Ruger sp101 three inch. The do it all revolver?

Gulfcowboy · June 19, 2020, 11:52 AM

With my birthday approaching at the end of June I've decided to treat myself to a good revolver. With my funds being limited I want to choose a revolver that can cross over for concled carry or a home defense/hiking companion. I was look at a gp100, 686, or a sp101 with a three in barrel. All options in 375 mag. I would hate to buy something that just sat in the safe. I want something I'd actually carry. Thanks for any input given.

dmattaponi · June 19, 2020, 12:41 PM

The 3in SP 101 could definitely fill all of those categories. It’s a nice do it all gun. Fun range gun too.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Pahoo · June 19, 2020, 01:10 PM

Quote:

I want something I'd actually carry. Thanks for any input given.

I sense that you are leaning toward revolvers DA/SA. I think you have listed some really good choices. I suggest you looking into additional factors such a price. Also, be sure and check out the triggers as some are better than others. Might I also suggest a Taurus 85-series. …..

Be Safe !!!

zoomie · June 19, 2020, 01:59 PM

I'd get the 4". I had the 3" and I didn't find it that easy to carry for what it was and it wasn't much fun to shoot. I still have and use/open carry my 4" GP. The 4" SP won't be harder to carry than the 3" SP but it'll shoot easier.

TruthTellers · June 19, 2020, 02:34 PM

I don't see what the 3 inch SP101 does that a 7 shot 3 inch GP100 doesn't do as well or better except weigh few oz more and have a bit larger cylinder.

jcv · June 19, 2020, 03:16 PM

I have one of the original 3" .327 Federal SP 101s with the windage adj. rear sight. I added a Hogue grip that fits my hand well. I like it a lot. If I could fix one thing it would be to add a fully adj. sight. Does anybody know if that's possible given the small cut that's already in the frame from the original sight?

HighValleyRanch · June 19, 2020, 03:23 PM

How you want to carry concealed is going to be the determining factor. You can carry anything under a heavy shirt or coat, but when you get down to a t shirt, that changes everything.
Might want to also consider the Ruger 3" LCRx as well as the Kimber K6 3" DA/SA, both lighter than the SP101.

stinkeypete · June 19, 2020, 04:00 PM

I have a 3” LCRx In .38 Special as my field pistol.
I like:
Light weight!
No holster. Drop in pocket of field or fishing jacket and you Don’t even notice it’s there. Or in the possibles bag. (I have one for dog treats, poop bags, water bottle, dog balls, fishing lures, ear plugs, etc etc for when a jacket is too hot and bugs are not swarming)
It’s not so precious that I would feel bad if it got wet or scratched up, but nice enough that I’ve come to really like it. It’s not pretty yet it looks properly proportioned.
The big rubber grips really soak up the recoil as hot .38 Special is downright snappy in a pistol that weighs a little more than a Cliff Bar. At first I thought the grips were ugly- now I like them a lot!
It eats ammunition in fives. Ammo boxes come in rows of five. I like that there are not 2 rounds left in the box after a plinking session!

I wish:
I wish it had a 4” barrel
I wish it came in .327 (although I would shoot .32 h&r Ruger Only loads in it... 950 FPS or so)

If you hand load, .327 and lower is strikingly accurate in my Single Six. On the other hand, .38 Special is no joke and can fill the same roles.

Drm50 · June 19, 2020, 04:04 PM

All you choices are solid top shelf guns but all on tad heavy side if the main lean is CC. I’m behind on my model numbers because I’m not into new production models but S&W has some other model than 686 to choose from. I would stick with Ruger, S&W or Kimber and stay away from second rate stuff. The little you save buying them never works out in the end. Of what you have listed the SP 101 comes closest.

NoSecondBest · June 19, 2020, 04:16 PM

I have a Ruger sp101 357 with a 3”bbl. I also have several other revolvers and autos. There really isn’t a “do all” revolver, but the sp101 is close. Mine will shoot some very impressive 25 yard five shot groups, even DA with practice. It’s a tad heavy for a small gun, but when shooting full power .357mag loads it’s a help. I used to shoot DA quite a bit in competition and I can put five shots inside a 3.8” bull pretty routinely at 25 yards with my gun. For a woods walking gun it’s just about perfect in my opinion. I’m primarily a SW fan, but the sp101 is a pretty nice gun.

