Ruger SP101 vs J-Frame
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MillCreek
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I admit my bias, having four SP-101's to only two J-frames right now. Like the other posts, I agree that the SP-101's are best for holster carry, and the extra weight makes them better suited for .357 than my J-frames. For pocket carry, I go with the Ruger LCR or Taurus Protector Poly.
Anchorite
Member
I’ve got the spurless 2 3/4” SP, a 640, 340PD, 49, and 442. I’ve had a couple of LCRs, but just can’t ever seem to warm up to them enough to justify keeping one. The SP is definitely an OWB proposition. A J, and more so the Centennial models, are the way to pocket carry IMO. The LCR was more of a Centennial/Bodyguard cross to me, but not as efficient as either. FWIW.
Buckeye63
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I do like the LCR's , I really like the lightweight and the triggers .. But I do agree , to me the S&W Centennial models pocket carry better than the LCRs , it could just be me ..
My pocket carry revolver is my 12.5 oz
Charter Arms 38spl , I installed a bobbed DAO hammer on it ...
I could never imagine carring the SP101 or Charter Bulldog pocket carry ..
Styx
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I really like my LCR. The build quality is nice as well as the trigger. It doesn't feel cheap or un-robust. It's probably the only poly revolver that I'll every own. I don't like and can't stand pocket carry; however, when I use to with my LCR, I don't recall there ever being any issues.
Anchorite
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Having had two or three over the last few years, I never had any issues, it’s just that I’ve desperately tried to warm up to them....like dating a redhead when you prefer blondes or even brunettes....they are well built and the triggers are nice. I just felt like they were an offspring of a Centennial and a Bodyguard. Not knocking ‘em, just not my type it seems .
Excellent recommendation. The 3" J frame points much like a 4" K frame , and carries much more easily than the SP101.
( SP101 : Built like a tank , carries like a cannon.)
Frulk
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I can't add anything in regards to comparison between the SP101 and the LCR/Taurus/J frames but I can comment on the carry aspect of the SP101 and the triggers. No way would I pocket carry one. It's definitely a belt proposition and it better be one up to the task.
Almost always it rides in this suede IWB holster at the 2 O'clock position. After trying several different carry options this is where it finally came to be parked. With the right belt I almost forget it's there. My main and only trigger gripe with SP101 is that double action is exceedingly heavy. I installed the Wilson Combat main spring on the SP101 in .327 FM and it only marginally improved the DA trigger pull. .327FM 6 shot in holster/.357 mag 5 shot without holster.
If I didn't have the suede IWB holster my second go to option would be this pancake. Gun rides high and holds the gun very securely.
Holster made for Ruger and sold from their site. OK for general open carry in the back country but I'm not fond of it. Definitely not as secure as the pancake.
This particular holster has the option to be carried in a number of configurations to include IWB or outside, as well as cross draw. I'd have to lace in a hammer spur loop to make me comfortable in the cross draw position.
I almost always carry one of the SP101's. It definitely isn't the lightest revolver in it's class and DA trigger pull will probably need to be improved so it's to your liking. That said, with the right leather to support it you might be surprised how easy it does carry. It's a well made platform that will stand up to years of abuse from hot loads and it's backed by a reputable company. Not to mention that it really is fun to shoot when it's not on duty.
Almost always it rides in this suede IWB holster at the 2 O'clock position. After trying several different carry options this is where it finally came to be parked. With the right belt I almost forget it's there. My main and only trigger gripe with SP101 is that double action is exceedingly heavy. I installed the Wilson Combat main spring on the SP101 in .327 FM and it only marginally improved the DA trigger pull. .327FM 6 shot in holster/.357 mag 5 shot without holster.
If I didn't have the suede IWB holster my second go to option would be this pancake. Gun rides high and holds the gun very securely.
Holster made for Ruger and sold from their site. OK for general open carry in the back country but I'm not fond of it. Definitely not as secure as the pancake.
This particular holster has the option to be carried in a number of configurations to include IWB or outside, as well as cross draw. I'd have to lace in a hammer spur loop to make me comfortable in the cross draw position.
