Smith & Wesson 442 vs Ruger SP101

[rob.rey]

Hey there Calgunners,

I was wondering a few things. I currently own a S&W 442 Airweight. I do not necessarily like the grips and control of the firearm, while manageable, is not very fun. However, I do employ it as a BUG, not a primary defense weapon. That job is currently tasked to my 1911, and soon will be taken up by an XD45C. However, I was looking into the Ruger SP101. It's a bit heavier, however I normally carry IWB, not in the pocket or ankle. I like the weight of the 442, but have read and heard the SP101 is a much better pleasure to shoot, as well, paired with Badger boot grips, very manageable even with .357mag (another reason why I would like the SP101, as I prefer more firepower), which is obviously superior to any .38SP+P. In the role of BUGs, would the 357 vs the 38 matter a whole lot? Now, I'd like you guys to put yourself in my position: I cannot own both guns for monetary reasons. If I were to get an SP101, it would be the 2" or 3" barrel, and I would make it a spurless hammer, if not already so. I would have to sell my Airweight 442 (in the vicinity of $400) and purchase a used SP101. Would you guys do it, or stay with the 442?

Also, I plan to carry iwb crossdraw for either weapon, anybody know of any good holsters for either gun that qualifies? I've done some research, but not extensive, into a holster for either. I'd like something that sits low, allows me to comfortably sit in my car or ride my motorcycle, while in crossdraw.

[P5Ret]

Have you changed the grips on the 442, the standard factory grips well suck. Hogue makes bantam grips that are similar, but they have a palm swell that makes them easier to use, as well as bigger grips. Nothing against the Ruger but your also adding some girth to the additional weight, as Ruger's tend to be bigger than most of Smith's revolver's to start with.

I'd spend the 15 or 20 bucks and try out some new grips on the Smith, to see if it help's at all before investing in a different gun that may or may not solve the issue.

[ARM]

Take a look at the Delta Grip from Ergo (I think) for your 442. I have them on my 442, and while they look kinda goofy, they are very comfortable to hold and IWB comfortably as well. They were about $20 from Midway USA

[rob.rey]

Have you changed the grips on the 442, the standard factory grips well suck. Hogue makes bantam grips that are similar, but they have a palm swell that makes them easier to use, as well as bigger grips. Nothing against the Ruger but your also adding some girth to the additional weight, as Ruger's tend to be bigger than most of Smith's revolver's to start with

I have changed the grips to the Ergo Delta Grips. They shoot like a charm. The problem I had with them is that I employ the "hook" the J-Frame handle has when drawing my weapon. With the Deltas, that "hook" was nonexistent. Also, I did look at the Bantam grips. Since I plan to carry cross draw, I really want some small grips that shoot well.

[rob.rey]

I would love to keep my 442 if they made a grip like the Badger Boot Grips for it, similar to the SP101.

[leadstorm]

I carry a J-frame (340PD) more often than any other gun I own (I also have both a 2" and a 3" SP101).

I started with the stock Hogue grips, then moved to rosewood boot grips from Altamont. They were pretty good grips, but got slippery with sweat, the blued hardware corroded, and after a few years the wood itself was also affected by sweat.

Then VZ came out with grips for this revolver - they are the boot style and they are unbeatable for the J-frame, IMO.

[sealocan]

It sounds like you're already about to be switching to the XD 45 C from your 1911.
I would focus on that transition first,

and

Then possibly thinking about going from the lighter weight Smith to the Ruger.

I have nothing against Rugers revolvers, other than when compared to Smith and Wesson's they are heavy and thicker at most dimensions.

the .357 Magnum cartridge (which is somewhat expensive) doesn't really reached its maximum potential out of those shorter barrels.

although it would probably be more controlled with the heavy weight of a Ruger.
but it's a personal decision.
if grip changes don't work,
Then go for it,
you could always sell a Ruger at a good resale price (as long as you have the time to wait for the right customer)


_________________________
does anyone remember this old Smith and Wesson advertisement?
they were obviously picking on Ruger's investment casting bulkiness?

[rob.rey]

[IMG][/IMG]
The Boot style grips I wish they made for my 442.

[sealocan]

ok nice template ...

now you need to get some nice figured walnut and a band saw...


boom = you're a millionaire!

can you call it the "Blade Runner" ?


joking aside that does look like a nice design (and I see the Ruger heritage for sure.)
I'm sure someone here probably can help or you'll find someone who can make it or already makes something similar.

[TripleThreat]

I have a SP101 2 inch hammerless and I love it. Bought one 20 years ago but my department would not let us carry Rugers at that time, so it was sold and I just purchased it's replacement 2 weeks ago since a new policy is in place. I couldn't be happier. The trigger is notchy but for $10 and following an online video you can cure that.

Hope this helps,


Triple

[ojisan]

I own both a 442 (and a 642!) and a SP101 3" .357.
Only home carry for me but plenty of range time.
My .02:
The 442/642 is a terrific BUG.
Small, light, carries easy, it goes in and out of a pocket so smooth and quick.
Load it with Buffalo Bore .38 Special +P Heavy 158g LSWC.
You'll get right at 1,000 FPS.
Not a fun range load, but for serious purposes, it's a winner.

When we go to the .357, we need some barrel length to make best use of the higher-pressure and slower burning .357 powders.
So for the SP mine is the 3" barrel.
The heavier weight SP is pleasant to shoot with the .38 loads, much more fun than the Smiths for the range.
Add some of the larger Hogue grips to the SP for a day at the range.

Despite being only a 5 shooter, I could see the SP being the primary / only gun in an outdoors hike and camp setting.

If you're in the city and will have a primary gun, I would stay with the Smith with Buffalo loads as the BUG.

[Sunday]

442 aren't for fun or to feel good.

[Cunha]

For a concealed carry gun the 442 is about 100 times better than an SP101

For a shooting gun, a GP100 makes them both look terrible

I guess the SP101 has a place in a really comfortable relatively narrow IWB on the hip for a guy who wants a large enough magnum that is easy to pack.

But the 442 is a CCW masterpiece especially if you find one without a stupid internal lock.

Different applications.

[Masterdebater]

I traded my 3 inch sp101 back when for an mp9 before they went off roster and I don't have a ccw here in ca. Beautiful revolver and no complaints at all I loves that gun just wanted something new and no money so a trade was made lol.

[SoCalPI]

Get the LCR. The size and weight of your 442 but more comfortable to shoot.