SP101 vs GP101

[maddoggie13]

What one should I buy??? Pros vs. Cons of each...

[Mail Clerk]

depends if want a five or a six cylinder. GP101 is like more of a field gun and the SP101 like a smaller concealed carry revolver. Both are built like bank vaults and will out last you!!!! HA HA

Mail Clerk

[TakeFive]

What caliber? You can get six .327 Federal Magnum in SP101 and seven in GP100. Live the previous post says, the SP101 is a compact revolver and the GP100 is a big service style revolver.

[Flintlock Tom]

I have both and really like both. I like the compact size of the SP101, but wish it held six rounds (of .357). I like that the GP100 has adjustable sights and carries six rounds, but is heavier to lug around.
Personal preference. Go try both at a range that rents guns.
I added after-market grips (Hogue) to the SP101 because the grip was too small and plan to do the same with the GP100.

[Rekrab]

The size of the SP101 is more comfortable if you have smaller hands, and it still weighs a ton if you want to shoot .357. The GP101 is a rock solid performer and won't let you down after god knows how many rounds. It's not the prettiest gun, but they'll both be around long after you're gone.

[maddoggie13]

Thanks for the inputs...going to my local gun store and look at them both today..

[tujungatoes]

I've fired both, and have to say I much prefer the gp100 for fun/target shooting/home defense. you've got a longer sight radius, more comfortable grip, and more weight to help suck up some recoil.

I'd consider the sp101 more of a gun for ccw. but it's not a bad shooter either. as stated previously, hit up your local range and try them both for yourself. then buy the one that feels best...or both

[bruss01]

Depends on what you want it for.

GP is a great belt holster gun. It is a lousy CCW revolver unless you don't mind lugging an anvil around in the small of your back. Handles full-house loads with aplomb.

SP is very compact. Also impossible for my big mitts to grab and be able to hold on to under recoil. Perceived recoil under .357's is off the charts.

What I really covet is a Security Six... best of both worlds. Too bad they don't make them anymore. I say, go handle them both, preferably at a rental range. I thought the SP was pretty sweet... until I actually tried to fire it. But you may have different results. I have a GP and love it, but there's no way I would lug it around all day. It works as a nightstand gun though, always ready, always dependable. Could use night sights for that job, though. I put some 3-dot fiber-optic sights on it and it was a huge improvement.

Although I am a big Ruger fan, it may be that what you are looking for may be the Charter Bulldog .44 special. Give it a look, you might like what you see. It's not nearly as durable or well-made as the Rugers, but it is VERY usable. They are guns to be carried much and shot little. I have over 30 guns in the house, probably half of them are handguns. You want to know what has most often been in my hand when the hairs on the back of my neck stood up? Yup, the little bulldog. They're not bad, and very affordable. Just don't expect them to be more than what they are... a relatively short-range deterrent. That big bore is guaranteed to make someone on the other end of the muzzle think twice.