I have a huge stockpile of .32 S&W long ammo, and have decided that my retirement present to myself will be a .327 Federal magnum revolver.  I am going to purchase either a Ruger SP101 3 inch, a Ruger LCR, or a Ruger LCRx.

ETA:  I may actually carry the thing as a concealed carry weapon, especially as I get older and more recoil averse.  Feel free to chime in with reasons for one versus the others.

The SP101 is a classic, and will last forever. I’ve always been partial to the SP101 with a 3” barrel.

I coat pocket carry a 101 in 9mm, but it's heavy.  As OP ages, he can drop down to S&W wadcutters and have the same penetration the LCR will give him w/ Magnums.  I voted for the LCRx, as the time may come he'll need to cock the hammer, inshallah.

I very much like my SP101 2 1/4" .357mag  that I've owned 10 or more years. Heavy obviously, carry's well OWB or IWB for CCW. Will last a lifetime. My carry ammo is Remington 125gr JHP. Shown here in a MK-Tek IWB holster.

Have you considered those new j frames from S&W in 32H&R Mag? They look promising to me. https://www.lipseys.com/itemdetail?itemno=SM14034
Otherwise, my vote is LCRx. My 38 special version is great.

Sp101

I am eyeing the 4” with adjustable sights.  If I get it I will likely use .32 H&R brass.  

BTW Speer HBWC in a Lapua .32 S&W Long case with WST has been very accurate in my S&W 31-1.

My dream gun would be a 4” Model 16 in .32 H&R.   The Sp101 4” is as close to that as I can afford.  If I got one, I’d likely never load .327 in it.

Do it!  

That reminds me I need to go to the F&G club post up my “sock drawer” model 28 to get the cash for the SP101. (N frames are just a bit large for my paws)

SP101 all day long.

SP101, only b/c there's no option for a S&W.

Well, given my other 24 S&W revolvers, one would have been an option if they still made one.....

Well, 24 hours of voting, and the forum has spoken in a landslide.  A 3 inch SP101 in .327 Federal is now, or presumably tomorrow morning, on its way to a local FFL.


ETA:  At the time of this post, it was 25 SP101, 1 LCR, and 6 LCRx.

I love a 3” SP, have had one for 16 years and don’t think I’ll ever be without one.

Did they ever actually make a .327, or are they still refusing out of spite?  (Or do they think they can reinvent the wheel again with ".3270 S&W Super Carry Fullhouse Magnum"?)

First of all, congrats on retirement. Second, the SP101 is a super durable pistol and a great performer.

They made the 632-2 for a bit, and I think another one, but not any more.

I actually have a .357 2 inch that was my backup weapon for a while.

Looks like I missed the voting before you ordered.  I went with the LCR.  If you truly want to shoot or carry 327 Mag, then that would be my choice (and own one).  Otherwise, the new S&W 432UC in .32 H&R.  I also have the LCRx in 9mm.  I really don't have a use for the hammer.  And it can (not always) interfere with pocket carry or pocket firing (think jacket pocket).  I also use to have the SP 101 in 9mm.  Nice gun, but I really didn't need the extra weight.  And mine was only a 2.25".  If you really want to shoot a lot of .327 mag, then maybe.  But you have plenty of .32 S&W Long options. The LCR's in 9mm & .327 are heavy enough.  Especially if pocket carry comes into play (they're heavier than the other LCR calibers).   Another factor is trigger.  Some don't like the longer pull of the LCR series.  So, handling & dry firing all your options would have been good prior to your decision making on what would work best for your needs.

Anyway, these are my opinions based on what I like.  Everyone will be different.

Based on limited pocket firing of my SP 101, the exposed hammer is a snag hazard on the draw if you fail to cover it w/ your thumb as you should, not a detriment to pocket firing.  Nor is one necessarily the only number of rounds you'll get out of a semi-auto in a pocket, although you are well advised to wear gloves before pocket shooting a semi-auto.

Purses are even more difficult to aim than pockets, albeit I have very limited experience with purses, while I'm quite used to jacket pockets in the 2.5 months of Texas "winter" every year.

Well, went to the shop to pick up the SP101 today.....and there was an LCR in .327 there.  I took it as a sign, or maybe as some previously uncounted absentee or mail in ballots, and brought it home with me: