Joined the Darkside

[Irn-Bru]

Well I just sold my S&W 642, and bought the Ruger SP101-357.
I had my 642 a few months, and liked the weight and feel, but didn't shoot it well. I could shoot normal rounds okay, but the plus P rounds I wasn't accurate.
.38 ammo was okay to shoot, but the +P was not enjoyable for the little snubie. Anyway went with the bigger, heavier Ruger, and like it a lot. Fired a friends at the range, and +P rounds were very manageable. The .357 rounds weren't too bad either, started to feel it after about 20 rounds, but not that bad.

 

[Warren Sear]

All right! That leaves more S&W's for those who appreciate class, beauty, elegance, and soul in a firearm. Nice going!

 

[Irn-Bru]

I'm not a fanboy of any one particular brand. I have Glock, S&W and Ruger. I don't buy any one particular brand, just what feels good, and I like. I'm not saying the 642 is a bad gun, just didn't suite me.

 

[Hillbilly77]

I like my SP101.
I chose it over a J-frame when I bought it. I was looking for a small, double action, .357 magnum with a hammer.
The J-frames I tried all felt too small in my hand, and not to mention the Ruger was around $150 cheaper than the comperable Model 60.

I did a DIY action job and replaced the springs with Wolff springs - it's like a whole different gun.
Even if new springs don't interest you, I recommend the action job - it's fairly quick and easy, and can be done with a piece of 2000 grit sandpaper.
I have a link for step-by-step instructions. PM me if you're interested.

 

[Bart45]

If I see that the side plate has been removed or the screw heads are funky, I pass on buying it.

 

[DonD]

My only experience with a J frame was in a gunshop several years ago and I wasn't impressed with the trigger, nothing like the larger S&Ws.

Bought a SP101 and have been very pleased with it. Find no issues with the trigger. Wouldn't mind a little lighter DA pull but won't do anything to reduce ignition reliability.

Plus, the well known fact that a SP101 is considerably more rugged than any J frame. Don

 

[finesse_r]

Well I just sold my S&W 642, and bought the Ruger SP101-357.
I had my 642 a few months, and liked the weight and feel, but didn't shoot it well. I could shoot normal rounds okay, but the plus P rounds I wasn't accurate.
.38 ammo was okay to shoot, but the +P was not enjoyable for the little snubie. Anyway went with the bigger, heavier Ruger, and like it a lot. Fired a friends at the range, and +P rounds were very manageable. The .357 rounds weren't too bad either, started to feel it after about 20 rounds, but not that bad.

SP-101 is the smallest gun in which I will occasionally fire .357 magnum ammo. I much prefer to use .38 + P in mine and that is about the right power for that size and weight. I however, prefer the three inch version to the snub nose one. For pocket carry the snub nose would be better than the three inch, but for pocket carry I typically carry a 649-2 with either .38 special or .38 + P depending on my mood.

 

[Malpasowildlifer]

All right! That leaves more S&W's for those who appreciate class, beauty, elegance, and soul in a firearm. Nice going!

i love it!

 

[gaucho1]

That's like selling a two seat sports car to buy a good tractor.

Depending on your purpose, could be a very good decision.

BTW..........Ruger make good solid tractor like revolvers....

but the Dark Side they are not.

If you want dark, trade for an AK pistol

 

[Irn-Bru]

That's like selling a two seat sports car to buy a good tractor.

Depending on your purpose, could be a very good decision.

BTW..........Ruger make good solid tractor like revolvers....

but the Dark Side they are not.

If you want dark, trade for an AK pistol

Definitely feels heavier and bulkier.

I'll probably carry it in the winter months, with more layers on. The most important thing was the way it shoots for me. I'm a much better shot with it, than I was the 642.

At the end of the day, you want something you can shoot well, rather than something that's light and pretty, but can't hit squat with.

 

[S&W45Colt]

If I see that the side plate has been removed or the screw heads are funky, I pass on buying it.

You never clean or oil the internal parts in your revolver?

 

[kwselke]

I figured a Glock would be involved?

 

[Cyrano]

I figure the 357 in a snubbie gives a lot more blast and recoil than in a longer barreled gun with a lot of velocity loss. I'm perfectly happy with my 638 in 38 Special. It fires +Ps comfortably and will put the hurt on someone if I have to use it. If I want more power my 625 Mountain Gun in 45 Colt with hot handloads is about all I can handle.