Alternatives to the Ruger SP101

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dmbaile2

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I am in the market for a small revolver for home defense. I am going the revolver rout because it is something my wife can pick up and intuitively use.

We handled a Ruger SP101 3”, 357, the other day and it felt like the perfect size for her, it had a little weight to it which I feel will be great for recoil when firing 38 special, which will likely be the primary load. After handling that gun we have ruled out a Ruger GP101, and the S&W 686 due to size in hand.

But before purchasing I just wanted to run it buy some people, are there any other good options in this exact size and caliber weapon. I would prefer to buy S&W, but have only identified the Model 60 as potentially being the same size, I can’t find one locally. Can anyone verify this?

I am also happy to buy used, and it looks like the S&W Model 19 could be a contender, any other ideas? I don’t mind spending some extra money on a quality piece. But I would like to keep it under $1k.

Thanks for any help.
 
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Are you sure it was a 3" barrel. I don't think Ruger manes a new SP101 with that length. Check the Ruger site for their 4.25" barrel SP101 which in my opinion would be the absolute perfect weapon for the use you describe. If your budget is less than 1000 that leaves a LOT of choices-Look at the new model 66 for instance (for that matter look for a used pre lock 66) I think for what you describe that stainless is the way to go as you are not always worrying about keeping it oiled and spotless.
FWIW I have both the pre lock 66 as well as an SP101 snubby. I also have the SP101 with the 4.25" barrel but in .22 and I can see where it would be perfect in .357. Ths is a question with no wrong answers-pick the one that feels best. Oh and the 686 and GP100's ain't no slouches either-just big.
(I got's me a few of those as well ;))
 
Welcome to the Forum. Always great to have new members, especially those asking about small-frame magnum revolvers, a particular love of mine.

The Model 60 would be the closest approximation to the SP101. It is a few ozs lighter and the double action is superior to that of the Ruger. I own both in the shorter bbl versions, and prefer the 60.

There was a recent expansive thread on the SP101. Those who posted (me too) acknowledged the Ruger's shortcomings as to weight and trigger pull, yet we are not disposed to selling them or regret having done so.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103
 
I believe a Colt Detective Special is about the same size as the SP101. A three inch will be much harder to find and higher priced than the std barrel.

You did say used and 'any other' ideas. :)
 
The Ruger SP101 would be a solid choice. For S&W's, you might look at a 640. If going with the ruger, I would recommend the spurless hammered DAO version.

If I'm reading your post correcting, it sounds like this gun is primarily going to be a home defense weapon for your untrained wife. A small revolver will almost assuredly fit her hand better than larger models, so the little ruger or a j-frame makes sense. Also, in an actual home defense situation, you can be assured she would be extremely scared if not completely panic. In such cases, you really do not want a gun she can cock to single action.

I wouldn't even rule out the lighter models(like S&W 642/442 or Ruger LCR) should she actually want to carry it around the home or even get a concealed carry permit at some point. Plus they are less expensive. They are less pleasant to practice with depending on how much range range time you are expecting her to do, but in an actual defense scenario, there will be little difference between the two.
 
I used to own a SP-101 with a 3" barrel. It's a fine choice.

I've noticed that one potential issue with the K-frames is the trigger reach length. It's just a tad farther out than on the Rugers, and that can make a difference.

I always have thought the perfect sized revolver was the Colt "D" frame (Detective Special, Cobra, Agent, Police Positive Special, etc). The trigger reach, grip, etc makes it great for smaller hands and the sixth shot is nice. They just cost and arm and a leg these days, but if you can find one at a good price it would be worth checking out. The stock grips kinda blow, but like all revolvers, there are good grips out there.

A Ruger Speed Six might be a good choice if you can find one of those. They're lighter than the GP-100/686, with enough heft to absorb recoil. They seem to fit smaller hands, especially in the trigger, than any other medium sized revolver made today.
 
Thanks for the replies.

To CAJUNLAWYER, the exact model # of the SP101 we held was KSP-331X, if you type that into Google you can find it, and confirm that it is a 3”, maybe it is new to market? Big picture, I think something around the 3-4” range would be ideal.

The situation with my wife is rather delicate. She has never fired a gun, and they scare her. It has literally taken me YEARS to get her to this point, I fear that if I put a lightweight S&W in her hands it will have too much buck and scare her off. On the other side of that, she has held my Colt Trooper 1st Gen with a 6” barrel and a GP101 4” and the size of those guns intimidate her right off the bat.. So I am trying to find something in the middle.. No doubt the GP101 and 686 are great, but this situation is more about my wife’s comfort than my own preference. ;)

I know very little about what may be available on the used market so I appreciate the ideas. I would love to buy another Colt but have you seen the prices of those lately? Wow..

