TexasCHLforum.com

So, um... Has anyone here owned a J frame or two, bought an LCR .22 for practice, and then considered an LCR .38 as an alternative to the J frame? Not getting rid of them mind you, but digging the Ruger enough to maybe carry it more often than the Smiths?

I had several J frame Smith's. Got rid of them all and now have a 3" SP101 .357 with the Gemini Customs package:

Complete action tuning (9, 10, 11# DAO)*
Recrown Muzzle
Slabside and Flute Barrel
Chamfer Cylinder Throats
Recontour & Mirror Polish Trigger
Bob/Remove Hammer Cockspur & Mirror Polish Hammer (DAO)
Smooth & Dehorn for Carry
Eliminate Cylinder Endshake
Replace springs as needed
Polish Plungers & Pins
Electro Chemical Etch Gemini Customs Logo
Test Fire for Function
#170-325 Superfine Matte Glass Bead Blast entire Revolver
Badger Rosewood Grips ($80.00)
Total cost for this package = $580.00
(Did not get the porting option).

AEA, how much does that SP101 weigh? I appreciate it for what it is, but in my own paradigm, my snubby was chosen for lightweight unobtrusive pocket carry or as a BUG, with sufficient power to offset the low round capacity. There are sacrifices made to that end—most obviously very stout perceived recoil—which is why, in my case, I bought a scandium S&W .357. I do own an all stainless S&W 640 in .357, but although it is only a tiny bit bigger than the scandium gun (1/8" more barrel, slightly larger grip) it is too heavy to do regular duty as a pocket gun. Consequently, it rarely ever gets carried and I use it mostly as a range gun loaded with .38 Special for whenever I teach a Basic Handgun class.

Do you often carry that SP101, or do you use it like a kit gun or some other use? I've had my eye on the platform for a long time, but I just haven't been able to justify the expense. My 640 was acquired in trade for a 642 I used to own. Anyway, very nice looking piece.

3" SP101 .357 is factory spec'ed at 27-28oz.

I had a few 642's and could not stand the shock/recoil.
I really like the handling of this SP101. Handles full power 357 very well. Bobbed hammer makes it good for pocket carry. I have it in the pocket of my Robe as I type this.

When out and about, out here in the Country (small stores, etc.) I carry it in a custom leather pancake belt holster with a leather loop rig of 12 rounds that clips on my belt on the weak side. Could not get a 10 round one unless custom made, so I just figure the extra two is the last ditch effort.
I don't care for speed loaders or strips.

Those grips in the picture came with the Gemini package but I don't use them. They are just too slippery for practical carry/use in my opinion. I have a Hogue Monogrip on it which helps soak up the shock of the 357 loads.

I too was like you at one time. Could not bring myself to getting a Ruger wheel gun. I hated all the billboard writings on them and I too thought they would be too heavy. But the shock/snap of the lightweight Smiths shooting 357 drove me to get this Ruger and I have not looked back since. It also does double duty as my "Pillow Gun" when I am in the bed.

I bought this used, already customized for a bargain price of 560.00! Cost of the Gemini package alone is 580.00! I sold a 642-1 for a quick sale of 325.00 on the same day I got this SP101. So it only cost me 235.00 out of pocket!

It was a bargain I could not pass up and I'm glad I was able to get it.

You should get yourself one. I think you would be happy with it, even with the extra weight (which I am sure you will come to love).

AEA, is it your primary carry gun, or like me, is it an alternative for quick trips out and around the house?

The Annoyed Man wrote:AEA, is it your primary carry gun, or like me, is it an alternative for quick trips out and around the house?

It is my Primary (I guess) out here in the Country. My shorts have the belt/holster/cartridge carrier on them all the time and as I said when it is not in the holster, it is either under the pillow or in my robe pocket.

I don't work, so it is not unusual for me to sit around in my robe all day at home. My mailbox is a distance from my house and there are some pitt bulls in the area that get out and roam the streets, chasing people. I just slip on my shorts (already rigged) and put the SP101 in the holster and I'm ready for the trip to the mailbox. If I am not expecting guests, I am usually back in the robe after I get back from the mailbox.

Whenever I am coming to Plano/Dallas or any other urban area, one of my 1911's are on my hip. And with them I do not carry a backup, just extra mags.

No J frame but I do carry a Taurus 85 Ultra Lite as my "all the time gun" Even when carrying a full size gun I have it in my left front pocket. Sometimes putting your hand into your pocket and caressing the grip of your BUG is the thing to do. I like having a gun available to either hand.

I guess if I lived in the country I might likely carry a revolver for EDC; but I live in suburbia (Grapevine) in the metroplex, so I carry semiautos for their additional capacity.

i've had the chance of shooting both the smith and the lcr. for me, the LCR wins. the extra padding on the back of the grip makes all the difference. (does ruger have a patent on that? why can't smith make 'em). you'll feel it, especially when shooting those dreaded +P!

The S&W J frames are good quality revolvers. I happen to prefer six shooters and Colts and I like to show off my Detective Specials. Both AEA and Carlson1 should recognize them. The one with the rosewood grips is a safe queen, but the other was my EDC until I got the DSII from AEA. Sometimes I still carry the Colts, but a few months ago I bought a Berretta PX4 Storm SC. Just like TAM, I wanted to carry a gun with more capacity.

9mmfan wrote:So, um... Has anyone here owned a J frame or two, bought an LCR .22 for practice, and then considered an LCR .38 as an alternative to the J frame? Not getting rid of them mind you, but digging the Ruger enough to maybe carry it more often than the Smiths?

I only have Taurus and S&W revolvers, but if the Ruger works well for you and is reliable, I see no issues picking it for carry over a Smith.

I prefer my 3inch sp-101 also but I also agree with TAM only as a primary. My .38 smith snub is in my front pocket and is always my bug and not my primary. I am always carrying a bug with my primary unless working out in shorts.

Those two Detective Specials are really beautiful.

I've thought about the SP101 as Ruger makes good revolvers - love my GP100, but they seem like they really are a belt guns. If I'm going to conceal something that requires a holster then it might as well be a semi, due to more rounds as others have said.

9mmfan wrote:So, um... Has anyone here owned a J frame or two, bought an LCR .22 for practice, and then considered an LCR .38 as an alternative to the J frame? Not getting rid of them mind you, but digging the Ruger enough to maybe carry it more often than the Smiths?

I never shot a LCR .22 but the LCR .38 is a sweet shooter and should work for pocket carry.