smith snubbie vs ruger

aarrggh · March 10, 2008, 12:28 PM

been thinkin bout buying a snubbie for concealed carry.. and its come down to two manufacturers..ruger and smith & wesson.. if its ruger, its gonna be a sp101. smith & wesson, i havent decided on a model.. it would have to be 357 magnum. stainless steel or similiar finish. im steering away from taurus and rossi at the moment, due to negative customer service and some problems with the guns..any comments would be appreciated.. thanks

cool hand luke 22:36 · March 10, 2008, 12:32 PM

SP-101: most people consider it too heavy for pocket carry, although that's how I carry mine usually.

S&W, lots to choose from there, excepting the new "classic" model 40, all have an ugly child safety lock that may have a very small chance of engaging on it's own and causing problems with the functioning of the revolver.

Either way, expect substantial price increases within few months.

aarrggh · March 10, 2008, 12:36 PM

price increase?! as if ammo prices werent enough...

Webleymkv · March 10, 2008, 12:40 PM

Of the models you mentioned, I'd choose S&W simply because the SP101 is simply too small for my hands (of course this would rule out the S&W J-Frames too). If that isn't an issue for you, the SP101 would be a good gun. The SP101 is most likely a more durable gun than the Smith unless you get into the larger L and N frames. The Ruger, however, is known not to have as good a trigger out of the box as the Smith although SP101 triggers seem to smooth out with use (many will reccomend a lot of dry firing).

aarrggh · March 10, 2008, 12:52 PM

weight istn too much of an issue. i would carry it in an iwb holster, mostly colder weather...if i need a small gun for carry, i have a kahr cw9. but i like the snubbies too.. +p ammo would be the preffered ammo choice for the snubbie. and ive heard that the ruger is plenty strong for full house magnum ammo if i so choose. somewhat smaller wood or rubber grips would probably be purchased for it..ones that would be less likely to hang up on clothing.

MLeake · March 10, 2008, 01:21 PM

Stock grip is too small, for me at least. Aftermarkets are nice, but may impact concealability. A friend of mine bought a "Secret Service" grip, not sure who makes it, but it makes the gun much more pleasant to shoot.

Eagle makes grips for the SP-101, as well.

J-Frame grips are also small. Great for some people, bad for me.

Some small S&W have six shot capacity, Ruger has 5, FWIW.

Ruger is heavier, so controls .357 loads more comfortably.

Try both, if you can find a place that rents them.

Van55 · March 10, 2008, 02:02 PM

I invested in a S&W 60 .357 as my carry revolver BEFORE I joined this forum and read about the possiblity of the S&W internal lock mechanism fouling up.

If I had it to do over I'd opt for the Ruger SP101 instead of the S&W with the internal lock (older models don't have it). For me the difference in weight is negligible (23 oz. for S&W vs. 25.5 oz for Ruger).

Crestliner · March 10, 2008, 02:52 PM

I chose the Ruger SP101 vs. the counter-part, the S&W M60. The only difference is about 2 1/2 oz. of weight. Both are reliable firearms, but in my investigations and talking with a lot of range boss', it appears that the Ruger is more rugged for applications where you will be doing more shooting than carrying. And if you find a place that carries both, check them out together, side-by-side, as I did. I know S&W is a reliable firearm, but it sure looked and felt a lot "flimsier" (not a good term) than the Ruger - to me. There are a few lighter Smiths, but for a .357, would you want one?

Unbreakable · March 10, 2008, 03:04 PM

I got a Smith and Wesson 649. It's the bodyguard profile with shrouded and bobbed hammer. It's got a 2.5" barrel and it's a pleasure to carry in my pocket. It's got a wonderful trigger and I actually shoot it better than I do my autos. And because of the frame design it is 1,000% snag free. It comes out like lightening and there is no hammer tail to snag clothing. I was very impressed with it and it's become one of my favorite weapons. At first I thought it was goofy lookin but it's beauty is in it's function. Great pointer too. The serrations on the top of the hammer make it easy to cock and decock as well. I was afraid I'd lose that ability with a bobbed hammer but not at all.

