3" .357

[craig_o]

I can't decide between the 3" Ruger SP101 and 3" GP100 for CCW (as well as my first gun). I know that the SP101 is by definition easier to conceal, and I've heard that IWB (my carry method of choice, and ideally Smart Carry as my first holster) of a 4" GP100 is a bear. I'm wondering if hacking off the all important 1" down to 3" will make a significant difference.

The benefits that I'm aware of of the GP100 over the SP101 is the 1 additional round and the compatability with moonclips straight out of the box (and the fact that I just like how it looks better for whatever reason).

So, what do you guys recommend? Does anyone have Smart Carry experience with either of these guns? Or if not, what's your IWB holster of choice?

[meeko]

Originally posted by craig_o
I can't decide between the 3" Ruger SP101 and 3" GP100 for CCW (as well as my first gun). I know that the SP101 is by definition easier to conceal, and I've heard that IWB (my carry method of choice, and ideally Smart Carry as my first holster) of a 4" GP100 is a bear. I'm wondering if hacking off the all important 1" down to 3" will make a significant difference.

The benefits that I'm aware of of the GP100 over the SP101 is the 1 additional round and the compatability with moonclips straight out of the box (and the fact that I just like how it looks better for whatever reason).

So, what do you guys recommend? Does anyone have Smart Carry experience with either of these guns? Or if not, what's your IWB holster of choice?

If your mind is set on a 3" I'd go ahead with the GP. While the SP101 has a smaller frame (ie 5 shot) it comes into its own as the 2 1/8".
Yes the GP will be heavyer and a little thicker but it can be done. You will just have to pick your clothing around it.

If you live in a warm climate like say Arizona you might be better with the 2 1/8" SP. But you know what you will need more.

[DJ Niner]

I think weight may be a bigger factor than you think in this equation.

1 round of Federal .357 125 gr JHP ammo = 224 grains (about 1/2 oz)

3" GP100 = 36 ounces; loaded with 6 rounds, 39 ounces, or
2.4 pounds

3-1/16" SP101 = 27 ounces; loaded with 5 rounds, 29.5 ounces, or
1.8 pounds

The bigger gun weighs one-third more than small gun, and because it has a larger cylinder diameter, that weight will be hanging farther out from your body. Stock grips are larger, too, so it's bigger, thicker, AND heavier. Hope you use a belt AND suspenders...


Also, could you explain that moon-clip comment?
I got lost on that one.

[craig_o]

Good point on the weight (and how it would hang).

I was under the impression from various posts I read that the SP101 was not compatible with moonclips without being sent to the gunsmith first. The GP100, however, can take moonclips as soon as you buy some to put in it. I'm not opposed to speedloaders or anything, but moonclips seem like the fastest way to reload. I'll just practice practice practice with speedloaders.

I've got smaller hands and went to the local gunshop/shooting range... the SP was definitely the better fit (I'd shot it several times before but never the GP).

Any advice on gunshow prices for the SP101 NIB?

[meeko]

Originally posted by craig_o
Good point on the weight (and how it would hang).

I was under the impression from various posts I read that the SP101 was not compatible with moonclips without being sent to the gunsmith first. The GP100, however, can take moonclips as soon as you buy some to put in it. I'm not opposed to speedloaders or anything, but moonclips seem like the fastest way to reload. I'll just practice practice practice with speedloaders.

I believe you will have to get the cylnder machined for moon clips on the GP. Tom Kilhofer (SP) www.moonclips.com does that. There might be some older 9mm SP101 that take a 5 shot moon clip floating around. those of course are factory ready.

Also I shoot revolvera alot 2 625's with moonclips and a 686 without. The moon clips are great. The best traditional speedloader that I have found is the Safariland comp III (the L frame S&W fits the GP 100 comp III not made for the SP not sure about the comp II). The comp III is the fastest out there. A little long but fast. Also the safariland comp II is my other choice. No twisting they just automaticly load the rounds into the chambers.

[DJ Niner]

Originally posted by meeko
I believe you will have to get the cylnder machined for moon clips on the GP. That was my understanding also. I know of no Ruger .38/.357 that comes from the factory set-up for moon clips. 9mm Ruger revolvers, yes; .38/.357, no.

[DJ Niner]

Originally posted by craig_o
Any advice on gunshow prices for the SP101 NIB? Might be better than local retail outlets, might not; all depends on the seller, the local demand, and current supply. Personally, I'm finding VG condition or better, used, stainless, 3"-4" barrel, .357 caliber revolvers are fairly rare in my area (75 mile radius). And that's at ANY price; reasonably priced ones are even harder to find.

I had my heart set on a Ruger GP, SP, or even an old Security- Speed- or Service-Six, but I may have to sit back and wait a bit for a decent one to pop up.

