Ruger SP101 vs J-Frame

[SteadyD]

Me too, but @ $800-$1000+, it's a hard sell for me. I wonder if his SP01 had the 2" barrel , short grip, and shrouded hammer would all three handguns be about the same size?

Just to give you an idea, the Kimber K6s fits all of my j frame holsters but my sp101 doesn’t. However, the Galco Combat Master holster is the exact same model for the Kimber and the sp101. The Kimber is definitely smaller, just not by a ton. To get 6 rounds in a gun that size really is impressive. I keep hoping both Smith and Ruger will make something to compete with both it and the Cobra, in terms of both size and weight.

 

[Godsgunman]

I carry my sp101 every day. Handles 357 very well. Plenty comfortable iwb and can still go in a pocket. Love mine, can't go wrong with it. It's a tack driver.

 

[Sistema1927]

Since, in my opinion, an all steel gun is too heavy for pocket carry, and thus requires a belt holster, I decided to buy the 3" version of the K6S instead of 2".

I have not regretted that decision.

 

[stonebuster]

I recently bought this new last March SP101 357 model 5720 2 1/4" and I'm happy with it because of it's weight. I wanted a gun I could conceal and still enjoy and practice with at the range. I don't find the 26 oz too heavy or too big to conceal in an OWB high riding holster with a sweatshirt, untucked shirt or vest. I can't see myself shooting 357 out of an airweight. The Kimber's quality and extra round at 23 oz would be a great choice too but I found mine for $450 and I'm happy with it. I've only owned the SP for two weeks and a couple of range trips so time will tell.

 

[Waveski]

Has anyone EDC'd both? Is there a noticeable difference?

Yes and yes.
I carried a steel J frame for some time , a model 60 ; really wanted the SP101 , thought I would really like it. It did not work out for me. The J frame points well for me. The SP was like trying to point a brick. The SP front sight is broad , flat , poorly designed. The da trigger was not to my liking. The additional bulk and weight of the SP vs the m. 60 put the Ruger beyond my IWB carry threshold. In short , I did not shoot the Ruger well and did not like to carry it. Replaced it with another S&W J frame. Sometimes things just don't work out the way one hopes.

The SP101 is an interesting piece in that people seem to either swear by that revolver or simply do not like it. I've heard some people say that they do not favor small or snub nose revolvers in general , but rarely if ever have I heard someone single out the J frame as the particular small revolver they don't like. The SP101 , on the other hand - love it or hate it , not many on the fence. I guess that's what makes the world go 'round.

 

[tubeshooter]

Yes and yes.
I carried a steel J frame for some time , a model 60 ; really wanted the SP101 , thought I would really like it. It did not work out for me. The J frame points well for me. The SP was like trying to point a brick. The SP front sight is broad , flat , poorly designed. The da trigger was not to my liking. The additional bulk and weight of the SP vs the m. 60 put the Ruger beyond my IWB carry threshold. In short , I did not shoot the Ruger well and did not like to carry it. Replaced it with another S&W J frame. Sometimes things just don't work out the way one hopes.

The SP101 is an interesting piece in that people seem to either swear by that revolver or simply do not like it. I've heard some people say that they do not favor small or snub nose revolvers in general , but rarely if ever have I heard someone single out the J frame as the particular small revolver they don't like. The SP101 , on the other hand - love it or hate it , not many on the fence. I guess that's what makes the world go 'round.

I wanted to add to this, as it is really a matter of taste.

Long story short, I had the SP first and then the model 60, and I kind of liked the SP better on some fronts. I definitely think it is a tougher dedicated .357, and I also miss the lower profile, lower snag sight system.


I like them both. Still have the model 60 (which shoots and looks great to me), and may get another SP one day. I have a 3" GP100, but for carry it is just. Too. Big. Makes a great house gun, though!

 

[WheelGunMan]

I recently bought this new last March SP101 357 model 5720 2 1/4" and I'm happy with it because of it's weight. I wanted a gun I could conceal and still enjoy and practice with at the range. I don't find the 26 oz too heavy or too big to conceal in an OWB high riding holster with a sweatshirt, untucked shirt or vest. I can't see myself shooting 357 out of an airweight. The Kimber's quality and extra round at 23 oz would be a great choice too but I found mine for $450 and I'm happy with it. View attachment 815657

I have never owned a "J" frame...but I took my SP101 .357 DAO to the range today...put 70 or so .38 Spcl +P 125 great JHP's down the pipe and did what happens every time I take it out..." I fell in love with it all over again." I dont know why...but I just really love shooting this gun. Out of all my handguns, it is by far the most enjoyable to hold and fire. It just thrills me.

 

[thomas15]

Butterfly kisses?

 

[WheelGunMan]

Butterfly kisses?

Definitely!!

 

[Waveski]

Tubeshooter & WheelGunMan ,

Like I said , that's what makes the world go 'round. The SP101 certainly has a strong following , it just did not work out in my case. Wish it had. It's a well made machine.