I am also considering a 9mm revolver, maybe that will be a little more tame in a light frame, which they all seem to come in.. But I didn't even know those existed until yesterday, so i have a lot of research to do.
 
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Howdy from South Carolina, and welcome to the forum.

You say she "handled" guns, but has she shot them?

As a woman, I know that we tend to gravitate to petite handguns, until we fire them. We never consider that less gun mass means our hands are left to absorb the recoil. Do both of you a favor, and visit a range to rent some different sized guns. For a weapon your not carrying, mass is your friend, and you will enjoy shooting it more. You want your wife to be willing to practice enough to be proficient.

You eliminate other choices because of "size in hand". But were you aware that replacing grips is easily and often done. The 3" and smaller 686 has a round grip frame which accommodates smaller grip profiles. These are three 686's. The left is a stock round grip, the middle is a smaller than stock round grip (Hogue Bantam), the right is a stock square grip.

 
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The 640 is the S&W version of the double action only Sp-101. That's another option, but even harder to find than a 60.

I'm sure you know that a heavier gun is easier to shoot than a lighter one, but your wife might not know this.

Perhaps she would reconsider a GP-100.

IMHO, the GP-100 4 inch version is just about the best home defense revolver going.
 
The Colt D frames like the Det Special and Police Positives would be a good alternative. Smaller than the K frame S&W and actually about the same size as the Sp101 but adds a round of capacity. They have better sights, and after the mid sixties vintage like this one, they use the same grip frame as the Det Special, enabling smaller stocks if desired.
They shoot very well, too.
image.jpg


image.jpg
 
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OP, the way you describe your wives general attitude / experience with handguns, I have a feeling any .38 / 9mm is going to be a problem for her the first time she drops the hammer.

If it were me, I would start her out with a good quality .22 RF double action revolver, rubber grips, standard velocity ammo, good hearing protection, and lots of range time. Baby steps as it were, while she learns the fundamentals, and becomes acclimated to firing and handling a handgun.

When her confidence level and abilities improve, time to start looking at a CF weapon. In the meantime, a shooter who is confident in their abilities, and armed with a .22 revolver full of HVHP's is nothing to sneeze at..

Larry
 
So we're dealing with a new/reluctant firearm owner who's never shot before and presumably will be sensitive to the blast and recoil.

First rule out any of the lightweight revolvers. No LCR's, Airweights, scandium anything, or the Taurus or Charter Arms equivelants. Any trip to the range will be a "one and done" affair. I say that being a revolver fan.

Second, if it's her gun, then it's her decision.

I know this is a revolver forum, but I would look closely at the Sig Sauer P250 Compact chambered in 380ACP. Model number is 250C-380-B. The recoil will be less than a 38 special to begin with. Being a semi-auto the impulse will be spread out to further soften the blow compared to the sharp rap of a revolver. The slide will be much easier to rack vs. a 9mm or 40S&W. The 3.9" barrel will let the marginal 380acp generate additional velocity. It has a simple double action trigger similar to the SP101, but not quite as heavy. Finally, for nightstand duty, it's magazine contains 3 SP101's worth of ammo.

When you take her to the range, give her a pair of the best ear plugs you can find and cover them up with some good muffs. Take as much of the "blast" out of the experience as you can.
 
To clarify...Is she actually going to be training regularly or at all or does she just want to have a gun around just in case?
 
My wife of 47 years does not like guns, but can handle a revolver if necessary. A recent onset of arthritis in her hands has changed things and our Model 10 snub is doable in single action. She now lacks the strength to pull a double action trigger and is so afraid of autos that they're out of the picture altogether.
 
Welcome from Upstate NY.

I have a 4.2" Ruger SP101 in .357. It's a great gun. Well balanced and an easy shooter. It would definitely work well as a HD. Downside is that it is only a 5 shot. In used guns, the Ruger Security Six is IMHO, among the best designed pistols. I have a 4" (.357) stainless model. It is my "go to" revolver for hiking. I also have a S&W Model 10-5. It's chambered in 38 special. A .38s+P round would be a very effective bedside defensive round.The .357 guns will also shoot .38s.

As to cost. I bought the SP101 new and paid new gun pricing. I bought the Sec Six used (1978 model) in 95+% condition for $ 300 out the door (a steal) and the Model 10-5 (90+%) was right at 400 bucks. There is no reason to pay $1k for a home defense revolver. You can easily get by for half that cost and put the balance into ammo, range time and a nice dinner with your wife.

Good luck and let us know how you make out dm.
 
The model 36 is the blued version of the 60. You may be able to find one of those but I'd check the classifieds here first. Good luck with your search.
 
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