I'm looking at either a Ruger SP101 (with hammer), or a S&W 60-9. Both are in .357 magnum. The revolvers intended use is for OWB belt carry. I can conceal either equally as well. Whichever one is chosen will shoot primarily .357 rounds for both practice and carry. In all honesty, I'm leaning towards the Ruger, but only because I like its looks better. Which one would you choose, and why?
SP101 or S&W 60-9
- Thread starter lilop
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ab4ka
Member
If you're going OWB and shooting .357's, I like the Ruger just because it's a little bigger and heavier. If you don't like the trigger, the springs are easily replaced.
I have had both. I like the looks and weight of the 60 better.
This is the link to when my heavily used 60 broke.
http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1980-present/122243-broke-my-magnum-today.html
This is the link to when my heavily used 60 broke.
http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1980-present/122243-broke-my-magnum-today.html
Harrison
US Veteran
If you are going to actually shoot the thing, with 357s, I would get the Ruger. J frames are made to be carried alot and shot little with +P or 357 level loads. In addition, the Ruger is just plain out and out a sturdier pistol.
David Sinko
Member
If you must have a .357 I suggest the SP-101. I had one but recently sold it. I believe a 2" .38 Special is much more viable as a pocket gun, and then the choice is clearly a S&W J Frame. If you're looking for a belt gun, I'd suggest a short barrel K Frame that will give you one extra round.
Dave Sinko
Dave Sinko
Cocked & Locked
Member
SP101
I don't have a J-frame .357, just .38 spl ones so I can't compare one to a SP101. I do have .357's snubs in K and N frame versions.
Since I got this SP101 last February it has become my most carried gun. Prior to that my J-frame .38's were my most carried. I've shot nothing but .357 158 grain ammo in it. Its not unpleasant to shoot at all. I've never tried 125's in it...probably a beast.
I replaced the front sight with a Meprolight night sight. I've tried grips from Eagle, Hogue, Pachmayr, and Badger. I've settled on the factory grips with replacement inserts as the best compromise on comfort, ability to conceal, and natural placement in my hand.
The Pachmayr grips run a close second but they weigh Five Ounces and I prefer the lighter weight.
I don't have a J-frame .357, just .38 spl ones so I can't compare one to a SP101. I do have .357's snubs in K and N frame versions.
Since I got this SP101 last February it has become my most carried gun. Prior to that my J-frame .38's were my most carried. I've shot nothing but .357 158 grain ammo in it. Its not unpleasant to shoot at all. I've never tried 125's in it...probably a beast.
I replaced the front sight with a Meprolight night sight. I've tried grips from Eagle, Hogue, Pachmayr, and Badger. I've settled on the factory grips with replacement inserts as the best compromise on comfort, ability to conceal, and natural placement in my hand.
The Pachmayr grips run a close second but they weigh Five Ounces and I prefer the lighter weight.
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Landric
Member
Another vote for the SP101. If you were asking which gun in .38 Special to buy, I'd vote for the Model 60, but for magnums, I think the SP is a better choice. I have two SP101s myself, one 2 1/4", one 3", both DAO with Meprolight front sights. They are fantastic revolvers and my first choice for a primary carry revolver. I carry my 2 1/4" SP in a DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster regularly despite the accepted "internet fact" that the SP101 isn't a pocket gun.
bronco45
Member
I have an SP that is identical to C&Ls photo with the Pachmayrs, and it has become my favorite CC revolver. Did the Wolff spring kit thing to it and it is DAO, added the Meprolight night sight. Shoots great, and the gun is as durable as a Mack Truck.
Carry it in a Mernickle performance series holster and a belt slide with six extras and a Safariland Speedloader.
Size wise they are the same overall size as a Colt Detective Special and they are not finicky or delicate.
I am Jealous of C&Ls Ruger medallion in the grip though.
Carry it in a Mernickle performance series holster and a belt slide with six extras and a Safariland Speedloader.
Size wise they are the same overall size as a Colt Detective Special and they are not finicky or delicate.