[17z]

I have a 3"GP100 and I carry it all the time when I go Out of the house along with 2 speed loaders in my pocket loaded with 125 and 145 grain .357 loads. So far ,I never had to really pull it out on a perp yet but,that day will come sooner or hopefully way later. I do get about 4 inch groups at 100 yards and 2.25 inch groups at 25 yards. Yes ,It is a little heavy sometimes,BUT IT WORKS!!!!!! Rich Ziemies,17z,Omaha:thumbsup:

[Rex G]

Get both; that is the easy solution, though not the cheapest. :) I have toted an S&W N-frame in an IWB holster, so all this talk of 4" medium frames being difficult to conceal is amusing. Now, if Smartcarry is one of those crotch rigs, that might present a problem, but I have no trouble hiding a 4" GP100 in the appendix position. part-way between the point of the hip and the crotch area, in a now-discontinued soft-side Cordura nylon IWB holster made by Eagle Industries. I only use it for short-term carry, though, not all day, with the 4" guns. It's quite possible that one less inch of barrel would make a difference. I can certainly carry a 2.25" SP101 that way all day comfortably.

[ronto]

Just my opinion, but for CCW I chose the 2 1/4" DAO .357 SP101 IWB carry. The gun shows in my area are no bargain and if something goes wrong you can't contact the person you bought it from readily. I bought mine for $375 NIB from our local gun shop which I think is a fair price. 5 rounds of .357 are adequate for the vast majority of civilian defense needs. 6 rounds ,of course, are better...but not that much better. I don't even carry a reloader...I figure if I need more than 5 rounds of .357 to protect myself I'd better devise an exit strategy and call the police.

[craig_o]

Good point Ronto.

I've gone all over the place in terms of what to get for the "first gun" which will be the CCW gun naturally, and it's difficult to beat a .357 magnum revolver made by Ruger (in that order =D) for very well balanced in all respects.

Shooting the SP101 2.25" was positively pleasent, and I know the 3 1/16" will only be better (even if only slightly I feel better having a longer barrel with magnum loads).

Thanks guys!

[Ganesh]

Great choice!!!! altho, i was a proud owner of the sp 101 in 2 1/4"... The sp 101 with a slightly longer barrel will not be any harder to conceal. Prior to my enjoyment with the sp 101, i owned a S&W 686 with 2 1/2" barrel. That thing felt like a brick on my side compared to the little ruger.

With some practice...you'd be surprised at how fast one can reload with a speedloader compared to moonclips.

I ended up going the way of the Glock 26 since then. But at times, i am very tempted to buy another Ruger SP 101. :thumbsup:

[DJ Niner]

You live in OK, right? You CAN own both. ;)


I think moon clips are fine for a range/competition gun, but not for personal defense or woodswalking/hiking. The loaded clips are too easily damaged (bent) which renders them useless, and it's difficult to find a way to carry spare loaded clips that is both protective of their relative fragility AND quick into action.

[ChevyRebel]

Originally posted by 17z
I have a 3"GP100 and I carry it all the time when I go Out of the house along with 2 speed loaders in my pocket loaded with 125 and 145 grain .357 loads. So far ,I never had to really pull it out on a perp yet but,that day will come sooner or hopefully way later. I do get about 4 inch groups at 100 yards and 2.25 inch groups at 25 yards. Yes ,It is a little heavy sometimes,BUT IT WORKS!!!!!! Rich Ziemies,17z,Omaha:thumbsup:

Do you carry that gun in your pocket or the speed loaders? And also that is one hell of a shot you got there if you can put 4in. groups with it at 100yrds. I think that would be hard with an 8in. barrel without a scope.

[Ganesh]

Originally posted by DJ Niner
You live in OK, right? You CAN own both. ;)


I think moon clips are fine for a range/competition gun, but not for personal defense or woodswalking/hiking. The loaded clips are too easily damaged (bent) which renders them useless, and it's difficult to find a way to carry spare loaded clips that is both protective of their relative fragility AND quick into action.


Ya, here in Okie-ville...probably aint too hard to own a 30mm hand cannon with heat seek ability. :thumbsup: I just cant get used to wearin an auto on my side. Gave up the sub-compy 26. It just wasnt me. Tho I do love that tenifer treatment. :thumbsup:

As for carry, its dead on gonna be another sp101 2 1/4 incher. But after reading about the moonclips. Im thinkin of just gettin back into good practice using Bianchi Speed Strips again. Normal means of speedloaders seem a wee bit bulky for me. Great for the target range, lousy for your shorts pocket on a 110 degree okie day.;) Moonclips wouldnt fair a whole heck of alot better. A little less bulky, but still, more so than the speed strips.

And I just cant see using something at the range that i wont also ingrain into my head to use in a fight or flight situation. So a pocketfull of rubber speed strips will again be the norm for me:supergrin:

[DJ Niner]

Hey, you won't hear me trying to talk anyone out of using an SP-101; great little guns. I've got a handful of speed strips, too, and I've been known to drop one or more in the pocket of my jeans on occasion, if there's a "round" gun nearby. Can't beat them for keeping spare ammo ready but hidden; you do give up some speed to a speedloader, but no one will think you're smuggling golf balls with a speed strip in your pocket, either. :supergrin:

I finally found that 3" GP-100 I was looking for; traded into it so I didn't have to fork-over much cash. Mechanically tight, but a bit beat-up; I'll post some pics once I get it refinished. I think I'm going to have it bead-blasted to dull the shine and hide the existing wear marks. Gotta save my pennies for that, though...

[Ganesh]

Dude!!!! Yer gonna love that beast! Try some loads i mentioned in another post. Buffalo Bore in the 158 and 170 grain. I love the stuff...got some power behind it..but if its doable in a sp101 and easy in the 2.5" 686. It'll be the cats meow in that 3" GP100. :thumbsup: