Ruger SP 101 vs K9

[Redstate]

Anyone that has both of these, how does the size compare? Is one more easily concealed than the other in a holster (not pocket)?

[berettabone]

SP101 with snubbie barrel, or 6" barrel? It does matter...................................

[Redstate]

I was thinking the nominal 2" or 3". Obviously, the 4" would not be anywhere close to the K9.

[b4uqzme]

With the right holster...one that positions the cylinder in that area just below your love handles and just above your hip-bone...I find a snubbie SP101 more comfortable and concealable than most pistols. 'cept maybe them tiny .380's. Here's some pics vs. my K40 that might help:

[CJB]

Sorry don't have both, but will say ... the SP101 is one hell of a mid size 38/357 revolver.

My favorite these days... the LCR-357.

[Redstate]

B4uqzme, thank you very much for your response. Very helpful.

[Bawanna]

I have a set or two of SP101 grip inserts if anyone is running the stock plastic and wants something a little classier. I'll hook you up with a picture and see if they blow your dress up.

[DavidR]

I'm a small guy and my 3 inch SP101 with Hogue monogrip can't be concealed unless I wear an overcoat.


Dave

[mr surveyor]

I'm not a big guy myself and I've carried a 3" SP-101 about 75% of my waking hours for the last four years (OWB pancake holster). In warm/hot weather it's a tee shirt with a loose button up cover shirt (I can go "casual" 90% of the time). I also carry a Smith j-frame quite often, occasionally in my daily duties but most of the time when I have to go shirt tail "in" the j-frame carries nicely in my left boot top. My CW9 gets less than 10-15% carry time, that being mostly Sunday church or those other occasions when I'm wearing a sport coat or other dressier cover garment.

As for Bawanna's above offer on the SP-101 grip panels, y'all better jump on them quick. He made me a set 3 years ago and I wouldn't mind having more in different colors to match whatever boots I'm wearing for the day ;)

jd

[hardluk1]

I carried a 2" 5 shot subby for many years and always had some issues iwb'n it be it grip angle or trigger spur. Changed to a cw9 and that make concealing and comfort easy. The K9 is the same width in the frame as the cw or p9 and only a few oz's heavier . I vote K9 or K40 and I really like my old subby. But the .40 inch width is the make or break for me AND 3 more rounds is nice with a 8 round mag for backup. Better trigger too over any revolver.

[berettabone]

I was thinking the nominal 2" or 3". Obviously, the 4" would not be anywhere close to the K9.
I didn't mean anything by it...................you know what happens when you assume..................

[jocko]

I'm not a big guy myself and I've carried a 3" SP-101 about 75% of my waking hours for the last four years (OWB pancake holster). In warm/hot weather it's a tee shirt with a loose button up cover shirt (I can go "casual" 90% of the time). I also carry a Smith j-frame quite often, occasionally in my daily duties but most of the time when I have to go shirt tail "in" the j-frame carries nicely in my left boot top. My CW9 gets less than 10-15% carry time, that being mostly Sunday church or those other occasions when I'm wearing a sport coat or other dressier cover garment.

As for Bawanna's above offer on the SP-101 grip panels, y'all better jump on them quick. He made me a set 3 years ago and I wouldn't mind having more in different colors to match whatever boots I'm wearing for the day ;)

jd


I have a set of the colonels ALL PINK grips for a model 36, if anyone is interested!!!~ Just sayin. He is color blind, u know. Just sayin

[Bawanna]

Gawd I miss you when your not around you old goat!

[ltxi]

My vote for the K9. My SP101 went to my sister many years back. A relatively heavy, Colt Detective size 'tweener, it didn't work for me. LW J-frame or just jump to a 3" steel K-frame here if I go revolver.

[Barth]

My vote for the K9. My SP101 went to my sister many years back. A relatively heavy, Colt Detective size 'tweener, it didn't work for me. LW J-frame or just jump to a 3" steel K-frame here if I go revolver.