Murdock · March 10, 2008, 05:27 PM

I have no experience with the Rugers, but lots with Smiths.

The larger the gun, the easier it will be to shoot with hot loads. I don't fully understand why yet, but at 10 yards I'm shooting my 2.5 inch M19 better than my 6-inch M19.

I also have a M60 and a M940. They are good too, but the sights are a bit harder to see and of course they sting a bit more in the hand with hot stuff.

laytonj1 · March 11, 2008, 01:07 AM

Having both a SP101 and Smith 36 (blued version of 60) I can tell you the 4 oz. difference makes a big difference carrying in a pocket. The Ruger is beefier but that's not always good for a concealed gun. If you get the Ruger then be sure to check out the trigger pull and overall finish for roughness. The hammer on mine had sharp edges and would abrade my thumb. Otherwise, it's just a matter of which gun catches your eye more. They are both excellent guns, don't believe anyone who tells you different.

Jim

Playboypenguin · March 11, 2008, 01:10 AM

I would go with the Smith for concealed carry due to the bulkiness and weight of Rugers.

I would go with a m60 is you want a .357mag revolver.

laytonj1 · March 11, 2008, 01:17 AM

Playboy,

That unfluted cylinder gives that 60 a kickbutt look!

Jim

Playboypenguin · March 11, 2008, 01:19 AM

Quote:

That unfluted cylinder gives that 60 a kickbut look!

Thanks, that is what drew me to it too. It is inspired by the movie " The Da Vinci Code." The serial number even starts with LDV for Leonardo Da Vinci.

Sgt.Fathead · March 11, 2008, 01:32 AM

Now that I've got that NM SBH with the unfluted cylinder, I often dream of a GP100 with one. Wouldn't that be cool!

MY SP101 3-1/16" barrel .357 Magnum weighs a hair more than one ounce more than my wife's beloved S&W Model 60 3" .357 Magnum. We do not carry concealed, nor open in public, here in NJ. I have often carried the SP in my trouser pocket or in a belt holster in the brush, happily and with no notice of the weight. It handles the recoil so much better than the Smith when firing heavy .357 loads. Ergonomics perhaps.

laytonj1 · March 11, 2008, 01:47 AM

....

BillCA · March 11, 2008, 03:43 AM

The S&W J-Frames are considered some of the best small handguns on the planet. And they're chambered for a powerful cartridge to boot.

S&W Model 649 Bodyguard .357 Magnum, 5-shots

The Bodyguard model shrouds the hammer and allows snag free pocket carry with the ability to still use SA mode if you ever need it. Holsters for it are available in open top, screw-retention systems and even one thumbreak (Bianchi).

The Centennials

(top) S&W Model 42 Airweight .38 Special and
S&W Model 432PD Airweight .32 Magnum, 6-shots

Whether blued or stainless, the Centennial series allows a snag-free draw by concealing the hammer inside the revolver. Double-Action Only, steel or lightweight alloys make this one of the most popular designs for personal defense.

The Ruger SP-101 is not suitable for pocket carry due to both its size and weight. The steel S&W J-frames are less suited to pocket carry due to their weight too, but they can sometimes work in a pinch.

Another factor I found with my SP-101 is that there are too many sharp edges, especially on the hammer. These need to be beveled with a file and polished out as well as the hammer's sharp checkering. Lastly, the SP-101's DA trigger, out of the box, can charitably be described as stiff and jerky. Out of 6 chambers, only one of them will produce a smooth trigger pull that doesn't suddenly increase halfway through the trigger's travel. It's working out slowly (now at 396 rounds).

I'm much more fond of S&W revolvers simply because their products work for me much better than Ruger or Taurus.

Elvishead · March 11, 2008, 04:02 AM

Of the 5 (4x .357) revolver I own, in .357? I'd carry my SP101 hands down.

Master Blaster · March 11, 2008, 07:38 AM

Quote:

it appears that the Ruger is more rugged for applications where you will be doing more shooting than carrying.

