GP100 vs SP101

[ga4boats917]

I am looking for HD/range 357. Will mostly shoot 38 through it, but I want the option to shoot 357. I have medium sized hands. If I got the GP it would be in 4" and if I got the SP I would either go with 3" or 4.2" (no 2.25). I know this subject has been beaten to death, but there are always some good viewpoints here. Many thanks.

[RedFord150]

My wife likes my GP100. She is 5'2" with small hands. We did put Hogue grips on it.

I once owned an SP101 in .22LR. I sold it. I will never sell my GP100.

[BoJackUSMC]

Gp100 very popular...my coworkers love their GP100

[MrOrange]

The GP100 would be my recommendation, not just of the posted choices but of all the .357s in the land.

Whatever, wherever, however you shoot, it will be easier with the bigger GP. I have middle of the range medium sized hands, and it fit me fine. The SP is better if you need something to carry concealed, and is physically easier to handle, but not to actually shoot.

And hey, for HD, it's got 20% more ammo on tap! For that matter, when you do run dry the GP is a better club.

[ojisan]

GP for range use and open carry.
SP for fun plinking and possible CCW.
You can get different sized grips for both models to fit any hand size.

[saudadeii]

Unless you intend to conceal carry, I vote GP100. I have a 4" SS. Handles the stoutest full power .357 mags (I've shot some Underwood), yet is tame with .38spc.

It is a big heavy beast. Not my goto HD but I have a bunch of Golden Saber 125gr .38spc +P just in case.

[ga4boats917]

Thanks for the feedback. I have no intention to use it for CC, as a 9mm Shield, G19 and KelTec P32 are ready and waiting.

[Rosebud22]

I have the SP101 in .22lr. The grips (factory) a quite small. I upped to Houge, still small. I can not imagine shooting .357s and being able to hold on. People do it, but also say it down right hurts. So for HD I would up size to the GP100.
Built like a tank, lower felt recoil because of the weight.

[chrometip78]

GP100 for your intended purpose. The SP101 is also a great little shooter for it's size the sights work well but they are meant for close range and concealment. Magnum loads are comfortable to shoot in the SP101 with stock grip but the heavier GP100 will be even better.

I find small S&W's are incredibly uncomfortable with magnum loads FWIW. I'm not trying to be an internet tuff guy, just my opinion that the SP101 is an incredibly comfortable/capable gun that performs bigger than it is.

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[MyOdessa]

I own and shoot both in .357 Magnum. For HD/range/lever action companion 4" GP100 hands down, for CCW, 2.25" SP101 is my choice.

[Alexander831]

Gp100 or S&W 686

[Wordupmybrotha]

It wasn't fun shooting the SP101. OTOH, GP100 was fun.

[reverser]

I have an SP-101 in .357 with a 3" barrel. It isn't THAT bad to shoot, but it definitely isn't my favorite. I normally shoot .38 out of it with my stock grips. The trigger feels like pulling on a STIFF bungie cord wrapped in sandpaper and I'm not really that accurate with it. +1 on the "built like a tank" comment.

I have the SP101 in .22lr. The grips (factory) a quite small. I upped to Houge, still small. I can not imagine shooting .357s and being able to hold on. People do it, but also say it down right hurts. So for HD I would up size to the GP100.
Built like a tank, lower felt recoil because of the weight.

[timbo399]

Cannot go wrong with GP100- I own mainly semis but is is my favorite revolver I own. Also 4" barrel perfect compromise between big enough to shoot very accurate and handles any ammo but still not TOO big.

That being said, I have on my 'to buy' list a 2-3" SP101, just like the idea of having a smaller 38/357- I have a Ruger LCR that I love but w no CCW permit no real use for it for me, I think I'd shoot the SP101 snub nose better and like idea of getting a shorter barreled 38/357. Why? I have no idea, just another excuse to buy a new gun.

GP100's are just great revolvers and perfect for fun at range or HD, if prefer revolver for that role.

[CodyGT46]

Like the others here I'll recommend the GP100. I have a 4.2" blued model and after doing a little work on the trigger I think its better than a couple of my S&W K frames. I usually use my GP100 to try out hot .357 handloads I make, because I know that heavy piece of metal can handle anything I put through it. It's always in my range bag and goes with me every time along with my S&W Model 19 and my Dan Wesson 15-2

I did own a 2" SP101 .357 as well, .38's were just as soft shooting as they were in the GP, and .357's weren't all that bad, had more bark than bite out of the short barrel. I ended up selling it as well since anything I really could do with it I could do better with other revolvers I have.

Basically I don't think you could go wrong with either choices, so you may as well buy both.

Oh and I have medium sized hands I'd say, since all my gloves I've worn say medium.