ThomasT · June 19, 2020, 05:28 PM

You are making a good choice. One of my favorite trail guns is a S&W model 36-6. A 3" barrel in 38 special with adjustable sights. The 38 special round does all I need from a gun intended for the trail gun role.

A 3" SP-101 would be fine also. Yes they are a little on the heavy side but the whole secret is a good holster and stiff belt. Then you won't notice the weight. I have worn my GP-100 4" at my buds farm and never felt it on me. This would be my SP-101 choice for what you are wanting.

https://www.ruger.com/products/sp101...ets/15707.html

And this for a lighter weight gun at around 15oz. Ugly but after shooting it I bet that wouldn't matter at all. Highvalleyranch approves of the gun too.

https://www.ruger.com/products/lcrx/...eets/5431.html

MillCreek · June 20, 2020, 11:14 AM

I hike, XC ski, snowshoe, and mountain bike in the wet part of the Pacific NW. A stainless 2.25" .357 SP-101 loaded with .357 158 grain JSP has been my constant companion in the outdoors and sometimes in town, albeit loaded with .357 125 grain JHP then. This is the best combination of corrosion-resistance, power, and short overall length for packability that I have found. In the outdoors, I carry in a small pouch attached to the waist belt of my rucksacks. I do not open carry in the woods. I have debated at times going up to a 3 inch, but I am not sure I would see enough benefit to warrant spending several hundred dollars to get that model. Although if I ever encounter a good deal on a 3" .357 LCx, I will be whipping out my wallet on the spot.

KyJim · June 20, 2020, 02:31 PM

I don't own a Ruger revolver, but I think a three-inch barreled SP101 would be a fine "do it all" revolver. I have a soft spot for three-inch barreled revolvers. These are the ones I have in .357 magnum:

My SW Model 60:

My SW Model 19 and Colt King Cobra:

Crankylove · June 20, 2020, 05:58 PM

Quote:

I have one of the original 3" .327 Federal SP 101s with the windage adj. rear sight. I added a Hogue grip that fits my hand well. I like it a lot. If I could fix one thing it would be to add a fully adj. sight.

I agree.

I carry my 3” .327 daily, and use it as a range toy as well. I also went with the hogue grip, and added a wolf spring kit. Sights are great for carry, but for plinking, the adjustable rear sight would be nice

Kreyzhorse · June 20, 2020, 06:56 PM

While I don't own a 3" SP, I own a 2". Great gun, well made and what do you expect, its a Ruger.

I do own a similiar gun, a new Colt King Cobra in 3". I agree that is really the do it all gun. Easy to shoot, easy to carry, easy to conceal.

I don't think you can go wrong with a SP in 3".

Carmady · June 21, 2020, 11:17 AM

I don't think there is a "do it all" revolver.

If it's a good pocket gun it probably won't kill King Kong, and versa visa.

Other than those two extremes, a 3" .357 can cover a lot of ground.

jimku · June 21, 2020, 03:28 PM

You might want to tke a look at the Charter Arms Mag Pug 3 - inch.
A 3 - inch will not fit in most largish vest pockets like a 2 - inch will, but this little 5 -shot is very compact, and will conceal pretty well in a nice hi-ride holster or IWB holster.

peacefulgary · July 9, 2020, 12:28 AM

I had a GP100 in .357 magnum and I actually carried it. Sometimes even concealed.

IMO, It's just too big and too darn heavy for a 6-shot carry handgun.

huntinaz · July 9, 2020, 01:20 AM

I love the SP101. It conceals well and is a great hiking companion. I had a 2.25” and thought I wanted a 3” so I traded. After a year or so I sold the 3” and went back to the shorter barrel. It didn’t do anything better than the 2.25”. One of the last revolvers I’d sell and definitely the one I use the most.

For CC no way would I get the 4”.

TBM900 · July 9, 2020, 07:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TruthTellers

I don't see what the 3 inch SP101 does that a 7 shot 3 inch GP100 doesn't do as well or better except weigh few oz more and have a bit larger cylinder.

