Backwood options?

[KaceCoyote]

So I find myself in need of a .357 snub of some description, primarily motivated by some encounters with boar around Southern Missouri. I've been eyeballing the SP101 pretty hard for this application, but my firsthand experience with Ruger's wheel guns. Research seems to indicate the SP101 is built like an armored dump truck, but is a tad heavy? What else is out there in roughly the same price range?

 

[hogshead]

Not sure but I think the armored tank Ruger is the GP 100. The SP101 is a lot smaller and to my opinion just right for a 357. YMMV

 

[WNC Seabee]

My 3" SP101 is my "go to" revolver for fishing/hiking. If I'm actually hunting, or feel a need for something bigger, I go with a .44. But that .357 SP101 is one of the last guns I'd ever sell.

 

[222327]

Ruger security Six

 

[bikemutt]

I've noticed a few Smith 327 Night Guard revolvers showing up around here recently. 2.5" barrel with 8 rounds of .357 mag in 28 oz package. I don't think Smith makes these any longer, they will cost more than an SP101 though. I guess that's the price for 3 extra rounds without the pounds. Includes XS front night sight.

 

[Lawdawg45]

So I find myself in need of a .357 snub of some description, primarily motivated by some encounters with boar around Southern Missouri. I've been eyeballing the SP101 pretty hard for this application, but my firsthand experience with Ruger's wheel guns. Research seems to indicate the SP101 is built like an armored dump truck, but is a tad heavy? What else is out there in roughly the same price range?

Do you really want a snubby? A 6 inch barrel will give you a much needed distance advantage with a charging Boar.

LD

 

[WC145]

I picked up a nice used 327NG a few months ago and have been carrying it when working around the property and it's a great field gun. The weight is comfortable, it's easy to carry and doesn't get in the way, quite accurate, and has plenty of firepower.
Yes, a 6" .357 would have a bit more velocity and would be a little easier shooting but the 327NG makes for a much handier carry package.

 

[Guillermo]

people LOVE their SP101s.

I can't speak to a lot of personal experience but they seem to have a strong following and I do not recall anyone complaining about QC.

They are attractive guns and seem to have enough heft to be easy to shoot well.

Again, my experience is limited but were I in your position, I would certainly find a buddy or a gun range so that I could shoot it.

 

[788Ham]

The SP 101 I bought 3 months ago is definitely a keeper! I got the 3" .357 model. Some folks complain about the "clunky weight" of them, I wouldn't want it any lighter. Mine had a gritty DA trigger pull, had an action job done on it, now my best carry gun. With the 3' barrel, it will do you a good job in close quarters, plus isn't a heavy carry on your hip either. Go heft one at a dealer, you'll see its a dandy fire arm.

 

[rcmodel]

Carrying a 4" gun openly in the woods is no harder then carrying a 2" gun, if you use the right holster & belt.

If being attacked by an irate hog is high on your list of things to worry about?

I'd go with at least a 6-shot 4" .357, and a good belt and holster, for too many reasons to list.

Well O.K., I'll list a few.
Better accuracy.
Better velocity & power.
Better control for fast follow-up shots.
Less flash & blast in dim woods light.
One more round in the cylinder.

rc

 

[BBQLS1]

They are probably the best choice for what you are looking for unless you want to go to a bigger bore gun. They will shoot most any load you could want, they are relatively light (compared to 6 shot revolvers), they are built like an armored dump truck.

People say they are heavy because they compare them to a J-Frame sized (5 shot) .357 Mag. In this respect, they are the heaviest of the bunch, but they aren't heavy like a GP100 or M28.

 

[Texan Scott]

if the piggy's already charging (or close enough to consider it), the 'distance advantage' is already going, going, gone. If you needed a dedicated woods gun, a 6 inch 6 shot would be the way to go. but if, as i suspect, you just need a gun you can carry concealed as well, and have SOMETHING that launches .357, i don't think you could be WRONG with an sp101. it's a compact launch platform, it weighs 3 or 4 ounces more than a comparable taurus, and if you ever NEED to bang out 5 158-gr softpoints rapid fire, that won't be a bad thing.
go for it.

 

[David E]

Having a gun with you means little if you cannot hit with it. Shorter barreled lightweight guns are more difficult to shoot well.