I carry my snubbies much more than I shoot them, thats what a pocket snub is for, every day carry, If I want to do alot of shooting I have K, L, N frames, and large rugers, and my Blackhawks and Vaqueros.

Quote:

Out of 6 chambers, only one of them will produce a smooth trigger pull that doesn't suddenly increase halfway through the trigger's travel. It's working out slowly (now at 396 rounds).

BillCA the sp101 is a 5 shot just like the smith js. I do also carry my sp101 in a IWB holster, the extra weight and snaggy hammer make it a poor pocket gun. The SP is easier to shoot magnums from due to the extra weight.
I had to file the edge of the trigger on mine as well as the hammer, since both had sharp edges, the trigger was especially bad and made the gun unpleasant to shoot.

BTW my usual daily carry is a smith 642 with 38+P ammo.

Kreyzhorse · March 11, 2008, 07:43 AM

I own both a S&W Airweight 637 .38 and a Ruger SP 101 in .357. Hands down, and I really like Ruger products, the S&W is a much better revolver. Better, smoother trigger and the light weight makes carrying it a breeze.

The Ruger is a nice revolver, but the trigger is pretty gritty. It has smoothed out some, but hands down the S&W is a better option.

While I'm a S&W guy, I will say that interestingly, the full size Ruger GP in my opinion is equal to a S&W 686 and a better value. They just haven't hit the mark with SP.

GingerGuy · March 11, 2008, 07:44 AM

You can't go wrong with a SP101, mine has a 3" bbl and tips the scale at 27.5 ozs. She is a little tank of a handgun.

Doug S · March 11, 2008, 02:57 PM

Both brands are good. That said, if you want the lightest 357 that you can get for concealed carry, the Smith is your choice. If on the other hand you are looking for a small, still concealable, but also very easy to shoot (recoil wise) gun, the Ruger is your choice. In truth, I think the Ruger is the more durable firearm, and if I were going to have to rely on one for long term survival needs, it would be the Ruger. If I'm just looking to throw something into my pocket, and forget about it while I go about my business, it would be the Smith.

I've owned a 340 M&P 357, and I actually got rid of it to buy the Ruger. I guess if I had to pick one, I prefer the Ruger. The trigger on my Ruger is as good as any of the Smiths I've owned. I also have no problem carrying the Ruger in a Mika pocket holster in my front pocket.

Ala Dan · March 11, 2008, 04:40 PM

While the Ruger SP101 is a great firearm, I would have too choose one
of the scandium Smith & Wesson models; most likely a 340PD, if too be
carried in the pants pocket~!

kristop64089 · March 11, 2008, 05:40 PM

aarrggh,
I've been down this road before.
I opted for the S&W the first time.

But, when faced with the descision again, I went off-course. I picked up a sweet Taurus 651ss. I am not recommending you pick up Taurus, but the weight between the Taurus and Ruger, is identical.

I would go for the Ruger here. I pocket carry mine all the time. I also "smartcarry"(tm) mine all the time(very comfortable) I wasn't at all impressed with the S&W quality. I was suffering the begining of what looked like "the clear coat peel". Ruger/s rugged reliability, in such a small gun, is worth it's weight in gold.

SAWBONES · March 11, 2008, 08:59 PM

As the owner of a dozen S&W J-frames and four SP101s, let me opine that IF you intend to regularly shoot, practice with and carry .357 Magnum loads, the Ruger SP101 is a viable choice. The Smith J-frames are not.

March 10, 2008, 12:28 PM	#1
aarrggh Junior Member Join Date: July 20, 2005 Posts: 14	smith snubbie vs ruger been thinkin bout buying a snubbie for concealed carry.. and its come down to two manufacturers..ruger and smith & wesson.. if its ruger, its gonna be a sp101. smith & wesson, i havent decided on a model.. it would have to be 357 magnum. stainless steel or similiar finish. im steering away from taurus and rossi at the moment, due to negative customer service and some problems with the guns..any comments would be appreciated.. thanks __________________ ruger p89dc 9mm, glock 27 .40 cal, taurus pt22,ruger 10/22, mossberg 590 mariner 12g, kahr cw9093,north american black widow 22mag/lr, north american 22lr

