S&W 65-5 vs. Ruger SP101

J

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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
 
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Prob. the Ruger. It's compact, but was designed for longevity.

But it holds only five shots.

T-Star
 
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.
 
Those 65-5s, especially with 3-inch barrels are no good. Send them to me!
 
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
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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
 
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
 
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
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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