BuckeyeBlast

3 or 4" GP. I've owned several GP's and SP's... The 3"GP is my fav.

Dawgface

I have both in .357, 4" GP and 3" SP. for home defense only there is no question, GP all the way. Six rounds, faster return to target w/less recoil.
I love both my wheel guns and shoot the heck out of them weekly.

Cheetos

Thanks guys and gal! There is a range not too far from me that rents guns. I am planning on trying out a .357. I also want to try a couple different semi autos too, perhaps .40 and .45 then I'm off to go gun shopping!

rschlos

I dont have the sp, but I do have the gp, and do agree that the gp is not such a great carry gun, but i still do love it !!

AmbroseLee

Just to add my vote:
I carried my 4" GP all last winter. But will carry the M&P40 this winter probably. I agree with most here - GP for home defense.

Bigdog

Strictly a home defense weapon? Why not consider a 12 gauge shotgun. Hands down the most devastating weapon for home/pers. defense. We will only use our handguns in the house to get to our Remingtion 870. Just a thought.

AmbroseLee

Well, I'd have to agree with the shotgun. The original question was SP101 or GP100 though.

Bigdog

I know but he also said for home defense. When I first became interested in protection, the thought of a shotgun never entered my mind. Once I was taught what a wonderful tool the 12 gauge is, it was an easy choice to what my home defense would be. Just trying to offer something he may not have been introduced to.

AmbroseLee

That's true. I assume others know the same things that I do. They may not.
My mossberg hangs on the wall - loaded.

Alpo

My shotgun is also my main HD weapon.
But for an HD handgun, can't beat a solid .357 revolver.
And for a solid .357, can't beat the geepee.

blakestree

I agree. I only see handguns as a means to escape/get to a long gun. I have a pistol on my nightstand, but I'm going straight for the 870.

SP101 vs. GP100? I, at first, wanted a 4.2" SP. Now, I'm 'bout ready to rip a ball off for a Wiley Clapp GP100.

andybothel

I've never shot an SP so my view is biased.

GP 4" with 38+p is a great choice IMO. I agree with someone above that 357 indoors will probably disorient you as much as the guy on the business end. I have Critical Defense in mine because of the low flash.

Make sure you have 357 though for some outdoor shooting though, they are a blast!

BogieDog

SP101, 4"2 barrel.

Just right in every way. It's my Winter Carry and my primary home protector in all seasons.

But, it's too big a decision for you not to get to the range with a GP and an SP and compare the bad boys. One will "speak to you". That the one to buy.

Best......

Cheetos

Lots of good advice guys! I have thought about a shotgun but was afraid my wife might have a hard time shooting a 12 gauge. That was why I wanted to go the handgun route. So it looks like the GP100 is in the lead!

jlh820

You can get a 20ga or 410. Both are still good HD guns and many women like these who don't like a 12 ga.