I am Jealous of C&Ls Ruger medallion in the grip though.
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Cocked & Locked
Member
minor cosmetic surgery...Silicone Implant
No need to be jealous...I simply did a medallion transplant on both sides. The Pachmayr and Ruger medallions are the same diameter. Pop the old out and silicone adhesive the new in.
No need to be jealous...I simply did a medallion transplant on both sides. The Pachmayr and Ruger medallions are the same diameter. Pop the old out and silicone adhesive the new in.
sipowicz
Member
The SP is a sweet shooter, even with full power loads....here's mine...Gemini Custom with small wonder sight...in lobo enhanced pancake.
bronco45
Member
C&L: A little silicone surgery is definetly in order, thanks for the tip.
Sip: That wondersight doesn't drag? Like that Lobo holster. I have the enhanced pancake for my Colt DS and it's a great rig. That black looks good.
Sip: That wondersight doesn't drag? Like that Lobo holster. I have the enhanced pancake for my Colt DS and it's a great rig. That black looks good.
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sipowicz
Member
Bronco..no, the sight doesn't drag at all....
Cocked & Locked
Member
No drag here either...not a problem.
sipowicz
Member
BTW, Marc at Gemini also made one for my P2000...they don't do anything at night but they really glow in daylight and are great for target shooting if you eyes aren't what they used to be....
snowman
Member
I have no experience with the J-frame, but I've been carrying/shooting an SP101 for six years or so, and am thoroughly sold on it. I have shot nothing but .357 125gr. JHP's in it, and the recoil is not a problem. Just practice regularly until you can hit well with it, then keep practicing regularly.
To be fair, this gun/load combination may be a little too stout for those who are slightly built, have arthritic hands/wrists, etc. But the average man shouldn't have a problem. As others have said, the Ruger is a wonderful gun.
Andy
To be fair, this gun/load combination may be a little too stout for those who are slightly built, have arthritic hands/wrists, etc. But the average man shouldn't have a problem. As others have said, the Ruger is a wonderful gun.
Andy
Mister_Smith
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My two cents
I see this thread is a couple years old but I feel compelled to respond to fears about both the Smith and the Ruger being too light for comfortable .357 shooting. I own an 11 ounce Smith 340PD, I shoot .357 through it, the recoil is stout, maybe even severe is a good word for it, but it is manageable. Fast follow up shots are not likely, at least I've not perfected any method for fast follow ups.
My point is, the Ruger SP101 at some 27 ounces, is more than twice the weight of the Smith 340PD, I gotta believe shooting .357 through the Ruger is like shooting a .22! I do own a Smith 60 in .357, which is almost exactly twice the weight of the 340PD and I have no problem shooting .357 through the model 60. Any fears about the Ruger being too light a gun for .357 are unfounded unless you are extremely recoil sensitive. The 27 ounce Ruger is a very heavy gun by comparison to the 11 ounce Smith 340PD!!
I see this thread is a couple years old but I feel compelled to respond to fears about both the Smith and the Ruger being too light for comfortable .357 shooting. I own an 11 ounce Smith 340PD, I shoot .357 through it, the recoil is stout, maybe even severe is a good word for it, but it is manageable. Fast follow up shots are not likely, at least I've not perfected any method for fast follow ups.
My point is, the Ruger SP101 at some 27 ounces, is more than twice the weight of the Smith 340PD, I gotta believe shooting .357 through the Ruger is like shooting a .22! I do own a Smith 60 in .357, which is almost exactly twice the weight of the 340PD and I have no problem shooting .357 through the model 60. Any fears about the Ruger being too light a gun for .357 are unfounded unless you are extremely recoil sensitive. The 27 ounce Ruger is a very heavy gun by comparison to the 11 ounce Smith 340PD!!
labworm
US Veteran
Excuse me gentlemen, I believe I entered the wrong forum, thought I was at the S&W forum. Only kidding, own 3 Rugers myself
Nice pictures
Nice pictures