 

[340PD]

Why not go in the middle and look at a SIX shot Kimber K6s. Pretty much the same size as a J-frame with the solid build of the Ruger.
View attachment 815418

My Ruger in the picture has had a set of springs that noticeably smoothed and reduced the triggers felt pull weight. The 640 Pro Series got a much needed trigger job the first week. Had I not done it myself, the gun and trigger job would have exceeded the cost of the Kimber which is and will remain, box stock from the factory.
If you are looking for a practical, solid, low cost, all steel snubbie, I would go with a bobbed hammer SP101 with a set of aftermarket springs. The Ruger trigger can be brought to equal that of the Kimber or a S&W with a fantastic trigger job at half the cost of either.
It is a snubbie after all, I see the addition of a hammer as just something to get caught up in your clothes during a draw.

 

[thomas15]

Did you personally do all of the trigger work and bob the hammer on your Ruger?

 

[roo_ster]

I find my self enjoying carrying revolver more and more as time passes. I currently carry a stainless Taurus 85 or a 357 Ruger LCR. I've been thinking about treating myself to something a little nicer, and the SP101 (2.25" no spur) seems to almost check all my boxes. I'm just not sure of the weight and how concealable it will be compared to Jframes.

Has anyone EDC'd both? Is there a noticeable difference? Does anyone have comparison pictures between the two that they'd like to share?

Bottom line, get the J-frame. Or if you want dedicated belt holster carry, a 2" bbl K-frame snubby is sweet with a better trigger than either.

I own both. Bought the J-frame, inherited the SP101.

1. SP101 is about between J-frame and K-frame size.
2. SP101 is a bit too large to pocket carry. I am a big guy who likes pants with big pockets.
3. SP101 trigger is a horror show. Pull is like 20 miles of bad road. Return is somehow worse. NOTHING like J-frame or LCR.

FTR, I am not a Ruger-hater. I own 6 total Ruger products. I just never warmed to the SP101 and when I got the opportunity to get up close and personal after inheriting one, I came away amazed at how awful it was compared to my other Ruger guns.

Good luck and HTH.

 

[P89DCSS]

"Horror show", "twenty miles of bad road", those are good! Can't imagine how anyone can ever enjoy an SP101 based on the single unit you had. Is your finger ok now?

 

[Tallball]

I 100% agree with everything roo_ster posted above ^^^^^.

My cheap Taurus J-frame copies have noticeably better triggers than my SP101... and they ain't fantastic. (Admittedly, my particular SP101 seems to have an unusually stiff trigger.)

My S&W Model 10 2" snubby has one of the best trigger pulls of any handgun that I own. If I am going to have to carry a snubby on my belt instead of in my pocket, the Model 10 is far superior to the SP101, IMHO.

Here is a really bad picture of my Model 10 snub. It's a police trade-in that was rode hard and put up wet, but it's a joy to shoot. The last time I had it at the range, the RSO kind of hinted around that he wouldn't mind giving me more than I paid for it.

View media item 1782

 

[Buckeye63]

My Rugers LCR357 trigger .. Has spoiled me ..

 

[stonebuster]

Most agree the 14# mainspring is too heavy on the SP101. Changing the mainspring to a 10# Wolff spring is a cheap improvement that I did and takes about 5 minutes. As with my GP100s I installed hammer shims and hammer dog shims, again, cheap and easy and does help smooth trigger pull. My new SP had a terrible hang up in the trigger pull when I got it and sent it to Ruger. It turned out the hammer dog was not fitted correctly and they replaced it. My trigger pull now is smooth and not heavy and I expect it to get smoother with use as my GPs did. I've also heard the trigger spring channels often need deburring. It seems the trigger quality varies from one SP to another but all are heavy with factory mainspring. This is my experience after two weeks with the SP101. Your mileage my vary.

 

[340PD]

Did you personally do all of the trigger work and bob the hammer on your Ruger?

No, I did not own one with a bobbed hammer but I think that makes the most sense for a carry gun.
My3" SP101 gun was used and came with the trigger work but I know the person who did the job and he said is was an easy.
Now in reality, an extensive trigger job is not really necessary on a small carry gun. All you really need is for it to be pleasurable at the range and go bang every time the trigger is pulled.
Currently all my snubbies are internal hammer equipped.

 

[thomas15]

I get the bobbed hammer issue. What I'm really trying to do is untangle your post #36.

Wish me luck!

 

[roo_ster]

"Horror show", "twenty miles of bad road", those are good! Can't imagine how anyone can ever enjoy an SP101 based on the single unit you had. Is your finger ok now?

But for the liberal application of alternating French kisses and German beer from Mrs. roo_ster, I might not have survived the ordeal. She's a keeper.

I 100% agree with everything roo_ster posted above ^^^^^.

