New gun -- and next purchase questions

[Mastrogiacomo]

Just bought the Ruger GP100 -- for my Dad, but wanted to keep the blue 3" for myself. Still, I gave to him and he was very happy with the revolver. I'd like to maybe pick up a SP101 in 2 1/4." What's everyone's opinion on SP?

Someone on the Beretta forum recommendated a S&W 37 as it's "like the model 60." I don't know. I had a 442 and sold it. Would the 37 be a better choice or just as bad?

 

[pezo]

I have the 2 1/4 inch sp, bobbed hammer. I like it. recoil seems fine to me even with magnums. not super accurate beyond 20 feet with magnums. but Im still experimenting with loads. This is not a range gun but more of an up close and personal type weapon.

 

[yesterdaysyouth]

and i thought i bought alot of guns....

i really can't warm up to the ruger cylinder release myself. you could probally pick up an older j frame cheaper, but i'd make real sure it was up to par first..

the 37 has been made since 1957, it was the chief's special airweight before that, so finding a good used one shouldn't be that hard... but a 36 will be even easier...

 

[Mastrogiacomo]

I don't have a problem with the cylinder release and it's the first time my father has been able to use it without help. That's why it's his defense gun. I think it's beautiful myself and I can see getting a GP down the road. For now, just thinking about what I should get next.

 

[P95Carry]

I'll add my vote for the 2 1/4 SP Mastro ..... and if CT's added, it's even better. True, it ain't the smoothest action on the block but over time it does improve.

I like the SP - for feel and handling but then, I like ''substance'' = weight. Not keen on light weights at all. You have probably seen this pic more than once but - here it is again!

 

[Mastrogiacomo]

I like a gun with heft myself. I used to have the 442 but I'm not sure if I want to take the dive into buying another 15 oz gun. Who knows? It just didn't feel good with the 442 so I hesistate with the 37.

I think the trigger on the GP is wonderful as is. I can't imagine the SP would be much different. I'm sure it'll be fun breaking it in at the range.

 

[yesterdaysyouth]

what about the 60??

 

[one45auto]

The desire for an SP101 is like the common cold - you generally catch it from somebody else. I bought my own ten years ago, shortly after a relative purchased thiers, and I still have it today. The only circumstances under which I'd part with it would be to send it to Ruger for a 3 1/16 inch barrel. Speaking of which, if only they'd offered a four-inch barrel I'd never have bought a GP100.

 

[DHart]

Nice gun, nice pic Chris!

Mas... The SP is a wonderful little blaster. I have the 3"er and it's my "grab it" gun when I want to take some power and not worry about dings, scratches, whatever... toss it in the glove box, under the seat, tackle box... great, reliable, potent gun that you don't have to worry about keeping really "nice" as you might want to do with some other models. (Not that I don't take excellent care with mine... I just don't worry about it either.) But this gun is no good as a pocket gun... too big, too heavy, too "catchy".

Do you want a lightweight or a solid weight? Exposed hammer, bobbed hammer, or internal hammer? .38 spl +P or .357? Lots of options to consider.

That said, for me, I would prefer a S&W 640 for a small concealed carry .357 (internal hammer, solid weight) and already have a 642 for small, light weight .38 spl +P. I've wanted a 640 for a very long time and will have to get one someday!

I think when you get down to true pocket size revolvers, the internal hammer configuration (642, 640) is the best choice. Slick profile for no-snag pulls, always DA for consistent drills with it, and can be fired through a coat pocket if necessary. .38 +P is ok in a lightweight (642), but for .357 I would choose the solid weight (640) over the light weights.

The heavier-duty SP isn't quite there, though the bobbed hammer model gets close.

 

[BluesBear]

a S&W 37 as it's "like the model 60." I don't know. I had a 442 and sold it. Would the 37 be a better choice or just as bad?

Depends on your definition of good and bad.

The Model 60 "Chief's Special Stainless" was originally a stainless steel version of the carbon steel Model 36 "Chief's Special". Both were chambered for .38 Special.
Later the Model 60 was revamped using the slightly larger J-Magnum frame and then chambered for .38 Special +P and .357 magnum.

The Model 37 was called the "Chief's Special Airweight". I was only ever made in .38 Special and had a carbon steel cylinder and barrel on a aluminum frame.

The 442 was the Airweight version of the double action only, totally concealed hammer "Centennial". Which had originally been called the Model 42.


The Model 60 (if it is an original one) and the Model 37 will be the exact same size. The 442 will be close but with a different profile.

The Model 37 and the Model 442 will be about the same weight. (less than the Model 60)

Most holsters made for one will also fit the other two just as well.



Have I confused you enought yet?




Oh yeah. That nice Ruger P95Carry pictured will be just a teensy bit bigger than a model 60 but will be a good bit stronger.

 

[Cool Hand Luke 22:36]

I have the 2.25" SP-101 with bobbed hammer.

It's very accurate, suprisingly so from a bench test.

The trigger isn't the best out of the box, but smooths up with dry firing and general use.

If I had it to do over again I might get the 3" model.

It's definitey too heavy for a pants pocket gun like a J frame. Perfect for a coat pocket though.

 

[Ala Dan]

First, let me say I concur with my friend Blues Bear; as he definitely
knows his S&W's.

