Which .357 Mag.

[CPLofMARINES]

I'm looking at a SP-101 and a Model 60. I own a few Rugers, so I know
about their strength, but I like the feel of the Smith's action. The 60 is $180
more, that's almost 500 rds. of target loads, but I know.
What should I do??

Thanks for any advice!!

Semper Fi

 

[buck460XVR]

My guess is the Ruger guys will tell you to get the Ruger and the Smith guys will tell you to get a Smith.

Me........... I think from reading your post, that you have answered your own question.

 

[Old Shooter]

If it's just for the range, get the Ruger.

If it's going to be carried as part of your ccw, I'd prefer the Smith.

Both good guns, your choice.

 

[Confederate]

Placed side by side, I'd pick a Smith & Wesson.

But S&W is cutting too many corners, and do you know how many are passed to you the consumer? Close your eyes. What do you see?

That's right. Not only are Rugers stronger, they're built for the .357. The Model 60 was built for the .38 Spc. and beefed up to take the .357. Of course you'll be carrying it more than shooting it, but still....

The answer is self evident. Spend the $180 on something that's worth it. Ruger actions smooth out very quickly and the guns have a HUGE following.

A third option is buying a good S&W 66 or a Ruger Security-Six. Both are great, and they can be stoked with 6 rounds each.




This Security-Six is so easy to carry it'll bring tears to
your eyes. Plus it's as strong as a brick outhouse.




The S&W 66.

.

 

[sourdough44]

I was in the same boat recently, sp-101 or model 60 in a 3". I ended up going with a slightly used model 60 for about the price of a new sp-101($500). I wanted to fill that gap between the J frames & larger revolvers. No matter what size 357 I have I mostly shoot 38s in it. It will be the same with this model 60. I like Rugers but I wouldn't trade even up my slightly used 60 for a new sp-101.

 

[scrod008]

I had the same situation, I bought em both!

 

[Rexster]

I like both Rugers and S&Ws, but for shooting .357 Magnums, well, that is a job for a Ruger SP101, not an S&W J-frame, IMHO.

As for the action smoothness, cherry-pick your SP101. I bought one fairly recently that puts the average currently-made J-frames to shame. Another I bought more recently was as good, except for one little hitch near the end of the DA stroke, and that went away when I dropped a factory spurless hammer into it. Keep in mind that Rugers will improve notably after a bit of dry fire.

 

[Steve 48]

Get the Smith. It's value will increase more.

 

[pakmcc]

Find a smith model 28 and your fixed for life. But they are a little hard to conceal. even with a 2 inch barrel.

 

[CPLofMARINES]

scrod008, I like your logic, but I'm married. Our anniversary is coming up
so maybe that will be an outlet.


Semper Fi!!

 

[ThePunisher'sArmory]

Both are good guns, but i like your thinking......get the ruger and 500 rounds ;->

 

[Blue Brick]

+1 Ruger

 

[joneb]

I would get a S&W J frame made prior to 2000 in 38spl +p rated or I would get a Ruger SP101 chambered for .357 magnum.