Ruger SP101(.357) vs. Charter Arms Bulldog (44spl)

[RGL01]

Plusses, minuses. Looking for a concealable rugged revolver. Any advice would be appreciated.

[I_Like_Pie]

Weight is the biggest factor...there is quite a bit of difference (actually own both). Other folks will chime in with some more choice (cough) opinions.

[Westwindmike]

The Charter Arms is light and powerful. The SP101 is heavy and powerful. Now the SP101 in .44 spl would really be something.

I've owned the Charter. It was great to carry. Wish it had a dehorned hammer though.

[OhShoot]

I honestly don't know how well the Charter will stand up to lots of shooting, but you can shoot full power .357 with the SP101 day in day out.

- OS

[Straight Shooter]

I bought my 3" Sp101 a couple months ago..and I absolutely love the thing. I bought it to be my primary concealment piece, and it does it very well. Ive put on some NICE Hogue laminated rosewood grips, and am about to install a red Hi-Viz type front sight from Gemini Customs. This is a well made gun, outta stand up to A LOT of use. After firing around 200 or so rounds, and a lot of dry firing, the trigger is very nice. The gun is VERY easy to field strip for a thourogh cleaning. About the only drawback to owning the 3" model, is an almost complete lack of holsters. I mean, Ive searched hi and low, and finally got a gorgeous belt slide leather holster from Don Hume. Ive carried this a lot lately, and its just awesome. Also-for some reason unknown to me, its like a huge secret what gear fits the SP101, like holsters and speedloaders. FYI- Ive got two Safariland Comp1 speedloaders, and although NOT advertised as for the Ruger, they work GREAT! These are far superior to the HK style loaders, imo.
Im bobbing the hammer soon, and Ill have the perfect carry gun. Ive shot Charters, and I wouldnt trade my Ruger for 3 Charters. They are not bad guns, but the Ruger is superior. You may want to look at the 2", but at least try the 3", I think youll like it.

[Bulldog44]

I have carried the SP 101 for many years,they are well made revolvers and should last a life time.As for holsters, I use a crossbreed supertuck for IWB and a Bianchi leather holster for OWB carry.
I also have owned Charter revolvers and to me the Ruger is much better quality.

[Shima]

I had a Ruger SP101 .357 and it was a great revolver. You can't go wrong with it. You just have to have a good holster because it is a tank. It is tough as nails. A Hogue grip makes it much more comfortable to shoot, but it's a great gun.

[DaddyO]

I bought my 3" Sp101 a couple months ago..and I absolutely love the thing. I bought it to be my primary concealment piece, and it does it very well. Ive put on some NICE Hogue laminated rosewood grips, and am about to install a red Hi-Viz type front sight from Gemini Customs. This is a well made gun, outta stand up to A LOT of use. After firing around 200 or so rounds, and a lot of dry firing, the trigger is very nice. The gun is VERY easy to field strip for a thourogh cleaning. About the only drawback to owning the 3" model, is an almost complete lack of holsters. I mean, Ive searched hi and low, and finally got a gorgeous belt slide leather holster from Don Hume. Ive carried this a lot lately, and its just awesome. Also-for some reason unknown to me, its like a huge secret what gear fits the SP101, like holsters and speedloaders. FYI- Ive got two Safariland Comp1 speedloaders, and although NOT advertised as for the Ruger, they work GREAT! These are far superior to the HK style loaders, imo.
Im bobbing the hammer soon, and Ill have the perfect carry gun. Ive shot Charters, and I wouldnt trade my Ruger for 3 Charters. They are not bad guns, but the Ruger is superior. You may want to look at the 2", but at least try the 3", I think youll like it.

Take a look at Simply Rugged Holsters (http://www.simplyrugged.com/store/index.html). I bought one of their Silver Dollar Pancake holsters for my 2-1/4" SP101 and it is well made and comfortable, plus they are only $45. I have one of the Don Hume IWB's for it, but I like the SR holster much better and it conceals just as well.

[RGL01]

Thanks guys. Was leaning towards the Ruger but like the idea of a 44spl. Still, sounds like the SP101 will get a first look.

[OhShoot]

... About the only drawback to owning the 3" model, is an almost complete lack of holsters....

Methinks you didn't conduct very comprehensive research....see others' responses...there are MANY options for a 3" SP101.

My man David Bullard makes a nice IWB, here's mine in 2 1/4, but he also has same for your 3 1/16" barrrel:



- OS