S&W 340 PD vs. Ruger SP101

[BigEFan]

I love my GP 100 and have been mulling over the SP 101 in the configuration you mention.

I am biased but I say go for the Ruger.
It's not like you are going to be disappointed in either.


Wow this time warp is really jacking up our threads huh......and who bought the futuristicly equipped Delorian?

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[dcb188]

Needless to say, I am not in the middle of gun country here, but have been carrying for 14 years. Did not grow up around here. But I carry the Ruger SP101 in a jeans pocket, with a holster without straps etc just a simple carrier to break up the outline of it in your pocket. It is a little heavy and if you carry it in the pocket of outdoor shorts that are not heavyweight like cutoff jeans etc then it could be a problem. But I like the idea of knowing that it is a very powerful weapon, and the reason for carrying it in the first place is for defense. May as well have some stopping power. Jeans and cutoff jeans, fine, regular pants, fine, but like I said, lightweight outdoor shorts, it is a problem because of its weight. Works fine inside a zippered pouch with loops for the belt, too. I also like the reliability in that you will never have to clear a jam, worry about the spring or anything else like that. Also, it is very reasonably priced. I used to have a Ruger P90 .45 but carrying that was a problem. The SP 101 is great. The only other suggestion would be a S&W Titanium Airweight .38, and that is so light that even in non-jeans outdoor shorts it is never a problem. But it is a lot more expensive.

[Erich1B]

Thanks for the great feedback.

Of the two guns, personally, I'd rather have the SP101, I just like a good heavy gun. Had the 360 not been a his/hers carry gun, I would have opted for an all stainless snub. I plan on adding one of the DAO SP101s in .357 as soon as adequate funding is available.

JD, how is the recoil on your 360?

The SP101 will be heaver, but it will a LOT easier to practice with because of that weight. Recommend: Find a range that rents both and check them out for yourself side-by-side. It's the only way you are going to be sure which one YOU like.

fatboy97. Your points are well taken, and that is why I have been leaning towards the Ruger. Regarding the range, that's good advice but not something available for me in my area. Which is why feedback from others is very beneficial.

Have you considered the S&W 640, an all stainless 5 shot J frame revolver weighing 23 ounces empty? This would be more directly comparable to the Ruger SP101, which is also all stainless. I believe that this would be my choice, as I prefer the trigger action on S&W revolvers to that of Rugers.

pogo2, I agree that the S&W 640 would be a better comparison. I guess that for me, it would be somewhat of a novelty to have a scandium revolver with a titanium cylinder. However, as others have noted, I believe the drawback for the 360 would be that the lighter gun would have much more recoil.

I appreciate everyones input. Perhaps I will go with the Ruger.

[Erich1B]

OK, my stimulus payment has arrived and I've decided that I want to stimulate the firearms industry by purchasing a concealed carry gun.

I've narrowed my choices down to the following two guns: Smith & Wesson 340PD .357 Mag Airlite HIVIZ or Ruger SP101 357 SS, 2.25" Fixed Sights.

I'd thought solicit some comments from the forum members regarding either of these two guns. Cost between the two is not a factor, and perhaps this is an apples vs oranges debate, but sometimes hearing others opinions can provide some good insight.

Also, any suggestions on inside the waistband carry holsters would be welcome.

Thanks in advance for any replies

[JD]

Well so far I'm really happy with my UBG Tuckable Nassar for my J-Frame:



It works quite well with my 360PD.

Of the two guns, personally, I'd rather have the SP101, I just like a good heavy gun. Had the 360 not been a his/hers carry gun, I would have opted for an all stainless snub. I plan on adding one of the DAO SP101s in .357 as soon as adequate funding is available.

[fatboy97]

I've been giving serious consideration to buying a SP101 over the last year or so. I love the reliability of my Ruger GP100, both those darn semi-auto's keep jumping into my hands.

The SP101 will be heaver, but it will a LOT easier to practice with because of that weight.

Recommend: Find a range that rents both and check them out for yourself side-by-side. It's the only way you are going to be sure which one YOU like.

[pogo2]

Personally I would go with the Ruger SP101, of the two candidates you mentioned. My reason is the weight - the SP101 is about 25 ounces empty, and this weight is needed to comfortably shoot .357 magnums in a small revolver. The 340PD weighs about 12 ounces less and is very difficult to shoot because of excessive recoil.

Have you considered the S&W 640, an all stainless 5 shot J frame revolver weighing 23 ounces empty? This would be more directly comparable to the Ruger SP101, which is also all stainless. I believe that this would be my choice, as I prefer the trigger action on S&W revolvers to that of Rugers. Here is the 640:

[adaman04]

Ruger. My GP100 3" is a sweet revolver. I'm sure an SP will follow soon after!

[Chum]

Personally I would go with the Ruger SP101, of the two candidates you mentioned. My reason is the weight - the SP101 is about 25 ounces empty, and this weight is needed to comfortably shoot .357 magnums in a small revolver. The 340PD weighs about 12 ounces less and is very difficult to shoot because of excessive recoil.

Have you considered the S&W 640, an all stainless 5 shot J frame revolver weighing 23 ounces empty? This would be more directly comparable to the Ruger SP101, which is also all stainless. I believe that this would be my choice, as I prefer the trigger action on S&W revolvers to that of Rugers. Here is the 640:

I've been considering this gun for all the reasons you've mentioned. Does anyone have any experience with the S&W 640? I'd like to hear about the recoil and the accuracy.

[dan728]

I have a 340sc I just put 50 rds thru it today. It is not the most fun gun to shoot but the recoil is not as bad as everyone says. I sometimes wonder how many people have actually shot one before telling me it feels like an m-80 going off in their hand. It's not that bad. I have put several thousand rounds thru mine. Still runs like a champ and at less than 12oz it is a joy to carry all day in the pocket.

[dcb188]

Even the SP101 recoil is not bad at all, and I have the factory grips on it. The heaviness of it helps reduce the recoil. But it is a good gun. I wish it were a little bit lighter, though.

[ICTsnub]

I've been considering this gun for all the reasons you've mentioned. Does anyone have any experience with the S&W 640? I'd like to hear about the recoil and the accuracy.

Well over ten years with one. I put in Wolf springs, and in slow DA, you can feel the bolt drop into the window, pause, align the sights, and flat embarrass people. Recoil? It's a .357, even my 6" 686 gets your attention. Do I download? No.

[mikeg4]

I have a 12oz S&W 360. It's fine with 38 +Ps but I literally injured the tendons in my elbow by shooting full power 357s out of it.

To add insult to injury the gun shot loose too.

So I now carry a Ruger SP101 and I love this gun.

I carry it in my front pocket, and no, it's not too heavy.

I can also shoot full power 357s out of it with no pain or injury.

The SP101 has not, and according to all accounts, will not shoot loose.

Mike G.

[crzy4guns]

+1 the Ruger will hold up better to a steady diet of .357 magnums. I find that the recoil is down right brutal firing magnums out of a S&W J frame. I would use .38 +Ps if you go with Smith.