Author Topic: SP101 2" vs 3" (Read 2707 times)

camsdaddy · « **on:** June 03, 2007, 07:14:59 AM »

I am looking to buy a Ruger SP101 or GP I am leaning toward the SP. I cant decide if I want the 2 or 3 or if I get the GP in a 4". Ok this gun will be used for carry on ocassion mostly trail/woods/truck home defense etc and some plinking . I wonder about the accuracy differences in these pistols I will use a good bit for a snake gun and can popper. I am 5'7" 130 lbs so I know concelement may be an issue with the 4" GP just curious. Again I am leaning toward the SP101 in 3". Any thoughts on my rambling.

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #1 on:** June 03, 2007, 08:30:36 AM »

ive owned 2 inch and 4 inch sps but never a 3 inch but i would have to say if i bought another one it would be a 3 inch gun. Probably the best compromise

canon6 · « **Reply #2 on:** June 04, 2007, 03:29:54 PM »

I have three , 3inch 357's I find the 3inch a perfect compromise. Doug

Old Griz · « **Reply #3 on:** June 05, 2007, 06:24:20 PM »

My wife was first in her qualifying class and out-shot all the men with a 3" SP101. It's no harder to conceal than a 2" and get a bit more velocity out of the longer tube. I have a 3" S&W 66, and it's incredibly accurate as well. I think you'll really like the 3" barrel.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #4 on:** June 06, 2007, 02:03:36 AM »

the 2 will fit in a pocket better , the 3 will be easier to hit with !

Old Griz · « **Reply #5 on:** June 06, 2007, 12:47:37 PM »

I promise -- you don't want to carry either one in you pocket! You'll want a good holster.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #6 on:** June 07, 2007, 03:55:46 AM »

i carry in a pocket in a pocket holster ! i also wear pants 1 size larger and on dress pants buy only ones that have pockets that work ! Not always the best but often the only option with a tee shirt and jeans , or a fanny pack maybe

lucky guy · « **Reply #7 on:** June 07, 2007, 04:12:16 AM »

Here's another vote for the 3", more accurate and a little more power. Another thing I wouldn't be without on a carry or nightstand gun is the laser grips. Gotta be the best accessory out there for the non-pro!

Ken ONeill · « **Reply #8 on:** June 07, 2007, 04:46:53 AM »

I've had both the 2" and 3" (actually 3 1/16") in the early .38 Special versions since they were first introduced in the mid eighties. I prefer the 3" version...better sight radius, no harder to conceal.

canon6 · « **Reply #9 on:** June 08, 2007, 11:26:36 AM »

Picture of my 3inch Ruger Sp101,Magnaported ,Trijicon night sight and CrimsonTrace grips, Doug

dougk · « **Reply #10 on:** June 08, 2007, 04:18:04 PM »

Canon6
that is a nice setup for carry....
Doug

Bubber · « **Reply #11 on:** June 08, 2007, 04:19:40 PM »

Hey Canon. How do thoes crimson trace grips fit your hand? I have been looking at a SP for a while and the factory grips will have to go.

canon6 · « **Reply #12 on:** June 08, 2007, 07:13:20 PM »

Bubber , I have a large hand and they fit me real well.It is very easy to get a" high" grip and still find the front switch for the laser.hth Doug

papajohn428 · « **Reply #13 on:** June 30, 2007, 06:56:51 AM »

So...............what did you decide, or did you? I'll cast another vote for the 3-inch, I think it's the best all-around length there is. Personally, I can't hit doodly from a 2-inch past halitosis range, but to me the three-inch is just as easy to shoot as a four-inch.

And Canon6, that is a SWEET piece of hardware! Nicely done!

Papajohn

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #14 on:** July 01, 2007, 05:30:22 AM »

cannon6 , do ya get much flash in low light ? i had a S&W mod. 19 and the flash was awful !

canon6 · « **Reply #15 on:** July 01, 2007, 07:57:27 AM »

shootall, you can control the amount of flash by reloading,or by choosing your ammo.I am using Remington 125gr GS,low flash, and corbon both work well for me.I know some experts do not like ported barrels, but I will give away some flash exposure for the reduction in barrel whip, thus quicker recovery for a followup shot, a a very smart man said" what one round stop" oh that was me, never mind

Doug

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #16 on:** July 03, 2007, 03:39:36 AM »

I'll be honest ,in IDPA BUG gun matches never had a problem with a 2 S&W .357 with reguard to control , would hate to loose night vision , and one shot stops are nice but not dependable , as no round is 100% !
and anything worth shooting once is worth shooting twice or three times for that matter !
I still vote for the shorter bbl.

Dice · « **Reply #17 on:** August 21, 2007, 03:27:56 PM »

I went with 3" and don't regret it. I'm wearing it right now.

camsdaddy · « **Reply #18 on:** August 22, 2007, 10:54:45 AM »

I am wondering if I go with the 3" and I can get the accuracy needed would I be able to take deer at bow ranges with 357 hunting loads.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #19 on:** August 22, 2007, 11:00:29 AM »

depends on the state , will your load give 350 ft. lbs. from a 3 in. bbl ? if so and it is in a factory energy chart in Va. you would be ok !

Dice · « **Reply #20 on:** August 22, 2007, 07:44:48 PM »

Honestly I couldn't answer weather you could or would want to shoot a deer with a 3" barrel. I'm sure with in 25 yard it would be possible, and I'm sure not past 50 yards.

I just got my Ruger SP101 3", and right now I wouldn't even think of hunting with it.

I just got it and have not mastered it yet. As a matter of fact, I kind of stink with my Ruger beyond 15 yards.

But I might consider hunting with my Taurus 608 .357 with a 4" barrel and adjustable sights. That thing is a tack driver at 25 yards or more.

Rscout6945 · « **Reply #21 on:** August 23, 2007, 10:14:45 PM »

I have the 2" and 3" and the 3" wins hands down. I had a set of adjustable sights put on it by Cylinder and Slide out of Lincoln, NE. Now I can hit anything I aim at. Don't have to worry about finding a round that matches the sights. I shoot the Federal 357 mag 125 grain (F357B, I think) and it is a real screamer. But in the 3" it is quite controllable.