Completely torn about which revolver I should get

[David E]

(The SP-101 weighs) 26 oz really does not seem all that bad to me.

And what do you get for that? A gun that only holds FIVE shots and is difficult to shoot quickly with accuracy and is slow to reload, etc.

I said it's "heavy for the size" which is true. I don't mind the weight, in and of itself, but there are other guns that weigh the same, or LESS, that are easier to carry, easier to shoot, faster to reload and hold more rounds, both in the gun and in the reload.

If that's your choice, great, but I think there are better carry guns out there.

 

[Guillermo]

I think there are better carry guns out there

Could not agree more

 

[SwampWolf]

Hard to make any sensible recommendation without knowing what/how you plan on using the revolver.

 

[Nushif]

I'd go with the Colt, too. But that's just because as much as I see the merit of it, the SP101 doesn't feel comfy for me.
Can't go wrong with any of 'em, really.

 

[rd2007]

The SP101 handles .357 Magnums like butter. I really wouldn't say there is anything "small" about it.
Well, sitting next to my new 629, there is a little something to say, but that sorta goes without saying

 

[kenno]

I was a Colt fanatic for decades but Smith has the better trigger, out of the box Smith is better ergonomicaly

 

[gbw]

Hard to make any sensible recommendation without knowing what/how you plan on using the revolver.

Exactly. Assume all are equally reliable, which seems fair.

If it's mainly for carry then weight/bulk are most important and the J would seem the best choice. It's the one you're most likely to have when you need it since it's the easiest to carry. Practice with low-powered .38s and the gun will last just fine.

If it's to be a range gun with many many full power or magnum shots fired, the the Smith or Colt may not hold up as well as the Ruger.

If it's for a collection, or mainly for carry and collectibility is a factor, then the Colt.

 

[Stainz]

If this is for a legal CCW, and you have ~$450, get a new 642/442. You'll have an easily pocketed and proven performer - with a lifetime warranty accessible via an 800# call.

If you want a 'shooter', ie, a plinker - get a 4" K frame - like a 64 or 67. It will take +P's and can double as a house gun. If you want something to 'collect' - and that Colt was really nice - I'd just 'Pony up', so to speak. Put it in a safe - or display case - don't buy ammo for it. The other two suggestions can be shot as much as you can afford. Good luck!

Stainz

 

[Barr]

As others have said it depends on application.

If you plan to get one to shoot a lot, do not care about resale/collector value, and want a car gun I would get the Ruger. They have great warranty/customer service.

If you want a carry gun with an extra round with collector value get the Colt.

If you want one of the best guns to tinker with, have collector value, and want to carry a lot I would get the Smith. They also have one of the best customer service departments available.

 

[savit260]

If this is for a legal CCW, and you have ~$450, get a new 642/442. You'll have an easily pocketed and proven performer - with a lifetime warranty accessible via an 800# call.

If you want a 'shooter', ie, a plinker - get a 4" K frame - like a 64 or 67. It will take +P's and can double as a house gun. If you want something to 'collect' - and that Colt was really nice - I'd just 'Pony up', so to speak. Put it in a safe - or display case - don't buy ammo for it. The other two suggestions can be shot as much as you can afford. Good luck!


.
Stainz

Good advice withe the exception of the part about the Colts.

The 642 is always going to be a reasonable choice for this class of revolver, but to say "Don't buy ammo" for the Colt is absurd.

I have one Colt D/A revolver in my carry line up that's well over 80 years old, has fired thousands of rounds in my hands, and who know how many before me.

I have a Cobra from the mid 70's on my hip now (or sometimes in my pocket), and it's even loaded with (GASP) +P's!!

There's no reason not to shoot a Colt that's in good mechanical condition.

One other advantage of the Colt is the 6th round in a package that's only a whisker bigger than a J frame. Speaking only for myself, I find the D and I/E frame Colts point much better than their counterparts from Springfield.

Here's mine.

 

[Guillermo]

but to say "Don't buy ammo" for the Colt is absurd.

of course it is absurd. While it was not written that way it was a joke. Don't know if it was intended to be one or not, but it was.

 

[pmeisel]

Tastes great, less filling. I'd go with the Colt. But you really can't go wrong here.

 

[oldfool]

Colt detective lightweight with exposed ejector, j frame, and ruger sp101.

well, if you have to struggle with such a choice, the good new is that they are all great choices !

me, I put put DA trigger 1st on my list of considerations of any DA revolver
if that is (for you), the Colt... never was anything wrong with ponies