S&W 642 or Ruger SP101

[RedCell]

I carry the GP100 4" every time I go out. It's heavy but even in my cheapo holster, I do fine. Also, I weigh 140 lbs. That thing hides away pretty good even with the rubber Hogue grip...

The holster: Bianchi 19046 6D ATB Waistband Holster-Sz 13 rh

 

[Kick]

I would pick the 642 out of those two options but, I would pick the Ruger LCR, if I could throw in a 3rd option. I had a 642 for years and picked up the LCR just to try something different. It is just as light if not lighter and it shoots like a dream. Way better than the 642...

 

[cosermann]

.. It is just as light if not lighter ...

It's lighter (1.5 oz.), narrower, has a pinned front sight, and a better out-of-the-box trigger.

 

[mainjet]

My vote would be for the 642. The 642 is going to be a much more comfortable gun to carry which is what you will be doing 99.999999% of the time. If, God forbid, you had to fire clsoe range at an attacker then the recoil of 5 rounds of +P is going to be an issue.

If you want to take it to the range (and you should), you can shoot the standard 38 rounds.

 

[Dgriffon]

SP-101 - I have 3 and love them all!

 

[JByer323]

If you're not really planning on shooting .357, then I see no reason to get the Ruger.

SP-101s are fantastic guns that I think as of J+ frames. They're not really suited for pocket carry, but ride well in an IWB rig. The heft makes shooting full load .357 rounds rather pleasant.