March 10, 2008, 12:36 PM	#3
aarrggh Junior Member Join Date: July 20, 2005 Posts: 14	price increase?! as if ammo prices werent enough... __________________ ruger p89dc 9mm, glock 27 .40 cal, taurus pt22,ruger 10/22, mossberg 590 mariner 12g, kahr cw9093,north american black widow 22mag/lr, north american 22lr

March 10, 2008, 12:40 PM	#4
Webleymkv Senior Member Join Date: July 20, 2005 Location: Indiana Posts: 9,404	Of the models you mentioned, I'd choose S&W simply because the SP101 is simply too small for my hands (of course this would rule out the S&W J-Frames too). If that isn't an issue for you, the SP101 would be a good gun. The SP101 is most likely a more durable gun than the Smith unless you get into the larger L and N frames. The Ruger, however, is known not to have as good a trigger out of the box as the Smith although SP101 triggers seem to smooth out with use (many will reccomend a lot of dry firing). __________________ Smith, and Wesson, and Me. -H. Callahan Well waddaya know, one buwwet weft! -E. Fudd All bad precedents begin as justifiable measures. -J. Caesar

March 10, 2008, 12:52 PM	#5
aarrggh Junior Member Join Date: July 20, 2005 Posts: 14	weight istn too much of an issue. i would carry it in an iwb holster, mostly colder weather...if i need a small gun for carry, i have a kahr cw9. but i like the snubbies too.. +p ammo would be the preffered ammo choice for the snubbie. and ive heard that the ruger is plenty strong for full house magnum ammo if i so choose. somewhat smaller wood or rubber grips would probably be purchased for it..ones that would be less likely to hang up on clothing. __________________ ruger p89dc 9mm, glock 27 .40 cal, taurus pt22,ruger 10/22, mossberg 590 mariner 12g, kahr cw9093,north american black widow 22mag/lr, north american 22lr

March 10, 2008, 01:21 PM	#6
MLeake Senior Member Join Date: November 15, 2007 Location: Outside KC, MO Posts: 9,645	SP-101 grips Stock grip is too small, for me at least. Aftermarkets are nice, but may impact concealability. A friend of mine bought a "Secret Service" grip, not sure who makes it, but it makes the gun much more pleasant to shoot. Eagle makes grips for the SP-101, as well. J-Frame grips are also small. Great for some people, bad for me. Some small S&W have six shot capacity, Ruger has 5, FWIW. Ruger is heavier, so controls .357 loads more comfortably. Try both, if you can find a place that rents them.

March 10, 2008, 12:32 PM	#2
cool hand luke 22:36 Senior Member Join Date: May 17, 2004 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 766	SP-101: most people consider it too heavy for pocket carry, although that's how I carry mine usually. S&W, lots to choose from there, excepting the new "classic" model 40, all have an ugly child safety lock that may have a very small chance of engaging on it's own and causing problems with the functioning of the revolver. Either way, expect substantial price increases within few months.

March 10, 2008, 02:02 PM	#7
Van55 Senior Member Join Date: February 5, 2008 Posts: 392	I invested in a S&W 60 .357 as my carry revolver BEFORE I joined this forum and read about the possiblity of the S&W internal lock mechanism fouling up. If I had it to do over I'd opt for the Ruger SP101 instead of the S&W with the internal lock (older models don't have it). For me the difference in weight is negligible (23 oz. for S&W vs. 25.5 oz for Ruger).

