Which of these .357 Mags would you buy?

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Josh45

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I had gone to my LGS not to long ago to look at some revolvers. I was looking at new and used. What caught my attention were,

Used Security Six Blued $325.00+ tax = $370
New SP101 Stainless $475.00 + tax = $508
New GP 100 Stainless $475.00 + tax = $508
New S&W 19-3 .38 350-425? I dont remember...


The GP100 was a '4 BBL and the SP101 was the '2 BBL.
The Security Six, I cant recall the barrel length. I think it was '2.

The Security Six seemed to be in decent shape. The barrel spun freely and locked up nice. No wobble. It didnt really have much wear on it, But then again, I really didn't do a thorough go-over.

The SP101 and the GP100 felt fantastic as did the Security Six in my hand. I can see either one of them for use. I would like to use one as a carry. I know its harder to deal with a revolver for carry but wouldn't mind.

Im looking online for prices and they are cheaper by about 40-50 bucks. Not really that much. I cant seem to find much info on the Security Six price wise unless Im looking on Gun Broker or of the sort.

My question is, What do you think of the prices? For ~50, I figured just buy it local. 50 bucks then again could buy me some ammo! :rolleyes:

I think this has been beat to death already but Im comparing these 4 against one another and would really appreciate any input

The only reason, I didnt mention much of the 19-3 is because I just looked at it. Didnt ask to see it.

I want the .357 because I know I can use .38 in it as well. Im not aware if vice versa is true and doubt it.

Anyways, Opinions? The weight of the gp100 or the sp101 were pretty good. Not much real difference. I really don't mind if it is 5 or 6 rounds. I prefer hammer....which what they was. I don't really want DAO but am open to ideas.

The guns use would be for

Carry ( It can be done, I know it. Lotta people have! ) Even with the bigger barell

Target practice and Plinking. In no paticular order.....Im guessing the 4 bbl would be better suited for something like this?

For those who are fans and die hards of the revolver, Any input would be great!
 
I've been wanting to get a GP100 4" or 6" stainless. Its on my list!! I like Ruger products even if some don't like Bill's politicn'. Don't have to worry about that no more......sorry I digress.
 
I would check out the 19-3! If well-preserved, at that price, it is irreplaceable; not made anymore, but a very relevant sixgun. If the 19-3 is rough, well, then, either Ruger would do. It depends on whether concealment is considered important. An SP101 is relatively easy to conceal, but a guy has to dress around a GP100.

The 19-3 was normally made in .357 Magnum, not .38 Special.

I own examples of all three weapons, and all have their roles in my lifestyle.
 
Its alright. But I would really like to know as to why would you choose it over the others? I mean, Dont get me wrong, Its a beautiful piece. I wouldnt mind owning them all! But as of right now, I can afford one and this would be my first revolver. EVER.

So.....Fill me in?
 
Oops, forgot the Security Six! This is a nice work-horse of a revolver, filling the same role as a GP100, but a bit lighter to carry. The GP100 original-style, pre-Hogue factory grip mitigates recoil better in my hand than anything I have found to try on the old Sixes. YHMV. (Your hands may vary.)
 
Josh45 said:
Its alright. But I would really like to know as to why would you choose it over the others? I mean, Dont get me wrong, Its a beautiful piece. I wouldnt mind owning them all! But as of right now, I can afford one and this would be my first revolver. EVER.

So.....Fill me in?
Click to expand...
The S&W Model 19 is a really good, more like excellent, perfect balance of portability and shoot-ability. When developed in the 1950s, no other .357 revolver was as small and light. Until the Model 19, carrying a .357 Magnum meant carrying a heavy S&W N-frame, or a large-framed revolver made by a competitor. The Model 19 was built on the same K-frame as the classic Model 10 and 15 .38 Specials, a Perfect Packin' Pistol.

Obviously, the SP101 and other small-framed magnums are made today, due to advances in
metallurgy.

I am not saying a Model 19 is necessarily best for a beginner, but it would be my choice.
 
Im liking the Security Six because I know I have heard quite a bit about it. As well as the others.

As far as the 19-3 goes, I just glanced over it and think its a .38. I could be wrong about this.

I really would like to carry one. But it is not THAT IMPORTANT. Just would like to be able to.

This is a bit hard on the decision. As well, Would you guys go for the online price? Or just go ahead and grab it from the LGS?
 
I forgot to mention this, When I had looked thru the cylinder of the Security Six, I notice all the cylinders had some kind of lines in them. I know this is from use but how bad is it when its very noticeable?
 
Not sure about your line question...

But I can talk about the SP101 2.25inch. IMO and for my needs this is a do-it-all gun. I use it for concealed carry at times (I usually use the lcp, but you can carry this gun easily) with a SimplyRugged pancake holster, plinking, hiking/camping, and of course as my nightstand gun.

It really does depend on what your going to use it for mostly, but I think this gun covers all areas well. It will handle 357's nicely, and I can hit paper plates at 25 yards every time, so that makes the GP a non necessary gun to have for me.

Good luck! Oh and the price is good, I paid $500 + tax for mine a while back.
 
Josh45 said:
I forgot to mention this, When I had looked thru the cylinder of the Security Six, I notice all the cylinders had some kind of lines in them. I know this is from use but how bad is it when its very noticeable?
Click to expand...

I assume that you mean that when you looked through each chamber in the cylinder that you saw a change in 'texture' at the outbound end. This is normal - the chamber slims down to the bullet width from the case width. At worst if it was really dirty from a lot of .38 spl it might need some cleaning.
 
The Six series will fill most of your needs. For range and carry it is a compromise without compromising.
 
I would buy the S&W Model 19-3. S&W started making the 19-3 in around 1967, I believe. You said that it looked new. For the prices you quoted, it would be a good deal. Good luck on your choice.
 
How are you paying $45 tax on $325, yet paying only $33 on $475?
Sorry, that just jumped out at me, had to ask. Anyway,I have both an SP101 and a GP100, and love them both,and have a couple semi-older Smiths, that I'm very happy with,as well, yet that $325 Security Six would be difficult to resist, especially if you could fix that tax-rate discrepancy. ;)
(edit) on second thought, you simply can't let a NIB GP100 for $475 get away,there's your huckleberry.
 
I wanted a Security Six for quite awhile. Never did find a decent deal on one. I ended up getting an SP101 on a trade, but had to sell it in the big D. I miss that gun a lot! Great carry piece. Easy to conceal and fun to shoot. It's on my short list.
 
A "new" 19-3 for $350?:eek: Even at $425 that's a good deal.

The M19 BTW is a .357 Magnum although most will tell you it doesn't like a steady diet of full house magnum loads and you should stay away from super hot light bullet rounds.

".38s for practice, .357s for business." - Bill Jordan

A 4" M19 is a great combat revolver. For me the choice would be a no brainer. I have a 4" M66 (stainless version) and the balance, feel & trigger pull are simply outstanding.

I like Ruger bottom feeders, but when it comes to wheelguns... When I bought my 4" 686 no dash it was sitting next to a similar used GP100 that was $100 less. I wasn't even tempted. ;)
 
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Since I've bought it twice now (so I make no claim of being impartial), the SS GP100 gets my vote. If you can get it for that price after tax, jump on it.
 
If the 19-3 is really new or "as new" I would grab it at that price. Otherwise, I don't think there is a bad choice on the list. I have 19-2 4", and a Security Six 2-3/4" and both are very accurate and not terribly heavy. Have never heard anything bad from the folks I know that have the SP101 or GP100.
 
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