Help me choose

[Andy79]

OK guys I hope you aren't getting annoyed with all my questions yet

If you were going to choose one of these guns to carry which one would it be and why:

- S&W Model 60/ladysmith
- S&W Model 640
- Ruger SP101 (2 1/4")

Thank you!!

 

[Dirtypacman]

I would go with the 640 cause I am a S&W guy. Great gun for carry.

 

[moph759fl]

None of the above because I carry a Taurus Model 605, all Titanium, .357MAG snub. The 3C's: Cost, Caliber, Concealment.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

The Ruger can actually be shot with some degree of accuracy. Also, its weight and more hand-filling grip make it more pleasant to shoot with all but the most fire-breathing magnums.

 

[ronto]

If you want to show it off to your friends...Get a Colt.
If you want to sip tea with one hand and shoot with the other...Get a S&W.
If your own stock in FedEx or UPS...Get a Taurus.
If you are going to Hell and plan on getting back...Get a Ruger.

I carry the 357 Magnum 2 1/4" DAO SP101 in a Mika pocket holster all day...Not too heavy for pocket carry and heavy enough to make firing full-house 357's manageable...And no internal trigger lock.

 

[Water-Man]

Get the Ruger!

 

[Drgong]

I had the same question, and I come up with the Ruger SP101 as my carry gun for these reasions.

Both S&W and Ruger are good guns, I chose the Ruger for a number of reasons, but the best would be to find a place that rents all three and shot all three, and find the one that you like best.

 

[Rexster]

I already did choose the SP101, three times thus far, to be specific. Two were customized by Jack Weigand, when he was still doing custom 'smithing. The third is one I purchased because I wanted one with a hammer spur, to carry occasionally in a horizontal shoulder rig, and to try some longer-range single-action plinking. I do have a couple of J-frames, but almost never need something that small. I carry an SP101 at work for back-up, and on my own time often carry two of them, if I am not toting my duty pistol.

I have found that the SP101 has enough size and mass to handle more like a duty/service handgun than a pocket pistol, yet to be almost as concealable as a J-frame. Yes, the SP101 is a bit heavier, but I like a bit of heft in a serious weapon.

 

[cerberus65]

S&W 60

I'm a Smith revolver guy (Ruger triggers are widely held to be not as good) and I don't like DAO (rules out the 640).

Many, though, will prefer the 640 since there's nothing to snag.

 

[Shade00]

All are good choices. The S&Ws are going to cost you probably 20-25% more. Is that worth it? I wouldn't do it if we were talking about a version with an internal lock, despite how much I like the Model 60 with the 3" barrel. Still, I think I would save the dough and buy an SP-101.

 

[S&Wfreak]

I carry a 640-1 with factory bannana grips. My choice by far

 

[C/O]

I just got a SP101 and I love it. The SP is not a pocket gun, but it carries well in a IWB. The extra weight helps handle recoil.

 

[ceadermtnboy]

The ruger is a better gun out of the three and less money to boot. Whats holding you up, prices are not going down!

 

[Andy79]

With your help I have made my decision.

Thank you!

 

[Gary A]

My choice is the SP101. In a dedicated .38 Special, though, I am a big fan of the Model 60, Ladysmith or otherwise. Personally not as keen on the .357 640s, though I really liked the older .38 versions.

 

[Steve C]

For a medium size to large person to be carried concealed the Ruger is a very sturdy pistol and isn't too heavy if carried in a good holster either IWB or OWB.

For a smaller person, woman carrying in a purse, or ankle carry the lighter weight S&W would be a better choice.

 

[XDShooter07]

I'd get the sp101 with a bobbed hammer and put some smaller wooden grips on it. I like the 640 but when going to slightly longer barrel in a snub I like the sp101 better.

 

[Dirtypacman]

Andy79

With your help I have made my decision.

Thank you!

And that decision would be?

 

[Evyl Robot]

And that decision would be?

+1 Whadja get? (I was going to say to get one of each, which is becoming my standard answer to such questions...)

--Michael

 

[Andy79]

I actually would love buy all three, I can already see this gun thing getting very addictive

I am going to go with the Ruger.

 

[Evyl Robot]

Any of the three would be an excellent choice. My wife wound up with the 640, but we're S&W nuts! OBTW - we should get some holster pics to you before too long. We've been pretty busy as usual...

--Michael

 

[Andy79]

Evyl Robot - That would be cool, thanks

Yeah it was a hard choice but I figure my next gun will be a S&W.

Now I just have to decide on the laser option and hammer, Oh so many decisions! LOL

 

[BigBlock]

Very good choice.

 

[Catherine]

I like the S&W Model 60 and the Ruger SP101.

I love Ruger and Smith and Wesson products along with several other firearm companies.

Congrats on your choice.

May she serve you well.

Stay safe and as they say, "Shoot straight and watch your 'six'."

Six = back or look behind you.

Catherine

 

[Drgong]

Best of luck with the gun, and hope that it serves you well, make sure to show us photos and range reports after you get it..