Ruger GP100 VS SP101 - Review and Range Time
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- čas přidán 28. 12. 2023
- Today we put up two classic revolvers against each other. The Ruger GP 100 vs the SP 101. Firing some shots at 35 yards, we chronograph some Winchester 130 grain FMJ and Federal 158 grain LRN 38 Special. Then we repeat the test using Remington UMC 125 grain JSP and Federal American Eagle 158 grain JSP. Finally, we wrap up by showing some slow motion of both revolvers shooting detailing the difference between the recoil of the 38 spl vs 357 mag. All the chronograph results are posted at the end of the video.
- Sport
That last group with the GP 100 was great to say the least. That was a very good comparison with the two revolvers and the different ammo. Thanks.
Thanks as always Cervus! Hope you get some time for hunting over the new year weekend.
That was a very good test and interesting data. I do admire that beautiful holster for the SP101 4" with your family brand on it.
Thanks Frank! I hope you and your family have a happy and prosperous New Year!
What a great video review! Thank you for sharing,
Thanks Rob, I'm glad you liked it! They are great revolvers and a lot of fun to shoot.
I have both of these guns. 2" SP101 and a 6" GP100 7 shot. Both in .357 and both amazing guns. Wilson combat springs in both guns too
Thanks for watching Nate! In your experience, to the Wilson springs help with trigger pull?
@texmexshoots absolutely, you still get that nice two stage trigger too. I use 9# on the GP100, can't recall the SP101 but I left it slightly stiffer for edc
Good detailed video. Thanks.
I'm glad you liked it! Thanks for watching Kenny.
Good work! Thanks!
Thank you Brian! I'm glad you liked the video. Great revolvers and lots of fun to shoot!
I own a GP100 with a 5.5 inch semi-lug barrel that holds a cylinder of 10 rounds of 22 Short, 22 Long and 22 Long Rifle. I love it and installed Hogue King wood grips on mine. And a Bowen Classic Arms lanyard ring.
Thanks for watching Jeffrey! Sounds like you have a beautiful specimen there. I need to check out those Hogue King wood grips.
With that red dot installed, your GP100 reminds me of the one Kurt Russel carried in Tango and Cash. His had the old LS45 laser mounted on it
Those old lasers take me back to all awesome the late 80's movies. That one in particular taught me the meaning of FUBAR. Thanks for watching!
Great Video ,,,,, I picked up a GP-100 today at Sportsmans Warehouse
Thanks for watching. The GP100 is a great pistol that will shoot anything you feed it. Good choice!
Great video 👍
Thanks Deplorable Me! I appreciate the compliment.
Great video! And thankyu. Ive been trying decide on the .327 in either SP101 OR GP100
Thanks for the kind words Undrea! I'm glad it was helpful. Both are wonderful revolvers and will serve you well. But if you want to carry it on your belt, the SP101 is significantly lighter. Take care and stay safe!
Those grips are very attractive. I kept them on my GP100 SS 7 shot 6", but I put replacement Hogue Monogrips on my SP101 3.2". The SP101 drives straight back into my hand between my thumb & forefinger, & the Monogrip helps tame that recoil, although not as much some people claim.
I agree. Those monogrips are at least more comfortable and give you a better grip when shooting the 357. Thanks for watching!
I have that 4.2 sp101. Shoots lights out with the fiber front sight. What holster are you using? I need a better holster for mine thanks
Thanks for watching! I agree that the fiber front sight helps a lot with accuracy. I got this particular holster from Barranti Leather. I like its size and retention offerings. It should be this model:
barrantileather.com/shop/ols/products/northwest-mountain-companion
I like the way you conducted this test . We get a good picture on the performance of these (2) fine revolvers along with the ballistics we can expect from both the .38 & the .357 magnum . I was surprised to see how well these guns grouped at 35yds which is really pretty far . Good shooting btw . And I was also surprised on how close ballistically these rounds were when fired fro the 3 & 5" barrels . I truly enjoyed the video , great job !
Thank you Alexander, that is very kind of you to say. They are great revolvers and fun to shoot. In better hands I'm sure they could have grouped even better at that distance. Plus, the red dot does make it much easier to take shots at further distances.
I also expected more difference in speeds between the two barrel lengths, but I suppose the 357 needs a little more barrel length to start getting some serious speed. I did get a few hundred more fps out of the Rossi 92 16". Take care and stay safe!
revolvers' he shot were both 4" barrel. You can tell cause sp101 has green fiber optic site. 3" has paintined orange site.
Thanks for the reply and the correction . I wondered why the numbers were so close . I somehow thought the guns were different barrel lengths ....these 60yr/old eyes aren't what they used to be . I appreciate it though 'cause I'd hate to open my big mouth and add crazy to blind ! @@sirp2277
The 158 grains seem to be the jam out of the GP 100! Great video.
