The saga of the snubbies: j-frame vs. k-frame vs. SP101

[TheGreatGonzo]

For the past few weeks, I've been searching high and low for a Ruger SP101. I was primarily looking for a knock-around gun. Something to drop in my jacket pocket when walking the dog or maybe stick in my waistband for a quick trip to the gas station. I carry pretty much 24/7, everywhere I go, but I almost always carry a Sig P229 or P239, with the occasional switch to my Kahr K9 for hot weather t-shirt carry. It was not my intent to carry .357 loads in the snubbie, just .38 +P.

I was having trouble finding one, but in the looking process, I stumbled on a very beautiful little S&W Model 19-3 2.5" nickel snubbie. I could not resist it and snatched it right up. To me, it seems just perfect for a carry gun. As luck would have it, an SP101 has now popped up at a local dealer. The thing is, now I'm not sure I actually need one. The M19 is just about perfect for belt carry and does not seem all that much larger than the SP101. At this point, if what I'm looking for is a true "drop in my pocket gun" and I'm not particularly looking for a .357 that I might be better served looking for a lovingly used, but not abused, j-frame S&W. The SP101 runs about $560 + tax and I'm thinking I could find a used j-frame somewhat cheaper than that. I have owned (and carried) various j-frames in the past and I have owned (and wished I never got rid of) an SP101, but never at the same time, so I can't really get a solid grip on the difference in size. I do know the SP101 is pretty chunky for a snubnose 5-shot, but that comes with being built like a tank.

At this point, my mind is up in the air. I'm open to any insight, thoughts, or suggestions.
Best regards,
Gonzo

 

[Mule Packer]

I've had a couple SP101's...one with a 2¼-inch barrel and the other with the 3-inch barrel. Unfortunately, the 2¼-incher was stolen. Sweet little gun for concealed carry.

That being said, however, I have always wanted to find a Model 19 with the 2½-inch barrel. To me, that is perfect.

Be happy with what you have. You've got a nice carry piece.

 

[TheGreatGonzo]

I'm definitely not getting rid of the 19-3! I'm just pondering if it fulfills the role that I had in my mind for the SP101 and I should look for a lighter j-frame instead.

 

[eb07]

If you want a pocket revolver, look at the smith air weights or the ruger lcr.

 

[mc5aw]

I have owned (and carried) various j-frames in the past

You don't need any convincing ...

 

[Aticus]

I had both a J frame (Mod. 36) and an SP 101 at the same time. I carried either at times and found both to be easy to carry. I put Pachmayrs on the 36 but kept the standard grips on the 101. I decided I didn't need two snubbies so wound up selling the 36. (It was an old flat latch that someone had had done in electroless nickle or I'd have kept it.) I kept the 101 because it felt better in my hand and carries well in a Galco OWB. I do wish I could afford to replace the 36 with a 642 but I can't afford it now and I still have trouble justifying two snubbies. I know, I know that doesn't help but IMHO I'd go with the SP 101 simply because it feels better to me. Oh yeah, I normally carry a Kimber Compact 45.

 

[SAFireman]

Long ago I had a SP101 with the factory bobbed hammer...it was a big heavy boat anchor. I could not carry it in my pocket without my pants dragging down around my knees. I opted for a Smith 642, and never looked back....now I carry a 340 because it is 357 and even lighter than the 642.

For a pocket gun, you just can't beat the smith J frames.

 

[Nico Testosteros]

I agree that an SP101 is a tank. I have a 3" version to carry while backpacking. I'm pretty sure it's too big for pocket carry. Too big for pants pockets, anyway. Maybe I just have small pants.

 

[Rule3]

I like the SP101 but only for shooting 357 Mags. If as you say you only want +P 38 then I see no reason to lug one around. The SW J frames are lighter and smaller.

 

[rockquarry]

Trade offs... the Ruger and Mod. 19 are bulky and heavy but relatively easy to shoot well. The compact, light, and easily concealable J-frame is considerably more difficult to shoot well, but it can be mastered with practice. The J-frame snubnose will do all the larger revolvers will except hold six rounds.

 

[Iggy]

FWIW I pack this one every day. I use a belt holster and get along just fine.

 

[Ruger Nut]

I didn't get my screen name for nothing.

An SP101 is a great firearm. I had a few of them. Before carrying my Bersa .380 on my ankle I would ankle carry an SP101 2.25" .357.
When fanny packs were popular I would carry an SP in there. I do like the S&W line but prefer the SP101 over it.

 

[sipowicz]

Sounds like you might like a DS....not much bigger than a j-frame...lighter than an SP101 by a few ounces....6 shots like the K frame but 8 ounces lighter with a smaller frame...

 

[ladder13]

Long ago I had a SP101 with the factory bobbed hammer...it was a big heavy boat anchor..............
For a pocket gun, you just can't beat the smith J frames.

+ 1 ............

 

[Berserker]

I have one of each. SP101 is to heavy for pocket carry. Nice on the belt. Only reason I keep it, is it is a .357, and that is a good load. I tried to trade it once for 4".

SP101 shoots low for me. I have heard to aim using the blade and not the rear sites. Which is fine, if that is the only gun you shoot. I could file it down, or just hope it that if I put a .357 in someone at close range, I am going to take the fight out of them.

My K frame is a 4" which I think is a good truck gun, or belt, mine is not a .357 though.

My 638 is a nice pocket and carry gun.

Dealer had to give me another SP101, first time I fired it the casings got stuck. Not saying I'll never buy another Ruger, but I don't think they are that great. Ruger tech told my 5 jams out of 400 with my LCP is actually good. I really like that gun for pocket carry, but haven't carried it since.

I do like my 1968 3 screw, but maybe that was a different time for Ruger.

 

[walkin jack]

I have never owned or fired a S&W J or K frame but I do own and occasional carry a 3" SP101 and I cannot imagine a revolver being better for the OP's description. This little 5-shot wheel gun is a shooter. Great weight and balance and a very nice trigger whether fired double action or single action.

I don't like the air weighs for shooting magnum loads. This is where the weight of the stainless steel revolver does a great job of smoothing out that first shot and greatly expedites the second (and subsequent) shot and target reacquisition. Just my thoughts.

 

[carpriver]

there is nothing wrong with owning a j frame and a K frame and a sp101 at the same time. Just think of it as having a choice. Sometimes a gun just fills the hand the right way when you pick it up for the first time; for me that is what counts how does it feel in my hand, is it balanced, how does the finger feel on the trigger. And remember you can't have to many guns.

 

[O2Guy]

The size of a .357 SP101 is great but it is pretty heavy for pocket carry. I've had a couple of SP101's and would belt carry them from time to time. I figured if I was going to belt carry, I could carry a Model 19 or a Speed Six and gain a round. Still, I had rather pocket carry a J frame or .44 Bulldog.

 

[TheGreatGonzo]

there is nothing wrong with owning a j frame and a K frame and a sp101 at the same time. Just think of it as having a choice. Sometimes a gun just fills the hand the right way when you pick it up for the first time; for me that is what counts how does it feel in my hand, is it balanced, how does the finger feel on the trigger. And remember you can't have to many guns.

Wish I had the disposable income to pick up both, but for now, only one.

 

[TheGreatGonzo]

Given my specific needs, I think the J-frame is definitely the way to go. The SP101 is tempting just because it is immediately available. The J-frame will require some looking. But it is what will best serve my purposes. I'm sure I'll add an SP101 back to the fold at some point, but for now my priority is going to be the j-frame. Thanks to all for the input and opinions. For the most part, is reinforced what I was already thinking.
Gonzo