My cheap Taurus J-frame copies have noticeably better triggers than my SP101... and they ain't fantastic. (Admittedly, my particular SP101 seems to have an unusually stiff trigger.)

My S&W Model 10 2" snubby has one of the best trigger pulls of any handgun that I own. If I am going to have to carry a snubby on my belt instead of in my pocket, the Model 10 is far superior to the SP101, IMHO.

Here is a really bad picture of my Model 10 snub. It's a police trade-in that was rode hard and put up wet, but it's a joy to shoot. The last time I had it at the range, the RSO kind of hinted around that he wouldn't mind giving me more than I paid for it.

View media item 1782

I also own a small frame Taurus. Not quite the quality gun the S&W J-frames are, but I managed to coax a decent trigger out of it with Wolf springs and 2000+ dry fires on snap caps. Won't buy another Taurus, but it is serviceable and I can't get out what I put into it. Not selling the SP101 either. Maybe give it to my boy to wrench on and try to work the trigger. Gotta learn somewhere and that particular gun is not going into any carry/range rotation as-is.

I, too, have warmed to the K-frame snubby for belt carry. A M64 DAO round butt in my case, from a guard company. Should have bought one for the whole family, but I did get the best one in the Big Box O' K-frames at the time.

 

[Buckeye63]

Most agree the 14# mainspring is too heavy on the SP101. Changing the mainspring to a 10# Wolff spring is a cheap improvement that I did and takes about 5 minutes. As with my GP100s I installed hammer shims and hammer dog shims, again, cheap and easy and does help smooth trigger pull. My new SP had a terrible hang up in the trigger pull when I got it and sent it to Ruger. It turned out the hammer dog was not fitted correctly and they replaced it. My trigger pull now is smooth and not heavy and I expect it to get smoother with use as my GPs did. I've also heard the trigger spring channels often need deburring. It seems the trigger quality varies from one SP to another but all are heavy with factory mainspring. This is my experience after two weeks with the SP101. Your mileage my vary.

The 10# Spring change is on my to do lists ... for my SP101 ...
My winter project is my new to me recently aquired S&W 10-8 ...

 

[Haywood]

I’ve had every Snub talked about except the new Kimber and new Colt. I felt for a five shooter the SP101 was too heavy. If I’m going to go heavy I carry my seven shooter. I didn’t like the LCR trigger. The release was too long for me. I like the J-Frames better. With a grip change I can shoot the lightweights for a long time. They also carry well in my pockets. So, I carry Two guns every day. Sometimes the seven shot in the waist and a 442 is always in my pocket. Sometimes I carry Two J-Frames

 

[golden]

In my experience, it works like this, you can comfortably carry an aluminum or steel framed 5 shot revolver in your pocket, inside a pocket holster all day. I used to carry an aluminum framed S&W model 38, then sold it and now carry a DAO S&W model 36 which has a steel frame. I also carried a CHARTER ARMS Undercover for years without any trouble. I have a K-frame S&W model 12 with a 2 inch barrel (same as the J-frames I carried) and it is not practical for pocket carry because of its bulk, it is just too big. It weighs the same as the S&W model 36.
I also carried a WALTHER PPK and now carry a GLOCK 42.
I also tried a SIG 232, it was light enough, but it was too bulky.
I also carried a GLOCK 26 recently and it was also pushing the limits.
With pocket carry, you have two goals, the gun must be light enough to carry all day without "showing" and it must be light enough. I would put the limit, based on my own experience at about 18 to 20 ounces. This is ok for a 5 shot .38 Special, but is really pushing it for a 6 shot revolver and that is not counting the weight. I tried to pocket carry a COLT Cobra (alloy framed, 15 ounce model) and it was just to bulky.
For me, I would stick with a steel frame, 5 shot like the S&W J-frames. With a heavier gun like the RUGER, I would go for a 3 inch barrel and holster carry or a 6 shot revolver like the S&W model 15. Depending on your environment, how you are built and your style of dress, this may apply to you or not.

Just my experience,

Jim

 

[Buckeye63]

Me too, but @ $800-$1000+, it's a hard sell for me. I wonder if his SP01 had the 2" barrel , short grip, and shrouded hammer would all three handguns be about the same size?

The SP101 is basically the size of a Colt "D" size frame ... or the Charter Bulldog size frame ..

The SP101 only weighs 3 oz more than the 22oz Charter Bulldog 44Spl
The new Colt Cobra and SP101 weigh the same.

 

[cfullgraf]

I'm a fan of the Centennial versions of the S&W J-frames (M442 and M642). I like the shrouded hammer and trim design. But, I'll agree the Airweight concept of these guns makes shooting higher powered ammunition less comfortable. I load and shoot standard 38 Special ammunition for mine.

While I have not shot a 357 Magnum SP101, I do have a 2-1/4" 9x19 version. Between the SP101 and a 357 Magnum S&W M60, the choice would be a a toss up. Both are excellent pistols and the individual features would be the deciding factor.