Thanks Zach! I appreciate you watching.
new sub. - nice video - I enjoyed. Thanks
Thanks Bubbalove! I appreciate the kind words.
That 3" sp101 generated roughly the same velocities that the 5" gp100 generated on both the .38 special and .357 mag rounds. So, I gotta ask why many gun owners have a 4" or 5" .357 mag revolver when the 3" version generates just about the same ballistic performance while it's more portable and concealable than the 4" & 5" version?
Slower muzzle flip, longer sight radius, and some reload to take advantage of longer barrels.
This was using the 4" - not the 3".
Thanks for watching William. Although I showed the 3'' in the thumbnail and in the beginning of the video, the actual SP101 tested was a 4". That being said, the 4 and 5 inch chronograph results were very similar.
@@texmexshoots Gosh, I wish you should've also fired the 3" version just for comparison purposes between the 5" & 4" versions. I stand corrected, nonetheless.
Good information my friend 👍
Thanks Kenny! I appreciate your support.
Excellent review! I’m currently trying to decide which one to buy, can’t afford both. I have a Ruger 44 mag with 71/2 inch barrel. It’s fantastically accurate and an absolute beast killer with heavy loads. The size and weight (I think it’s 56 oz, empty) really tame the recoil. I think the GP100 is in my future. Smaller than my 44 mag but big enough to shot the hot 357 mag well.
Thanks for watching Stroys! I appreciate the kind words. If you would prefer a larger frame that will tame the recoil a bit, then the GP100 is the way to go. The SP101 is a wonderful revolver that is lighter to carry (if that is an issue) but has a good kick when shooting 357mag.
Excelent video. Saludos desde España
Very kind of you to say Francisco! I've had the pleasure of visiting Spain many years ago when I was studying abroad for one summer. Spent a few nights in Zaragoza and Madrid. Even though my Spanish is Mexican, I had no trouble speaking with everyone. I Hope to return some day. Take care and stay safe and Happy New Year from Texas!
Good video, good shooting. I would like to see you include the 3” SP101 in your testing as that is what I have.
I too went with the wooden inserts for the grips, but not only for the classy look. I kept the original grip profile because the Hogue grips, while more comfortable, would make pocket carry just about impossible; that’s how I carry mine, in a Palmetto Leather Company custom leather pocket holster (PLC is a great outfit, by the way). People criticize the SP101 for its rather minimalist grips, but I think Ruger did that to help make it more concealable. There’s no free lunch; to get one thing you often have to give up another.
Besides the wooden grip inserts, the only other mod I did with mine was to replace the OEM front ramp sight with a Meprolight tritium front sight. I highly recommend this; it isn’t that expensive and is a significant boost to the sight picture, plus of course the low light capability.
A lot of people also complain about the heavy DA trigger on the SP101, but I have found that through range time and dry fire practice, it works out and becomes rather nice and smooth (or maybe my relevant muscles just got stronger).
Got you a new sub; now let’s see what you can do with that 3”.
Thanks Robman! Good point on the larger grips being more difficult to conceal. The smaller grips are not terrible and can be comfortable for people with smaller hands.
I also like your advice on changing out the front sight. Did you have to get a smith to cut in a dove tail? Good sights make all the difference in getting well aimed and accurate shots.
I'll take the 3" out the range soon. I'd like to get some different weight 357 and see which one in prefers.
@@texmexshoots No dovetail involved. The front sight is pinned. I had a gunsmith switch mine out, but if you have the proper tools you might be able to do it yourself.
@@TheRobman139 Oh, good point. It is pinned isn't it. Might have to look into that myself at some point.
I'm thinking of getting a GP 100 in 10mm, do you have any thoughts or experience with it? Good video!
I think you might need to re-zero the red dot.... I Could be wrong.. 😉
Can't go wrong with a GP100 Steven. I've never shot the 10mm version but I'm sure it is a wonderful shooter. If you want a more comfortable grip I would go with the Hogue.
Yeah, I had that dot sighted for a 158 grain JSP Remington loading that I can't find anymore. I need to decide on the Blazer or Federal and sight it in for that.
I would have liked to see a comparison of the velocities between the 3" and the 4" and 5". I have the 3" SP101 with laser grips. Those grips are a little bt larger for a better grip and cushion the recoil some. The laser is nice for roaming around in the woods in dark or low light.
Thanks for watching Douglas! At some point I will do a velocity comparison of more barrel lengths.
I'm glad that I'm not the only one who still likes laser grips 😀 I have them on a couple of firearms including my bedside pistol. It's nice in close quarters to know exactly where your point of impact is and not have to focus on your sights as you look around for that thing that went "bump" in the night.
