S&W model 60 vs Ruger SP101

[Bitter Clinger]

Looking for firsthand opinions on both models. Looking for my ol' mans christmas present and he is dead set on .357 for carry (we are taking a class in oct so we should have our ccw's be jan). He really loves my security six but does agree that is way to big for cc, about the only other thing I can think of is the guns I am asking about, or if you guys have any other suggestions I will check those out too. Im only leaning towards those because they both have a little heft and they come in 3" models.

Me on the other hand.......my list of potential ccw guns, I dont think this site has the bandwidth...

[smchop]

Had them both, shot and carried them both. Ruger makes a great firearm no doubt, but my Model 60 is by far the prefered out of them both.

[cebeu]

"Looking for firsthand opinions on both models. Looking for my ol' mans christmas present and he is dead set on .357 for carry..."

Own a 60 and SP101 (none in ~3-inch though), like both and wouldn't part with either, both have their pros-n-cons but for daily carry I would give the 60 preference. I don't carry either one though and the 60 is my lady's gun for all practical purposes.

[ray1970]

Have first hand experience with both. The 60 is definitely the better gun for carrying. As far as actually shooting them, I do prefer the Ruger though.

[TennVol]

Have first hand experience with both. The 60 is definitely the better gun for carrying. As far as actually shooting them, I do prefer the Ruger though.

+1

I've got a SP101 and I've shot the S&W. Trigger pull on the S&W is superior. I love my Rugers, but their trigger pull can't compare with a S&W (IMHO).

[Great-Kazoo]

the weight of the 101 makes it a great shooter but an anchor as a carry piece.

[wrestler034]

As has been said they are both great choices. The extra weight of the SP101 make it much more controllable imo with heavy 357 loads. It is also a piece of cake to carry with a good IWB holster. I had a 640 (hammerless model 60 basically) Sold it and am now carrying a SP101 3".

[funkfool]

My main carry piece during summer is the Ruger SP101 (specifically the KSP-321XL 2.25" barrel) and I do agree with jim on weight... remember mass reduces felt recoil...

You could do worse - weight wise... [cough]fullsize1911[/cough]!

You get used to the weight and with the right holster it is a comfortable carry piece.

Triggerwise - long and heavy... practice, practice practice...

All things being equal - IF they were the same price... I'd go S/W..
But - I was on a budget when I bought mine - even used you'll pay less for Ruger 9 of 10 times...

I will probablly get a S/W at some point...

[Stinky]

Well, I have a SP101, w/a spring kit in it. And I had a stock M60, which was my carry gun for about 2 years. I couldn't alter the gun as it had to be stock. I had trouble shooting it well, and that is why I sold it.

But, you mentioned one big factor.... .357. If you are going to shoot .357 stuff in it, get the 101 ( you said set on .357, did you mean a .357?). The M60 is a better packing gun and is a great gun if all you are only going to put .38s in it. But, for .357 work, you need the 101.

Personally, a 4" Security Six is plenty packable.