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Ruger SP101 2.25" recoil?

12K views 78 replies 46 participants last post by  gamecocks 
#1 ·
Looking into getting a Ruger SP101 2.25" barrel for carrying out in the woods. Was looking at 10mm, then 40 and 45, but I don't like the limited availability of 10mm, and the less than ideal power of 40 and 45 against things with 4 legs. Looking at carrying the Buffalo Bore 180gr 357mag outdoorsman. My only worry is the recoil. I know the recoil will be the last thing on my mind if I need to use it but I need to practice with the full power loads and I dont want to end up on the floor of the range crying like a baby :crying:
https://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=396

What's the recoil like with 357magnum? Full power loads? What about with 38 special and 38special+p?

I'm really not fond of the stock grips on the SP, I'm thinking I'll replace them with a Hogue Tamer Monogrip. I find shooting my LCP uncomfortable...well one time. I might have been gripping it wrong, hadn't shot it in a while. I shot a whole box of ammo through it, didn't feel all that great. I wouldn't say painful, just smacked the web of my hand hard. What's the recoil like of the SP compared to the LCP?

Thanks
 
#2 ·
I have a S&W Model 66 with a 2 1/2 inch barrel. I have fired .357 125 gr. JHP exactly twice. It was, to say the least, not a pleasant experience. I can't imagine a 180 grain .357 would be any more pleasant .38+p's are no issue at all.

As for being concerned about .45acp, there is nothing east of the Mississippi it will not handle.
 
#3 · (Edited)
I own a Model 60 S&W which has to be one of their smallest 357mag's made. Not only that but I took off the original grip and put a smaller one on to make the gun even smaller so I could pocket carry it.

I've fired full power 357mag rounds though it a couple times to see if I could handle it. It's not fun but manageable and not as bad as people think it would be.

Let me see if I can find a picture of mine.

Also, I also have a 3" Ruger SP101 and it's not much difference than my tiny Smith.

Here's my Model 60. Hard to tell how small it is so I am also putting a comparison picture next to my Ruger and my Glock 19.

And yes, I like to take pictures of my guns :D



 
#4 ·
I have a Ruger LCR in .357. If you start with light (wadcutter equivalent) loads and become familiar with it, you should be able to work up to whatever your natural limit is.

Once you get beyond .38 Special +P, you'll want both ear plugs and muffs for practice. I believe the shockingly loud noise and pressure wave are more distracting than the recoil. Apprehension of those combined induces flinching.

You'll get MUCH better performance: velocity, accuracy and comfort from recoil, muzzle blast and noise if you go to a K frame or equivalent for that cartridge. N or L frames help even more, the greater mass giving a more stable platform.

Yes, I shoot full power .357 125 and 158 grain loads from my snubbies: S&W and Ruger. I've read here on GATE that Mas Ayoob likes .38 Special wadcutters in snubs. Also that the increased powder load is largely wasted in short barrels. Yet, I continue to load the 125 JHPs when the wheel gun is my carry piece.

A better idea would be something in a .357 SIG, 4 inch or greater barrel and spare magazines loaded with 125 grain Gold Dots. That's in my modified Glock 17 that I don't have to carry concealed.
 
#6 ·
I've owned a 3" SP-101 since the early 90s and have fired mostly magnum rounds out of it. The first production guns had .38 length cylinders and had "125 grain bullet" rollmarked on the side because that round was short enough to fit in the cylinder. To answer the OP's question, yes the 125 gr is quite a load in the SP-101 but that's why I got a 357 for CCW and woods carry. The stock grips are great and I personally can't imagine replacing them.
 