I’m wanting to conceal carry a revolver and am stuck between the Sp101 and the GP100. I’m leaning more towards the SP101 because the 5 round cylinder seems much more compact and concealable. My only worry though is that I have always thought it a good idea to leave one spot empty as a safety. So can both be carried fully loaded pretty safely? I know they usually put the safety plates in them these days but if I’m going to conceal carry this thing, I just want to see what the general consensus is about both! Thanks for reading and please feel free to share your advice/opinions🤗
Thanks for watching! On both the SP101 and GP100, you can fully load the cylinder. Both have safety features that allow you to have the hammer down on a loaded chamber. I would pick the one that is more comfortable for you to carry.
Hope that helps!
@@texmexshoots that helps a lot! Thank you! I think I just made my choice!🤗
I can CC my SP101 3.2" about the same as my Springfield XD-S 9 3.3. I think the GP100 would be heavy, & prone to printing.
@@Salieri47 And you'd need a really good belt!
Both great pistols
Yes they are! Thanks for watching.
One of my two ccw handguns is my gp100.
I also have an sp101 and I love that little gun but I can carry the gp100 just fine for now so I opted for that one (and my p229)
Thanks for watching Why Phi! Sounds like you have a great loadout. I bet you use a good belt when carrying the GP100
What velocities did you get with those loads out of the 3 inch sp101? Was there much of a difference between the 3 and 4 inch sp101's?
Thanks for watching! Unfortunately, I didn’t really test the 3 inch. I should’ve taken some chronograph data while I was out there but I was too busy shooting the GP100 and the 4 inch SP101. In the future, I’ll try to do a test between the three and 4 inch to see if there are any real differences between them
@@texmexshoots thanks, I asked because I am trying to decide between a 3 inch And 4 inch Kimber or sp101 for my next gun and was curious if I would loose too much performance. I want to be able to conceal it but still be able to take advantage of full power .357 for the woods.
@@hdsporty79 Take a look at the ballistics by the inch website. They did one specifically for 357
www.ballisticsbytheinch.com/357mag.html
@@texmexshoots thanks I will. 👍
What optic mount do you have on the Ruger GP 100.
Hey there Tacntec, thanks for watching. My mount was from Raptor Engineering, but it seems they went belly up after a fire in 2020. However there are other companies out there that make them:
tkcustom.com/products/ruger-gp100-revolver-scope-mount-for-rmr-holosun-and-c-mount
Great video the you know the cylinder barrel gap dimensions? Thank you for the video
Thanks for watching Tony! I haven't measured mine but from the research I have done over at the Ruger forum, they seem to range between .004" and .006" for both revolvers. With a few being slightly wider at .008"
@@texmexshoots thank you
You grouped the 158gr .357 pretty well out of that SP101, they just went several inches high. In smaller revolvers 158gr always seems to hit high.
Thanks for watching Cameron! I think it prefers the 158 grain for both 38spl / 357 mag. I tend to carry it with 38 spl +P, but I could adjust the rear sight for the 357 if need be.
I have the sp in 4.2" barrel. ..i love it...i put regular size grips, makes it a really nice shooting gun
Thanks for watching Patrick! The SP with the 4.2" barrel is a great little pistol. A smooth shooter with 38 special but not terrible with the 357. Especially if you install a larger grip.
i never saw an sp101 w/adj sights
Thanks for watching Mr. Rifleman! The adjustable sights might only be offered on the 4 inch version (technically 4.2). But they really do help. Especially the fiber optic front sight.
9:47. Just adjust your red dot to sight it in better. Looks like currently its sighted in for the 357 158grain
Thanks for watching Jerome! I have it sighted in for Remington 158 grain semi jacketed soft point. But I can't find any right now.
I have both, 3 inch sp101 and a 6 inch gp100, 7 shot.
Thanks for watching Kevin! The 3" SP101 is the sweet spot for that revolver. I like the 4" but it doesn't look as nice as the 3. I almost opted for the 6" GP100 but settled on the 5" due to having other 6" 357 revolvers. I bet it's nice to have an extra round in the cylinder!
😊I have the same, plus a blue GP100 .357 4". I wouldn't use the seven shot for a high round count of full .357 loads simply because the wall thickness between chambers is really thin (but I'm probably being unnecessarily cautious).
Edit--Chambers, not cylinders.
@@Salieri47 I hadn't thought about that. But you are correct, if they use the same diameter cylinder then adding one more round would reduce a lot of the steel between the rounds.
Being a big and tall dude I prefer the GP 100 for owb carry extra weight doesn't bother me personally
Thanks for watching Todd! Having a good holster and belt can also make a big difference in how easy it is to carry a firearm. I'm not a tall man, but I am a bit big 😅, and although I could carry the GP, the SP is much more comfortable for me when hiking around a property.
