Lobo_79
US Veteran
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2006
- Messages
- 80
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SP 101 vs. J/K frame
- Thread starter Harrison
- Start date
I've had this sp101 for about 4 years. The Hogue combat grips make it much nicer to shoot, and lighter weight springs have been added to trigger and hammer. I haven't owned a J-framed Smith, but the sp101 is a great little revolver, IMHO.
Wee Hooker
Member
I own several of both and would not feel undergunned with either. That said, If you want a CC gun, the S&W J frame is king. The Sp-101 is a very capable gun, especially if your set on carrying 357 but it is HEAVY , more roughly fit , harder to tune and accessorize with grips, holsters etc.
I have an old 640 from their first year of issue (1989 or 1990) and a 2.25" SP 101. To me they weigh about the same with both of them fitted with Pachmayr Compac grips and loaded with the same type of ammo. I've been able to successfully carry both of the guns in my pocket without discomfort but agree an Airweight rides better and they are considerably lighter than the Ruger or steel-framed Smith.
The differences I see between the SP and the Smith J-frames is the trigger and the finish work. The Ruger trigger doesn't feel heavier or grittier than an out-of-the box J-frame but the pull is considerably longer. If you're used to a J-frame trigger, it takes some getting used to. As for the finishing on the Ruger, it has a lot of sharp edges and some roughness. I took a Dremel to my SP and smoothed out the external edges that were particularly sharp. To me, the Ruger is a little less refined than the S&W.
Another thing about the SP101. After shooting about 20 rounds of Federal .357 Magnum 125 gr JHP, I found myself developing a significant flinch. The gun is tougher than I am. I'll stick with .38 Special +P or lighter weight Magnum rounds in the Ruger.
The differences I see between the SP and the Smith J-frames is the trigger and the finish work. The Ruger trigger doesn't feel heavier or grittier than an out-of-the box J-frame but the pull is considerably longer. If you're used to a J-frame trigger, it takes some getting used to. As for the finishing on the Ruger, it has a lot of sharp edges and some roughness. I took a Dremel to my SP and smoothed out the external edges that were particularly sharp. To me, the Ruger is a little less refined than the S&W.
Another thing about the SP101. After shooting about 20 rounds of Federal .357 Magnum 125 gr JHP, I found myself developing a significant flinch. The gun is tougher than I am. I'll stick with .38 Special +P or lighter weight Magnum rounds in the Ruger.
