Ruger SP101 in both 38 & 357. Why?

[Big Data]

Just out of curiosity, can someone explain this?

Ruger offers the SP101 2.25" in both 38 Spl (5737) and 357 Mag (5718). Specs and prices are totally the same, just the caliber difference. Both are on the roster.

So what's the reasoning for a separate 38 Spl model, and keeping it on the roster at some expense?
What's the market for a 38 Spl only model, security guards or agencies not allowed a 357 Mag chambering?
Any accuracy advantage to 38 Spl in a 38 Spl cylinder would seem to be unmeasurable out of a 2.25" barrel.

Thoughts?

[AreWeFree]

The .38spl model has a slower twist rate, but you're right, likely wont be a noticeable difference with that 2.25" barrel.

[Carcassonne]

Just out of curiosity, can someone explain this?

Ruger offers the SP101 2.25" in both 38 Spl (5737) and 357 Mag (5718). Specs and prices are totally the same, just the caliber difference. Both are on the roster.

So what's the reasoning for a separate 38 Spl model, and keeping it on the roster at some expense?
What's the market for a 38 Spl only model, security guards or agencies not allowed a 357 Mag chambering?
Any accuracy advantage to 38 Spl in a 38 Spl cylinder would seem to be unmeasurable out of a 2.25" barrel.

Thoughts?

I have read somewhere that some security companies don't allow their employees/guards to carry 357 magnum revolvers. They make them carry 38 special only. If the SP101 only had a 357 cylinder, they might lose sales to those companies. 357 mag cylinders makes it temping for a guard to "accidentally" slide in a 357 cartridge. Having only a 38 special cylinder alleviates that problem/liability for the security company. I doubt a security company would get short barreled guns for their employees/guards: They most likely would get 4" or 6" barreled guns.




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