Ruger SP101 .357?

Question

Good revolver? How much more "stopping power" would this have vs. a 9mm semi auto? Similiar recoil to a glock 9mm ? Looks like a well made gun from what I've read on it. Just looking for others thoughts. Just wanting to go revolver now. I like simplicity.

Also considering the fullsize Ruger .357 mentioned below for less recoil. This will not be a concealed carry weapon, just home defense and some occassional target shooting.

Answer 1

The .357 Magnum in a snub-nose will outperform 9mm Luger in terms of 'stopping power.' Recoil will be nothing like a Glock 9mm, unless you're shooting .38 Special, or .38 Special +P.

The Ruger SP101 is a compact 25 ounce revolver. The recoil from a .357 Magnum round from a gun this light will be sharp. Shooting a full-sized .357 Magnum, like a Ruger GP-100 or S&W 686 will feel popping off 9mm loads after a few cylinders full of Magnum loads from the snubbie. You will have to hang onto the gun when it goes off. Your wrists and your shooting hand will not like you if you shoot long strings of .357 Magnum loads. It will also be loud and noisy to shoot. Fortunately, it is controllable, accurate, and much more comfortable to shoot than any snub-nose .357 Magnum revolver made out of some ultralight Space Age metal.

And unlike those other revolvers, you can practice with full-house .357 Magnum loads all day long, if your wrists are up to it. The Ruger SP101 will also digest anything from lead wadcutter .38 Special target loads, through COR-BON 180 grain hunting loads.

Answer 2

I picked up an SP101 .357 mag (2.25" barrel) about a month ago. I bought it to go along with my concealed carry permit. I'm very impressed with it so far. It is surprisingly accurate with such a short barrel. I've shot .38, .38+P, and .357 magnum from it. I prefer to practice with the .38+P because the recoil is very manageable. .38+P is also the round I carry for protection. If I ever did have to use it in a defense situation, a full blown .357 mag round would probably cause some hearing damage...and if it was at night I might be blind from the muzzle flash. The .38 +P is probably pretty close to a 9mm in terms of "stopping power" and recoil. If it is going to be strictly for concealed carry, I would go for the DAO model with no external hammer. I bought the model with an exposed hammer because I go to the range often and I like shooting single action. anyway, I would definitely recommend this gun!

Answer 3

Love them. They come in different calibers: .22, .32, .38 and .357. The .357 is the most common and the best for self-defense. The full sized .357 loads kick a bit, but is not bad at all. Very dependable, accurate, and easy to clean. It would be a very good addition to anyone looking at a revolver. The larger GP 100 is also a very well built gun.

Answer 4

Good choice and it won't cost an arm & leg. Small and powerful, they are, like all Rugers, extremely well made and strong. You can shoot the milder .38 Special & +P for practice or defense. Stopping power is as good as any other high performance rd., better than all smaller bullets. Should be pretty accurate within reasonable ranges and can reach out with a little practice. I have it's big brother, a beautiful GP-100 and am quite happy with it. Recoil about the same as small 9mm. handgun. They are super strong and small enough to conceal easily. You should be happy with it.

Answer 5

Ruger makes an excellent revolver and the SP101 is a good choice. But I would select the GP100, which is a little bigger, but more comfortable to shoot 357 mag. The longer models come with adjustable sights and its build like a tank so you could shoot the hot loads all day without a problem.

I have one and its a great shooting gun, you really can't go wrong with it.

Answer 6

Excellent snubby! My ex-wife carries one with 125 gr. hollow points. Even though she is 5'1", she has no problem controlling the gun with these .357 mag. loads. She has small hands and the SP101 stock grip fits her very well. It was too small for my hand; however, larger after market grips are available.

The .357 bullet is a higher velocity round than the 9mm so recoil is more pronounced. The .357 is a far more powerful round than the 9mm is. The .357 mag., 125 gr. jacketed hollow point was a favorite round of law enforcement for years and had a reputation for being a "one shot stop" bullet.

Answer 7

There is not a thing wrong with the Ruger or with the mentioned S&W. Both are well made, durable and accurate. I would make an effort to shoot them both and see which one you like the best. The Rugers don't fit in my hand as well as the Smith's do and that is strictly a subjective thing. Your hands may be larger or smaller than mine, or different in some other way. The best bet is too shoot them at a range if you can. If not fondle them as best you can paying attention to the reach to the trigger and how well the grips fill the web of you hand.

Good luck

Answer 8

I had that pistol many years ago. Good gun. If you want a good home defense weapon, try the ruger 45's. They are not all that expensive, and they feel great in the hand.

Answer 9

They are very stout revolvers the only problem i have heard about them is the empty cases are sometimes hard to eject. May i recommend a Smith&Wesson M686 combat magnum 4'' very smooth action and very accurate. .357 is devestating stopping power

Answer 10

Christopher H has a good point. As it happens, Ruger Blackhawks (single-actions) fit me better, and so does my Colt SAA, so I don't have a Smith. To each his own.