#7 ·
My only worry is the recoil.
....
What's the recoil like with 357magnum? Full power loads? What about with 38 special and 38special+p?
.357 Magnum is unpleasant and injurious. Ever since I put a couple of boxes of .357 Magnum through my SP101 (50 with the stock grips and 50 with Pachmayr grips) its been on a steady diet of .38 Special. The gun handles .38 Special very nicely.
I'm really not fond of the stock grips on the SP, I'm thinking I'll replace them with a Hogue Tamer Monogrip
I'm not a big fan of Hogue (especially in a powerful pistol where the Hogues sometimes leave the metal backstrap showing through). I put Pachmayrs on my SP101.
 
#68 ·
.357 Magnum is unpleasant and injurious. Ever since I put a couple of boxes of .357 Magnum through my SP101 (50 with the stock grips and 50 with Pachmayr grips) its been on a steady diet of .38 Special. The gun handles .38 Special very nicely.

I'm not a big fan of Hogue (especially in a powerful pistol where the Hogues sometimes leave the metal backstrap showing through). I put Pachmayrs on my SP101.
Those are the grips I went with on my SP, I think they tame the recoil the best. 357 loads are doable, but not fun.

OP, you mentioned a three inch revolver in something like a GP100. Consider a 4"barrel, much easier to shoot than a even a 3", as far as recoil is concerned. And woods carry is just as easy.
 
#8 · (Edited)
I have a Ruger SP101 2.25" in the DAO model. I think you hit it right, if you have to defend yourself you won't feel the .357 mag recoil. .357 is my CCQ ammo but I prefer .38 special at the range. I still practice with the .357 but once I get 30-40 rounds down range, my hand will be hurting for sure the next day.

 
#9 ·
Thanks all for the replies. Seems like 357magnum in the SP101 isn't anyones idea of fun. Would I be better served by stepping it up a frame size and going with the GP100 with the 3" barrel? This is for woods carry, most likely in a fanny pack, and I think the GP100 3" might be a good trade off between weight and shootability.
 
#12 ·
I have owned a SP-101 snub in 38 special for 20 years. I would have preferred a .357, but I got it for a good price, used. To me, it handles the 38 round recoil well. I too have wondered if I had one in .357, would I like shooting it or shoot it well enough. I used to pocket carry it. It is a bit heavy for that. I also added the Houge grip, which helped my shooting, but made it more difficult to pocket carry. I have probably put a couple thousand of my reloads through it in the last two years.
The new grip and practice have helped my accuracy. I like the gun. I got a Milt Sparks summer special for it, which is a really nice IWB holster. I carry it more than my other guns. It is loaded with Gold Dot short barrel 125 grain +P.
 
#13 · (Edited)
I can and do fire a few cylinders of full power 357 out of a S&W 640 2.125" and LCR 1.875". Usually end my range sessions that way. It's tolerable for me, definitely not the hand wrecker some state it to be. That said; it's fun, but wears on you by about the third or fourth cylinder.
For woods carry, if you're not versed in sub 25 oz snubbies, you're better served by the 3" GP100.
 
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#14 ·
all of the SP101 barrel lengths are easy to shoot even with full power 357 rounds. this is due to their weight. however i would go with a 3" model mostly for velocity. the shorter barrels yield less velocity and more blast with 357 mag.

many are mentioning the S&W 640. having owned these i much prefer the SP101. it shoots softer and the grip tang design results in much more comfortable experience. YMMV here of course. it's personal preference.

i'm waiting for ruger to release the LCR-x 3" barrel model in 357mag for this exact application. currently they only offer this 3" LCR in 38sp.
 
#17 ·
My SP 101 2" has been a safe queen since I discovered the G 29 Glock... I've carried the G29 all over the Cascade/Olympic Mountains from the Canadian Border to the California border and beyond. About 20 years of adventure.
Why.
The 29 has twice as many shots,,, Stock.... Can shoot up to thirty shots with other Mags. it's just as easy to conceal and I ALWAYS CONCEAL ALL HANDGUNS IN THE WOODS AND IN THE CITY.

I load mild to wild 10 mm. I can carry it IWB and have a Side Clip
on it for years or in a paddle Kydex OWB... I've a couple of boxes of ammo from Double Tap from when we used to spend most every weekend in the Deep woods.