Clearly you've never compared them side by side
There is a massive size/bulk difference between the two
As for a "few ounces more"... try almost three-quarters of a pound more

TBM900 · July 9, 2020, 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gulfcowboy

With my birthday approaching at the end of June I've decided to treat myself to a good revolver. With my funds being limited I want to choose a revolver that can cross over for concled carry or a home defense/hiking companion. I was look at a gp100, 686, or a sp101 with a three in barrel. All options in 375 mag. I would hate to buy something that just sat in the safe. I want something I'd actually carry. Thanks for any input given.

I don't think you can do better for an all-round firearm
In fact the 3" SP101 is the one I usually recommend for those who ask similarly
Small/light enough to conceal well, yet beefy enough to not make practice a chore
Good barrel length for carry yet still has enough length for good sighting and use of gas
Its also built like a tank so using 357 isn't going to be an issue and with 38 Special you'll likely never wear it out

Although for typical self defense 38 Special is perfectly suited in the SP, it doesn't break the bank so you can practice much more if on a budget and its actually fun to shoot.
In fact my preferred SP is actually the 3 inch "police" in 38 Special only, gutter sight and lanyard grip, a true "shooters" gun.
If I could only have one firearm and it was that model... I would be happy as a puppy.

TBM900 · July 9, 2020, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peacefulgary

I had a GP100 in .357 magnum and I actually carried it. Sometimes even concealed.

IMO, It's just too big and too darn heavy for a 6-shot carry handgun.

I actually carried one as my duty gun in a full duty belt for many years
That really is the only practical way to carry one IMO
CCW with one is frankly just a wee bit absurd
Sure you “can“... but why

The 3” barrel really is the sweet spot for a practical revolver

OP if you were going for a range, bedside, truck gun... then I would suggest the GP
But given your desire for a carry option then the SP is a solid practical choice

tallball · July 9, 2020, 08:34 PM

I would be looking at the 3" LCRx if you might want to carry it.

I've had two SP101's, and both had poor triggers. The trigger on my 38 special LCR is very nice.

TruthTellers · July 10, 2020, 01:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TBM900

Clearly you've never compared them side by side
There is a massive size/bulk difference between the two
As for a "few ounces more"... try almost three-quarters of a pound more

Better sights, better trigger, better grip all mean a better shooting gun and 2 more rounds in the cylinder.

I would take that in a heartbeat over the SP101 and not drink a beer for two weeks to lose half a pound to compensate for the extra heft of the GP.

TruthTellers · July 10, 2020, 01:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tallball

I would be looking at the 3" LCRx if you might want to carry it.

I've had two SP101's, and both had poor triggers. The trigger on my 38 special LCR is very nice.

I would agree with you, but if it were a .327 3" LCRx. Ruger strangely doesn't want to make that gun (along with the .32 LCP I so nicely asked them for) so... yeah.

June 19, 2020, 11:52 AM	#1
Gulfcowboy Member Join Date: January 27, 2019 Location: South Texas Posts: 96	Ruger sp101 three inch. The do it all revolver? With my birthday approaching at the end of June I've decided to treat myself to a good revolver. With my funds being limited I want to choose a revolver that can cross over for concled carry or a home defense/hiking companion. I was look at a gp100, 686, or a sp101 with a three in barrel. All options in 375 mag. I would hate to buy something that just sat in the safe. I want something I'd actually carry. Thanks for any input given.

June 19, 2020, 12:41 PM	#2
dmattaponi Member Join Date: April 3, 2018 Posts: 26	Ruger sp101 three inch. The do it all revolver? The 3in SP 101 could definitely fill all of those categories. It’s a nice do it all gun. Fun range gun too. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

June 19, 2020, 01:59 PM	#4
zoomie Senior Member Join Date: January 23, 2006 Location: GA Posts: 1,862	4.2" instead I'd get the 4". I had the 3" and I didn't find it that easy to carry for what it was and it wasn't much fun to shoot. I still have and use/open carry my 4" GP. The 4" SP won't be harder to carry than the 3" SP but it'll shoot easier.