March 10, 2008, 02:52 PM	#8
Crestliner Member Join Date: March 6, 2008 Location: Western MA Posts: 79	Selected to buy... I chose the Ruger SP101 vs. the counter-part, the S&W M60. The only difference is about 2 1/2 oz. of weight. Both are reliable firearms, but in my investigations and talking with a lot of range boss', it appears that the Ruger is more rugged for applications where you will be doing more shooting than carrying. And if you find a place that carries both, check them out together, side-by-side, as I did. I know S&W is a reliable firearm, but it sure looked and felt a lot "flimsier" (not a good term) than the Ruger - to me. There are a few lighter Smiths, but for a .357, would you want one? __________________ "A voyage in search of knowledge need never abandon the spirit of adventure"

March 10, 2008, 03:04 PM	#9
Unbreakable Senior Member Join Date: June 29, 2006 Posts: 171	I got a Smith and Wesson 649. It's the bodyguard profile with shrouded and bobbed hammer. It's got a 2.5" barrel and it's a pleasure to carry in my pocket. It's got a wonderful trigger and I actually shoot it better than I do my autos. And because of the frame design it is 1,000% snag free. It comes out like lightening and there is no hammer tail to snag clothing. I was very impressed with it and it's become one of my favorite weapons. At first I thought it was goofy lookin but it's beauty is in it's function. Great pointer too. The serrations on the top of the hammer make it easy to cock and decock as well. I was afraid I'd lose that ability with a bobbed hammer but not at all.

March 10, 2008, 05:27 PM	#10
Murdock Senior Member Join Date: March 4, 2008 Location: Down East Maine Posts: 431	I have no experience with the Rugers, but lots with Smiths. The larger the gun, the easier it will be to shoot with hot loads. I don't fully understand why yet, but at 10 yards I'm shooting my 2.5 inch M19 better than my 6-inch M19. I also have a M60 and a M940. They are good too, but the sights are a bit harder to see and of course they sting a bit more in the hand with hot stuff. __________________ The United States Marine Corps: Providing the enemies of America the opportunity to die for their countries since 1775. Semper fi.

March 11, 2008, 01:07 AM	#11
laytonj1 Senior Member Join Date: June 1, 2005 Location: Alabama Posts: 3,296	Having both a SP101 and Smith 36 (blued version of 60) I can tell you the 4 oz. difference makes a big difference carrying in a pocket. The Ruger is beefier but that's not always good for a concealed gun. If you get the Ruger then be sure to check out the trigger pull and overall finish for roughness. The hammer on mine had sharp edges and would abrade my thumb. Otherwise, it's just a matter of which gun catches your eye more. They are both excellent guns, don't believe anyone who tells you different. Jim

March 11, 2008, 01:10 AM	#12
Playboypenguin Junior member Join Date: February 27, 2006 Location: Great Pacific Northwest Posts: 11,515	I would go with the Smith for concealed carry due to the bulkiness and weight of Rugers. I would go with a m60 is you want a .357mag revolver.

March 11, 2008, 01:17 AM	#13
laytonj1 Senior Member Join Date: June 1, 2005 Location: Alabama Posts: 3,296	Playboy, That unfluted cylinder gives that 60 a kickbutt look! Jim

March 11, 2008, 01:32 AM	#15
Sgt.Fathead Senior Member Join Date: March 3, 2007 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 1,622	Now that I've got that NM SBH with the unfluted cylinder, I often dream of a GP100 with one. Wouldn't that be cool! MY SP101 3-1/16" barrel .357 Magnum weighs a hair more than one ounce more than my wife's beloved S&W Model 60 3" .357 Magnum. We do not carry concealed, nor open in public, here in NJ. I have often carried the SP in my trouser pocket or in a belt holster in the brush, happily and with no notice of the weight. It handles the recoil so much better than the Smith when firing heavy .357 loads. Ergonomics perhaps. __________________ www.whitedogholsters.com

March 11, 2008, 01:47 AM	#16
laytonj1 Senior Member Join Date: June 1, 2005 Location: Alabama Posts: 3,296	....

