Ruger GP100 3in 44spl or S&W ?? 44spl

[ontargetagain]

I knew at some point I would want a dedicated 44spl revolver. I sold off my Ruger Redhawk recently and then found out Ruger introduced the GP100 in a 3" 44spl 5 shot @ $615.

I love my N frame 625 Model of 1989 45acp in 5" as well as my 686-3 and was thinking I would pick up something in a pre-lock S&W in 44spl as a target shooter. So my dilemma is what S&W can I get in SS or blue @ about $750 or less? I have not owned a 3" revolver before but I am flexible up to about 4" bbl length.

If anyone can help educate me on what I should be looking for in the S&W pre-locks please chime in and of course you can add pictures so I can drool a bit too

I just knew that lure of the 44spl would bite me some day! So the search begins...............unless I opt for the Ruger GP100.

Thanks
Karl

 

[M29since14]

It's not going to be easy, but if you look long enough you might find a 624 or a 24-3 in 4-inch at something close to that price, especially if it has a little finish wear or something, which would be your obvious solution. A prissy example of either will likely be well beyond that figure you want to spend.

 

[ontargetagain]

It's not going to be easy, but if you look long enough you might find a 624 or a 24-3 in 4-inch at something close to that price, especially if it has a little finish wear or something, which would be your obvious solution. A prissy example of either will likely be well beyond that figure you want to spend.

I don't mind a bit of patina as long as it isn't corrosion. Thanks for the input............
Karl

 

[Ngtdog]

I recommend that you pick up the Ruger gp100 44 special, shoot and enjoy it until you come across the right Smith at the right price and then shoot and enjoy them both. Good luck. Ron

 

[M29since14]

Maybe Ngtdog has the "obvious solution"? Not a bad idea, and the Ruger may do everything you want with no need for a second gun. Then again, you never know when you might blunder into just what you want that is marked low, for one reason or another. Patience is a virtue, they say.

 

[akmtnrunner]

Well, the model 69 makes a great a 44 special revolver and you can disable the IL if it's an issue to you.

 

[diyj98]

I wanted a GP100 44 special for years. But now with the 69, I have no desire for the Ruger. The Ruger is heavier, almost as expensive, and no S&W.

 

[ontargetagain]

I recommend that you pick up the Ruger gp100 44 special, shoot and enjoy it until you come across the right Smith at the right price and then shoot and enjoy them both. Good luck. Ron

Now that's good thinking! LOL
Karl

 

[murphydog]

There is the stainless L frame 696, 3" barrel and adjustable sight, but not usually found at $750 or less.

 

[Topsarge]

Wait a little longer. Smith is bringing out the 69 in a 2.75" barrel 5 shot .44 mag. It should be real sweet with .44 sp. ammo. It's my next purchase.

 

[caleb4387]

Pm sent..............

 

[wrangler5]

I recommend that you pick up the Ruger gp100 44 special, shoot and enjoy it until you come across the right Smith at the right price and then shoot and enjoy them both. Good luck. Ron

Probably this. I recently went through a similar analysis from wanting a 32 H&R / 327 Federal Magnum hammerless (you know what I mean) snub nose. Smith hasn't made anything like that for a while, and the ones that occasionally show up on Gunbroker are usually in 4 figures. But Ruger offers their LCR in a 6-shot 327 Federal format, in stock at my LGS's distributor, for ~$500 to me. I just went ahead and got the Ruger. I'd rather have a Smith, but not at twice the price.

So for a "compact" 44 Special, I'd go with the Ruger you can get immediately at a known price. Although if I could confirm that Topsarge's info is correct, I'd probably be tempted to wait and see what the new 69 looks like and costs - if it's not right or too expensive, the Ruger will probably still be available.

 

[nipperdog]

I just bought a GP-100 .44, and am having serious accuracy problems, as are other owners. I suggest that you check the Ruger Forum and check out the thread "Road Testing the GP-44".
BTW My S&W 69 shoot rings around the Ruger GP.

 

[diyj98]

...Although if I could confirm that Topsarge's info is correct, I'd probably be tempted to wait and see what the new 69 looks like and costs - if it's not right or too expensive, the Ruger will probably still be available.

The 2.75" 69 is currently cataloged with most wholesale distributors for the same exact price as the 4" model. Of course like most things new, I'm sure a lot of retailers will be holding the price up till supply catches up with demand.

 

[sshakrr]

I just bought a GP-100 .44, and am having serious accuracy problems, as are other owners. I suggest that you check the Ruger Forum and check out the thread "Road Testing the GP-44".
BTW My S&W 69 shoot rings around the Ruger GP.

Ive been watching the reviews on the ruger site too. I really want them to make it in a 4" version. I'll be waiting to see how this one progresses. In time they will nail it down. Ron

 

[mazer]

Well, I have my 24-3, but I kind of hate to stick it in a holster and carry it around! I do it!! But the thing is too pretty to get a lot of holster wear! I own Ruger's as well as S&W's so, maybe I just need to add a 3" Ruger to my collection!

 

[ontargetagain]

I just bought a GP-100 .44, and am having serious accuracy problems, as are other owners. I suggest that you check the Ruger Forum and check out the thread "Road Testing the GP-44".
BTW My S&W 69 shoot rings around the Ruger GP.

Hmmmm, I'll have a look. The reviews I have found speak otherwise about very good accuracy. Thanks for the info though it is not what I wanted to hear
Karl