I almost always carry one of the SP101's. It definitely isn't the lightest revolver in it's class and DA trigger pull will probably need to be improved so it's to your liking. That said, with the right leather to support it you might be surprised how easy it does carry. It's a well made platform that will stand up to years of abuse from hot loads and it's backed by a reputable company. Not to mention that it really is fun to shoot when it's not on duty.
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In my case, the Taurus was my first and only snubby at the time. Had motivation to smooth it out. The SP101 came along later after I had acquired SW638 and SW64 snubbies. Snubby for belt & pockets already covered for me & mine.
Then, there is the BIG problem with the SP101 that can't be fixed, assuming the SP101 can be smoothed: long trigger pull & return travel relative to S&W J-frames and small-frame Taurus. LCR has this, but starts off with a much smoother and lighter trigger than the SP101. If you are used to S&W triggers, moving to SP101/LCR requires a different approach. A newbie won't know or mind the difference, but if you have put in many rounds behind the S&W or Taurus and know their feel, going to the Ruger snubbies is jarring and produces poorer results. Especially on the return, where if you think the first "ker-chunk" on the SP101 means the trigger has reset and you begin to squeeze again, you have just horked your next trigger pull.
If1HitU
Member
Very nice family collection there.
Interesting take. I've had my original SP101 since 1993 and been shooting since 1966. I wonder when I'll no longer be a "newbie" and get learnt about SP101s. Will I know I'm finally there because I'm jarred or will my finger hurt from the long road?
gotboostvr
Member
Bourbon and gun broker are even worse for me, I bought 4 J frames when I had some time off of work in November.
Thankfully they were all screaming deals.
Buckeye63
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What is is the Taurus on top ? 617 ?
Looks like a Taurus 606 , I had back in the day .. It had a nice action
I'll have to agree. I haven't dried fired my Taurus 85, but I recently purchased some 38 snapcaps, and have been rapid dryfiring my LCR. I know EXACTLY what you are talking about now. Up until your post, I thought it was common to all revolvers; however, I just tried and wasn't able to produce the same problem...
If I inadvertently short stroke the trigger on my LCR, I'll have to manually index the cylinder to be able to take the next shot...
Was it buy now or an auction?
stonebuster
Member
You did well for $400 (IMO)and it won't punish you nearly as much as the 11-16 oz snubs that carry well but no fun to shoot. I recently bought a 5720 2.25" SP 101 DAO second hand, new last March for $450 OTD. The 357 Perfecta 158 gr was brutal with wood Pachmayr grips. The Hogue rubber monogrip made the 357s very manageable and 38 spl+P very comfortable for a snub. The SP 101 is more of a challenge to carry. Finding the right holster is often hit or miss so I've been cruising e-bay for old leather in the $18-34 range. I've found an old Bucheimer and Bucheimer-Clark "Concealer" that hold the SP high and tight to my body.
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I will be interested to hear how that goes for you. I experienced a serious 2nd finger knuckle bashing with stock grips - hit at each discharge by back of trigger guard. I forked out for a Hogue monogrip ; that cured the knuckle bashing at a cost of just under $100. My grip was lowered and the knuckle was out of harm's way. That greatly improved shooting comfort , but I never did experience good target results because the darned thing just did not point well for me. Some happy fellow eventually got a nice deal on a SP101 with fine wood grips , custom brass bead front sight , and a nicely Flitzed finish.
I tried.
Model 60 vs SP101:
DA trigger: SW is better
Weight: SW is lighter
Sights: Ruger sights are a TON better
SA trigger: Ruger has a slight advantage
Grips: Ruger, noone wants to shoot +p with a factory wood j-frame grip
in 357, Ruger all day.
DA trigger: SW is better
Weight: SW is lighter
Sights: Ruger sights are a TON better
SA trigger: Ruger has a slight advantage
Grips: Ruger, noone wants to shoot +p with a factory wood j-frame grip
in 357, Ruger all day.
Yes, Taurus 617. It has a very smooth action. You would swear someone worked on it. The gun is really nice to shoot. My wife’s favorite shooter with 38s.
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