3" SP101 or 2.5" K Frame?

[ArmedBear]

I'd carry the SP101 and keep the 2.5" K-frame oiled up at home.

I wouldn't ditch either one, but if I HAD to sell one, it would be the Ruger. They're dime-a-dozen and easily replaceable. 2.5" Model 19s aren't.

(If I'm going to carry .38s hiking, I just use an Airweight. There's no reason to lug a heavy gun around to shoot 5 .38 Special rounds IMHO.)

 

[wnycollector]

My primary hiking gun is a 2.75" ruger security six so I'm partial to medium sized revolvers. I would personally keep both if possible and carry the S&W loaded with .357 ammo.

If I'm going to carry .38s hiking, I just use an Airweight. There's no reason to lug a heavy gun around to shoot 5 .38 Special rounds IMHO.

+1 on this point. 90% of the reason I carry a revolver while hiking (especially on suburban mixed use trials) is 2 legged predator's.

 

[Deanimator]

I don't like stainless and I'd rather have six than five shots.

K frame.

 

[mesinge2]

C'mon now! Do you seriously think the smaller Ruger can handle "hot rounds" better than a K frame Smith? I'm guessing you are going by what you read and don't own a K frame.

When he asked, I thought he was buying not selling, and the Ruger would be cheaper and eaiser to find.
Also, I actually own a m19-4 2.5" that I carry at least 4 days out if a week. I only suggested the Ruger because of the stainless finish, stronger frame, and Ruger warrenty service. If the Ruger has a problem its free to fix, not so with the used Smith.


View attachment 117267

And I am actually a S&W K frame fan, this is one of my favorites:

View attachment 117268

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Again with the stronger frame, sorry but it's not true. Yes it looks heavier but like I said above, it's a result of the investment casting manufacturing process Ruger uses. It has to be that thick to match the strength of a forged frame. This is one of those "facts" that is considered a fact because it's been repeated so often. Unfortunately it's not a fact at all. Other reasons may be valid to choose one over the other but frame strength isn't a valid reason IMO.

 

[dbarale]

C'mon now! Do you seriously think the smaller Ruger can handle "hot rounds" better than a K frame Smith? I'm guessing you are going by what you read and don't own a K frame. Besides, the OP said he will be shooting .38's anyway.

Well, yeah. Here are a couple of pics of a 19 for sale on GB right now:






With that said, I love K frames and I believe that they will take a lot of hot loads with heavier bullets without problems. I would love to own a 2.5" M19 again. The trigger and finish are typically better than a Ruger...
But I still think that a Ruger is more rugged and the SP101 will be a better choice here.

 

[jad0110]

This:

I'd carry the SP101 and keep the 2.5" K-frame oiled up at home.

I wouldn't ditch either one, but if I HAD to sell one, it would be the Ruger. They're dime-a-dozen and easily replaceable. 2.5" Model 19s aren't.