Sooo, things have changed and I need an opinion

[Rob P.]

My next purchase was "going to be" a 1911. Now, due to circumstances, it's not going to be a semi-auto but a revolver instead.

I've been looking at a 3" Ruger SP101 in .357. Nice looking, strong frame, good reputation, reliable, etc. But, (there's always a "but" in there somewhere...) it's only available in stainless steel. And, I want blue. Not black, BLUE.

What other mfg's have similar handguns comparable to the Ruger? The weapon will be carried and will have multiple uses from SD to target shooting. This means a 2" snubbie won't be the ticket as the bbl will be too short for longer distance target work (25 yds). Nor will a 6" bbl as it is not concealable in summer unless I wear a white apron advertising pickles.

.357 is THE ONLY caliber I will consider. I would like to have .44 but that's not viable given the circumstances driving the purchase requirements.

So?

[Rob P.]

My next purchase was "going to be" a 1911. Now, due to circumstances, it's not going to be a semi-auto but a revolver instead.

I've been looking at a 3" Ruger SP101 in .357. Nice looking, strong frame, good reputation, reliable, etc. But, (there's always a "but" in there somewhere...) it's only available in stainless steel. And, I want blue. Not black, BLUE.

What other mfg's have similar handguns comparable to the Ruger? The weapon will be carried and will have multiple uses from SD to target shooting. This means a 2" snubbie won't be the ticket as the bbl will be too short for longer distance target work (25 yds). Nor will a 6" bbl as it is not concealable in summer unless I wear a white apron advertising pickles.

.357 is THE ONLY caliber I will consider. I would like to have .44 but that's not viable given the circumstances driving the purchase requirements.

So?

[Dale53]

This will NOT answer your question directly.

However, this would be MY pick (and is actually my pick):

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/P...rn=15705&isFirearm=Y

If you are going to be using iron sights, then the 4" has a longer sight radius than the 3" (duh-h-h). I don't find the 4" any harder to carry than the 3" but it is considerably nicer to shoot. Easier to hit with and less muzzle rise.

The "L" frame Smith and the caliber .357 were a union made in heaven. This revolver has an adjustable sight for both windage and elevation (the SP101 is ONLY adjustable for windage and that is a SERIOUS fault). I have an SP101, so I speak from experience.

Two negatives for you - it only comes in stainless and it is more expensive. Make no mistake tho', this is one fine revolver. I have the CS-1 (4") in matte stainless and it is a VERY nice revolver. I also have a standard 686 with a 6" barrel.

S&W does offer the 586 L-Comp but it is a 3" and is a black finish and is ported:

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/P...nt_category_rn=15714

Dale53

[VAdoublegunner]

If you like blue then an SP101 is out for sure. But they are a truly great revolver for your intended use and stated reasoning. I carry a 3" for most general outdoor activities and seakayaking in saltwater. They are built like a diving knife and work well in that environment. They are very accurate; even at the 50 yards distance I usually practice at, and that's a long way off for that revolver's general purpose, mine will always turn in 4-5" standing off-hand groups w/o any difficulty. They will take full .357 loads forever and I have no doubt will easily outlast a K-frame .357 doing so. But they are only in stainless.

If you are so lucky as to find an older Ruger Speed-Six, Service-Six or Security-Six, those can be had in blued, in 2.5" and 4" barrel configurations. I believe there may be a few rare 3" ones too. They are even tougher than a SP101 but lighter and smaller than an L-frame. And as much as I like my L-frames, even the 2.5" 686 got a bit "bulky" to carry after a while.

[Wheelgunner840]

The Ruger GP-141 is the blued version of the GP-100 (stainless). I have a GP-100 4"bbl. and it is a workhorse. Great for range/target use with everything from .38 specials to full house .357 magnums. You will have a tough time hurting this gun. It is built like a tank. I cannot even begin to tell you how many rounds I have through mine, (10,000 or more) and it is still like new. Here is the blued GP-141 version.

http://www****ger-firearms.com/Firear...=1702&return=Y

Having said that, and this being a S&W forum, I must also suggest the L-Frame S&W. I am in the market for another .357, and I want it to have a 6" bbl. I also want it to be blue. The 586 is calling my name in a big way. I have a 686 snub, and it is just about the nicest .357 mag I have ever seen! If they make a 4" bbl. 586, that might also be an option for you.

As mentioned above, the extra inch that you get with the 4" bbl. really makes target shooting a whole lot of fun. You will also get increased velocity over the 3" variety, and, while I don't make a habit of it, a 4" barreled gun can be carried concealed.

I have to ask. Why did you bail out on a 1911? Everyone should own at least one!

Good luck with whatever you decide.

WG840

[Rob P.]

I should have mentioned that the revolver won't be primarily carried by myself. SWMBO needs a small concealable revolver to augment/replace her 3913 for a few months on a periodic basis. Thus, it must be small enough for a woman to easily conceal and light enough for her to want to carry it. It also has to allow her to bend, squat, crawl, etc while wearing it. 4" is too long for that.

