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Posted: 11/19/2012 9:19:26 PM EDT
I've been wanting another revolver in .357 Magnum. I was thinking of a GP100, but I already have a full-sized (and then some) .357, a S&W 686-3 with 8 3/8" barrel and silhouette sights.
I don't currently have any small profile revolvers outside of one that may as well be a paperweight. What are the Hive's thoughts, opinions, and experiences with the two I listed, or suggestions outside of those two options? I've fired both of the ones I listed, and I like both but for different reasons. |
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Since you have a 686 I voted SP-101. Get a 3 inch. Now they're still heavy, but concealeable.
I love my 4" 686, but yeah, L frames are large. ETA.. I have no love for actually firing the scandium framed .357's. Nice to be able to carry, but I fired a friends once, well twice.. There's no joy in touching off a 158 gr. from a 14 oz. revolver. Nope, none at all.. |
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The SP101 and the LCR .357 are currently in the running for my next gun as well.
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GP100 4" Stainless is the single sexiest revolver on this planet.
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4'' S&W 586
or a Colt Python Smith, Colt, or nothing as far as wheel guns go for me. |
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when it comes to wheel guns I'm a full size fan, there for
GP100 granted you do NEED a S&W Model 28 Highway Patrolman, Colt Trooper, Python, or S&W Model 27 |
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Absolutely love my GP100 and for like $25 in parts, I love it even more. Wolff spring kit.
Amazing. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile |
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I just sold an SP101. My only use for a 5 shot revolver is a concealed J Frame.
I'd rather have a 6 cylinder revolver such as an S&W 66, 686, or even a 28 series. For Rugers, look towards the Security Six or GP100. Speed Six is also an option if you like fixed sights. |
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SP-101 (SPNY) was my first O.D. / B.U.G
My only complaint was that after 30-40 rounds...the space between the cylinder and barrel would jam with residue, the cylinder would actually lock up if you fired more than 50 rounds. That was 20 years ago, so I don't know if it was remedied. It'll take an ear clean off without even shooting it though.. |
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Both are built like tanks for their size.
This could be good or bad.
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Rugers are fine, but I prefer the S&W. The rugers are just kinda "chunky" and homely compared to the S&W.
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Rugers are fine, but I prefer the S&W. The rugers are just kinda "chunky" and homely compared to the S&W. So they're like Glocks to M&Ps? |
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GP100 4" Stainless is the single sexiest revolver on this planet. This. Tomac |
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Rugers are fine, but I prefer the S&W. The rugers are just kinda "chunky" and homely compared to the S&W. So they're like Glocks to M&Ps? No. It's like Ruger revolvers to S&W revolvers. |
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Quoted: No , the Rugers are still sexy looking , but in a more rugged-kind-of-way .Quoted: Rugers are fine, but I prefer the S&W. The rugers are just kinda "chunky" and homely compared to the S&W. So they're like Glocks to M&Ps? I was just checking a GP out a couple days ago at the fun store ....was tempted. Ive never owned either ( GP or SP ) , but would like to add one to the stable . Smiths are sleeker , Rugers have a 'bullish' build . . . . I like em both |
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GP100 3" Talo edition with Novak sights. http://www.floridaarmory.com/image.php?type=P&id=1348 Where does one get the Talo editions? |
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GP100 3" Talo edition with Novak sights. http://www.floridaarmory.com/image.php?type=P&id=1348 Where does one get the Talo editions? Dealers who have accounts with Talo can usually get them. Open market gunbroker auction sites have them too. Talo models can either sell fast, and be unobtanium, or be a complete turd and sit on the shelf forever. Their more recent products have been real winners IMO though. |
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I have a GP100...and I love it! If I could only choose one handgun to take to the range and shoot all day long...it would be my GP100. Awesome gun!
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4'' S&W 586 or a Colt Python Smith, Colt, Dan Wesson or nothing as far as wheel guns go for me. FTFY |
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GP100 3" Talo edition with Novak sights. http://www.floridaarmory.com/image.php?type=P&id=1348 I got one of these. Had to send it back for a cylinder replacement, but I think it's OK now. |
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As mentioned above, 4" stainless GP100. Mine's a great gun, and my goto HD handgun.
The only thing I didn't care for were the original rosewood & black rubber grips. I replaced them with a set of Pachmayrs. I don't care for the new Hogue grips either, too big and clunky. |
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Concealed carry=SP101 3"
General purpose service revolver (truck gun, home defense, etc)=GP100 4" |
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I ahve an SP-101 that I would sell you if my wife didn't have a sentimental attachment to it. It was the first gun I ever bought for her and it has stayed in the vault ever since she got her LCR.