I pack it to our ranch which borders BLM.
We have lynx, Coyote. Brown Bear, Grizzly(SSSHHHH) that's not what we are spose to have,,, But!!! We have BH Sheep, Moose, Some wild A** Range bulls, Wolves that I've been quiet about because of the controversies in NE WA State. Among other critters big and small. I use my shorty 12 Ga with slugs to back up my 29!

Save yourself a spit load of trouble and put that knuckle busting 101 into your golf bag and find an empty pasture to launch some balls. That is a lot of fun.
 
#21 ·
Thanks all for the quick replies.



The reason I posted this thread is because I'm hemming and hawwing between a Ruger SP101 and a Glock 29 haha. I was trying to find a comparable revolver that's roughly the same size in 357magnum, which is easier to find in my area than 10mm. I may end up going with a larger revolver or the 29. I really like the carryability of the 29, it's shorter, flatter, holds more rounds, in my research a little less powerful than 357magnum but it comes close.

I have a 6" Ruger GP-100 in .357. I bought it for a range gun. The recoil with 38 special is very light. The recoil from full load .357 magnum is more, but but not even close to being painful. The big, heavy gun is accurate and a pleasure to fire. If I were buying a woods gun in .357, I would consider a 3 or 4 inch GP-100. I have a leather OWB holster for it, which goes on a double hide gun belt. You need the support for a heavy pistol. I'm not sure I would want the thing bouncing against my body in a fanny pack.

You might want to consider renting a gun or two before making your purchase. One of my local gun stores has a range and rental guns. For a $10 fee, plus buying a box of their ammo, you can shoot a gun. Mine has a Ruger 4" GP-100, 2" SP-101, and 4" SP-101 available in .357.
The problem with a larger gun is concealability. We have open carry here, but it's not my preference. I have my CCW and if I can use it, I will. I don't prefer open carry unless it's a last, last resort. Some of the places that I like the most are state trails, county parks, state parks, etc. I'd rather not freak people out unnecessarily.

I have considered renting guns at my range, but they are expensive for rentals and don't have a good enough selection. I think it's like $15 a person, but you can't rent alone unless you're a member, which I'm not currently, so you need two people renting at $15 each, not including their expensive ammo. I once ran out of 22lr while shooting (got carried away) and went out to get 100 more rounds and it cost $13. I can get 200 rounds of 22lr at the store I shop at for roughly $16. They only charge $12 a half hour to shoot, but other than that, they are downright expensive.

You're lucky with that selection. I think they have one Ruger revolver and it's in a 6 inch barrel, the rest are all snubbies. They do have a couple 686's but I'm not sure what barrel length. I'll have to look around when I go to the range next (tomorrow)
 
#19 ·
I have a 6" Ruger GP-100 in .357. I bought it for a range gun. The recoil with 38 special is very light. The recoil from full load .357 magnum is more, but but not even close to being painful. The big, heavy gun is accurate and a pleasure to fire. If I were buying a woods gun in .357, I would consider a 3 or 4 inch GP-100. I have a leather OWB holster for it, which goes on a double hide gun belt. You need the support for a heavy pistol. I'm not sure I would want the thing bouncing against my body in a fanny pack.

You might want to consider renting a gun or two before making your purchase. One of my local gun stores has a range and rental guns. For a $10 fee, plus buying a box of their ammo, you can shoot a gun. Mine has a Ruger 4" GP-100, 2" SP-101, and 4" SP-101 available in .357.
 
#22 ·
I have never enjoyed shooting .357 with 2.5, 3 or 4 in. barrels, but this caliber is my favorite because of its effectiveness. So, my limited range time is with .38 and .357 is reserved for woods carry. In a stressful situation, recoil won't be noticed.