Consider the SP-101 with 4" barrel or a 4" Security Six

 

[Guillermo]

Shorter barreled lightweight guns are more difficult to shoot well

David E was precise in his verbiage. Short barreled guns are more difficult to shoot, but the issue is the shooter. The gun is almost always more accurate than the shooter. (is with me)

Bob Mundon rings the gong with a J frame at 200 yards and I am not willing, even on the run, to let David E shoot at me with a snubby at 100 yards.
If you decide to carry a short barrel you should make sure that you can hit fast at a reasonable distance. And reasonable trail distance is a lot farther than others.

Be well and have fun picking out your gun.

 

[skeeziks]

Not a Good first choice....

The SP101 wouldn't be my first choice for your purposes. I'd go with something bigger (think 44 mag., 45 Colt.) If you're stuck on 357 mag., then you should do as others here have already suggested and carry a bigger and longer barreled revolver.

and I do not recall anyone complaining about QC.

Well...you're hearing your first one now. ~

 

[Guillermo]

you're hearing your first one now

please pontificate

 

[skeeziks]

please pontificate

Sure, no problem.... Rugers QC SUCKS!

 

[Guillermo]

Thanks

That is everything there is to know

 

[beag_nut]

My SP101, with 4" barrel and adjustable sights, is THE woods back-up gun.

 

[336A]

To quote Clint Smith, “Carrying a gun is not supposed to be comfortable; it’s supposed to be comforting."

Since the application for this revolver is a woods gun, I wouldn't want a snub nosed anything for all the reasons cited above. I carry a Ruger 4 5/8" .41 mag Blackhawk while in the woods and have yet to find it to heavy. However I do use a good quality holster and belt which helps. The 4 5/8" barrel is great for walking about where as the longer tube may be a bit to much. Caliber wise it might be a good idea to consider a larger caliber.

 

[bikemutt]

Since the application for this revolver is a woods gun, I wouldn't want a snub nosed anything for all the reasons cited above.

What is the official definition of a snub nose in terms of barrel length? I always figured it was 2" or less.

 

[Hondo 60]

What else is out there you ask?
From a durability stand point? Nothing.

If all you're looking for is a lighter weapon, a S&W Model 60 would fit the bill.
While I like the looks of it, it isn't going to stand the test of time or the test of heavy loads like an SP101.

Other Ruger models will work as well, but they're bigger & most likely heavier.
(GP-100, Blackhawk, Redhawk, & older models like Security, Service or Speed sixes)
On second thought, maybe a short barreled, round butted Speed Six might be lighter)

 

[KaceCoyote]

I get into the back country via dirt bike, and that means my options for how I carry the thing are somewhat limited. I already own a 4" .357 wheel gun, if I could get away with packing that thing I absolutely would. Its important that the piece is very compact.

I do need to pack the thing both in my riding gear and presumably around camp, where maybe I'll want to open carry maybe I wont. I want a highly durable firearm chambered in a significant caliber, which is sufficiently compact so as to allow me the widest possible range of carry options. If I carry something bigger, its going to be off body carry in something like a tank bag. That's no good as if I park the bike (much less crash it) or have to go pay for gas ect the gun gets left behind. I wear a full set of riding gear, which means I've got all sorts of complications when it comes to carry.

As to the pigs in question, none of the hogs I've run into thus far have been over 80 pounds or so. I do hunt piggies on occasion and I am entirely aware of just how durable they are. That said, a .357 snub which I've got on my person is always going to be more useful than the .44 I left on the bike right?


Compact, Durable and sufficiently powerful.

 

[FMF Doc]

If you want to stay in that price range and stay with a smaller framed .357 they the SP101 is really the best option. I would try to find a 3"bbl. From personal experiance, I would want something bigger than .357 for pig defense. I would go with .44mag. A nice used ruger Redhawk with 4.2" bbl in .44mag would be just the ticket. And if you get a nice lever in the same caliber...you have one of the best hunting/defense combos out there.

 

[murf]

ruger blackhawk 45 long colt w/ 4.625" barrel. weighs 36 oz. empty. put it in a 1941 tanker holster (rides in the center of your chest).

murf