|
|
01-26-2010, 01:29 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Montana
Posts: 1,053
Likes: 539
Liked 586 Times in 186 Posts
|
|
S&W 65-5 vs. Ruger SP101
Here's my question to all of you who want to weigh in on this.
I have heard here that K frames shot with 125 Grain 357 mag bullets has ocasionally had a forcing cone crack. I have never had this problem, but I don't shoot thousands of rounds either.
I was doing some thinking and which is a stronger frame, the S&W K frame or the Ruger SP101??
Thanks, John
|
01-26-2010, 11:03 AM
|
US Veteran Absent Comrade
|
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Texas
Posts: 20,362
Likes: 24,260
Liked 16,154 Times in 7,408 Posts
|
|
Prob. the Ruger. It's compact, but was designed for longevity.
But it holds only five shots.
T-Star
|
01-26-2010, 12:04 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: PA
Posts: 491
Likes: 131
Liked 57 Times in 24 Posts
|
|
I am guessing the SP101 would be better if you have your heart set on shooting 125gr and lighter 357mags. All Ruger revolvers are more or less just solid cubes of steel. K-frames do have a forcing cone issue with the lighter loads, because of the flat spot machined on the bottom of the forcing cone, making it thinner. Plus, if you smoke the forcing cone on an SP101, it would most likely be easier to find a replacement. Please don't send another classic K-frame to the cracked forcing cone graveyard.
|
01-26-2010, 12:21 PM
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Arizona
Posts: 1,221
Likes: 0
Liked 23 Times in 15 Posts
|
|
Those 65-5s, especially with 3-inch barrels are no good. Send them to me!
|
01-26-2010, 12:28 PM
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Arizona
Posts: 1,221
Likes: 0
Liked 23 Times in 15 Posts
|
|
No really, the SP probably carries concealed better and is probably a bit more stout in the yoke and forcing cone area. (maybe someone here has both models and can measure them for us!) However, you get 6 rounds in the 65 vs 5 in the SP. With the 65's 3 or 4-inch barrel, you have a longer sight radius (radii?) as well, that may make it eaiser to shot accurately. That said, I reaaly like my 3" 65. JMTCW
|
01-26-2010, 12:29 PM
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Arizona
Posts: 1,221
Likes: 0
Liked 23 Times in 15 Posts
|
|
should read ..., to shoot...
|
01-26-2010, 12:44 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Michigan
Posts: 889
Likes: 133
Liked 37 Times in 25 Posts
|
|
I could be wrong but I think Rugers have cast frames.
|
01-26-2010, 07:14 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Virginia
Posts: 1,061
Likes: 10
Liked 78 Times in 51 Posts
|
|
I would have to side with the SP101. Since their introduction, reports of them breaking due to ammo type used are almost non-existant, while K-frames failing or shooting loose are, unfortunately, substantiated.
__________________
" I said, good DAY! "
|
01-26-2010, 07:14 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: SW Florida
Posts: 421
Likes: 137
Liked 168 Times in 50 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Marshall 357
I could be wrong but I think Rugers have cast frames.
|
Yep.
Investment casting.
|
01-26-2010, 07:31 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
|
|
And what's funny? Nobody makes the appropriate comparison between S&W steel J-frames and the Ruger. There havn't been such substantiated claims of forcing cone cracks in the J-frame because it's machined differently and barely protrudes 1/16 of an inch, so has much more support.
And there are enough variations of steel J-frames you can pick the one you like, instead of having to settle for Ruger flavor.
|
01-26-2010, 08:35 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: New England, USA
Posts: 4,466
Likes: 3,066
Liked 4,289 Times in 1,608 Posts
|
|
I've got a mess of S&W revolvers and a (single) Ruger sp101.
I believe a better comparison would be to a newer J mag framed Mod 60 vs Sp 101. Same material, capacity and caliber.
That said, if you ARE going to compare the K and Sp101, the K is going to be significantly more recoil friendly due to weight and grip size.
