[wun_8_seven]

hey folks, i would like to pick up a 3" 5 shot 357 but dont know much about them. any info or opinions on brands to look at or what i should expect to pay for one would be great. thanks 187

[Landric]

Howdy,

The Ruger SP-101 comes to mind. Its a good quality gun, and new it should be about $350 or so.

[Blueduck]

S/W has the model 60 and Ruger has the SP-101. Around here Rugers go for $350 NIB, S/W's $50-75 more. I don't really bother to keep up with Taurus they might have somthing too.

S/W's lighter and easier to carry, Rugers stronger and heavier making shooting a bit more comfortable.

Both have there followings ;)

[Jim March]

The interesting thing about the SP101 is that it's *tough* - probably tougher than most K-Frame S&Ws, and with the barrel mounted fairly low, it can handle some serious recoil.

While the S&W 5-shooter 357s are "357" caliber, running the strongest, craziest "full on hunting loads" through them is scary even in steel frame variants, completely psycho in the ultralight "Scandium" series. Those kinds of loads, like the Cor-Bon 180grain and 200grain hunting loads or the Georgia Arms "Deerslayer" 158, will be hot in an SP101 but still within reason in small amounts.

The SP101 is heavier, but with a good IWB holster, shoulder rig or fanny pack, is still easily carried. Front pocket is more or less out of the question but you want a 3" barrel over a 2" and 3" eliminates pocket carry. Good choice - pocket carry on this size is silly in my opinion.

The Ruger design used in the SP101 and GP100 is really cool, there's no "side plates", the metallurgy is first rate, the trigger is decent and responds well to moderate (even homebrew) tuning. The triggers usually aren't *quite* as good as the best S&Ws but that's their only downside.

[DennisE]

The Rugar is a heavier piece of iron. If you plan on pistol whipping animals and folks, go with the Ruger! If you want to pick the gun with the better sights, a better trigger, that's lighter and easier to carry, that will comfortable handle a variety of 110 to 140 grain .357 Magnum ammo, buy the S&W Model 60. Avoiding the 'heavy, heavy' loads meant for "L" aand "N" frames will make the little "J" a joy to shoot will make you a much better shooter, will increase the likelihood you'll hit exactly what you shot at and will extend the shooting life of the gun and your hand. Dennis

[drod]

Ruger SP101

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid48/p0fa41c36be2b1065337d022b5fdce29a/fcbdeb64.jpg