First handgun: Ruger SP101 versus Glock 19

[TestPilot]

Since you say it is your first handgun maybe you haven't got any preconceived notions into the way you grip/shoot a handgun so the supposed poor Glock grip angle won't be of concern.

As a person who hated the Glock grip angle the first time, without having much of a firearms experiene at the time, I disagree. I do not think less than 50 rounds from a 1911 and SIG would be so biasing.

I then later trained without for about 5 years. My skills with a Glock got better, but this "you'll get used to it" never happend, and I only learned to hate it more.

I say the OP should rent one to see how Glock 19 fits.

 

[TestPilot]

I have always been a believer that ones FIRST(1st) handgun should be a revolver.

The manual of arms is simple; ...

There is no reason why someone's first gun should be a revolver unless the person buying a pistol specifically intends to do things that can only be done with a revolver. Security use of a gun definitely is not one of them.

Arguments about self-loaders being hard to learn is false. There is nothing about pistol basics that can only be learned from a revolver.

Using pistols like Glock is just as easy as aim and pulling the trigger, just like any revolvers. Reloading and unloading steps not any more complicated.

Yes, there are malfunction clearing procedures. However, the reason why self-loaders have this extra training material is not because only self-loaders jam. It is because since there is nothing much that can be done about a revolver jam, so the trainers just ignore the issue with a revolver, not because jamming is not an issue with a revolver.

...
it allows for more varied ammunition and it is ultra reliable.
...

Yes, revolver can have more variable in bullet and propelleant types.

However, that is insignificant for a seruciry use of a gun. It is not as if someone winning or losing a gun fight ever depended on how many different bullet weight and bullet types a cylinder held.

...
Although semi auto's are all the rage, and sexy their manual of arms is just a bit more complicated (even a glock) and they will jam (eventually) depending on loads used and the care the weapon is given.

This requires a more dedicated shooter, in my view, as without the training and ability to clear said jam (and depending on WHY you bought the gun in the 1st place) that malfunction could occur at the WORST possible time. This would be catastrophic if it were a SD situation.
...

All guns eventyally jam. Even revolvers. So, arguing against self-loading pistols just because it can happen is a weak argument.

 

[Doug S]

Either is a good gun, and will serve well for the purposes you mention. In your situation I would choose the one that met my individual needs the best. For instance if you want a home defense gun that won't see a lot of range or practice time, then the Ruger would probably be the better choice. If on the other hand, you plan to practice and shoot it often, or if round count is significant in your mind, the Glock might suit your needs a little better. Too much Internet reading will only lead you down the road of purchasing both...I know, because that's what it did for me With that said, as I'm growing older, if I had to choose one or the other as my only gun, I would choose the Ruger.

 

[dickydalton]

I just bought and shot my first SP 101 today. I guess many years of carrying and shooting a 44 Mag mountain revolver may have influenced me. This little gun shoots fine and 357s aren't a bit hard to control. I can hide this one better and will carry it more after I fix up the trigger a bit. I have 45 autos, a GP100, an LCP and several 44 mags and I wouldn't feel in danger with this little gun at all.

 

[gamestalker]

I would much rather have a .357 mag. with full house loads, than a 9mm for encounters with nasty critters.

Other than that, the apples to zucchini comparison doesn't do justice in providing a fair assessment between those two. Both have their positive and negative aspects. The best thing you could do is to spend some time shooting both, that way you can base your decision on what best suits you.

That said, I would go the SP101 route personally.

GS

 

[oldcelt]

I have a Clock 19 and sp101 3 in. bbl 327 fed mag, I carry the 101 more often because I like revolvers, but I don't dislike autos and sometimes I will carry my glock. I trust either one would work for me because they never fail to go bang. Both good guns but the Glock ain't so pretty.