March 11, 2008, 03:43 AM	#17
BillCA Senior Member Join Date: November 28, 2004 Location: Silicon Valley, Ca Posts: 7,014	The S&W J-Frames are considered some of the best small handguns on the planet. And they're chambered for a powerful cartridge to boot. S&W Model 649 Bodyguard .357 Magnum, 5-shots The Bodyguard model shrouds the hammer and allows snag free pocket carry with the ability to still use SA mode if you ever need it. Holsters for it are available in open top, screw-retention systems and even one thumbreak (Bianchi). The Centennials (top) S&W Model 42 Airweight .38 Special and S&W Model 432PD Airweight .32 Magnum, 6-shots Whether blued or stainless, the Centennial series allows a snag-free draw by concealing the hammer inside the revolver. Double-Action Only, steel or lightweight alloys make this one of the most popular designs for personal defense. The Ruger SP-101 is not suitable for pocket carry due to both its size and weight. The steel S&W J-frames are less suited to pocket carry due to their weight too, but they can sometimes work in a pinch. Another factor I found with my SP-101 is that there are too many sharp edges, especially on the hammer. These need to be beveled with a file and polished out as well as the hammer's sharp checkering. Lastly, the SP-101's DA trigger, out of the box, can charitably be described as stiff and jerky. Out of 6 chambers, only one of them will produce a smooth trigger pull that doesn't suddenly increase halfway through the trigger's travel. It's working out slowly (now at 396 rounds). I'm much more fond of S&W revolvers simply because their products work for me much better than Ruger or Taurus. __________________ BillCA in CA (Unfortunately)

March 11, 2008, 04:02 AM	#18
Elvishead Junior member Join Date: August 8, 2007 Location: Las vegas, NV Posts: 3,397	Of the 5 (4x .357) revolver I own, in .357? I'd carry my SP101 hands down.

March 11, 2008, 07:43 AM	#20
Kreyzhorse Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2006 Location: NKY Posts: 10,811	I own both a S&W Airweight 637 .38 and a Ruger SP 101 in .357. Hands down, and I really like Ruger products, the S&W is a much better revolver. Better, smoother trigger and the light weight makes carrying it a breeze. The Ruger is a nice revolver, but the trigger is pretty gritty. It has smoothed out some, but hands down the S&W is a better option. While I'm a S&W guy, I will say that interestingly, the full size Ruger GP in my opinion is equal to a S&W 686 and a better value. They just haven't hit the mark with SP. __________________ "He who laughs last, laughs dead." Homer Simpson

March 11, 2008, 07:44 AM	#21
GingerGuy Member Join Date: March 5, 2008 Posts: 32	You can't go wrong with a SP101, mine has a 3" bbl and tips the scale at 27.5 ozs. She is a little tank of a handgun.

March 11, 2008, 02:57 PM	#22
Doug S Senior Member Join Date: January 29, 2000 Posts: 613	Both brands are good. That said, if you want the lightest 357 that you can get for concealed carry, the Smith is your choice. If on the other hand you are looking for a small, still concealable, but also very easy to shoot (recoil wise) gun, the Ruger is your choice. In truth, I think the Ruger is the more durable firearm, and if I were going to have to rely on one for long term survival needs, it would be the Ruger. If I'm just looking to throw something into my pocket, and forget about it while I go about my business, it would be the Smith. I've owned a 340 M&P 357, and I actually got rid of it to buy the Ruger. I guess if I had to pick one, I prefer the Ruger. The trigger on my Ruger is as good as any of the Smiths I've owned. I also have no problem carrying the Ruger in a Mika pocket holster in my front pocket. __________________ "The rifle itself has no moral stature, since it has no will of its own. Naturally, it may be used by evil men for evil purposes, but there are more good men than evil, and while the latter cannot be persuaded to the path of righteousness by propaganda, they can certainly be corrected by good men with rifles." Col. Jeff Cooper, from The Art of the Rifle

March 11, 2008, 04:40 PM	#23
Ala Dan Member in memoriam Join Date: August 14, 1999 Location: In The HOT, Humid, and Mu Posts: 6,117	While the Ruger SP101 is a great firearm, I would have too choose one of the scandium Smith & Wesson models; most likely a 340PD, if too be carried in the pants pocket~!

March 11, 2008, 08:59 PM	#25
SAWBONES Senior Member Join Date: March 17, 1999 Location: The third dimension Posts: 645	As the owner of a dozen S&W J-frames and four SP101s, let me opine that IF you intend to regularly shoot, practice with and carry .357 Magnum loads, the Ruger SP101 is a viable choice. The Smith J-frames are not. __________________ "Humani nihil alienum"