The revolver will then do double duty as my "spare" so that I don't have to carry my 6906 into places I'd rather not. I will be carrying it concealed, so (again) it must be small and light enough to do that. The revolver will also be used to shoot a lot of paper at the range including some wax bullets to help new shooters. It will also become my trail gun (since I sold my last one awhile back) so a 2" bbl won't work for that.

I have to pass on the 1911 right now because I've already got my CCW piece in my 6906. A 1911 is a dream gun of mine but it's not necessary right now whereas the revolver is actually needed in the very near future.

I've considered the Model 24 and the model 29 but I don't know if espouso could handle the recoil. (she has carpal and cubital tunnel) Either of these would "make my day" for sure but, as I said, for now, she has to carry it.

I'm seriously leaning towards the Ruger. The stainless would make it easy to care for in the real (dirty) world. I just would like a nice blue revolver to wear sometimes.

(sigh)

Kinda like a woman I know and her shoes...

[940lvr]

You may want to look for a blue 3 inch GP-100. They are not easy to find these days but the older three inch GP-100's came with grips that were smaller than the 4 inch + guns. What you would have would be the same brute strong frame that the GP-100 is known for, but just a little smaller on each end. Other that that the only other idea I have is an SP101 and a can of spray paint. Maybe Gunkote if you wanted to be fancy. As was already pointed out, the older Ruger DA revolvers also have good reputations and are closer to a K frame in size.

[Hillbilly Jim]

Dale said the Ruger 101 357 is only adjustable for windage.
How do you do that?
Thanks

[Texas Star]

Originally posted by Hillbilly Jim:
Dale said the Ruger 101 357 is only adjustable for windage.
How do you do that?
Thanks

I wonder, too. Mine has fixed sights. I think only the .22 and maybe the .327 calibers have a windage adj. rear sight.

[Snapping Twig]

In blue, you limit your choices. That said, I prefer blue also, but SS has its place.

I say that because a 3" 686 might be just right for you.

Don't overlook something like a blue K frame. They are really just what the Dr. ordered for your circumstances.

3" K or L frame would be my choice for your situation.

[ENH]

Seems like you need a 586 L Comp, blued, 7 shots, 3", tritium front sight, cut for moon clips, ported and comes with carry and range stocks. Whats not to like?

[Dale53]

My Ruger SP101 is a .32 H&R Mag. It has "windage only" adjustable sights. I see that they do not supply the .357 magnum with adjustable sights.

That would be a "deal breaker" for me for a multi-purpose revolver. That kind of revolver requires adjustable sights, for me.

Dale53

If you want a Ruger and can't find what you want in their line-up of blued guns then why don't you consider purchasing the Stainless version and have it blued???

[spearcrow]

Is a Smith and Wesson not an option? Several nice Blued smiths in 357.

[feralmerril]

Packing sweetheart type revolvers are my passion. My two favorites out of many have boiled down to these two. A 66-3 ported performance center 3", (wish it was blue but as my only stainless, I still like it) and my pet model 24-3 4". I own 6 .44 specials to pick from. From availability standpoint, I would think it would be hard to beat just a plain old 4" model 19.

[CelticSire]

Unless you have a burning need for adjustable sights, I'd suggest a 3 inch Model 13.

[wheelgun1958]

I need an opinion

Now THAT we have plenty of! How about looking at Ruger Speed/Service Six?

[reload4me2]

They used to make a "target grey" SP101 - seen one in the past - don't know if any are still around, or would be an option you would consider.
Love my SP101 - was my first gun.

[7Iron]

should have mentioned that the revolver won't be primarily carried by myself. SWMBO needs a small concealable revolver to augment/replace her 3913 for a few months on a periodic basis.

Why would anyone replace a 3913?

[tallpaul]

SWMBO

Whats that?

An L frame will be big for what he wants...


There is NOTHING wrong with a two inch gun for a field/range gun etc- YOU just have to be a good shooter to be able to shoot it well. I and others can tie knots with 2.5 inch model 19's or 66's with loads the guns like... I know when it was one of the few I had milk jugs trembled at 50 and even 100 yards.

It sounds like you in reality need a couple of different guns. One trail and one CCW piece. If you have a smaller woman that needs to be involved anyhow. Most men could make the k or l frames work fairly easy.

The smith J frames can be found with three inch barrels and eben an adjustable sighted 4 inch that does make a nice dual use package.

I don't quite understand the aversion to stainless steel for a carry gun- its ideal and is not as prone to damaging the finish etc.

[Wheelgunner840]

Originally posted by tallpaul:

Whats that?

SWMBO = She Who Must Be Obeyed

[bmcgilvray]

Either a classy 2 1/2-inch Model 19 or a plain ol' 3-inch Model 13 answer best for concealed carry needs in .357 Magnum.

Only my view but I'm no fan of revolvers that are "built like tanks".

[tallpaul]

thanks wheelgunner I knew it meant something ! I don't have one of those so I guess I can be forgiven.

[Wheelgunner840]

Originally posted by tallpaul:
thanks wheelgunner I knew it meant something ! I don't have one of those so I guess I can be forgiven.

I used to have one, but I never was one to "Obey". I guess that's why I said I USED to have one!

WG840