What to do in .357/.38spl ? Which one in my future?

[RealGun]

Comparing 5 shot J frames is like looking at different options on the same model car. I've owned Model 60s, Model 649s, and Model 36s. Even had a Model 40 Centennial once. The biggest difference between any of them was barrel length. Portability, weight, function, and concealability were pretty much the same.

The S&W 60 Pro is a very different gun, both to handle and to shoot. Like the old 36s, it has a 3" barrel. I don't recall that any other current J frame is that long.

 

[RealGun]

Big edge to the smith because it's not a ruger. I know my experience with ruger was a fluke but it chapped me pretty bad.

Best not to be a complete bigot though, because it could cost you a nice gun experience.

Lately I had a bad experience with the LGS and swore off going to them for a gun again. It wasn't long though until I found them my best option for acquiring a relatively rare 44 Special NMBH, which they had in their show case. I bought the gun and realized that I also had learned how to play them when buying a gun, so it's all good.

 

[PRM]

The big advantage with revolvers is that you can customize grips for the individual, large hands, small hands, personal taste, whatever... I like pre-ban elephant ivory (looks good and drives the PETA folks crazy). As far as the 3 inch VS 2 inch models. I like the looks and feel of the longer barrel, but as far as shooting - not so much difference. If you can shoot, the added/loss of 1 inch to the barrel is not a deal breaker. The extra inch really doesn't matter that much for weight or carry options. It's a little harder to find an ankle holster for a 3 inch, but there are plenty of custom holster makers out there if that's your choice.

RealGun, your correct about barrel length on current production guns. All of mine are pre-lock guns. The last 10 years or so, everything I have bought has been off of Gunbroker or Guns America. The LGS in our area must have an unbelievable overhead. Unless I am buying targets or renting a lane on their range - I don't even bother.

 

[Bullseye]

The poll is pretty steady at 2 to 1 prefer the S&W Model 60 over the Ruger SP101 but I have decided to go back to my roots and go with the Ruger.
Haven't been in .357 land for quite some time and long ago I had a police service six that I shot quite well.
I think this is going to be very similar and I wanted the fixed sites.
The bling of the factory engraving kinda still grabs me, even if it is factory and not hand engraved, I think it is nice and so I have to go with my gut.
If I get a chance to pick up a model 60 later on, that would be my next revolver.
Thanks everyone! I am sure I made the right choice for me.
I just keep going back to that SP101!


LATE EDIT: Bought a SP101 factory engraved tonight

 

[MrBorland]

I'll go ahead and close this one, then.

Congrats, sigsmoker. Enjoy. We'll look forward to the range report.