Ruger GP100 or SP101 in 3 inch

CCantu357

CCantu357

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Not long ago I started a post regarding the SP101 .357 Magnum. While I got great replies regarding that fine wheelgun, as it is almost time to make the buy, my LGS shows no 3 inch SP101 in stock but they do have a nice GP100 3 inch in with fixed sights. I was wondering what y'all might think bout that gun being a good CC/defense piece over the SP101. I know it weighs more, but does seem to be around the same size/weight as a 3 inch K-frame or Colt Commander, which many people use as CC weapons. Would the snub nosed GP100 be a good gun, or should I just wait for the SP101 or LCR357 in 3 inch? Thanks.
 
I have a 3" GP100 in .38 special, that I found an ever-so-slightly used Simply Rugged Sourdough Pancake holster for on another forum a few months back. You will find the GP to be closer to an L frame in size, so it will be a little bigger than a K frame. With the proper belt, I have worn this rig several times and I have no issues with gun weight, etc. It's not my everyday preference, mind you, but when the mood strikes the combination works well for me. You will be well armed.
 
A 3" fixed sight GP-100 is listed at 36 ounces empty, so 40 ounces loaded. I think it's a fine gun but you would have to be very determined to carry it regularly. The solution is one of these for a range gun and one of the others for carry :).
 
I think if I were looking at the GP 100 in 3", I'd just go ahead and grab a 4" instead. You're already most of the way there, anyhow. A little extra barrel length for the sight radius and velocity.

As for the SP 101, with as heavy as it is, I would opt for a K frame instead. Close in weight, with an extra round and a vastly superior trigger.

I've owned both GP's and SP's and they are great guns. Either will serve you well.
 
Both are fine guns, but considering that you specifically intend to use it for carry and/or home defense I would look at some other gun shops in the area and see if they have an SP101. It should not be too hard to find.

Personally, I'm not a fan of the .357 Magnum for home defense, and most people consider the SP101 a bit heavy for edc (me included), and the GP100 is even heavier! I wouldn't make a purchase of something that, the odds are, will turn out to be unsuited for my intended purpose, just because "it's conveniently available". Take the time and find what you WANT. You'll be a lot happier in the long run. ;)
 
The Ruger GP-100 is a great revolver. I own a 3 inch model. I love it, but not my first choice for CCW. Pretty big and heavy. It should be considered closer to the L Frame than K Frame, as stated above. Here is a comparison between it and a Model 65 3 inch K Frame. I would keep looking for the SP-101 you want. Best wishes!
40C027E7-CFD9-4DF1-B0E7-28FE8C94DFED_zps1ilsf3zf.jpg
 
I own both of these Rugers. The SP-101 is a wonderful revolver, but punishing with most .357 Magnum loads. It's great with .38 Special +Ps. The GP-100, another great revolver, handles .357s easily, but so large and heavy it is relegated to a house gun.
 
For a general purpose revolver, get the GP-100 with four-inch barrel. Keep looking for the thee-inch SP-101 for a smaller concealed carry gun.

I think the shorter SP is too heavy for a good snub and would opt for an older S&W M-60, without The Lock.

A 3" SP is pretty heavy for size, but when you fire Plus P .38's or full .357 loads in it, the weight helps a lot with recoil. Mine is quite accurate and is considerably easier to shoot well than a snub.

The larger 3" GP is probably going to be too bulky and heavy for most concealed carry, although it can be done with the right clothing and holster.

Good luck in finding a SP-101 with three-inch barrel. They're well thought of on both Ruger boards, and members look for them. I don't think Ruger makes enough to meet demands.

Frankly, if I could only own one handgun, the 3" SP would probably serve pretty well. With full .357 ammo it'll even protect you from most wild animas and can take small game handily, or shoot snakes, etc., as well as being a basic defense gun. It's the smallest such item I'd consider. The only drawback is the five-shot capacity.

I think you'd be well served if you have a 3" SP-101 and a four-inch GP-100. Ruger triggers wear-in well, and both of mine are quite smooth. Don't believe all the nonsense here about bad Ruger triggers. It is true that S&W triggers are usually lighter, with a shorter travel in SA firing.
 
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I own them both, and would go with the GP, the SP is just too big and heavy for a five shot revolver. If you want easy to carry, go with a J frame or even a lcr.
 
eveled said:
I own them both, and would go with the GP, the SP is just too big and heavy for a five shot revolver. If you want easy to carry, go with a J frame or even a lcr.
Click to expand...

Same here, as I own both. I feel the same. The 3" GP is a great carry gun, if you can hide it. The Lett style RB grips help greatly. If either is too heavy, I would suggest a J frame sized gun in .38 Special. A .357 J frame is not fun for me to shoot, but the GP it a hoot, with the SP being the bear minimum weight gun I would shoot in .357. It's tough, but I can handle it well enough.....
 
Check out SP101 in 327 Federal Magnum 4" barrel (6 shots not 5). Does not have the blast or recoil of .357 mag. I prefer SP101 because the grip fit my small hands better than any other revolver. The SP101 will need a little polishing and a hammer shim to have a nice D.A.,which you can do yourself.
 
"Too big" is a relative term to how much ambition and creativity to carry. IF a gun becomes too big , then it's left home where it is unless. For me, my GO100 3" is just too big and heavy for most carry situations. ( BTW, the GP100 series is essentially the same size as the S&W L framed 686. Even uses he same speed loaders). I love the 3" GP but would agree with others that there are much better options considering size and weight. Personally, If I'm going larger than my J frames, I'm going to the M&P 45 Compact. That gives me 9 rounds of 45 goodness in a similar size and weight of the 686/gp100
 
Go for a S&W 60 Pro 3". Sold my SP101 and bought the M60. Love it. It carries easier, has better sights, and is more accurate, at least for me.
 
I too am on the SP-101 band wagon because......

Have to agree with kwh and the .327 Magnum, absolutely under loved caliber and close in efficiency to the .357 Magnum with less felt recoil. An even better set up would be a 3" version in .327 Mag. equipped the same as the 4.25" barrel version in my opinion but only because S&W will not produce a K frame .327 Magnum. Anyone else?
 
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I have those two revolvers in the three inch configuration. The GP100 could be a carry gun, but it's not like a K frame at all and won't carry like a Commander length 1911. It's a chunky gun. Aside from that it's an excellent shooter and range gun, but as others have said, you'll likely wish for the 4" adj sighted gun.
The Sp101 is a good carry weight for a belt gun and a bit slimmer, much better suited for your wants. At 27oz it's still has enough heft and a good stock grip to shoot full powered .357 mag so it can be enjoyed as a shooter. It's a great compact full powered revolver for carry.
 
Thanks for all the replies. I really love the look of the 3-inch GP100 but, when thinking about a CC gun the SP101 not only is lighter but feels much more slimmer for IWB. Of coruse, if Ruger would just bring out the LCRx in a .357 3-inch, it would be no contest. But I keep waiting and it seems Ruger only wants to make the 3-inch LCR in .38 with alloy frame.
 
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