should i just get the sp101 and sacrifice that extra round capacity or is i that big of a deal? Also, what are the differences as far as durability between the two, i know i won't wear either out in my lifetime, just curious. thanks guys.
New revolver, need help
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ugaarguy
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I don't think either one will be more or less durable than the other. As far as sidearms getting in the way, have you tried a shoulder holster with your Beretta? I think that would keep any pistol out of the way better than it being in a belt holster while hunting & fishing. Either way I think the 357 Mag is better all around choice for an in the woods sidearm; especially in swampy areas of the South where coming a across a wild boar is pretty common, or even a gator - less common but still very possible in Louisiana. See which one feels best in your hand because I cant argue against 5 rounds of 357 Mag any more than I can 6 rounds. Also, a S&W K Frame in 357 like a used 3" Model 13 would be a fine choice for a lighter/smaller 357 mag such as you desire. It won't be as durable as the Ruger, but unless you run a couple boxes of magnum loads thru it every weekend you won't wear it out either.
I have owned the speed six (similar to the gp100) and the sp101 ,and presently own a S&W 686 snubby.
All three are solid guns,in theory the 686 is not as strong as the rugers but if you run factory .357 ammo or equal handloads I just don't see any difference. Anybody that feels the need for a handload hotter than factory .357 I recomend they switch to a 44mag.The 686 is the L-frame and would be considered stronger than the K-framed S&W guns.
The SP101 is a very compact,almost pocket sized gun with simple but super durable sights.As a compact gun it can be a handfull (not real pleasant) to take more than a few shots with .357 loads. Carry with full loads,shoot with light 38sp factory or handloads for plinking/fun ,Aftermarket spring kits will improve heavy factory trigger,test fire after spring swap,mine wasn't reliable with hard .357 mag pimers,I went back to factory springs.
Gp 100 will be easier to shoot well (as are most any larger gun) but will not carry as easy.
I trully love my S&W 686. I own a 2 1/2" snubby and a 6" full size. The 686 snubby weighs near what the sp101 does but the grip is full sized and it has full adjustable sights .The factory trigger is pretty good and I dropped some aftermarket springs in that made it wonderfull. I shoot this snubby near as well as any full sized gun I own.Full sized frame is pleasant to shoot full .357 loads (houge grips) and worKs well with a speed loader. Downside is the S&W is more expensive than the Rugers and not many used 2 1/2" 686's on the used market.
The sp101 is a good value new and some great deals can be found on used guns.
If you were useing this for LE or guard use the six vs five shots could be an issue but for woods or lake carry five shots of .357 are going to get most any job done. If you are thinking different the S&W is also available in the same sized gun in a seven shot model (686 plus)
All three are solid guns,in theory the 686 is not as strong as the rugers but if you run factory .357 ammo or equal handloads I just don't see any difference. Anybody that feels the need for a handload hotter than factory .357 I recomend they switch to a 44mag.The 686 is the L-frame and would be considered stronger than the K-framed S&W guns.
The SP101 is a very compact,almost pocket sized gun with simple but super durable sights.As a compact gun it can be a handfull (not real pleasant) to take more than a few shots with .357 loads. Carry with full loads,shoot with light 38sp factory or handloads for plinking/fun ,Aftermarket spring kits will improve heavy factory trigger,test fire after spring swap,mine wasn't reliable with hard .357 mag pimers,I went back to factory springs.
Gp 100 will be easier to shoot well (as are most any larger gun) but will not carry as easy.
I trully love my S&W 686. I own a 2 1/2" snubby and a 6" full size. The 686 snubby weighs near what the sp101 does but the grip is full sized and it has full adjustable sights .The factory trigger is pretty good and I dropped some aftermarket springs in that made it wonderfull. I shoot this snubby near as well as any full sized gun I own.Full sized frame is pleasant to shoot full .357 loads (houge grips) and worKs well with a speed loader. Downside is the S&W is more expensive than the Rugers and not many used 2 1/2" 686's on the used market.
The sp101 is a good value new and some great deals can be found on used guns.
If you were useing this for LE or guard use the six vs five shots could be an issue but for woods or lake carry five shots of .357 are going to get most any job done. If you are thinking different the S&W is also available in the same sized gun in a seven shot model (686 plus)
The trick is in the holster not the firearm. A high ride holster with a forward cant will keep the barrel out of the way when sitting. The crossdraw holster is perfect for longer barreled guns.
As concealment is not an issue here why consider the SP-101 (unless weight is also a factor). I carry 3 inch S&W N-frames in high ride holsters w/ forward cant on the point of my hip with no grief while sitting. I even carry 4 inch revolvers the same way except to adjust the holster around till it's comfortable while sitting.
As concealment is not an issue here why consider the SP-101 (unless weight is also a factor). I carry 3 inch S&W N-frames in high ride holsters w/ forward cant on the point of my hip with no grief while sitting. I even carry 4 inch revolvers the same way except to adjust the holster around till it's comfortable while sitting.
Thanks for the opinions i will most likely go with the sp101 because of the ease of carrying, as for as wild boar and alligator i am most of the time surrounded by gators when fishing and checking trout lines most of them in the eight to twelve foot range 
so i need to be on my toes all the time, again thanks for the replies.
so i need to be on my toes all the time, again thanks for the replies.treebeard
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SP101....and I wish I had one!!
bestseller92
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I have a 3" SP101 and it's superb.
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