SP101 or S&W 60-9

lilop · #1 09-05-2010, 08:38 PM

I'm looking at either a Ruger SP101 (with hammer), or a S&W 60-9. Both are in .357 magnum. The revolvers intended use is for OWB belt carry. I can conceal either equally as well. Whichever one is chosen will shoot primarily .357 rounds for both practice and carry. In all honesty, I'm leaning towards the Ruger, but only because I like its looks better. Which one would you choose, and why?

moxie · #2 09-05-2010, 09:05 PM

I think you'll find the Ruger SP-101 more comfortable for use with the .357 than any J-frame. The Ruger is a little bigger and heavier and that makes all the difference with the .357.

ab4ka · #3 09-05-2010, 09:22 PM

If you're going OWB and shooting .357's, I like the Ruger just because it's a little bigger and heavier. If you don't like the trigger, the springs are easily replaced.

roundgunner · #4 09-06-2010, 01:24 AM

I have had both. I like the looks and weight of the 60 better.
This is the link to when my heavily used 60 broke.

Broke my magnum today

Harrison · #5 09-06-2010, 07:45 AM

If you are going to actually shoot the thing, with 357s, I would get the Ruger. J frames are made to be carried alot and shot little with +P or 357 level loads. In addition, the Ruger is just plain out and out a sturdier pistol.

David Sinko · #6 09-06-2010, 08:47 AM

If you must have a .357 I suggest the SP-101. I had one but recently sold it. I believe a 2" .38 Special is much more viable as a pocket gun, and then the choice is clearly a S&W J Frame. If you're looking for a belt gun, I'd suggest a short barrel K Frame that will give you one extra round.

Dave Sinko

Cocked & Locked · #7 09-06-2010, 09:25 AM

I don't have a J-frame .357, just .38 spl ones so I can't compare one to a SP101. I do have .357's snubs in K and N frame versions.

Since I got this SP101 last February it has become my most carried gun. Prior to that my J-frame .38's were my most carried. I've shot nothing but .357 158 grain ammo in it. Its not unpleasant to shoot at all. I've never tried 125's in it...probably a beast.

I replaced the front sight with a Meprolight night sight. I've tried grips from Eagle, Hogue, Pachmayr, and Badger. I've settled on the factory grips with replacement inserts as the best compromise on comfort, ability to conceal, and natural placement in my hand.

The Pachmayr grips run a close second but they weigh Five Ounces and I prefer the lighter weight.

Landric · #8 09-06-2010, 11:20 AM

Another vote for the SP101. If you were asking which gun in .38 Special to buy, I'd vote for the Model 60, but for magnums, I think the SP is a better choice. I have two SP101s myself, one 2 1/4", one 3", both DAO with Meprolight front sights. They are fantastic revolvers and my first choice for a primary carry revolver. I carry my 2 1/4" SP in a DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster regularly despite the accepted "internet fact" that the SP101 isn't a pocket gun.

bronco45 · #9 09-06-2010, 03:47 PM

I have an SP that is identical to C&Ls photo with the Pachmayrs, and it has become my favorite CC revolver. Did the Wolff spring kit thing to it and it is DAO, added the Meprolight night sight. Shoots great, and the gun is as durable as a Mack Truck.

Carry it in a Mernickle performance series holster and a belt slide with six extras and a Safariland Speedloader.

Size wise they are the same overall size as a Colt Detective Special and they are not finicky or delicate.

I am Jealous of C&Ls Ruger medallion in the grip though.

Cocked & Locked · #10 09-06-2010, 04:16 PM

Quote:

I am Jealous of C&Ls Ruger medallion in the grip though.

No need to be jealous...I simply did a medallion transplant on both sides. The Pachmayr and Ruger medallions are the same diameter. Pop the old out and silicone adhesive the new in.

ifjpm · #11 09-06-2010, 05:06 PM

I have a Smith 649,Bodyguard .357. It is very accurate and handels well with .357 rounds. I found that the hump on the Bodyguard helps with the gun's recoil.

sipowicz · #12 09-06-2010, 06:12 PM

The SP is a sweet shooter, even with full power loads....here's mine...Gemini Custom with small wonder sight...in lobo enhanced pancake.

bronco45 · #13 09-07-2010, 12:26 AM

C&L: A little silicone surgery is definetly in order, thanks for the tip.

Sip: That wondersight doesn't drag? Like that Lobo holster. I have the enhanced pancake for my Colt DS and it's a great rig. That black looks good.

sipowicz · #14 09-07-2010, 10:20 AM

Bronco..no, the sight doesn't drag at all....