+1
I've shot a friends 3" SP101 and rented a K9.
I'd take the K9 without hesitation.

But if you want a belt carry revolver?
My S&W 65-3 3" SS Heavy Barrel (K-Frame) is nothing short of outstanding.
http://i1361.photobucket.com/albums/r678/barthunderwood/Mobile%20Uploads/Photo1066_zps5c6af29b.jpg

[ltxi]

Oh, yeah. My wife's defense K-frame be one of those. Mine is the blue, Model 13, version. Both with slick, crisp action jobs performed by me.

[Barth]

Not a pic of my gun.
But you get it I'm sure.
http://www.fototime.com/5CACA12CC2DD254/standard.jpg

[Redstate]

Thanks for all the replies. It was not a choice between the 2 because the K9 was not an option at this time. I do have an MK9. I was merely interested in the size difference for future planning.
In any event, I did pick up a 3" SP101 today. Put 100 rounds through it (90-38 special and 10-357). The .357 were rather mild in recoil for such a small pistol. Very accurate as well.

[ltxi]

Yep, that be it/them. Both of ours are mid '90's guns. Triggers were good OTB, but....now slicker than a greased pig's ass on glass. Milt Morrison did her's first. Then I actually improved it, go figger. Did mine without prior professional intervention. My J-frames from that era as well. I'm a quite competent "accidental" 'smith on three trigger groups....10/22s, Smith revolvers, and 1911s. Don't push my luck by working on anything else.

[rsu11]

I have both, so your question made me curious about comparing them. The size question has been covered, so I put both on my scales. My K9 fully loaded with 8 Golden Saber 124 gr. JHP's comes in at 29.9 ounces. The SP101 (2.25" barrel with a Hogue grip) filled with 5 SPU 158 gr. JHP's totaled 28.3 ounces. So not much difference there. Big difference in shooting them and the philosophy behind carrying either one. My preference is the K9, with 3 more rounds and flatter profile for concealment. But I love going to the range and running some .357 through the SP101. Maybe PPU makes hot rounds, but the kick is definitely in mule territory and the bang from the short barrel usually gets some attention from other shooters. I put a lighter Wolff spring in the revolver, which made the already smooth trigger a real delight. Saving up for a GP100, too.

[b4uqzme]

Saving up for a GP100, too.

^^^ good boy. I recommend the 3 or 4 inch. :)

[hardluk1]

Every one should own a revolver or 4. I do . But if you think you want a small carry gun you will end up with one down the road. Low bore height and better da type trigger pull make for a very nice thin shooter. Now bump that kahr 9mm up to a 40 cal and it makes a to a level playing field except of more rounds on hand , better trigger pull and faster followup shots than can be done with a 357 can do in a 2.25" barrel. probably quicker than a 38sp+P too . Using 125 to 135gr ammo in a 40sw with a 3 1/2" barrel you will see the same velocities you can get from the short barrel 357.

[downtownv]

I'm a small guy and my 3 inch SP101 with Hogue monogrip can't be concealed unless I wear an overcoat.


Dave

Why do I picture a Flasher?:o

[DeaconKC]

DavidR, I am a big fan of Hogue grips, but they are big. Check these out; https://eaglegrips.com/61-ruger-sp101-grips

[DavidR]

DavidR, I am a big fan of Hogue grips, but they are big. Check these out; https://eaglegrips.com/61-ruger-sp101-grips

Those are sweet looking grips. I like the Hogue as it allows a full 3 finger grip for me. As I never CC the SP101 I'm okay with the larger grips.

[Armybrat]

I have a set or two of SP101 grip inserts if anyone is running the stock plastic and wants something a little classier. I'll hook you up with a picture and see if they blow your dress up.
Mine looks kinda nekkid...

http://i522.photobucket.com/albums/w349/ScoPro/Armybrat5/Guns098_zpsdd3132e3.jpg