I don't know which to get...

[Inebriated]

All things being equal (steel-framed, 2" barreled, .357 Magnum revolvers), which would be the most reliable? I want to know if anyone's had issues with either of the ones listed, and what they'd recommend. Don't say Smith because it's a Smith, or to avoid the Charter Arms because it's a Charter Arms. I just want to know which ones have experienced issues or years of flawlessness.

1) Smith & Wesson Model 60
2) Taurus Model 605
3) Charter Arms Pug
4) Ruger SP101

Input is appreciated!

 

[Doubting Thomas]

My daughter and DIL both have SP-101 .357 3" guns. , both like them. Just got done doing an action job in the latter one (Wilson springs). The Rugers are stout little guns but tend to be rough inside. With a little work, however, they are nice guns and basically bombproof.

I have a S&W M60-4 3" which I like very much; very well made with a great DA and very accurate. I prefer it to the Ruger (better sights) and it too will last a lifetime. It's NOT for sale.

I wouldn't take a Taurus or Charter on a bet. "Bargain guns" aren't.

 

[JackCrow]

I have a Taurus 605 that I bought about 15 years ago and have fed it a steady diet of 38 spl +p and 357 mag and it is still going strong, not a single problem.

I have not owned a Ruger SP101 (yet) but I have handled and fired enough to know you can't go wrong with one. And heck when you run out of ammo you can use it to pistolwhip any survivors to death!

 

[357 Terms]

Kinda depends, you want adjustable sights? (good ones) go with the Smith. If (good) adj sights are not a priority than the sp101 is great, I love mine.

 

[Lawdawg45]

"which would be the most reliable?"

Any of the 4 would be OK for "occasional" use, but for long term reliability and great customer service, the Ruger or S&W would win hands down.

LD45

 

[MachIVshooter]

Most reliable? I don't think any of them with have a reliability issue.

There is definitely a quality difference, with S&W on top, followed by the Ruger, with Charter and Taurus tied for third.

I personally would pay the extra for the S&W over the Ruger.

On the budget end, I'd buy the Charter over the Taurus, no question. Similar fit & finish, but the Charter is U.S. made and will actually stand behind their warranty. I have a .44 Bulldog Pug on order (well, a labor trade. I'll get it when he can afford his parts and I complete the work)

 

[oldfool]

own both the older model S&W60 and the older model SP101
love 'em both, zero issues, but the Smith has the better trigger
(hey, I am an older model myself)

If I were looking for another shortie of current manufacture, I would go with the Taurus 85 series, and stick with 38/38+P (in any shortie)

 

[wheelgunslinger]

Smith.
Go find yourself a bargain on a used model, if money is a problem.

 

[Inebriated]

Thanks for the input guys! Looking like it's going to be a Smith or Ruger. TO THE FUN STORE!

 

[DFM914]

Ruger SP101...there is no contest.

 

[MachIVshooter]

Ruger SP101...there is no contest.

If you want the heaviest and largest of the four with the worst trigger and the most sharp edges, then no, no contest.

 

[357 Terms]

I love the way my sp101 trigger "stages" it's DAO so I guess I have to. Something nice about being able to stop that hammer back right before it releases. Click...Click hold BOOM!

 

[hardluk1]

Don't forget old dan wesson's. Strong and very accurate.
DW or ruger
then sw and taurus- older used. All the older guns are probably better than new current.

 

[gamestalker]

For reliability, accuracy, and strength I would pick a SP101. Second to that would be the Taurus. I love S&W's, but the new stuff isn't impressing me at all regarding workmanship, to be frank. If you bumped into a model 19 or 66 in great condition,I would say yes to that as well.
If I remember right you mentioned the Charter Arms. The origianl owner's have just recently reaquired the company within the last couple years. They claim to have recognized and solved much needed quality control and design issues, that were apparently pretty serious, from what the new owner has publicly revealed. I've picked up quite a few since the restructuring of the company took place and have ot say they feel pretty clean. But I personally think I would give them some time to re-establish their product line.

 

[Inebriated]

Yeah, I've been hearing that Charter Arms is getting better lately, but I threw them up just for thoughts. I don't think I'll be going with one. I am most likely going for a Smith or Ruger, depending on the deal I can find. They both seem solid enough.