[jakk55]

I'm looking to buy a revolver, I'd like .357 Magnum simply so i can work my way up to it, I will probably be taking a CCW course to get it licensed as a CCW.

I am looking for something $600 or under, solid, and i can hit accurately with, but I understand that a snub nose is not going to be hitting bull's eyes a mile away.

My brother in law has a Ruger SP101 with a 3in. barrel and I was able to hit cans at about 30 yards away with it which thoroughly impressed me.

I am open to other suggestions and will gladly take any input.

Sincerely,
Jak


P.S. I currently own a Ruger MKIII Competition Target .22

[jibjab]

I think you should have your brother-in-laws gun :D

[sfhogman]

I think I agree with Jibjab. :D

[usa1993]

I'VE OWNED 3 SNUBBY REVOLVERS, AND I'LL TELL YOU FROM MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE, MY ROSSI R461 (357) IS JUST THE TACK DRIVER AT 15-20 YARDS AS MY SMITH WAS. TO SOMEONE WHO HAS NOT OWNED OR SHOT ONE, OBVIOUSLY QUALITY IS A CONCERN WHEN COMPARING THESE TWO, BUT FOR UNDER 300 PLUS TAX, I WAS COMPLETELY IMPRESSED AND WOULD NOT HESITATE TO BET MY LIFE CARRYING IT. YOU PROBABLY WONT FIND MORE GUN FOR THE MONEY, AND IT DOESNT LOOK, FEEL, OR SHOOT CHEAP. YOU WONT GO WRONG WITH MANY 2 INCH REVOLVERS IN MY OPINION, THEY ARE HIGHLY UNDER RATED.

GOOD LUCK

[Cosmoline]

Watch the all caps there, usa.

For $600 you could get a pair. I personally prefer the six shot K-Frame magnums, esp. the M13 and M19, as well as the Security Six line from Ruger. The SP's are also excellent. You don't need to buy a brand new one. A good wheelgun will hold up for generations, and apart from some pre Mk-III Colts there rarely any serious timing issues.

[Arkady]

Lately, I've been carrying a 2.5 inch S&W model 66. That or a model 19 would be a good choice.

It is a small enough gun that you can conceal it, while it is a big enough gun that you can shoot .357s without nerve damage.

[Deanimator]

Try a 3" S&W Model 13 or 65. Hard but not impossible to find. Last year CDNN had 3" 65s for $299. They're out now.

[hceptj]

I'll 4th the above about your b-in-law's gun...:)

[MCgunner]

I came to the conclusion a long time ago that the 3" .357 was the best compromise in the caliber for carry. Of course, you ain't gonna stick it in a pocket, but pocket sized .357s, especially those made out of unobtainium, are not practical with full power .357 loads, so why bother? I just get my pocket size revolvers in .38 and live happy.

I really, really wanted a Ruger SP101 3", still would like to have one. But, at a recent gun show, I filled the niche with a good used Taurus M66 3" medium frame. It's a bit heavier than the Ruger, but is very accurate and does hold an extra round. I do like adjustable sights even on an IWB gun, myself, in this caliber. Most will argue about that, but it's my personal preference. For a PURE self defense revolver in .357 magnum, though, it's danged hard to beat the little 3" Ruger SP101, strong, reliable, and of a shootable size and quite accurate. It is a little thinner and lighter than my Taurus and more comfortable to carry, no doubt. I picked the Taurus up for a bargain I couldn't refuse, but I may get a SP101 later. For now, the Taurus serves in the IWB roll really well. It doesn't bulge under a loose shirt like my P90 does with its slide. And, I kinda prefer .357 magnum to .45ACP. I know the JMB worshippers call that sacrilege, but hey, I ain't a disciple of their church. :evil: The Taurus only holds 2 rounds less than the .45 and speed loaders work rather well with the medium frame gun, a lot better than I seem to work them with a J frame for some reason. Maybe the cylinder sticks out a little farther from the frame or something, but it's slicker to reload. Anyway, I often have a 9mm back up in a pocket when I carry IWB with either gun. My 9 holds 11 rounds of +P, so I reckon if I run into a bunch of Hell's Angels, I can handle it about as well as anyone with a wonder 9. :D

[TOADMAN]

S&W Model 640/60/442/642..

[Miamitiger]

Buy a S&W Model 60-2 1/8" barrel. Nothing is better for a CC.
I hope you were kidding about shooting a bull's eye at a mile away!!!
If you want to do that carry a rifle!!!:)

[ronto]

I have the 2 1/4" DAO (spurless) version that fits perfectly in my jeans front pocket with no holster when wandering in the woods and IWB for CCW.

[MCgunner]

I like the 3" .357 M60 with the adjustable sights, but it costs WAY too much. Nice gun for my tastes, though. I just think about all the K frame haters talkin' about how they can't hold up to .357 and the forcing cones crack and the frame stretches (yeah, I know, much exaggeration) and I wonder how a J frame is going to handle it. The SP101 WILL handle it, I have no doubt, and it's heavy enough for ME to handle it. I think with a Pachmayr Compac on it, a 3" model 60 would be pretty sweet, though, and it is available with adjustable sights, or at least I've seen 'em on a 60. I don't really drool over 'em because of the price, though. The lock doesn't help my desires much, either. Even with fixed sights, I think the SP101 is way more gun for the money. It would get some trigger work if I got one, though. The 60, I'm sure, is better out of the box.

