Ruger SP101 vs LCRx .357 3"

[fivefeezy]

Which one would make the better trail/fishing gun? I like the lighter carry weight of the LCRx, but maybe its too light for .357? I think the LCRx has a slightly better trigger pull, but it feels really clunky when opening and closing the cylinder. The SP101 seems like a much stronger pistol, even though they both have stainless steel frames. The SP101 is a much better looking pistol, but costs $220 more and doesn't have adjustable sights.

[larkja]

Had both; sold both. Of the two, however, if I kept one, it would have been the LCRx.

For being such a light gun, the LCRx handled .38 very well. I tried some hot loads a couple times and that was not fun. Because the SP101 is all metal, it handles hotter loads better, but it's still not a very large revolver.

Have you considered the GP100 with a 3" barrel? It's a little larger than the SP101 but is much more comfortable when shooting hotter loads. And since it's a fishing gun, you won't be holstering it all day. And if you were, you could get a nice OWB holster with a good belt and be fine.

In order of preference:
1. GP100
2. LCRx
3. SP101

Best of luck in your search.

[fivefeezy]

Thanks.

I already have a 4" GP100. But it is pretty heavy for long hikes. I'm looking for something lighter. I usually carry my Glock 29 but my kid is old enough to carry now so I am looking for a second trail pistol.

Why did you like the LCRX better than the SP101? Why did you sell it?

[still919]

I wish I could give you a comparison, but I'm not personally familiar with the LCRx. I will say this, my SP101 has served me very well over the years. Probably one of my favorites. It fits me well, and has always been comfortable in the hand since day 1. Nice shooter. This of course will be different for everyone.

My particular one is a dedicated .38 special model that's be runnin' & gunnin' since 1989.

[pinger]

The plain black SP101 grips have a protruding screw head that irritates. The Ruger grips with the wood inserts don't. Replacing the stock grips was a must for me.

[ThatFishGuy]

I'd go with something like a 4" sp101. Actually I did, but in 327 fed. I find it more useful as a trail/kit gun with that sight radius, and since it is a relatively small frame revolver, it's still not very heavy. Having a little more weight out front will make it more controllable with heavier loads as well. I regularly have it on my hip all day while working outdoors and I don't really notice it.

[larkja]

Thanks.

I already have a 4" GP100. But it is pretty heavy for long hikes. I'm looking for something lighter. I usually carry my Glock 29 but my kid is old enough to carry now so I am looking for a second trail pistol.

Why did you like the LCRX better than the SP101? Why did you sell it?

The LCRx just fit me better. Because of the light weight, I was expecting the recoil to be pretty severe, but it was not. If you're shooting a ton of hot loads, the SP101 will probably serve you better since the LCRx has the polymer frame, but if it's an occasional shooter, I think you'll be happy with the Ruger. I purchased one in .22 and one in .38 to teach my wife to shoot. She didn't like them, so they were sold.

I now have a couple S&W revolvers (one 4" and one 2").

[M76]

LCRx .357 with .38+P ammo would be a good combo

[BB1776]

I wouldn’t carry anything less than .357 on the trail, in which case the SP101 is the better choice.

[SnWnMe]

I have both guns, a 3"LCRx in 38 and a 2.25" SP-101 in 357.

The trigger on the LCRx is superior to any other DA revolver in the market but the SP is the one I will add to my CCW when renewal time comes up because it is has fixed sights and is DAO. The LCRx has everything I don't want in a carry gun (or a trail gun for that matter). Adjustable sights and a hammer.

[Donkeypunch0420]

For woods carry, you're going to want heavy hardcast which would extremely punishing in either revolver. Either way, the SP101 will soak up recoil far better than the LCRx.

OTOH, why not a second Glock 29/29sf? Magazine, capacity and ammo compatibility might come in handy.

[Rizzo]

Before I bought my 357 mag, I went to the gun range and rented both of them.
That is, the LCR and SP101.
The LCR was definitely lighter but the RECOIL on it was very strong compared to the SP101.
I bought the SP101.

[plumbum]

The LCRx has everything I don't want in a carry gun (or a trail gun for that matter). Adjustable sights and a hammer.

Boom, wisdom!

The 3” LCRx is a cool range toy, but the SP101 is an investment.

[hambam105]

For trail use, if I had to chose between those rugers I'd definitely go with the smith and weasel m two nine.

[DrewN]

I wish they made the regular LCR in 3" .357. I was hoping you could parts swap one into existence, but the LCR and LCRx are just different enough.