02/05/2022 – Why persist in carrying a revolver when there are so many auto loaders to choose from? Because, as a general rule, revolvers can be more powerful, are easier to shoot accurately and, with the right holster, are as easy to conceal. Those important factors in self defense.
Self defense can mean something other than defense against humans. The right wildlife in the wrong setting will attack in defense. My preference when outdoors is to carry a 357 Mag, rather than a 9mm Luger or 45 Automatic. In other circumstances my choice is to carry a 45 Colt with modern loads or a 454 Casull rather than a 10mm Automatic.
Revolvers lack the capacity of many auto loaders. I have actually never had to empty a six or five shooter. In fact, I have only emptied a 4 round bolt action magazine once in my life and that was an anomaly of circumstances.
Less capacity! I insist on it!..!!
Why would anyone want a firearm that holds less ammunition? When a firearm needs to be concealed and the odds of a need for more rounds is improbable.
| Ruger Medium and Small Frame Revolvers | ||
| Model |
GP100 1705 | SP101 5719 |
| Manufactured |
Newport, NH |
Newport, NH |
| Caliber | 357 Magnum | 357 Magnum |
| Cylinder Material | Stainless | Stainless |
| Cylinder Capacity |
6 | 5 |
| Barrel Material |
Stainless | Stainless |
| Barrel Length | 4.2 | 3 |
| Rifling | 1:18.75″ | 1:16 |
| Cylinder Frame | Stainless | Stainless |
| Grip Frame | Peg | Peg |
| Grips | Hogue Monogrip | Black Synthetic |
| Overall Length | 9.50″ | 8.0″ |
| Weight – Empty | 40 Oz | 27 Oz |
| Rear Sight |
Adjustable | Integral |
| Front Sight |
Ramp | Ramp |
| MSRP | $1029 | $ 889 |
The SP101 is nearly half the weight of the GP100, one and one half inch shorter and has a tighter rate of twist to bump bullet rotational speed to increase bullet stability. The integral rear sight eliminates a snag point when drawn from a holster under concealing clothing. Model 5720 takes the no snag surfaces one step further by eliminating the hammer spur and shortens the barrel length to 2.25″ for an overall length of 7.20″.
Other dimensions that matter. The GP100’s cylinder, the widest point, measures 1.550″. The SP101 cylinder measures 1.350″. The GP100, grip end to sight top, is 5.86″ high, the SP101 is just 4.60″.
The SP101 as a 357 Magnum
A collection of ammo types was chosen, because it is pretty typical for the 357 Mag and it has been used numerous times in reviews. Points of reference.
| 357 Magnum |
Bullet Type |
Bullet Weight Grains |
Rated FPS |
Recorded FPS |
| Barnes TAC-XPD |
HP |
125 | 1200 | 1194 |
| Hornady LeverEvolution |
FTX |
140 |
1440 |
1281 |
| Barnes Vor-TX |
HP |
140 | 1265 | 1237 |
| Speer Gold Dot |
HP |
158 | 1235 | 1082 |
| Remington Wheel Gun |
SWC |
158 |
1235 |
1155 |
| HSM Bear Load |
LFP |
180 |
1200 |
1036 |
Look at the SP101 and look at the numbers it produces. A very compact re3volver that, by ammo selection, could be carried concealed on a daily basis and used for self defense or carried as a trail gun with hard cast bullet. A little less velocity, but a whole lot more penetration.
Summary
Both the GP100 and SP101 are built like tanks. They handle max loads and they just keep on going. Accuracy is very good if the shooter is up to the task.
If this model SP101 does not suit your tastes, there are 15 to choose from; stainless steel, alloy steel, integral sights, adjustable sights, 2.25″ barrel, 3″ and 4.2″ barrel, plain or laser engraved. A very nice revolver.
I really want to like the SP101, but its small size and heavy trigger pull make it easy for me to prefer the LCR for concealed carry. The LCR’s trigger pull is MUCH better, recoil is no worse, and the lighter weight means I’m likelier to have it with me when I might need it.