Chinto

I received an announcement from Ruger today presenting the new SP101 in .357. What are the differences between the GP100 Vs the SP101 besides the SP carrying one less round and a little lighter. Why would I want the SP101 over the GP100 in .357. They pretty much look the same to me. Is the grip different? What am I missing? Thanks for the help.


Ruger® SP101® Double-Action Revolver Model 5771

Ruger® GP100® Double-Action Revolver Model 1705

Spike12

The SP is about 35% smaller, weighs less, has smaller grips, only holds 5 rounds and makes a better CCW. So they're about a different as they can be.

Depends on the use. Open carry, duty weapon? GP

CCW? SP.

Were you looking at a specific charactistic?

Mr Sasquatch

1. Different grips
2. Capacity: 6 vs. 5 rounds
3. Weight: 40 oz. vs. 29.5 oz

If you intend to cary one all day long while, say, hiking, the 10 oz. weight difference may be important to some.

Chinto

So will this mean that I will likely feel more recoil from the SP than the GP because it is lighter? Or, does the fact that the SP is "35%" smaller translate to a stronger grip that would neutralize more of the recoil between the too frames? I am only familiar with the GP (which I love) which is why I ask?

Storm40

I actually have both and find that my SP101 is very pleasant to shoot and a bit more comfortable in my hand.

Spike12

All things being equal (same ammo, same barrel length, etc) the lighter gun will always recoil more - high school physics.

Then there is the thing called "felt recoil". So you've got the basic recoil per standard physics but then there's how you actually feel or perceive it.

This felt recoil varies largely on the grips used and somewhat on how you hold the weapon. That's why there's so many different grips out there - everyone's tastes and hands are different.

So, per the first paragraph, there's no way two gun of different weights are recoil the same.

LJenkMD

I find shooting .357s out of my SP101 rather uncomfortable whereas my GP100 handles them very well. Felt recoil is certainly subjective. In my hands they are very different guns.....

Bronco45

Use a Hogue monogrip on the SP much of that felt recoil goes away.

BuckeyeBlast

2 different guns, for 2 different people. Just because the GP is heavier doesn't mean that you're going to feel less recoil. If you struggle w/ the larger grip of the GP, then the recoil may make it feel like it's coming out of your hand. Conversely, the lighter SP could have less 'felt' recoil if you're better able to properly grip the firearm, IMO. It all just comes down to what feels good in ones hands, and since no two people are alike, the more choices, the better. 2 different guns for 2 different people. Heck, who am I kidding... I still want them both.

BearcatShack

The GP100 handles the powerful 357 magnum load like a knife through butter.

BasinBictory

The SP versus the GP is analogous to the difference between a S&W K-frame versus an N-frame. The GP is larger, heavier, and thus (generally speaking) will be more robust with handling a steady diet of heavy loaded Magnums. The SP is lighter, smaller, has one less round capacity, but is more concealable, and the smaller grip and lighter weight may translate into a gun that's more easily held and controlled by someone with smaller hands.

gunaddict826

Similar question here.

I've got a $450 deposit at a LGS left from a cancelled shotgun barrel order and figured I might as well let the Ruger stork make another trip my way.

It's between the GP100 and the SP-101 "Kit Gun" both in .357 Mag with 4.2" barrel.

SP is mod# 5771. GP is mod# 1702

It won't be a carry gun; more of a nightstand gun / home defender and fun gun. I have my LC9 for carry and want the simplicity of a revolver for home defense.

I'll probably shoot .38 SP 10-1 over .357 Mag, but as long as they're close in price I figure I'll go big. The big bang will be only an occasionally savored thrill.

I like the FO front sight on the SP but it's not a deal breaker that the G doesn't have it. If the FO sight is a negative to some, let me know.

For some reason I do like the look of the wood inserts on the SP grips. Maybe it harkens back to my Single Six, I don't know.

Also, as this may well turn into my girlfriend's gun of choice for shooting targets up north, the SP may fit her hands better.

Experienced comments to help me make a decision will be appreciated.

Also, how does recoil on either of these compare to the LC9, as a benchmark? I don't have a ton of handgun experience.

North country gal

Hi GunAddict

If it's a home defense gun and not a carry gun, I'd go with the GP. That's what we use for a nightstand weapon.

I shoot an SP101 in 327 and not in a 357 because of the recoil factor. I shoot full power 357s just fine in our GP, though. Also easier for me to shoot the larger GP at the range accurately than an SP. That extra size helps for hold and follow through.

The GP will be the more comfortable gun to shoot for your girl friend if you load anything beyond standard pressure 38s. As a gal, recoil is a bigger issue for me than grip fit.

BuckeyeBlast

Addict - sounds like you need to get a GP100 and put a set of the compact GP100 grips on it. They're sometimes hard to find, but they're still out there. If you get the GP100, we'll help you find a set of the compacts.

gunaddict826

It must be the look of the wood that catches my eye. I'll get pricing on both, but thanks to the advice of the group I'm leaning towards the GP-100 camp now.

Though I've technically owned one for years, I'm a revolver newbie. Most of my gun attention has been direted toward shotguns and long rifles, so I appreciate the words of experience.

Are the sights on this gun replaceable, and if so, are night sights available?