Cocked & Locked · #15 09-07-2010, 10:41 AM

No drag here either...not a problem.

sipowicz · #16 09-07-2010, 10:45 AM

BTW, Marc at Gemini also made one for my P2000...they don't do anything at night but they really glow in daylight and are great for target shooting if you eyes aren't what they used to be....

snowman · #17 09-07-2010, 11:10 PM

I have no experience with the J-frame, but I've been carrying/shooting an SP101 for six years or so, and am thoroughly sold on it. I have shot nothing but .357 125gr. JHP's in it, and the recoil is not a problem. Just practice regularly until you can hit well with it, then keep practicing regularly.

To be fair, this gun/load combination may be a little too stout for those who are slightly built, have arthritic hands/wrists, etc. But the average man shouldn't have a problem. As others have said, the Ruger is a wonderful gun.

Andy

Mister_Smith · #18 09-22-2012, 05:35 AM

I see this thread is a couple years old but I feel compelled to respond to fears about both the Smith and the Ruger being too light for comfortable .357 shooting. I own an 11 ounce Smith 340PD, I shoot .357 through it, the recoil is stout, maybe even severe is a good word for it, but it is manageable. Fast follow up shots are not likely, at least I've not perfected any method for fast follow ups.

My point is, the Ruger SP101 at some 27 ounces, is more than twice the weight of the Smith 340PD, I gotta believe shooting .357 through the Ruger is like shooting a .22! I do own a Smith 60 in .357, which is almost exactly twice the weight of the 340PD and I have no problem shooting .357 through the model 60. Any fears about the Ruger being too light a gun for .357 are unfounded unless you are extremely recoil sensitive. The 27 ounce Ruger is a very heavy gun by comparison to the 11 ounce Smith 340PD!!

labworm · #19 09-22-2012, 04:39 PM

Excuse me gentlemen, I believe I entered the wrong forum, thought I was at the S&W forum. Only kidding, own 3 Rugers myself

Nice pictures

Malpaso · #20 10-21-2012, 06:37 PM

The Ruger is easier to shoot with self defense loads, so, you'll be likely to shoot (train) more often, which is a critical component for a carry gun.

chez323 · #21 10-21-2012, 08:07 PM

I too own both Ruger's(4) & S&W (4) and appreciate the differences between them. In this case I actually carry an SP101 and I am very pleased with it. Simple, easy to care, extremely sturdy and accurate and easy to shoot. Can't ask for more..

Quote:

Originally Posted by labworm

Excuse me gentlemen, I believe I entered the wrong forum, thought I was at the S&W forum. Only kidding, own 3 Rugers myself

Nice pictures

Texas Star · #22 10-21-2012, 08:17 PM

My experience with Ruger and S&W .357's is that the Ruger cylinder release won't cut my thumb in recoil.The S&W does, and I have to be careful how I hold that thumb.

I think Bill Ruger knew this and designed the Ruger release to avoid that issue.

DonJack100 · #23 10-21-2012, 08:59 PM

I have several each of the sp 101 and the sw 60's with and without hammers. My son and I carry the rugers with 357 ammo and the females in the family both prefer the 60's with 38 spl for their cc purses. Both are great weapons. Shoot what you can hit with.

bronco45 · #24 10-21-2012, 10:00 PM

In the interim, I purchased a 640Pro. It's got the great night sights, the full moonclip mod, no lock and a good action. I shoot SB Gold Dot Mags in it when I can find them. Tactically and aesthetically the 640 Pro beats out the SP101.
Still have the SP and Colt DS, both great guns.

Moonman · #25 10-22-2012, 07:46 AM

THE S&W is a great carry piece.

.357 caliber can be problematic LEGALLY for CIVILIANS (more so than LEO'S), they have
the power of the government behind them, because of it's potential for over penatration.

Short barreled .357's can be a BLINDING FLASH at nightime.

Ruger's can stand some EXPERT TRIGGERWORK though.

If you CAN AFFORD it, Marc Morganti of Gemini Customs in Kentucky, is a pistolsmith
of renoun for Tuning Up and Truly Custom Ruger SP101's and GP100's.

Check out Gemini Customs web site for his work.

sipowicz · #26 10-22-2012, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DonJack100

My son and I carry the rugers with 357 ammo and the females in the family both prefer the 60's with 38 spl for their cc purses. Both are great weapons. Shoot what you can hit with.

That's a diplomatic way of saying the Ruger is for he-men and the 60 is for girls.

Lobster Picnic · #27 10-22-2012, 07:35 PM

No, but few would dispute that the Ruger is better for someone like the OP who wants to feed it a steady diet of Magnums. I love the M60...for shooting .38 Special. For .357, get the Ruger.

CAJUNLAWYER · #28 10-25-2012, 10:57 AM

We ought to move this to the Ruger forum

Just goes to show you that even in a room full of Smith enthusiasts-we are knowlegeable enough (and secure in our manhood) to admit a good weapon even if not made by the mothership.
I love my SP101-it was given to me by a now departed friend-will NEVER get rid of it for that reason. But for pocket carry with .38's I do loves me my airweight J frames.