Legendary or Hi-tech wheelguns?

[Walkalong]

It is hard to beat a blued model 14 for pure beauty. All the old Smiths and Colts with their deep blues were things of beauty. That new fangled S&W does look kind of cool in a way, not particularly functional, but cool.

Sans the light and with this non bulky Ultra Dot L/T it would be more functional.

 

[Z_Infidel]

I previously owned both a S&W 1911 and .45ACP revolver with scandium frames. They were both well made guns that performed exactly like they should have IMO. I have replaced them with an all-steel SW1911 and all-steel .45ACP revolver and am much happier. Steel just works better for me because of the heft. Plus, I really prefer the looks of steel guns.

 

[19-3Ben]

Old Fuff- I wasn't doubting the accuracy of pencil barrels. Just remarking that they don't balance or look right to me. Simply subjective. I just like the balance of the heavier barrel like i have on my 19-3.

Cosmoline- I didn't say titanium SP-101. Just a little lighter on one of the hammerless models, so that it could be better for pocket carry. OTOH, i realize that it defeats the "tank" purpose of the SP-101. I wouldn't get one, nor even like the idea. I just figured it's a niche market they haven't tapped. Kinda like a striker-fired high-cap semi-auto.

The other thing Ruger needs to make again is a semi-underlug 6" GP-100.
But at least I saw on their website earlier today that they have brought out the SP101 with crimson trace grips. So perhaps they are learning.

 

[Boats]

The only thing I want Ruger to do is start making the Six line again. A titanium SP101 completely misses the point.

Completely misses the point of what exactly? The SP-101 is not terribly larger than a J-Frame, a Colt DS, or a Charter Undercover, but is heavier. The SP-101 is great for shooting full house magnums, but there is not any reason why it could not also be made in a variant more difficult to shoot punishing loads with but be able to pocket carry the piece far more easily than the all steel model.

Ruger lost money on every Security Six ever made because the design required too much hand fitting. What should they do about reintroducing it profitably?

 

[Cosmoline]

The weight and balance of the SP are the point. It's the smallest size revolver you can still blast out proper magnums with. It was never intended for pocket carry, unless we're talking about the pocket of a big winter coat. When you start making 16 oz pocket magnums you're entering the realm of fun guns for people who aren't serious shooters. Ruger won't go there, and I respect them for that. Their revolvers are still made for shooting.

 

[Old Fuff]

Of all the handgun companies, Ruger had, and probably still has, more experience in fabricating Titanium then any other - not because they built guns out of the stuff, but because of the many other products they made out of this material.

And Bill Ruger Sr. decided that Titanium handguns represented a direction he didn't want to go. He foresaw problems that he didn't want to get into.

The company's culture is such that they don't feel the need to match every competitor's products, model by model. They make what they see as being right for what they do. This of course is going to make some folks unhappy.

Ruger is also one of the few companies left that doesn't have substantial debt - which is to say they don't run on borrowed money. They expand when the feel ready to do so, and can do it out of their own pocket.

They are also not completely focused on handguns because they build rifles and shotguns as well.

Both the GP-100 and SP-101 were designed to do a certain thing, and do it well. I think it’s unlikely we’ll see any radical changes or expansion of material options in either model. But I could be wrong… Bill Sr. is no longer around. Those that knew him will understand what I’m saying.