Small frame revolvers
Hello all, first post here.
I'm currently shopping for a small frame revolver for multi purpose use (carry, home, target) and will not have the opportunity to shoot before I purchase. I was wondering if someone has been able to shoot a Ruger SP101 .357 snub and a Smith Model 60 snub or 3" and could compare the way they shoot?
I've handled both guns and there are trade offs for both in what I'm wanting. The Smith has better feeling smooth action but I don't like the grips or the higher price, The Ruger has nice grips and a better price but is a little heavier and has a very heavy feeling hammer.
So how do they shoot? Is one any more difficult to shoot than the other?
I've considered a few other revolvers including some .38s and a Taurus 605. I've heard enough bad comments about Taurus to scare me away from them, but Smith .38s are still on the table. Though I've owned before this will be my only weapon so I'm trying to make a careful decision and purchase something that is going to last me for a very long time.
I'm currently shopping for a small frame revolver for multi purpose use (carry, home, target) and will not have the opportunity to shoot before I purchase. I was wondering if someone has been able to shoot a Ruger SP101 .357 snub and a Smith Model 60 snub or 3" and could compare the way they shoot?
I've handled both guns and there are trade offs for both in what I'm wanting. The Smith has better feeling smooth action but I don't like the grips or the higher price, The Ruger has nice grips and a better price but is a little heavier and has a very heavy feeling hammer.
So how do they shoot? Is one any more difficult to shoot than the other?
I've considered a few other revolvers including some .38s and a Taurus 605. I've heard enough bad comments about Taurus to scare me away from them, but Smith .38s are still on the table. Though I've owned before this will be my only weapon so I'm trying to make a careful decision and purchase something that is going to last me for a very long time.
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Golly Whiplash, I like you already. You're looking at 2 high quality guns, & you have a lot of insight as to the significant differences between them. Obviously, you understand that you only get what you pay for.
In the end, it boils down to personal preference. I carry a M60 because, in addition to it's high quality, it is relatively light & compact. The Ruger is just too bulky for concealed carry. However, neither is really well suited for target work, the M60 even less suitable due to fixed sights & tiny grips. For targets, I use a 6" S&W M14. I know that you want 1 gun that does everything, but you may need to make some compromises. I guess I'm like a woman: I need to coordinate my gun with every outfit I wear.
Neal0 -
Both are fine revolvers but I agree with nmyers that the Ruger is a little bulky for concealed carry. Personnally I perfer the Smith & Wesson for concealed carry. I have a model 64 six shot .38Spl. that I love and surprisingly for a snub, it's amazingly accurate. I bought mine used for $275.00 and it's been a great little gun. If you have to have a .357Mag. then I'd go with the S&W 60. You can always put different grips on it. 0 -
Wow....thanks guys! [:)]
I suppose you are right there is no magic gun I just had to hear it I guess. I suppose what I will do is purchase this one and get proficient while I save up for a larger, longer revolver...maybe a Single action Ruger or something else fun and classy for destroying beer cans with. (my wife's gonna kill me, I told her just one) [B)] [:D]
Anyway, thanks for your take I appreciate it.
Steve0 -
It never hurts to consider good used guns. You can get some great bargains on some great guns and then you can afford more of them [:D] 0 -
The lightweight "J" frame S&W with a 3" barrel may fit your criteria.
A Boot grip works a lot better than the factory wooden grip.
Look for a used gun. They are better values.0 -
I have a S&W 60-10, .357 with 3" barrel, stainless. About as close as you can get to the specs you have in mind altho a bit heavy for frequent CC. Bought it used, like new at about 30% off the new price. Hard to beat. 0 -
You can get many different stocks (grips) to fit the model 60. As a dyed-in-the-wool S&W fan I suggest you consider looking into it. As far as the price goes, I'm sure you could find a used one in very good condition. 
Semper Fi
Remember Ruby Ridge.
What if there were no hypothetical questions?
Not a member at the auction? Join Gunbroker at this link!0 -
I like the J frame Smiths. I have a Model 37 Airweight that is a great carry gun.
MOLON LABE!
An evil tree bears evil fruit. You can destroy as much fruit as you want, but it will always grow back, and it will always be evil.
Tear the tree out of the ground by the roots and burn it. Burn it to ash and grind out the embers with your boot until there's nothing left. Not a single spark. Not a single seed.0 -
Thanks again everyone, your input is much appreciated!
I believe I am going to go new, Henry, It's just the way I am. I like to put my own scratches on my stuff, if it means I have to save up a little longer to get what I want, so be it. Perhaps I'll change my ways one day, but not with this gun. This will be my new baby. [:)]
Steve0 -
I like my smith. I have a wound from a taurus. It came with a factory burr and the cylander wouldn't cycle. "Someone" let the hammer drop during an excited rotation check. whoops, didn't realise I was down range (being in the kitchen and all)I had to go buy a new skirt seeing as how mine had a new hole in it. [:)]as far as target. just focus on the front site. you'll hit it. [:D] I used it in a tactical course and it proved to be wonderful, even in the terrorist...I mean "hostage" situation. 0
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