Stainless Snubby Advice Needed....

[familyman]

I am debating on the purchase of a stainless snubby for conceal carry. I currently have the S & W 642 which is great but would like to get a stainless revolver.

I would appreciate any advice on the S&W 640 vs. the Ruger SP101 KSP-321XL.
If I understand these two guns correctly the similarities are these: stainless, 357 cal. short barrell, enclosed hammer, great warranty service, durability
Differences......Ruger is about $100 cheaper and about 2 oz. heavier.

Is there any thing I am missing? Does anyone have an opinion on these two? good or bad? I cannot seem to locate a store around who sells these in stock where I could actually hold the Ruger in my hand and see how it feels.

Thoughts anyone? And thanks in advance for the wonderful reading and knowlege this forum is.

Familyman

 

[cobblepot]

I have the Ruger SP101 DAO with the 2.25" barrel. It does not have an enclosed hammer, it's bobbed. I love it. I can't compare it to the Smith because I haven't shot one. However, I have let a couple S&W owners try mine and they both raved about it. It's built like a tank and can shoot full load 357 magnums comfortably. The author of "Armed Response" is a member here and he likes the Ruger also.

 

[pj150]

The SP101 is a bit larger than the J frame. Almost the size of the K frame and just as heavy. Rugers are overbuilt and tank like. I do like them but not for carry.

As far as the 640, it's a nice heavy piece for belt carry. Hammerless is nice for the draw. Hold on tight as magnum rounds do make the gun jump around quite a bit. Took me a couple times before my shots hit the paper when I first shot this one with full house loads.

I'd stick with the 642 you currently have. Lightweight and with +p it's a good choice.

 

[June4th]

Here's me shooting my 3" Ruger: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TboL6PFc0x8

I shot 15 rounds at a target printed on a letter-sized paper 7.5 yds away and all shots landed on target and few within 10 ring. I'm a new shooter with about a month or two experience.

I put mine in pants pocket and immediately realized it's not made for pocket carry, not if you need to dress to impress in a professional setting.

I bought mine from AG Guns in Lowell for $395new. It took a while for the order to come since their regular distributor didn't have one in stock at the time.

 

[clinotus]

I have the Ruger SP101 DAO with the 2.25" barrel. It does not have an enclosed hammer, it's bobbed. I love it. I can't compare it to the Smith because I haven't shot one. However, I have let a couple S&W owners try mine and they both raved about it. It's built like a tank and can shoot full load 357 magnums comfortably.

Same here. Its not really a pocket carry gun, but with a wide inside pocket and a cheap holster its ideal for a light jacket. Very nice gun though.

 

[JohnFH]

I have had a SP101 since they were introduced (pre .357)
It is one of my favorites, fits my hand well, points and groups well at 25 ft.
I have had no issues with using it ccw and the little extra weight tames the +P loads nicely.
As always, make sure the fit and feel is right for you, and if all possible try as many as possible with the ammo you intend to shoot.

 

[drgrant]

I've had a SW640 for awhile now and use it for pocket carry periodically.

I changed out the default grips with a set of hogue boot grips on it to reduce
the profile a little.

I use the Speer GDHP "short barrel" .357 mag load in it. It still has some punch but I find the recoil to be manageable.

-Mike

 

[Jake L]

The S&W is a better carry gun lighter and has a forged frame. The Ruger uses a cast frame not that it really makes a difference it is just one difference between the two guns.
I personally like the S&W internal works better then the Ruger, and S&W stands by their guns even if you are not the original owner.

 

[M1911]

I've got an SP101. It certainly is built like a tank. It is just too heavy for me to use as a pocket gun. YMMV.