__________________
Dave
|
01-26-2010, 09:07 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: central Ga.
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
Liked 35 Times in 13 Posts
|
|
As has been noted, cases of the Ruger SP shooting loose, going out of time, or splitting forcing cones are virtually unknown. I've had "several" K frames, and three SP's. To ME, the difference in recoil between a 3" K frame and the 3" SP is too small to measure. I've had both barrel lengths in the .357 SP and MUCH prefer the 3" for recoil absorbtion, handling, and pointability. The factory grip on the SP ain't much to look at, but it sure handles recoil superbly.
The SP is just a tad smaller than the K frame, but you could also move up to the 3", fixed sight, round butt GP100, and by so doing go from "bullet proof" to "bomb proof". Just about L frame size and dog gone hard to destroy.
Neither SP or GP have the elegant refinement of the M65 though.
Skip
|
01-26-2010, 10:02 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Montana
Posts: 1,053
Likes: 539
Liked 586 Times in 186 Posts
|
|
I understand the j frame and sp comparison. But I have 2 model 65-5 3"ers and a Ruger SP101 3". I shoot all three well at 50 ft. (inside a 5" bull). That is good for me anyway.
My new Lady Smith is just a great gun. But if I ever do have to carry for self protection against 2 legged varmits it will be the SP101 as it is smaller and easier to carry.
I did have a model 60 3" 357 mag a few years ago but I let a friend talk me out of it. Shooting 357's out of it was not nice. The Sp101 is much easier on my hand. About the same as the 65-5's.
John
|
01-26-2010, 10:17 PM
|
Banned
|
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Omaha,Ne
Posts: 350
Likes: 87
Liked 49 Times in 33 Posts
|
|
I have the 2.25 inch Ruger SP101 and its my always carry permit gun. I do also have left for sale a 65-2 with a pinned barrel for sale in 4 inch made in 79. Please pm me if interested. rz625-8
|
01-26-2010, 10:53 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 62
Likes: 131
Liked 19 Times in 11 Posts
|
|
I am new, an avid S&W owner, but I also own a SP101. Great carry gun. I have 4 K frames and 2 J frames, but I would never put through them the stuff that goes through the Ruger.
|
01-26-2010, 11:12 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Nawth Carolinah
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times in 3 Posts
|
|
Ruger
Quote:
Originally Posted by MakeMyNight
Yep.
Investment casting.
|
"Investment casting" must be how they make Sherman tanks, because they both look the same. Sometimes not a thing of beauty, but get the job done.
|
01-26-2010, 11:29 PM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Land of the Free, NC
Posts: 988
Likes: 3
Liked 84 Times in 41 Posts
|
|
I think additional questions need to be ask, for example ergonomics of the two guns. If you are an experienced S&W revolver shooter, the longer trigger reset on the SP101 will fool you in a heartbeat. Quick trigger action with the Ruger may result in a no-fire situation. At least it did for the 9mm one I owned on more than one occasion.
|
01-27-2010, 06:48 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 62
Likes: 131
Liked 19 Times in 11 Posts
|
|
I have them both, and will have to go with the Ruger.
|
01-27-2010, 07:05 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: St Louis
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
|
|
No cracks here
I have been shooting K-Frames for years. I have a 4" 66 since 1981 and it has shot some many 125's no way can I figuire how many anymore. No cracks here! I also have a 3" 65 I bought in 2001. I have not fire anything but Federal 125's. I only practice with what i am going to carry it with. I have over 500 rounds through this one.... No Cracks here. If it were me, I'd go with the K-Frame Smith. But that is just me. I do not like the SP101 very much. But that is just my opinion. You gotta go with what you have confidence in. IMO, If you walk around with a gun you think may not go bang, you made your first mistake.
|
|
Tags
|
concealed, j frame, l frame, m65, model 60, model 65, model 66, round butt, ruger, s&w, sig arms |
Thread Tools |
|
Display Modes |
Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
|
|
|
|