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Why Does Ruger Still Offer a .38 Special SP101?

18K views 39 replies 29 participants last post by  gqucool 
#1 ·
I have too much time on my hands while recovering from an illness. Cruising Rugers websight, I see identical SP101s, chambered in .357 and .38 Special. Since you can shoot .38s from a .357, why is there still a dedicated .38? Its not a service revolver, so the idea that some official use commands .38s only doesnt make sense. The .38 model isnt a lightweight aluminum revolver, like a S&W 638, and isnt a few ounces lighter, like the difference between the .38 and .357 LCR. So what do you think the reason is that Ruger keeps it as an available model?
 
#30 ·
I think .38 SPL should be offered across the entire SP101 line. Then we can stop pretending people actually shoot full up 357 in these guns...exceptions notwithstanding.

That said, Ruger doesn't really offer a bona fide 38 SPL except in their 2 + inch barrel SP101. They don't have another frame scaled specifically for the size and power of the 38 SPL. I say that familiar with discontinued guns built around the 38 caliber (Light frame). The gun needs to be scaled to hold 6 shots, have a 4" barrel, and with suitable sights for target shooting. The closest to that in current production is the Rossi 851. The Colt Diamondback would be the model.
 
#31 ·
I think it's market driven - the popularity of the .357 reigns because you can shoot .38s in them and most folks think that two is better than one. I understand what you're saying - the SP101 is a wee small and only 5 rounds and the GP100 is a bit big for a .38. Like most folks I shoot a lot more .38s than .357 and have come to accept that and look for .38 chambered offerings. I love the .38! But I've noticed that when Ruger does make a bunch of .38 chambered GP100 or SP101s they seem to move slowly from dealer inventory. The market in general just seems to want a .357 even if it sees a steady diet of .38s. I doubt Ruger would ever design a new platform around the .38 Special so the classics will have to do for those of us who love the cartridge - old Colts, K frames, etc.

These are good times to pick up a sweet K frame for a song. I've scored a couple really nice Model 15-2s for under $350 and just picked up a 5-screw Pre-Model 10 for $285. Hard to find such deals on a Model 19 and I would guess it's because it's chambered in the more popular .357. (Impossible to find such deals on an old Colt. Sigh.)
 
#34 ·
Something that might be regarded "minor" but is arguably significant.

When shooting .38 special from a .357 Mag chambered firearm, there is a fraction of an inch when the bullet first leaves the casing, where it "skids" in the cylinder before it hits the rifling. So once it DOES hit the rifling some of the energy has already been expended. No spin for that first few milliseconds.

Something dedicated for .38 special; the rifling is ever-so-much-closer to the end of the brass casing. Does make "some" difference in the eventual ballistics.
 
#35 ·
Does make "some" difference in the eventual ballistics.
It's tough to say for sure, but physics suggests that the .38 in the .357 runs lower pressure, and takes a hit on velocity. Accuracy wise, the 6" .357's I have owned or shot, are some of the best handguns I've ever triggered, (shooting off a bench bag). A scope might find the difference, but at 50yds, my K-38/6" was pretty much the same as my 586/6" with the same loads.
 
#37 ·
My guess is that they are so close in design specs why not? S&W Model 60 is available in 38...probably closer to marketing than market.
 
#38 ·
I used to have a .357 SP101 that would shoot .357s at POA at 5m. When I'd shoot .38s in it, the group would be 3 or 4 inches higher than POA at 5m. Is this common with 2" .357 SP101s? If so, that would be enough reason for me to want a dedicated .38 if that's the caliber I chose.
 
#40 ·
Any way you look at it a Ruger SP101 in .357 or .38 special both are great guns. I have had 2 SP101's and I liked the 3 inch just as much as the 2.25 inch version. I sold the SP101 to be able to get a original Ruger Bisley Vaquero I haven't regretted doing that because I really like the Bisley Vaquero. That being said I still had a wanting for a small snub nosed revolver. Well my Taurus Model 605 .357/.38 special fills that need very well I have no regrets with the Taurus it just as robust in the way its made compared to the SP101's the best thing I did with the Taurus 605 was install a Hogue grip on it makes this gun so much nicer to shoot!
 
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