[George S.]

I would go with the SP101. They can be had thru Davidson's for about $410 in any of the available calibers (.32 mag, .38SPL or .357 mag).

If you go with the .357, you can shoot .38SPL to keep costs (and recoil :D ) down. But there are some good .38SPL defensive loads so the .38 version should also be considered. Shooting some .357 rounds can be a handful.

I would personally go with the 2 1/4" barrel DA only version (hammerless) for carry. No hammer to get hung up in clothing and in a defensive situation, quick follow up shots would probably be DA anyway.

[Haywood]

My SP101 is the most comfortable to shoot. My 605 needed a little bigger grip so it didn't hurt. My 617 holds 7 rnds. and is very controlable. My Rossi has adjustable sights so I don't carry it. It is hard to pick one but I think the best one to start with is the SP101. Try as many as you can befor you buy.

[WHW]

I carry an SP101 in a strong side IWB holster. It is a great, strong gun that will shoot long after I am gone. As a backup, I carry a S&W 642 airlite in the weak side front pocket.

Both are great guns and I recommend them highly.

whw

[rj112275]

I have a 3" SP101 and love it. 38SPL are easy to handle, and the Remington GS that I carry are good shooters too. The only tweeking I had to do was the ole' dry-fire trigger job (with a little polishing) and change of springs. Easy do-it-yourself job.

An IWB Don Hume holster takes care of my concealed carry needs. I won't get rid of this one, but now also desire a 2.25" DOA for a partner.

[jlundy46]

I carry a four inch - either a S&W 586 .357 or a Colt Trooper MKIII .357. I use a Galco Fletch high ride holster and both ride close. Both are great shooters.

John

[lesjones]

I'd keep the barrel length a minimum - no more than 3".

Other than that, it depends on how you'll carry it.

Pocket carry was the best option for me, since I don't wear a suitcoat, it's too hot to wear a big coat or sweater in Tennessee, and I usually wear my shirts tucked in. For that the 2" S&W 642 with an aluminum J frame is pretty ideal, and that's what I carry most.

I've also got a 3" S&W 64 stainless steel J frame. That's a very nice gun that's a step up in terms of sights, trigger, and shootability. In a pinch I can carry it in a pocket, but for anything regular it requires a belt holster. I've got the Galco high ride, which requires a concealment garment of some sort.

[jakk55]

There is a Ruger sp101 .357, 3in for sale $350, it will probably be about $50 in transfer fees and such, is this a good deal or not?

[66912]

Either the S&W model 19 2" barrel or model 686 2.5" barrel are great options. I prefer the 686 due to it bieng stainless (For the trail) and my model is the plus one option making it 7 rounds in the cylinder!

[norfdet893]

I have a Ruger SP101 (SPNY model) and although it is heavy, it is probably the most comfortable snub I have. I added Eagle SS grips, which not only look great they wrap completely around the grip giving added space to the backstrap. I just picked up a Don Hume IWB for it so it will get some carry time now. Those dam Rugers are built like tanks and can take a steady diet of anything that you want to put through them. I am strongly thinking about adding a 357 hammerless version to my collection. They are reported to be extremely comfortable magnums to shoot.

[wcwhitey]

I spotted a very nice S&W Model 10 2" the other day going for $150. If your physical stature allows you to conceal a K frame Smith that would be my recommendation. The 13 & 65 in 3" make for probably of the best all around carry, home defense, etc. revolvers around. That extra inch has so many advantages over the 2" that it is really worthwhile to consider. The velocity increase, sight radius and with the right holster will actually conceal better. If the K frame is too big the Ruger SP101 is a great gun, would get my vote, it splits the difference between the K frame and the J frame Smith. Maybe it is just me but the J frame in .357 is just too much. If a J frame is the right size, then forget the .357's (how many really carry .357 in them) and just think of it as a .38. If one looks for a good used pre-lock J frame in .38, they are many and they are cheap. I think that a CCW has to fit the person. Although having an extra pound or so with you 24/7 takes some getting used to, it does not have to be uncomfortable. Don't count out the Tauri either, frame wise they run hand and hand with the Smiths. JMHO Bill:)

[Haywood]

SP101 for 350 is a good deal in the Cleveland, Ohio area. That gun cost us more than that from are Distributers.

