My 2.25" SP101 only gets 1050 fps with various factory 357 self defense loads with 158gr bullets. IIRC, my G26 gets 900-950 fps with a 147gr bonded Ranger. The 158gr and 147gr seem close enough in the grand scheme of things.
I checked my notes:
SP101 2.25", 357 Magnum
G26, factory barrel
357 -- 158gr factory self-defense loads: 1020 fps
9mm -- 147gr Winchester Ranger Bonded: 930 fps
So 100fps advantage to 357. But this is not the 38.
Recoil and blast from the 357 seems like double compared to the G26. I don't have my chrono results for the 38 Especiale... but I recall mid to high 700's with 158gr... 750 to 780fps seems to ring a bell from a S&W 36 (now gone).
My mild 357 reloads run 930 fps with the 158gr. The 9mm from the G26 is still easier to shoot for me.
I sometimes use an 8" gong for practice at 20-25+ yards. In single-action with the SP101 I can hit it regularly, but in double-action I need to cut the distance in half.
With the G26, it's hit after hit after hit. Easy in comparison, with MUCH faster follow-ups. The front site covers the target though. The S&W 36 in 38 was mild, but it took a lot of concentration and effort to shoot just like the SP101 357.
I had a PM9 and it was also very accurate and easy to shoot. Only complaint was that it would get some surface rust from my sweat in summer. G26 is bigger and heavier, but I don't have to baby it as much. Love the G26, but its a little chunky.
I still like the 5-shot revolver though. Had a Taurus 44 Spec Titanium. Great field handgun, but it jammed. I fixed it and sold it. I used to carry my SP101 while hunting... finished my elk with it last year. With 180gr bullets its a definite step up from a 9mm subcompact, but its a handful with full-tilt H110 loads! Worse than my 44 Mag and 45 Colt in terms of torquing out of my hand.
