Ruger SP101 v GP100

[r8dr rider]

So I'm looking for a dependable wheel gun for HD (mainly for wife). Is the frame size the only difference in these two pistols? I like the 6" barrel on the GP but the smaller frame on the SP might be more suitable for the wife. Thoughts?

[fastpowerstroker]

My wife hates my sp101. But I have a Dao model and boot grips. For hd I would get gp100 with hammer.

[BigPimping]

I so want a SP101 to go alongside my P95.

[CK_32]

GP100 is my drink of choice.

I believe its the frame size and I think one is SA only or has a SA only option I forget.

[WWDHD?]

I own both the SP101 and the GP100. I kept the SP loaded for HD near by for many years. My wife shot it well except she lacked the hand strength to shoot it double action reliably. She would always cock that hammer each shot. Accurate but too slow. So I switched over to a DAO S&W M&P 9mm that she can shot faster and more accurately.
Just my opinion: let your wife try out several revolvers and pistols and find one she shoots well and is comfortable with. Then maybe she'll go practice with it more often. Good luck.

[nephrodoc]

A SP with a 3 inch barrel may be good for the wife. Load it up with 38 special gold dots, preferably short barrel if you can find them. 357 magnums out of the SP have alot of recoil.

[Old4eyes]

Possibly more important than the frame size is the frame weight. I'd say a lot of women will gravitate to the lighter weight revolver/pistol for the sole reason it weighs less. The problem occurs when the recoil equation is revealed - that lighter gun will have a harsher recoil.

For a home defense gun a heavier pistol/revolver is acceptable (preferred?) to tame the recoil and to get the firearm back on target quicker. Time at the range will be more pleasant. Get the wife to a rental range and have her shoot a light weight and a heavier weight gun to feel the difference herself. Now it also may be the fact that she may need a small frame for the size of her hand and that gets her into a lighter gun. I haven't found the perfect gun yet.

[rabidmonk]

Both models have SA/DA or DAO versions. For home defense, it isn't just a matter of frame size, but the extra round you get in the GP100 (6 vs. 5 in the SP101). Something to think about for an already limited capacity gun.

[bdaniel]

I'm about the GP for the extra round.

[r8dr rider]

I guess taking her to the range and handling the guns at the gun shop would be the first step. Honestly I just want a revolver and getting one she can shoot will help me convince her.

[Agent 0range]

[QUOTE=weber_2;10897878]I guess taking her to the range and handling the guns at the gun shop would be the first step. Honestly I just want a revolver and getting one she can shoot will help me convince her.[/QUOTE]

I hear that, although I couldn't get her to the range to try them, so i just bought one (S&W 686). Until she does shoot it, she doesn't get the combo to the GunVault.

[89 Vision]

The SP101 excels when it comes to a carry piece. For HD pistol, I'd prefer a 4" or 6" GP100.

[Slim///]

My GF loved her Gp100 with the 4" barrel. She had no problems handling it

[TheDeej]

HD purpose-go GP100.
You get 6 rounds vs. 5 in the SP101
The frame is heavier so recoil is easier to manage
Generally longer barrel so increased sight radius/accuracy/velocities

My wife did not mind shooting my 686p, she actually likes the size of the revolver a lot because it makes it easier to shoot. You can always do a spring change and some polishing to make the double-action easier on her.

[rogervzv]

In my experience the thing that the ladies hate most in a handgun is too much recoil. (Don't blame them; me too!) I would imagine that a GP100 4" would be perfect and a GP100 6" also not bad. You probably want to have her use .38 special SD rounds.