June 19, 2020, 02:34 PM	#5
TruthTellers Senior Member Join Date: October 22, 2016 Posts: 3,883	I don't see what the 3 inch SP101 does that a 7 shot 3 inch GP100 doesn't do as well or better except weigh few oz more and have a bit larger cylinder. __________________ "We always think there's gonna be more time... then it runs out."

June 19, 2020, 03:23 PM	#7
HighValleyRanch Senior Member Join Date: July 15, 2005 Posts: 4,065	How you want to carry concealed is going to be the determining factor. You can carry anything under a heavy shirt or coat, but when you get down to a t shirt, that changes everything. Might want to also consider the Ruger 3" LCRx as well as the Kimber K6 3" DA/SA, both lighter than the SP101. __________________ From the sweet grass to the slaughter house; From birth until death; We travel between these two eternities........from 'Broken Trail"

June 19, 2020, 03:16 PM	#6
jcv Member Join Date: October 19, 2014 Posts: 35	I have one of the original 3" .327 Federal SP 101s with the windage adj. rear sight. I added a Hogue grip that fits my hand well. I like it a lot. If I could fix one thing it would be to add a fully adj. sight. Does anybody know if that's possible given the small cut that's already in the frame from the original sight?

June 19, 2020, 04:00 PM	#8
stinkeypete Senior Member Join Date: July 22, 2010 Location: Madison, Wisconsin Posts: 1,292	I have a 3” LCRx In .38 Special as my field pistol. I like: Light weight! No holster. Drop in pocket of field or fishing jacket and you Don’t even notice it’s there. Or in the possibles bag. (I have one for dog treats, poop bags, water bottle, dog balls, fishing lures, ear plugs, etc etc for when a jacket is too hot and bugs are not swarming) It’s not so precious that I would feel bad if it got wet or scratched up, but nice enough that I’ve come to really like it. It’s not pretty yet it looks properly proportioned. The big rubber grips really soak up the recoil as hot .38 Special is downright snappy in a pistol that weighs a little more than a Cliff Bar. At first I thought the grips were ugly- now I like them a lot! It eats ammunition in fives. Ammo boxes come in rows of five. I like that there are not 2 rounds left in the box after a plinking session! I wish: I wish it had a 4” barrel I wish it came in .327 (although I would shoot .32 h&r Ruger Only loads in it... 950 FPS or so) If you hand load, .327 and lower is strikingly accurate in my Single Six. On the other hand, .38 Special is no joke and can fill the same roles.

June 19, 2020, 04:04 PM	#9
Drm50 Senior Member Join Date: November 10, 2014 Posts: 1,377	All you choices are solid top shelf guns but all on tad heavy side if the main lean is CC. I’m behind on my model numbers because I’m not into new production models but S&W has some other model than 686 to choose from. I would stick with Ruger, S&W or Kimber and stay away from second rate stuff. The little you save buying them never works out in the end. Of what you have listed the SP 101 comes closest.

June 19, 2020, 04:16 PM	#10
NoSecondBest Senior Member Join Date: December 7, 2009 Location: Western New York Posts: 2,736	I have a Ruger sp101 357 with a 3”bbl. I also have several other revolvers and autos. There really isn’t a “do all” revolver, but the sp101 is close. Mine will shoot some very impressive 25 yard five shot groups, even DA with practice. It’s a tad heavy for a small gun, but when shooting full power .357mag loads it’s a help. I used to shoot DA quite a bit in competition and I can put five shots inside a 3.8” bull pretty routinely at 25 yards with my gun. For a woods walking gun it’s just about perfect in my opinion. I’m primarily a SW fan, but the sp101 is a pretty nice gun.

June 19, 2020, 05:28 PM	#11
ThomasT Senior Member Join Date: January 22, 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 2,753	You are making a good choice. One of my favorite trail guns is a S&W model 36-6. A 3" barrel in 38 special with adjustable sights. The 38 special round does all I need from a gun intended for the trail gun role. A 3" SP-101 would be fine also. Yes they are a little on the heavy side but the whole secret is a good holster and stiff belt. Then you won't notice the weight. I have worn my GP-100 4" at my buds farm and never felt it on me. This would be my SP-101 choice for what you are wanting. https://www.ruger.com/products/sp101...ets/15707.html And this for a lighter weight gun at around 15oz. Ugly but after shooting it I bet that wouldn't matter at all. Highvalleyranch approves of the gun too. https://www.ruger.com/products/lcrx/...eets/5431.html Last edited by ThomasT; June 19, 2020 at 05:35 PM.