I love the 3" barrel length. It performs a little better than a snubby and the extra length helps with sighting, yet it conceals very nicely in a day pack or fanny pack. While I own several snubbies bought during the height of .357 popularity, I wouldn't consider anything less than 3" today.

Ruger will serve you well. They're strong and reliable.
 
#23 ·
I have never enjoyed shooting .357 with 2.5, 3 or 4 in. barrels, but this caliber is my favorite because of its effectiveness. So, my limited range time is with .38 and .357 is reserved for woods carry. In a stressful situation, recoil won't be noticed.

I love the 3" barrel length. It performs a little better than a snubby and the extra length helps with sighting, yet it conceals very nicely in a day pack or fanny pack. While I own several snubbies bought during the height of .357 popularity, I wouldn't consider anything less than 3" today.

Ruger will serve you well. They're strong and reliable.
I agree with the recoil not being noticed in a draw and fire type situation. I'd rather let my hand hurt than letting an angry hog munch on me. I am looking at carrying the GP100 in the 5.11 Concealed Carry Pistol Pouch (select carry pistol pouch, how they name it). A fanny pack may scream gun to some people but in my mind, unless they see it because I'm using it or go digging around in the fanny pack, they can think gun all they want, they'll never actually know.

http://www.511tactical.com/select-carry-pistol-pouch.html

I have seen (on Youtube) a full size Glock 21 absolutely disappear in this fanny pack. It's a little crazy just how concealed a full size Glock 21 can get, but it works. Do you think a 3" GP100 would fit in this pouch? The internal dimensions apparently are 6.5" tall and 14" long.

If I may ask, do you have the Ruger Gp100 in the 3" barrel? If so, would you be willing to measure the dimensions for me? Length, height, width, etc. If you could do that, it would be much appreciated and make it alot easier to me to find a fanny pack that will fit the GP100.

Thanks
 
#28 ·
I've had a 2.25 sp101 for several years now. Used to shoot a lot of .357 out of it but not so much anymore. My son would go through 50 rounds of it every time we went shooting. I loaded it up last time we went and he wanted no part of it. It's not that bad but I'm liking my glocks better
 
#29 ·
The 180gr hardcast 357 Mag out of a 2.25" barrel is going to lose some steam but will still penetrate a lot, but Buffalo Bore makes a good 200gr Outdoorsman load for the .40 and Double Tap does a 200gr WFNGC for the .40, both hovering around 1000 fps from a 4" barrel.

Out of curiosity, what makes you think a 200gr .40 @ 1000 fps won't penetrate enough to be a good choice on 4 legged things? You gain a little bit of bullet weight and you gain a bigger bullet and I will tell you that they'll penetrated DEEP, they'll pass completely through most 4 legged anything in the lower 48.

On the .45 front, there's always .45 Super, which can be an outright beast. I'm a fan of the .357 Mag for sure, I've got a GP100 4.2" and I'm seriously considering getting a Wiley Clapp SP101 even though it's not really needed, I just think it looks good and it's been a while since I've owned a small revolver. I used to have a 3" SP101 and recoil wasn't bad. Yes it will be more than from something like a GP100 but the absolute worst recoiling gun I've ever shot was a S&W 340MP J-frame .357 Mag, my hand ached for days after shooting that thing...I literally have never had that shooting 454's and 500's. The SP101 is MUCH better to shoot than an airweight S&W .357, no question.

I guess what I'm saying is, don't rule out the .40 and .45 especially considering the capacity advantage and reload speed advantage along with them shooting bigger bullets.
 
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#30 ·
I actually have looked at the Buffalo Bore 200gr outdoorsman for the 40, is there really much difference between that and the 10mm? I mean other than a slight edge in bullet weight with the 10mm and maybe a hundred fps, do you think they'd both do a similar job on 4 legs up to the size of a black bear?