@@texmexshoots agree Sir!
Sir, by taking your slo-mo footage and setting it to even slower (0.25x) it's plain to see you have an excellent DA pull. Smooth and directly back with no first finger digit applying left or right pressure.
Thanks for watching 14GoldMedals! And I very much appreciate the compliment. It's not easy getting a smooth double action pull and I have had to practice a bunch throughout my life. Take care and thanks again.
@@texmexshoots you’re welcome. I instructed on the S&W Mod. 10 for LE and Armed Guards. If a recruit needed to slow down and get smooth, I’d rest a dime on the rear sight ledge. Let them dry fire until they could keep the fine from jumping off. When they saw their next target results it was big smiles.
@@14goldmedals That's great advice. Thanks for the tip!
GP100 for 357 Mag... it's built like a friggin' tank
SP101 for 327 Fed Mag... it's perfection for that caliber.
Thanks for watching Juan! I haven't had the opportunity to shoot 327 Fed Mag in the past, but based of the ballistics it would seem the SP101 would be perfect for it.
These are less than stellar 357 velocities.
Seems the lighter bullets were close to 9mm +P velocity for 124 grain bullets.
Yes sir, seems about right. Thanks for watching!
He is getting 1450 out of 357. No way 9 mm +P can reach that velocity.
If you're inclined...watch Paul Harrel's vid on 9mm vs 357. He shows high end 9mm +P can get close to low end .357, but it falls behind when you move up to better .357 ammo.
@@Salieri47 Thanks for the info. I've seen a lot of his videos and have been praying for him. Not sure I've seen that particular one so I will go look for it.
@@texmexshootsI send Paul positive thoughts & healing mojo every chance I get.
How long before you shoot just kidding really nice 👍
Thanks Mark! I appreciate you watching
I nothing but 158 gr in 38 S&W mod15 8 3/8 " and 357 Ruger gp100 6" with 4x scope .
Thanks for watching! I bet with the scope you get some good groups!
Get a Hoague grip for the SP 101 and you'll never look back
Thanks Rat Lips. The Hogue grips really do make both the SP101 and GP100 much more comfortable to shoot. But my wood inserts are so pretty! 😄
I got lucky buying the GP100, I was in living in Cali, Turner's Outdoors had it on sale for about 500 + yucks, that thing is built like a tank. Don't shot it enough to be proficient with it but i feel confident that this revolver won't let me down
Hey there Intergalactic Chicano! The GP100 is a reliable revolver that will shoot anything. The weight is nice in taming the 357 recoil a bit and I like that most models have adjustable rear sights.
I’ve always felt that, unless you’re an expert or have really beefy arms, firing .357’s from lightweight revolvers is not practical. The SP101 is not lightweight, more of a medium weight. Imagine trying to shoot .357’s out of a 16 ounce snub-nose. Why?
I don't think anyone would choose to do so recreationally. The ultralight 357mags seem to be marketed to people who simultaneously require absolute minimum weight AND maximum power per shot. I guess there's a niche for it.
I literally EDC a steel frame 44 mag, and I do it comfortably in the iwb appendix slot with t-shirts 😂so I've never understood the draw of ultra small/light pistols in magnum loadings. Just carry a normal gun and learn how to conceal it.
My major criticism of ultralight 357s is the risk of crimp-jump. To use the gun, you're forced into .38 special +p+ territory, which is a bad trade.
Thanks for watching! Good food for thought. I also would not carry 357 magnum loads in an ultra-lite. My hand hurts just thinking about it. 😂
Stupid question, the difference is in the Person using the weapon. Whatever feels comfortable to the individual using the Revolver. Plain and Simple.
Thanks for watching Larry! Lets not call it a stupid question. How about a misguided inquiry. 😁
Love both revolvers but take off that stupid red dot.
Well Charlie, I knew the red dot would rustle some jimmies 😄. Honesty it does help me get some accurate shots at longer distances. Was considering using this revolver for shooting hogs from a blind.
@@texmexshoots I like a red dot on a semi automatic but for some reason I just can't bring myself to putting one on a revolver looks way out of place.
@@backwoodscharlie8483 I understand, I feel the same way about red dots on lever actions. Seems to be a current trend.
When did Ruger start making SP101 in a 4"". I have been purchasing Ruger revolvers since 1994 with my first Sp101 in 3 1/16", and a 9.5" Super Redhawk. Got my GP100 and 2nd SP101 around 2013 and never knew that they came out with a 4" SP101!
Hey there Sam! This particular 4" 357 SP101 model came out in 2012. It's a great revolver and I like the sights this one comes with. I think the 3" SP101 is the best looking but I shoot the 4" better.