June 20, 2020, 11:14 AM	#12
MillCreek Senior Member Join Date: December 30, 2004 Location: Snohomish County, Washington USA Posts: 326	I hike, XC ski, snowshoe, and mountain bike in the wet part of the Pacific NW. A stainless 2.25" .357 SP-101 loaded with .357 158 grain JSP has been my constant companion in the outdoors and sometimes in town, albeit loaded with .357 125 grain JHP then. This is the best combination of corrosion-resistance, power, and short overall length for packability that I have found. In the outdoors, I carry in a small pouch attached to the waist belt of my rucksacks. I do not open carry in the woods. I have debated at times going up to a 3 inch, but I am not sure I would see enough benefit to warrant spending several hundred dollars to get that model. Although if I ever encounter a good deal on a 3" .357 LCx, I will be whipping out my wallet on the spot. __________________ Regards, MillCreek Snohomish County, Washington USA

June 20, 2020, 02:31 PM	#13
KyJim Senior Member Join Date: July 26, 2005 Location: The Bluegrass Posts: 9,142	I don't own a Ruger revolver, but I think a three-inch barreled SP101 would be a fine "do it all" revolver. I have a soft spot for three-inch barreled revolvers. These are the ones I have in .357 magnum: My SW Model 60: My SW Model 19 and Colt King Cobra:

June 20, 2020, 06:56 PM	#15
Kreyzhorse Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2006 Location: NKY Posts: 12,463	While I don't own a 3" SP, I own a 2". Great gun, well made and what do you expect, its a Ruger. I do own a similiar gun, a new Colt King Cobra in 3". I agree that is really the do it all gun. Easy to shoot, easy to carry, easy to conceal. I don't think you can go wrong with a SP in 3". __________________ "He who laughs last, laughs dead." Homer Simpson

June 21, 2020, 11:17 AM	#16
Carmady Senior Member Join Date: February 26, 2013 Location: on the lam Posts: 1,735	I don't think there is a "do it all" revolver. If it's a good pocket gun it probably won't kill King Kong, and versa visa. Other than those two extremes, a 3" .357 can cover a lot of ground.

June 21, 2020, 03:28 PM	#17
jimku Junior member Join Date: January 2, 2017 Posts: 291	You might want to tke a look at the Charter Arms Mag Pug 3 - inch. A 3 - inch will not fit in most largish vest pockets like a 2 - inch will, but this little 5 -shot is very compact, and will conceal pretty well in a nice hi-ride holster or IWB holster. Last edited by jimku; June 21, 2020 at 03:39 PM.

July 9, 2020, 12:28 AM	#18
peacefulgary Senior Member Join Date: January 26, 2011 Location: USA Posts: 714	I had a GP100 in .357 magnum and I actually carried it. Sometimes even concealed. IMO, It's just too big and too darn heavy for a 6-shot carry handgun.

July 9, 2020, 01:20 AM	#19
huntinaz Senior Member Join Date: September 21, 2010 Location: az Posts: 1,332	I love the SP101. It conceals well and is a great hiking companion. I had a 2.25” and thought I wanted a 3” so I traded. After a year or so I sold the 3” and went back to the shorter barrel. It didn’t do anything better than the 2.25”. One of the last revolvers I’d sell and definitely the one I use the most. For CC no way would I get the 4”. __________________ "When there’s lead in the air, there’s hope in the heart”- Hunter’s Proverb "Feed me, or feed me to something. I just want to be part of the food chain." -Al Bundy

July 9, 2020, 08:34 PM	#23
tallball Senior Member Join Date: October 17, 2014 Posts: 2,444	I would be looking at the 3" LCRx if you might want to carry it. I've had two SP101's, and both had poor triggers. The trigger on my 38 special LCR is very nice.

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