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

[kudzu3]

Sounds like you're longing for a pre-lock m 60.

 

[shouldazagged]

A nice compromise, if compromise you must, is an all-steel +P-rated J-frame .38 Special. I've pocket-carried a 640 for years. It's lighter than the Ruger, but enough heavier than the Airweight to make control easy and recoil comfortable. Mine weighs 21 ounces.

Sounds as if you don't really have to choose among these guns, for which I envy you.

 

[Cocked & Locked]

heavy for the pocket, but...

I've got S&W J, K, N snubs, Colt and Charter Arms snubs...but the SP101 is a favorite.

Night sight on the front, double action only, and five .357 158 grain XTP's make it good to go.

 

[sipowicz]

I've got a snubbie k frame and a Gemini SP101...but I don't carry either of them...my DS is my favorite belt carry and my airweight j-frame is for ankle duty...

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

I've an ex-brother-in-law that bought everyone in his household SP 101's. The daughter is 33 now and has been carring that 101 since she was 17. The boys back then and the men now, have learned to treat her with respect! I,ve plinked with family owned 101's, but prefer J-frames. I own and have CC; model 15 2", model 12 2", model 31 2", model 36 2", model 37 2", and my favorite is still my model 49 (no dash). I had the alloy version of my 49 with lock (is that a 638?), and found it to be the only junk S&W I've ever owned (out of about 150, over the years) and I still liked it better than the 101. Ivan

 

[Pete99004]

FWIW - I have a standard M37 Airweight .38 spl. - a M60 bobbed hammer DAO in .38 spl. no dash and a Ruger KLCR (also a DAO) which is the .357 mag. version.

Love them all and all pocket carry very well. I normally carry the M60 and occasionally carry the LCR with .357 loads in it. But I prefer the M60 for some reason it just feels right. Would carry the M37 but the wife won't let me have it, it's hers! I would think a K frame to be a bit large to pocket carry.

Should mention the stock Hogue grip on the KLCR handles .357 mag. loads very nicely.

Pete

 

[LouisianaJoe]

I now carry a .357 LCR. Plenty of bang and not much weight. It is OK as a pocket gun too.

 

[novalty]

I've been pretty happy with my Ruger SP101, with added XS 24/7 Night Sight

Carry in a R. Grizzle Leather City Slicker 2 holster.

 

[sheepdawg]

Carried this SP for a few years, also own a Model 36. The S&W has a much lighter trigger which to me is not a plus in a carry piece. I carry a CZ 82 now because I like the 13 shot capacity but I still love my Ruger. It does get everyone's attention at the range when shooting full bore 357s.

 

[s1mp13m4n]

What in the S&W line is like the sp101 3 inch model?

 

[Old cop]

How a Ruger tech could tell anyone that a few "jams" in a self defense gun was okay is beyond me. No one should ever carry a gun that is not 100% for self defense. I'm sorry but that is really nuts . . .

 

[O2Guy]

Yep, if I'm going to carry something as heavy as the SP101, I just move on up to six shots. My SP101 with the Badger Boot grips sure was a pretty thing, though.

Two Model 10's, a Model 66, and a Speed Six with an old Alfonso holster.

 

[Model 19 6"]

Just made a deal for a M 19 2 1/2". Anybody recomend a carry holster? Jerry

 

[sipowicz]

http://www.lobogunleather.com/3_model_1_pancake_style_holster

 

[RussellD]

What you need is a model 12 sir.

 

[TheGreatGonzo]

What you need is a model 12 sir.

I would love to find a nice little Model 12, especially since I'm an old Air Force guy. However, they are not something I have seen floating around my neck of the woods lately at all.
Gonzo

 

[M3Stuart]

I have the 2.5" 66-4, the 642 and a 60-9. The 642 for pocket carry has recently replaced the 60-9 as it is about a half-pound lighter and is outstanding for pocket carry. Meanwhile the 66 is a tack-driver at 50'. During the last year I've passed on a couple used sp101s that were reasonably priced. The SP101 is a great gun, but can't replace the 66's adjustable sights at distance or the 642 for carry. So I'd stick with the Smiths!

 

[Berserker]

How a Ruger tech could tell anyone that a few "jams" in a self defense gun was okay is beyond me. No one should ever carry a gun that is not 100% for self defense. I'm sorry but that is really nuts . . .

Ya I told him it is not a range gun.



Anyone change the sites out to raise impact on SP101 or file down sites? Should I just learn to shoot it?

 

[jimmyj]

Hi:
I have own all three in the past.
1. S&W M19 2.5"- great OWB
2. Ruger SP-101 - In the same size group as the S&W M19 but only five rounds.
3. S&W "J" Frames 2" - EDC--Model 642 /638: small light five shot-great for pocket, IWB, OWB, Ankle, Belly Band.
I CCW EDC S&W M638 which I consider a "BUG". If I leave the house My main CCW is a high capacity semi-auto in addition to my "BUG".

 

[7Iron]

If you want something to drop in your pocket, the Ruger is not it. Get a lightweight J-frame. The 19 and the SP101 both fill the same role.