Trading my SP101 for a J-Frame...maybe

buckstir

buckstir

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Howdy, first post, am a 52 year old "newbie" and have purchased a few handguns in the past few months as I learn and experience my new "hobby". Started with a Walther P22, enjoyed shooting her at the range, very accurate, inexpensive to shoot. Next was a SP-101 .357 with the concealed hammer and CT laser grips...really enjoyed the bigger bang and loved the whole wheelgun approach better than the semi-auto...then coveted and purchased the S&W Bodyguard 380 (pre price break...ouch). I use the BG380 for concealed carry and tote the Ruger when I wear my Carhartt vest...next was a Henry lever action 22 rifle...very fun. The fever was running strong and went to the local GS for a Ruger Single Six and somehow walked out with a 6" S&W model 66-5 ...a complete blast to shoot and really like the single action option and heft of this baby.....so today I was curious about trade-in value of my SP101 and was offered $550....paid $680...am seriously considering a 637 or 438 j-frame ($399)... since the #66-5 is stainless I kinda want a black finish...was told a #637 Pro was a black revolver at $580 ....besides finish, any difference?? any suggestions in regards to a DA/SA J-frame...they also had a model 60 Ladysmith marked down to $499 ..nice looking grips...the SP101 would cover any of these with the balance in ammo....also have never seen a #317 and am keen on a 22lr..any advice on my next move.

regards...
 
SP 101

I did not see where you are from but a very nice used SP 101 goes for $400 in Las Vegas on Backpage.com
 
up north of Seattle, Washington...am thinking the laser grips are adding to the value...was still pleasantly pleased with the $550 trade in offer.From what I can tell from the S&W website the model 637 Pro has a ported barrel and better sights than entry level #637...but still like the "humpback" 438 for some reason...regardless, sure want a hammer on next revolver.

regards...
 
Your getting a very good trade price for the Ruger. If you do a lot of shooting you might not like the ported gun as they can be rather LOUD.
 
Any particular reason for wanting to trade the SP 101? I mean you seem to like it and it works. Are you just wanting a .38 snub over a .357, or the DA/SA option?
If it were me I'd grab the model 60 and never look back! Dale
 
Another option would be to trade the Ruger for a Smith 649. I love mine especially with the CT's I added and you mention you like the humpback. Having the option of SA/DA is a huge plus for me and while it is a pocket cannon with 357 it is a pussycat with 38's. YMMV
 
I am very fond of the SP101...first revolver I had shot in over 25 years...If it had the exposed hammer I wouldn't consider trading it, was at the GS just to buy ammo and noticed the #60 Ladysmith marked down and just kinda.... asked the value of my Ruger..... and all of a sudden the wheels were churning in my head. I don't know if I can justify a fifth gun purchase this year...and after taking the #66-5 to the range I really enjoyed shooting single action...just liked pulling a hammer back...so the big #66 is a keeper and the SP101 is well, kind of in between in size and weight and a little awkward to conceal. Heck, I didn't even own a gun this time last year and now I want 'em all. I was really thinking a cowboy style Ruger would complete my little arsenal...but you gotta have at least one j-frame, right??? I almost got a #442 when I opted for the SP101 and maybe this is a case of "wanderlust"...the 649 is nice...I shoot 38+P so a .357 is fine but so is a 38. Am really enjoying my range time and learning about the different guns out there...maybe I should just leave well enough alone and keep the Ruger.

Regards...
 
I don't think I'd trade the Ruger, although that is a great trade value. You will probably kick yourself later for getting rid of the gun that got you started back into this.

Your .380 fulfills the role of a lightweight J frame... If I were going to trade one for a J frame, it'd probably be the .380. Or just take the time to save up for a J frame... it's not like they're going to quit making them anytime soon :)
 
Personally, I wouldn't trade an SP101 for a J frame. If you want to shoot a lot of .357, the SP will handle it far better, that isn't my opinion but what a S&W engineer related to me. Don
 
Yeah, the old '60 vs SP-101' arguement. Let's compare two 3"-ers:

Make Model OAL wht MSRP
Ruger KSP-331X 8" 27 oz $607

S&W 162430 7.5" 24.5 oz $755

All SP-101's, save the .22 & .32 (inc .327 Federal Magnum) models, are fixed sight. That 60 has a fully adjustable rear sight. The SP-101 is cast steel; the 60 is hammer forged and heat treated. Both are rated for standard .357 Magnum. Stay within SAAMI spec's and either will outlast it's owner. The 60 generally has a better trigger - which will get better with use. From my experience, an SP-101 needs work to approach the 60's trigger 'right out of the box'. I have had a very poor experience with my only SP-101 - a new 4" .32 H&RM model beset with many QC issues. All of the 25 S&W's I've bought since '02 have summed a fraction of that SP-101's QC problems. I had many other Rugers, too - and their problems, summed, were fewer.

If you like the 3" 60, consider the 3" 60 Pro - like mine below, shown with my November purchase - a 3" 63 (8-shot .22 rimfire - I added the '60 Pro' grips.).

S&W #178013 7.75" 23.2 oz $779 Night Sight frt

IMG_4582.jpg


I, admittedly, had a poor experience with my SP-101, resulting in my selling the last of my once vast Ruger collection. I really like S&W's - and DA shooting - and, even if I cannot afford as many of them, I will have what I want and enjoy - and it will have 'S&W' on it. But... what'd you expect - this is the S&W Forum!

Stainz

PS If you want a great hammerless pocket .38, consider the 642 in grey/silver - or the 442 in black - both ~$380 street price - and can be fitted - or bought - with a CT grip.
 
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Is the only difference between the SP101 with the bobbed hammer and the regular hammer just the hammer? If so, can you replace the hammer on your SP-101? Then you could get a 442 for concealed carry, and still have the SP101 for the bedside and the range.
 
dennisn said:
I did not see where you are from but a very nice used SP 101 goes for $400 in Las Vegas on Backpage.com
Click to expand...

huh? :confused:
i didn't know that you could buy and sell guns on backpage, i'll have to check that out ;)
 
Thanks for all the input. Will keep the SP101 for now...and choose a j-frame soon. I really like the pic of the M-63 with those wood grips...was aware of the M-317 and m-617, but the 63 somehow flew under my radar...is the only diff between the 63 vs 317 the weight?? I have not seen the 63 at any local GS...love the idea of a 22lr revolver as I have two .357's already...don't reload so rangetime can be a little spendy...as I've stated, a Single Six is on the want list, but this m-63 looks just like the m-60LS that started the whole ball rolling...a buddy has fallen hard for my Walther P22 and is offering $200 plus his beat up (maybe 80%) Colt Lawman MKIII...from what I can tell a $150-200 value??? The P22 is not so dear to my heart... I have decided to narrow my collection to revolvers...so may end up with my third .357 and will need a good 22lr so please advise 63 vs 317 vs single six...don't want the size of the 617.

Regards,
Buck
 
I've had my SP101 since 1992. I could no more sell it than one of my children. Mine is a standard SA/DA with the spur bobbed off. I kept the ability to cock SA. Easy enough to do once you learn how.

I added a Meprolight night sight back in October (after this pic was taken).
IMG_9757.jpg
 
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