[GunNut]

Ruger SP101

or

S&W 66 3-4" .357 mag

[Coltman73]

I've got a few .357's and a few 1911's, even some plastic pistols. Kansas just passed it's CCL and it went into effect a week or so ago. I got mine on day 2 (Day 1 was Ford's funeral, offices were closed). Then, I went and picked up a S&W 638 and a couple of good holsters for it (picked up 1, ordered two more). It's a .38 +P, and I've found that's all I really need. Have you ever tried to fire full house mags out of a 14 ounce pistol? Wow, and I thought a .416 Rigby kicked.... I went to the store to buy a .357, but came home with a .38 after an hour of thinking it through.
1) What is this pistol for? Personal and home defense, and that's about it.
2) What is critical that it do? Stop a human from a range of 10 yards. The longest shot in my house (straight line) is about 24 feet. Anything beyond that is fluff.
I read here about 20 yards, 30 yards, etc. It's been my experience that any situation where you are in fear of your life is going to be 20 feet (a car legnth) or less. At 30 yards, a Jury is going to think that I had other options besides using deadly force, such as, oh, I dunno... run?
I've never heard of anyone getting shot at 20 feet with a .38 and not stopping where a .357 would have done the trick. Out of a two inch barrel there isn't going to be much difference anyway, 80% of the mag's powder will go up in a ball of flame, making for great fireworks less than 3 feet from your ears. The .38 was lighter, cheaper, shorter, and more than enough power to save my life or my family's.
3) Did I mention lighter, cheaper, and shorter? I carry this one on my ankle for 8 hours and hardly notice it, and that's only after 3 days. Ordered a set of lasergrips, when they come it I'll zero to 30 feet and never walk out nervous again. I know that I'll be able to protect myself when I have no other options.
4) Practice, practice, practice. I've found with the people I teach shooting to that trigger control (flinching) is the number 1 reason that people miss. Why practice and shoot with mag rounds that are going to make you flinch whenever you touch the trigger?

Just my .02
Hold Hard
Colt guy.

[camacho]

SP 101! I would go with the DAO version.

[MCgunner]

Kansas just passed it's CCL and it went into effect a week or so ago. I got mine on day 2 (Day 1 was Ford's funeral, offices were closed).

Wow, wish it was that easy and quick in Texas. All sorts of BS you have to go through here.


Out of a two inch barrel there isn't going to be much difference anyway, 80% of the mag's powder will go up in a ball of flame, making for great fireworks less than 3 feet from your ears.

That's the reason I don't even consider .357s with shorter than 3" barrels. A .38 can work as a pocket gun, but I see the .357 strictly as an IWB.

[jibjab]

Mr. Camp did a comparison on the snub, .38 vs. .357,
http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/38vs357snub.htm

[19-3Ben]

I just got the 3" SP101 last month. I love it!!!!
The extra inch of barrel (over the typical 2" snubbies) helps sight radius, recoil reduction, and velocity.
The only caveat is that it is harder to find good holsters for it.
But get one anyway. it is a really truly great gun.
And BTW- I put on Hogue monogrips. With a trigger job somewhere down the road, it will be perfect!

[TonyB]

Can't go wrong w/ any of the abouve suggestions.FWIW..I ccw'd an sp 101 for a few years,but have gone to an airweight in the pocket.I'll never go back to the heavier sp.The sp was 100% reliable however.I also have a Rossi 461 that I spent $150 on....best $150 I ever spent.Plus you get an extra round over the sp.Although some have had quality issues w/ Rossi's mine is golden.I've almost never heard of any issues w/ an SP.Good luck w/ the search.

[RustyShackelford]

I'd say buy a NIB(new) Ruger SP-101 DA only .357mag. If you plan to use it for CCW/protection you're better off with the smooth DA only trigger pull. The 2 3/4 bar may not be what you want but I don't think Ruger makes a factory stock SP-101 with DA only action and 3 1/16" barrel.

The "Black T" carry package from Gemini Customs is real nice ;) but it does cost a lot(NOTE: Gemini's website is messed up but check this website for contact details.)...

You may really think about a protective coating or plate job like RoBar's NP3 or RoGuard. It may seem like a expense at first but will add value and years of service life to your carry sidearm.

www.robarguns.com www.apwcogan.com www.magnaport.com

Rusty

;)

PS: The S&W model 620/619 and L frame 686+ are also solid bets.

[bigmike45]

jakk55,

Check your private messages!!!

[ProguninTN]

Having gotten a new SP101 recently, I highly recommend it. :)

[MCgunner]

Unless the gun is for pocket carry self defense only, I prefer my guns to be thumb cockable. Actually, even the revolver I carry in a pocket has a hammer spur. Comes in handy when I'm shooting at a rabbit 20 yards away and, you never know the situation you'll be in. I can see the DAO in a pocket carry self defense carry, though, nothing to catch on the draw. IWB, what does it matter?

[JoeG52]

I really like the S&W340. It is right at the price limit but it is light enough that you'll have it in your pocket when you need it instead of leaving it behind because it was too heavy.

[ProguninTN]

Unless the gun is for pocket carry self defense only, I prefer my guns to be thumb cockable. Actually, even the revolver I carry in a pocket has a hammer spur. Comes in handy when I'm shooting at a rabbit 20 yards away and, you never know the situation you'll be in. I can see the DAO in a pocket carry self defense carry, though, nothing to catch on the draw. IWB, what does it matter?

Mine would qualify. Some SP101 models are DAO, and Some are SA/DA with the spur. Mine has the spur.