[OneShot!]

I am thinking of adding one or two revolvers to my collection. Since I have 2 Colts, I am think Ruger or Taurus next- From Redhawk, Tracker, GP100, or Raging Bull.
Your opinion is welcomed.

[Nightcrawler]

Redhawk and the Raging Bull are a bit on the large side for self-defense; there are plenty of good .44 SD loads, but they don't require an extra-larged framed gun designed to handle heavy hunting loads. Go with the .357; the Ruger should cost about the same as the Taurus and will be a more solid gun.

[HighVelocity]

Is this for HOME defense or are you going to carry it? All the choices listed are pretty heavy guns.
A GP100 is probably the best all around choice of those listed imho.

[OneShot!]

The gun will be mostly in my office drawer. Not something that I will carry with me all the time. For that I prefer a pistol. :cool:

[Brian Williams]

Tracker in 41Mag loaded to the "Original" police loading. IIRC it was a 210Gr SWC about 1000fps

[ArchAngelCD]

If you can deal with the weight, a 3" Ruger GP100 is probably the best SD revolver in that group of four.

EDIT: I missed the post where you said it will not be a carry but I still think the GP100 would be a better SD revolver but either the 3" or 4" model since you won't be carrying it. Stick with the 3" model if you intend on carrying it once and a while. (a DeSantis Speed Scabbard is a good holster for carrying a heavy revolver)

[parisite]

My Tracker Model 455, 45acp revolver is great. I have a 6.5 incher for my target gun and I have a 2" snubbie on layaway.
Nice to use the same ammo as my 1911 and I don't have to chase brass either.

[wad]

I have a couple of the Predecessors to the GP100, a Security-Six and a Speed-Six, both 4" stainless. Very nice guns for the price :).

[gunzrfunz]

Smith&Wesson model 65.:evil:

[Kimber1911_06238]

go with the gp100, you won't be disappointed

[glockman19]

NONE OF THE ABOVE...
+1 S&W

However of the guns listed I'd choose the Ruger GP101

[OneShot!]

I did not list SW because where I am SW is not readily available these days, but the other listed are.

Looks like GP100 is preferred by many, unless something changes over night and I start getting better reports on the others.

[Working Man]

Another for the GP100.
Great guns at a good price.

[Redneck with a 40]

I've had a great experience with my Taurus Tracker 357. This revolver is accurate, tight, comfortable and reliable. The seven shot cylinder and ported barrel are bonuses in my book, more firepower and less recoil.:D Plus you can get a Tracker out the door for under $400 in most places. The Ruger is probably $150-200 above that. I don't see a huge quality difference either. The satin stainless finish on the tracker is first rate, I much prefer that to the shiny stainless.

[ronto]

Another vote for the GP100 or a good "Six-Series" if you can find one.

[ArchAngelCD]

Looks like GP100 is preferred by many, unless something changes over night and I start getting better reports on the others.
OneShot,
It's not like there is anything wrong with the other revolvers you listed, it's just that IMO the GP100 is better for your stated application. The other revolvers would be ahead in the vote for other applications. For example, the Ruger Redhawk would be my choice if you were going to use it for hunting. I'm guessing there are so many voted for the GP100 because of the reason you are buying the gun.

[DWARREN123]

Ruger SP-101, 3" barrel, 357 mag. I have one and love it. Smaller size but controllable with full house loads.

[Timthinker]

I would like to add two points to the solid advise that has been given. First, become proficient with your "desk gun" since your life and those of your loved ones may depend upon it. Too many people purchase a firearm for self-defense and never learn how to use it properly. So, seek out qualified assistance if you truly believe you need it.

Second, choose your self-defense ammo very carefully. Try to purchase rounds that will not over penetrate a bad guy and strike an innocent. Other than these points, I wish you well and pray that you never need to fire a shot in anger.

Timthinker

[DawgFvr]

GP100 three inch barrel. I want one badly, albeit, the 3 inch SP101 would probably be the better carry weapon. I have the money...I just need to convice myself that a 5' 8", small stature w/small hands kind of guy can carry the larger platform. Here is my ideal weapon:

http://www.geminicustoms.com/RugerGP100.html

Couple this with a Kramer Holster and I think you have the ultimate .357 mag contender of all time self defense revolver. Um...I'd replace the fancy-smansy wood grip with a Trausch (all business) grip that is presently being designed. I'd carry 125 gr. DPX Corbon DPX...yup, that is my dream self-defense revolver at the moment.

[steveracer]

...The SP101 is a heavyweight snubby, so pocket carry is basically out of the question, and a holster is a must. BUT, if you are carrying it in a holster anyway, may as well have the better fighting gun. The GP100 3" is one fine fighting revolver, better than the SP, and like I said, you already need the holster....

[yhtomit]

parisite mentioned his Taurus tracker in .45ACP; I must point out therefore also the S&W 625 :) Loaded moonclips = speed :) (For proof: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uisHfKj2JiI )

Note my bias as a well-pleased 625 owner -- but note I would have been as happy to find a Tracker instead; my aim was a stainless revolver in .45ACP, and I happened to find the 625 at a decent price first. Now that I have it, I am somewhat glad to have the S&W -- a classic design.

timothy

[Rexster]

If you prefer a pistol for carry, please be aware that revolvers ARE pistols. ;) Don't take my word for it; look at Sam Colt's patent, for a revolving pistol. :) I answered the poll with GP100, but the new 4" Redhawks are NICE; Ruger has finally figured how to give a good trigger action to a Redhawk, so if your desk drawer is deep enough, consider the Redhawk, too.

[mnrivrat]

Taurus Tracker - 4" in .44 mag. (SD load Corbon .44 Spl)

[kmrcstintn]

there is a major potential flaw with your plan...once you acquire a good reliable .38 spl/.357 mag revolver...it becomes increasingly more difficult to resist firing it for fun and practice; if you are one of the few who can resist such a temptation and you plan on firing light to moderate amounts thru it, then feel free to get a Taurus; if you are easily tempted, then get a Ruger GP...it is built stronger and will take more of a beating and keep working for longer with fewer potential malfunctions

[vynx]

Do you really want to fire .357 magnums inside your office (assuming your desk drawer is inside office)?

Most people end up shooting .38 +P specials because of magnum recoil.

For me I'd go with any of them in a .44 or .45 you can always shoot .44 specials in the magnum or .45 acp's which are lower priced.