GP100 vs. SP101

[Mephis]

3" SP101 all the way.

GP100 is an awesome, AWESOME gun, don't get me wrong, but it's also huge in any flavor.


Capacity isn't everything. Having something you can put into any role at any time is invaluable by comparison.

As for shooting full house loads, have a couple different grips on hand. Weight and recoil isn't a huge issue if the grips can tame it.

[Bell69]

I've got both a 2.25" DAO SP101 and a 6" GP100.

Both good guns but the GP is a lot more enjoyable to shoot especially with full-house magnum loads.

The only advantage the SP has is being small for CCW purposes. If it's not for CC then I'd highly recommend the GP, not only more capacity but bigger and heavier to soak up the recoil better and also better control for staying on target.

Yeah the GP is "huge" but that's not always a bad thing, especially if you're not gonna lug it around on your hip all day.

[Dieselkanic]

Originally Posted by Bell69

I've got both a 2.25" DAO SP101 and a 6" GP100.

Both good guns but the GP is a lot more enjoyable to shoot especially with full-house magnum loads.

The only advantage the SP has is being small for CCW purposes. If it's not for CC then I'd highly recommend the GP, not only more capacity but bigger and heavier to soak up the recoil better and also better control for staying on target.

Yeah the GP is "huge" but that's not always a bad thing, especially if you're not gonna lug it around on your hip all day.

LOL, I consider the GP to be small. And compared to a redhawk I used to have, it is!

[Bell69]

Originally Posted by Dieselkanic

LOL, I consider the GP to be small. And compared to a redhawk I used to have, it is!

Yeah it's all pretty relative that's for sure.


Yeah it maybe "huge" compared to an SP but as revolvers go it's a medium frame.

I've got an old model Vaquero in .45 Colt that makes the GP look dainty.

[chowdalover]

Originally Posted by Mephis

3" SP101 all the way.

GP100 is an awesome, AWESOME gun, don't get me wrong, but it's also huge in any flavor.


Capacity isn't everything. Having something you can put into any role at any time is invaluable by comparison.

As for shooting full house loads, have a couple different grips on hand. Weight and recoil isn't a huge issue if the grips can tame it.

I have to agree. The 3" sp101 is a great outdoor camp/fishing/hiking gun. It lighter but with the correct grip it is easy to tame the .357. I love the gp and the 686 but I LOVE the sp101 light and able to withstand mag.

[Spews]

Save the money and get the 686 or find an easily used Smith. I've owned Rugers and Smiths. Smith's trigger is better IMO and the Smith is more accurate in my experience. Sold my Ruger GP100 and Redhawk. Still got a 637 Airweight, 4" 686, 4" 19, 2.5" 66, 4" 629 and a 4"500.

[RetiredFCC]

Both Rugers are excellent choices and the triggers are EASY to smooth out. They disassemble easily for cleaning and are built like a tank. Reading what you want to use the gun for, I would recommend the GP-100 4" stainless (what I own). It's accurate, can be bought with adjustable sights (for the range) and handles Magnum loads without a problem. Stainless guns are WAY easy to clean and if you take it into the woods, resists moisture/rust.

I can shoot mine with full house Magnum loads all day and never get tired of chewing up the X.

If you want to spend extra $$$ on a name, go with the Smith. IMHO, the Ruger is just as reliable and shoots just as well as a 686 for less money!