I like 10mm but I'd love to get a caliber that's easy to find and cheap (40 is really easy to find and very cheap here) and if 40 will do the same as 10mm, I'll take the 40. I know the 40 is a short 10mm, just wondering if that little bit of powder really does make that much of a difference in terms of ballistics

If I did get the 40, i'd carry it in a Glock 27 with the 3.42 inch barrel. If they are running 1000fps out of a 4", I'd estimate around 950fps out of a 3.42 barrel
 
#31 ·
I know the recoil will be the last thing on my mind if I need to use it
It actually won't be the last thing on your mind. You're going to have to deal with some recoil if you want something that'll keep you safe, with a shot or two. The only way around that is to learn to rapid fire something that doesn't have a lot of recoil.

Unless you're going in dangerous animal territory, the 'less than ideal' power of the 40 or 45 is adequate, and does more to flesh than you may realize. Here, again, knowing how to shoot the stuff is more key than what you're actually carrying. You got people over in another thread saying how the 10mm will outperform the .357 Sig, and in some cases, that may be true, but when you consider the temp wound channel a fast .357 Sig makes with flesh verses holes in a steel plate, you'll understand how affective that round is, and it recoils considerably less than 10mm. I don't understand why a short barrel revolver in the woods. CC isn't an issue. If you're going to carry that diameter bullet, why not a G31? You get 16 rounds of goodness in a lightweight, full sized pistol that is a lot easier to control. I'm not saying to limit yourself to .357 Sig. I'm saying there are better options than a 2.5" .357 magnum.
 
#35 ·
OP- if you're seriously considering 10mm then i would consider the G20. having owned the G29SF and G20 gen 3/4 models, I sold my G29 because the slight benefits in size were heavily outweighed by loss of shootability, comfort and muzzle velocity. in winter clothing a G20 is easily concealed. for a woods-gun i would absolutely go G20 over the G29SF. the major issue w woods carry or camping gun is weight, not size, and the G29 is barely lighter than a G20.
 
#36 ·
The 10mm will give you a little more velocity, but I think the question here is does that extra velocity really make that much of a difference. With hardcast bullets, to me the answer is not really since these bullets have one purpose and that is to penetrate. It's not so much making the statement that the .40 is as good as the 10mm as each have their advantages but that rather, most gloss over the .40 when they shouldn't, it's more capable than people give it credit for.

I would say the BB Outdoorsman 200gr or even better yet the DoubleTap 200gr WFNGC (better bullet profile IMHO) from a G27 would work pretty darn well, you'll be cutting a .401" hole through whatever you shoot, black bear or whatever. Countless 4 legged critters have fallen to a .45 250gr @ 900-950 fps, so a .40 200gr (both have the same sectional density) at the same speed can't be all bad.
I would most likely go with Buffalo Bore, I've heard and seen myself that Double Tap overstates their velocities, but as far as 40 and 10 go, they do the same in terms of penetration and damage?

OP- if you're seriously considering 10mm then i would consider the G20. having owned the G29SF and G20 gen 3/4 models, I sold my G29 because the slight benefits in size were heavily outweighed by loss of shootability, comfort and muzzle velocity. in winter clothing a G20 is easily concealed. for a woods-gun i would absolutely go G20 over the G29SF. the major issue w woods carry or camping gun is weight, not size, and the G29 is barely lighter than a G20.
Size is the issue here. I am looking to conceal whatever firearm I will be carrying. The problem with a larger gun is concealability. We have open carry here, but it's not my preference. I have my CCW and if I can use it, I will. I don't prefer open carry unless it's a last, last resort. Some of the places that I like the most are state trails, county parks, state parks, etc. I'd rather not freak people out unnecessarily.
 
#41 · (Edited)
I once owned an SP101 with the short spout. It was a kitty cat with .38's and a rip snorting handful with .357's. The blast is worse than the recoil. The recoil is manageable for a couple rounds. It is not exactly painful, but not fun at all. As you said though, in a jam, you would not be concerned about the recoil.

I would own one again, and as I did before, do most of my shooting with .38's
 
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