Best “One *Revolver* To Do Everything”

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Mr. Mosin

Mr. Mosin

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For under $1k, with well established aftermarket support, common parts and a common ammunition chambering; is there any *new production* revolver capable of doing this role* better than a 3” Ruger SP101 ?

*literally everything, short of competition and dedicated hunting. HD, SD, Woods carry, open carry, concealed carry, etc, all and sundry

Mmm k. Let’s get this show on the road.
 
Mr. Mosin said:
For under $1k, with well established aftermarket support, common parts and a common ammunition chambering; is there any *new production* revolver capable of doing this role* better than a 3” Ruger SP101 ?
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My wife has one.

I would prefer a Colt Cobra or King Cobra--sixth shot and better trigger. We have knowledgeable members here who carry them.

I prefer revolvers for recreational use, I carry one for SD when my elbow is acting up, and were I still fit enough for hiking, I would likely carry my Performance Center 686+. But those days are behind me.
 
A K or L Frame S&W in .357, my preference is the K frame 4”. Plenty enough power for hunting, self defense. Plenty accurate for Bullseye Competition or Revolver Combat League, used mine in both. Makes a good carry, woods and with some nice grips can be a BBQ Queen.
 
Kleanbore said:
My wife has one.

I would prefer a Colt Cobra or King Cobra--sixth shot and better trigger. We have knowledgeable members here who carry them.

I prefer revolvers for recreational use, I carry one for SD when my elbow is acting up, and were I still fit enough for hiking, I would likely carry my Performance Center 686+. But those days are behind me.
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Yes... a fine choice of words...


The question would be... how long would the King Cobra hold up with .357 Magnum usage ? I know the SP101 will hold up... heh, a literal lifetime, if not ten.
 
Mr. Mosin said:
Yes... a fine choice of words...


The question would be... how long would the King Cobra hold up with .357 Magnum usage ? I know the SP101 will hold up... heh, a literal lifetime, if not ten.
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Yes it was fine choice of words and a good post. Any gun will wear faster with full bore 357 loads. Even a Ruger. Thats why I like to shoot my mid range 357 loads that push a 158gr lead bullet to around 1100-1150fps. A real step up from a hot 38sp without the blast of a full bore 357.

And don't worry about parts. You will never need any for the GP or most other guns. The only parts I ever had to buy was for a first year Security Six some previous jack leg had his fingers in and screwed up the cylinder latch pivot pin. I got a brand new one from E-Gunparts for just a few dollars.

The biggest question might be because you don't reload is how many factory 357 loads can you afford since factory loads are $50+, if you can even find them?
 
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I think a 3-inch Model 13/65 would be a good contender here. 6-shots, compact enough to CCW and yet big enough to be shot well. Fixed sights for robustness.

Thought it does not exist my choice for this do everything revolver would be a S&W scandium, fixed sight, L-frame, 4-inch barrel, in 10mm Auto on moonclips of course.
 
Mr. Mosin said:
For under $1k, with well established aftermarket support, common parts and a common ammunition chambering; is there any *new production* revolver capable of doing this role* better than a 3” Ruger SP101 ?
Click to expand...
I would think the obvious answer would be some variant of the Kimber K6...it is basically the modern re-imagining of the Colt DS. It does everything better than the SP101, carries 20% more ammo, and has a wider selection of speedloaders
 
9mmepiphany said:
I would think the obvious answer would be some variant of the Kimber K6...it is basically the modern re-imagining of the Colt DS. It does everything better than the SP101, carries 20% more ammo, and has a wider selection of speedloaders
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No. It is Kimber... May very well go insolvent tomorrow. No aftermarket support nor parts availability
 
If I were to choose a .357, it almost certainly would be a 4". I personally don't find a 4" gun any more difficult to carry than a 3", but I sure do like the extra sight radius!

I'd also have to consider brand and model. I really do like my Model 19, but not for lots of full power loads. The 27 is a "dream gun" for me - even the new one - but N frames are just a little too big for EDC, in my book.

I don't actually have much experience with the SP101. I've always considered them kind of workmanlike - I've never been able to fall in love with them - and their DA triggers really need a good gunsmith. The SP101 probably deserves a hard look. (<edit> That should have read "SP101 Match Champion"). I like the GP100 and would have to put some thought into it as well.

I also like the Kimber K6s, though my experience with it is minimal as well.

Overall, if I had to choose right now, I think I probably would go with an S&W "Classic" 19 or 66.
 
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.38 Special said:
I don't actually have much experience with the SP101. I've always considered them kind of workmanlike - I've never been able to fall in love with them - and their DA triggers really need a good gunsmith. The SP101 probably deserves a hard look. I like the GP100 and would have to put some thought into it as well.
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The Sp-101 can be slicked up a good deal. I have a 2" that I worked on using the online recommendations for parts to smooth and a new set of Wolfe springs and now I can lay a penny on the barrel and dry fire it and the penny will not fall off. So far my record is 23 dry fires before losing the penny. I wish people who dis the SP could spend a little time with my gun. I bet I could change some minds.
 
ThomasT said:
The Sp-101 can be slicked up a good deal. I have a 2" that I worked on using the online recommendations for parts to smooth and a new set of Wolfe springs and now I can lay a penny on the barrel and dry fire it and the penny will not fall off. So far my record is 23 dry fires before losing the penny. I wish people who dis the SP could spend a little time with my gun. I bet I could change some minds.
Click to expand...

I had meant to write "The SP101 Match Champion probably deserves a hard look". I have heard good things about that gun, especially with regard to the DA trigger. Regardless, I know for a fact that a good gunsmith can really improve a D.A. Ruger. Will the OP allow it even if it puts us over the $1000 limit? :D
 
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In my Opinion, A Prelock 686+ snub 3” would cover all the bases. Parts and aftermarket abound. Yet the size can definitely be challenging for some. I think that’s why the Sp 101 has a good following. It’s got the strength of the larger and size of the smaller.
If a Revolver is your Carry preference - as it is mine- Spend the money and invest in quality belts and holsters. Like a good safe- They are worth the money. Just my suggestion/opinion- Dosnt have to be yours.
 
And how many times in those years has Kimber nearly gone bankrupt, or been renowned for poor quality ? A great many of em. Ruger, on the other hand... has always been renowned for quality products, albeit perhaps a bit rushed out the door, and lacking in aesthetic refinement, but their CS more than makes up for it.
 
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