OTOH, I very much like the Ruger SP-101. Its a bit heavy mind you; but
that aids in the recoil of heavy .357 magnum loads. The way I see it, we
are speaking about two guns with entirely different purposes. Think about
this, I know of very few females who would want to lug around a Ruger
SP-101 all day long in a purse or tote bag! We are talking about the ole'
housewife type women here; not your professional police officer types.
But, given the same exact women I'd say close to 99% of those women
gun toter's would gladly carry a S&W model 37 or its variants. At only
a fraction of the Ruger SP-101's weight, the model 37 would make an
excellent choice.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[Stainz]

Of course, the latest S&W 60, like the one my pusher received last month, has some nice wood stocks. You'll need deep pockets to both pay for it first, and to carry it in second... it has a five inch barrel! Weird combo... .357 Magnum, enhanced J-frame, boot grips, and a long barrel!

I'll repeat my vote for the 642 with slightly larger Hoque grips. The 642 goes for $339-$359 locally, the grips ~$18. Stoke it with the 158gr +P LHPSWC's or the new 135gr +P Gold Dots and you'll have all of the 2-legged protection you'll need, indoors or out. My preference runs a bit larger - I was fortunate enough to get one of CDNN's 2" 10'S 9/03 FOR $280 brand new - actually less than used two inchers run locally. The used 4" 10's are the best value for home protection - $200 up. The 2" 10 weighs over twice what the 642 does - but absorbs the recoil much better and, it holds six. The 10's are nostalgic - offshoots of the original M&P's.

Another six-shooter is the .32 Magnum SP-101 - in both 3" & 4". The light recoiling .32 H&R Magnum can nearly equal +P .38 Special levels, although it's ammo is both less available and more costly.

Stainz

 

[Mastrogiacomo]

I generally tend to prefer a gun with a little weight to it. The 442 was a big turn off but it's hard to say if it might not have been compounded by the DAO. Maybe that's just not a gun for me?

The 60 is still something I like, but with a hammer and probably true of the SP101. So many guns, so little money....

My father's loving the GP -- I'm tempted to get this same model and finish for myself.

 

[DHart]

Mas... is this the blue 3" GP you're referring to?

I agree with you... these are fantastic revos and don't really feel like "big" guns. 6-rounds, fairly concealable, .357 power, comfortable to shoot potent loads with, not terribly heavy (though not light by any means). If the weight is OK for you, this is a very fine choice. They're much nicer than the SP's for shooting comfort and capacity if you don't mind the larger size. And I find I'm able to shoot a fair bit more accurately with my 3" GP's than I'm able to with the smaller and lighter SP. That's probably due to the much nicer feeling action in the GPs than the SPs have. This is certainly no pocket revo, but they're mighty fine carry guns and house guns too, for that matter.

Best thing you can do with a new GP is go one grade lighter with the hammer spring and the trigger return spring... you'll be amazed at how much nicer the action becomes right away... and over time with shooting and or some internal parts polishing, the action can be very smooth!

Only downside to the blue finish is that they're relatively unforgiving of dings and scratches... not easily "touched up". In stainless you can easily touch up or refinish the entire gun on your own no sweat, as I have with this one and a 686 2.5" I recently bought:

You might still want a pocket revo at some point, but these 3" GP's are very versatile guns indeed.

 

[Mastrogiacomo]

That is the gun I bought for my father and it's sweet so I probably won't need to do anything. I'm not worried about the finish as it's for home and range but yes, I was surprised by the nice balance of the gun and that I could easily carry this if I wanted. three inches is a nice length for a revolver and this one seems nicely fitted to the grip.

 

[Mastrogiacomo]

Dhart

I'd be interested in seeing your 686 snubbie when you get a pic. I plan to buy one of the 686+ versions, and maybe the standard one too. I think they're a sweet gun but I'll probably get a couple more Rugers first.

 

[DHart]

Mas, I've got a lot of nice revos, but this one has almost instantly become my default around the house gun... just a superb revolver in every way and I really love having that 7th round on tap... just in case! ;-)= To my mind, wheelguns just don't get any better than this.

 

[BluesBear]

Mastrogiacomo,

If you want to get one of those 3" blued Rugers like you got for your Dad, you'd better hurry.
As of 7:30 Pacific time today Davidsons only has 35 left.

 

[DHart]

When I bought mine (from Davidsons) in Nov/Dec, I believe they had about 40-45 of them on hand. So at this rate, their stock should hold for a few more months. But if one really wants one of these, BluesBear's advice is good act now. I had to return for exchange the first one I received because the bluing had milky spots in it (subtle flaws to be sure, but they were there.) Davidsons was true to their warranty and they immediately replaced it with another one.

If you wait until their stock is nearly gone and then buy one, they may not have anything left as replacement stock and you would be stuck with a repair vs. a replacement should there be any issues with the gun.

 

[Mastrogiacomo]

I'll see how it goes. I have a 686 4" but I'd dearly love a snubby. I know they're heavy but they're beautiful guns. If Davidson runs out of the blue GP, I'll just get the stainless. If it's meant to be, I'll have one. If not, at least my father does.

 

[beaverislander]

DHart

Hey DHart,
Those are excellent pics! Did you take them yourself?

 

[DHart]

beaverisland...yes... been earning my living with cameras for a long time...