Ruger SP-101 vs. S&W Model 60

[Camjr]

Hard to go wrong with either. I don't own either one (closest I have is a 642 Airweight). I will say the SP101 is on my must have list...

Cheers.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[Spec]

My Vote is for the Smith and Wesson... My G/F just rented one at the range last weekend... I shot it and I'm thinking about buying one for me when she buys hers.

P.S. If you haven't look at the hammer strike plate on the SP101 you might want to. It is sort of funny how it hits a flat surface. Oh the one we rented was the S&W Model 640, so the hammerless one. I would want the one with the hammer like your pick. I like options

[mj40p]

Model 60. Any holster you get for it will also fit your 442. with the SP101 you will need different holsters. Since you don't plan on pocket carry why not get a 3". Ruger frames are castings that's why they are heavier than the forged frames S&W uses.

[gglass]

Sweeeeeeet looking SP101. You should go into business doing that.

Thanks for the compliment.

It would be pretty hard to make money doing this kind of shine job and trigger work. The process is pretty long and painstaking as it all has to be done by hand to exactly match the contours of the gun's original lines exactly. I can't imagine how it would turn out if things were sped up mechanically. I suppose that is why we just don't see old-world craftsmanship in products nowadays.

I can only hope that the pic inspires more people to try these kinds of DIY enhancements to their SP-101's. They really are pretty easy to work on.

[ksholder]

I have the S&W 640 and my friend the SP101 (hammerless). We have both shot both guns and are both pleased with our own choice over the other. I just like the ergos on the Smith better. That it can share Holsters with my 642 is a plus.

[LanceORYGUN]

There is nothing quite like a Smith & Wesson:






Another option would be to shop around for a good used Model 66 with a 2 1/2 inch barrel:

[sinzitu]

SP101 - You won't be disappointed. Well built and a great value.

[xXxplosive]

IMO...........in a SA/DA Revolver it's S&W.......hands down.

[Diddle]

I really like S&W revolvers but in this case, the SP-101. I am with the SP-101 as many people are with Glocks; Everyone should own one.

[Sleipnir]

I stopped by my LGS today to check out the Springfield XD and to rethink my Glock decision; I left the LGS with a layaway and down payment on a 2-1/4" Ruger SP101 .357 mag.

I love the lockup on it, though the way that Ruger fits the barrel to the frame threw me off as it's a little off-center to the frame but in perfect cylinder alignment and it appears to be normal for all the SP101's I looked at.

$530 after tax when I pay off the rest of it and it comes home with me.

[ansehnlich1]

I gotta tell ya, I bought a 3 inch SP101 .357 because, well, it's solid, but most importantly, it has NO INTERNAL LOCK.

[TJK68]

Love the SP-101

[bmcgilvray]

I voted for the Model 60.

Personally though I'd choose a 2 1/2-inch Smith & Wesson Model 19 or Model 66 over either the Model 60 or SP 101.

[LanceORYGUN]

I voted for the Model 60.

Personally though I'd choose a 2 1/2-inch Smith & Wesson Model 19 or Model 66 over either the Model 60 or SP 101.

I agree. The S&W K/L frame is a better fit for such a powerful cartridge as the .357, in my opinion.

The S&W Model 65 3 inch would be another good used gun to consider:

[bmcgilvray]

Yep, you're right. A 3-inch Smith & Wesson Model 13 or Model 65 might well be the best choice of all for .357 Magnum concealed carry.

Six shots of controllable full bore .357 Magnum goodness.