LCR or SP101 3"?

[photobear]

Ok...I bought an SR9 and can't use it because I have a bad left hand and thus can't work the heavy slide. Love the pistol, but it's of no use to me if I can't easily chamber a round! So, it looks like the solution is a revolver. I'm going back and forth between the LCR (easier to conceal and a much lighter, smoother trigger) and the 3" SP101 (built like a tank, probably less perceived recoil because of the extra weight). Uses would be concealed carry, carrying when hiking, and home defense.

I'm leaning toward the LCR in .357 mag because it has a little more weight and the .357mag option, although most of the time I'd probably shoot .38spcl +P. But I like the longer barrel length of the SP101 because it gives better ballistics. I'm not sure how much of an advantage that is though if common defensive useage is around 7 feet.

Any opinions?

[stolivar]

I would think that it is the other way around. the SP101 is heavier gun. It would handle the recoil better.



steve

[photobear]

Right, my mistake. I meant the SP101 was heavier, which I like. I like the trigger better on the LCR.

[44 Man]

You will find that this is not a target gun you are buying, you are getting a 'carry' gun.  Which means you may be wearing it 16 hours a day.  The lighter weight will bring a smile to you long after the discomfort of more recoil has left.  You will find that the LCR is effective with 38 + P's and the recoil is not bad at all.  But you will hate the heft of a heavy gun after a few hours and may even leave it home because of that.  Then what good will it do you.  I have carried concealed daily for 30 years and for a carry gun you want the lightest one.  For a bedside gun that you also take to the range, weight doesn't matter.  44 Man

[stolivar]

some people can't stand the weight. I carry the sp101 daily. I also carry 357 mags in it...




steve

[kid_couteau]

I can carry my SP101 3" in a holster and forget it is there

I do not mind the weight

Kid

[Ken ONeill]

In fairness to the question, I do not own an LCR. However, I do own 2 .38 Special SP-101's in 2" and 3 1/16", that I bought before Ruger introduced the .357 to that model... so I've had them about 24-25 years. They are superb revolvers, and they are the ones I would pick.

[Squib]

I thought the sp-101 was fairly new (90's or so?)

[Doublebass73]

Some people don't mind belt carrying heavier guns but I'm not one of them. I tried it with a K-frame and a very nice Simply Rugged pancake holster and got tired of it quickly. I'd rather pocket carry. I have an LCR and it's a dream to pocket carry and to shoot. For such a light gun the perceived recoil isn't bad at all.

[poncaguy]

I traded my my SP101 3" 357  for a 38  LCR, no regrets,  more accurate for me, much better trigger, and, oh so lite. Love it!

[Ak.Hiker]

I have an SP 101 357 Magnum with the 3 1/16 inch barrel. I carry it in a Simply Rugged pancake holster. It makes a very nice light weight field gun. It is light compared to a full sized 44 ounce revolver. It will run any weight 357 load I care to use. I did put on a set of Hogue Monogrips for my favorite full power 180 grain cast loads. You may want to consider buying the LCR  first and then adding the SP 101 at a later date. The LCR could do double duty to start out. I would not be running full power 357 loads in the LCR. I would go with 38 Special Speer 135 grain Gold Dot +P for SD. If more penetration was needed both Buffalo Bore and Double Tap load hard cast loads in 38 Special.