Not-so-big revolvers

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HPCadm17

HPCadm17

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I've had a GP100, a 686+ and an EAA Windicator (which I no longer have), and now I'm looking for something smaller. Not J-frame small, but what I consider mid-size for a .357. I have the big, heavy GP and 686 for range fun, so I'm looking for something more portable and concealable. Models I'm seriously considering are the SP101 and Colt KC. Both feel great in the hand and have just about the perfect length of pull.

I admit to being sucked in by the butter smooth trigger on the KC. A bit leery based on reports of poor QC at Colt, but I really like the feel of the DA pull, and might be willing to take a chance based on that.

I'm also not a huge fan of non-adjustable sights, but I understand these are not target revolvers. How accurate are the 3" KC and SP101 with fixed sights? Will they hit the 10 ring at 25 yards (considering I'm up to it)? That would be good enough for me.

The next consideration is how each one handles recoil from magnum loads. The specs put the SP101 and KC at one ounce difference, but I'm told the felt recoil from the KC is greater. Interested in hearing feedback from folks who have actually shot each one back to back.

My intended use would be as a trail gun, something I can keep a backpack, but also IWB on occasion.
 
SP101, either in 3 1/8 or 4 1/8. Solid, enough weight to shoot the good stuff, smaller than K frames and affordable.
 
My new KC is a tack driver with specials in it. It’s worth any issue it might have. Mine is in for light hammer strikes but I think the same thing is going on with python and they know all the issues. The KC imho is a perfect size,weight firearm. Wide array of rounds to choose from and a wonderful history. It’s an heirloom I can pass down and its very special to me and my family.
 
Within your parameters - I have been VERY happy with an S&W 66-6.

Got it at a good price because of folk hating the Hillary-hole but I don't care. It has an astounding trigger and shoots beautifully. Mine is a 3 1/8 inch barrel but I see they are now 2 3/4 inch.

Very easy carry. I couldn't be happier with it and sold my heavy *carry* Rugers and Colts in .357 to other folk.

Todd.
 
Gonna shoot an SP101 this weekend. No doubt the King Cobra will be smoother but it's also almost $200 more expensive. Is it possible to do DIY basic action work on an SP?
 
Another nice "smallish" gun , besides the great D frame Colts , was the Ruger Security Six . Many had adjustable sights and they are tank tough ! They are about k frame size tho , almost .
I guess the new Colt King Cobra and others in the new frame size are smaller too.
 
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I like my 3 inch SP101. Heavier trigger than any of my Smiths but fairly smooth. I'm a fixed sight lover so lack of adjustable doesn't bother me at all.
 
The issue with fixed sights isn't that they are not accurate, but rather that if they do not shoot to point of aim, they are harder to adjust. One would think sights would be regulated at the factory, but such is not always the case. With adjustables, one simply turns a screw. With fixed however when one finds a gun that shoots 18 inches left, or 6 inches low and right or what have you it can be much more involved to correct. If you get it shooting straight, it's as accurate as anything else. Or, of course, if it shot straight to begin with.
 
I have owned several of the Taurus 357 models 66 and never had a single problem with them. Mine were all the older guns from the mid to late 1980s with the factory wood grips. But I would consider one of the newer guns if I could look at it in person. They are a K-Frame sized gun.

If you can do without the 357 part a S&W model 15 is one of the nicest guns you will ever handle. Most people buy a 357 but then end up shooting nearly all 38s out of them anyway.
 
peacemaker45 said:
The issue with fixed sights isn't that they are not accurate, but rather that if they do not shoot to point of aim, they are harder to adjust. One would think sights would be regulated at the factory, but such is not always the case. With adjustables, one simply turns a screw. With fixed however when one finds a gun that shoots 18 inches left, or 6 inches low and right or what have you it can be much more involved to correct. If you get it shooting straight, it's as accurate as anything else. Or, of course, if it shot straight to begin with.
Click to expand...

I own several fixed sight guns and as long as I stick to the standard weights they seem to be very close to the intended POI. My S&W model 65 fixed sight 357 is right on target with 158gr bullets. Smith & Wesson seems to have their fixed sight guns very well regulated. Ruger seems to ship fixed sight guns with the front sight a little tall so it can be filed by the owner. But you are correct about adjustable just turning a screw. Thats easy.
 
I love my KC. It handles the hottest handloads I can throw at it. I was lucky enough to find a three inch model used. The side plate screws were loose. No functional issues to date. I’ve put 200 rds of 38 and 100 rds of my 357 loads through it, my wife gave it to me for Valentine’s Day. The Ruger is good too but the KC gives you six instead of five.
 
Gordon in # 13 comment beat me to it. I second the Ruger Security-Six. Mine has a decent trigger, is accurate, adjustable sights, and isn't as massive as the GP100. I compare it to a S&W K-frame in size, maybe a bit heavier. Mine has a 6 inch barrel, which I prefer, but most have shorter barrels suitable for easy carry.

Jeff
 
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