With full-boat magnum loads, it kills at the front and maims at the back. It is NOT a fun gun to shoot. |
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I carried a 4 inch GP as a duty weapon with an older security six as an off duty for years.
I don't think you'd be doing badly with either choice. You'll just have more issues with bulk if you go with the GP. Maybe some of you current 101 guys can answer...is the current batch of 101s in .357 as ammo sensitive as the early ones? I recall when they were first produced Ruger said you could only fire 125 gr rounds out of them..... |
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Quoted: Maybe some of you current 101 guys can answer...is the current batch of 101s in .357 as ammo sensitive as the early ones? I recall when they were first produced Ruger said you could only fire 125 gr rounds out of them..... I don't currently have an SP101, but I've never heard such silliness. I know plenty of people shooting 158s and those retarded 180 JHPs out of them. |
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I don't currently have an SP101, but I've never heard such silliness. I know plenty of people shooting 158s and those retarded 180 JHPs out of them. The early 101s in .357 even had it rollmarked onto the side of the barrel that they were limited to 125 gr ammo. Remember, the gun when it first came out was a .38 SPC gun, not a .357. I recall it was a "big deal" in the gun rags when it was rechambered in .357 with the 125 gr limitation...... |
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I went to buy a 4" GP100. They had a 3" and a 6" in stock. I held the 3" and got a boner. Bought it and love it. But now they come with those ghey Hogue grips.
3" or 4" GP100 gets my vote if not a Smith. |
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Quoted: Quoted: I don't currently have an SP101, but I've never heard such silliness. I know plenty of people shooting 158s and those retarded 180 JHPs out of them. The early 101s in .357 even had it rollmarked onto the side of the barrel that they were limited to 125 gr ammo. Remember, the gun when it first came out was a .38 SPC gun, not a .357. I recall it was a "big deal" in the gun rags when it was rechambered in .357 with the 125 gr limitation...... Well, if Ruger didn't fix it, at least they were smart enough to take the limitation on ammo off of the barrel. |
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The Rugers are great revolvers, but I prefer my 3" S&W 686 Plus.
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I voted SP because it is just generally more practical for carry.
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Well, if Ruger didn't fix it, at least they were smart enough to take the limitation on ammo off of the barrel. Apparently they did change it. Heres a thread from a Ruger forum http://rugerforum.net/ruger-double-action/20455-older-model-ruger-sp101-357-mag-125-grain-bullet.html From the early Ruger .357 101 owners manual: "Special Ammunition Notice for .357 Revolvers marked “125 GR. BULLET” only: Some revolvers have slightly shorter cylinders and frames and are therefore limited to the use of .357 Magnum ammunition with a maximum bullet weight of 125 grains and an overall loaded cartridge length of not more than 1.57 inches. These revolvers are roll-marked with “125 GR.BULLET” on the right side of the barrel." stevespages.com/pdf/ruger_sp101.pdf |
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Quoted: Quoted: Well, if Ruger didn't fix it, at least they were smart enough to take the limitation on ammo off of the barrel. Apparently they did change it. Heres a thread from a Ruger forum http://rugerforum.net/ruger-double-action/20455-older-model-ruger-sp101-357-mag-125-grain-bullet.html From the early Ruger .357 101 owners manual: "Special Ammunition Notice for .357 Revolvers marked "125 GR. BULLET” only: Some revolvers have slightly shorter cylinders and frames and are therefore limited to the use of .357 Magnum ammunition with a maximum bullet weight of 125 grains and an overall loaded cartridge length of not more than 1.57 inches. These revolvers are roll-marked with "125 GR.BULLET” on the right side of the barrel." stevespages.com/pdf/ruger_sp101.pdf I find it very interesting that this was EVER done. I guess when the made it a .357, they didn't bother to do anything with regard to cylinder length. I can't imagine this being a good idea. |
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Concealed carry=SP101 3" General purpose service revolver (truck gun, home defense, etc)=GP100 4" Damn. I think this just became a "which order should I purchase them in" instead of a "which one should I purchase" thread. |
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Concealed carry=SP101 3" General purpose service revolver (truck gun, home defense, etc)=GP100 4" Damn. I think this just became a "which order should I purchase them in" instead of a "which one should I purchase" thread. Now you're tracking. They both rock, but, shooting the pocket rocket (SP101) makes my hand stop working properly after a few shots. |
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GP100 3" Talo edition with Novak sights. http://www.floridaarmory.com/image.php?type=P&id=1348 I got one of these. Had to send it back for a cylinder replacement, but I think it's OK now. I have one too, I had to send it back for repair when I first got it too. The cylinder lock wasn't working 100%. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile |
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I voted SP-101. Both nice guns, but if you've got big ones you need one that's easier to carry if you'd like to do so.
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