ok the time has come, what model?

[boomer92266]

i finally saved and borrowed a little to get another gun. i have a 4 inch blued service six now, i want a smaller gun for carry in 357. are most new guns ok?, i see a lot of people returning them. should i get a used one if i can find any?, most my local shops have only new guns. i want something in stainless or in something that is more rust resistant than blue. it has to be easy to conceal and holsters and acc. need to be available. i have $600 to spend on the gun alone, so let me know what everyone would recommend. thanks for any help

 

[Chuck 100 yd]

SP101 ...... Enough said !

 

[Old Judge Creek]

This problem is akin to buying a pair of new boots. And you will be flooded with well intended advice, but in the final analysis you need to carefully choose what YOU think will best serve your purposes.

Quite frankly, I applaud your Service Six.

My personal choice for what you describe is a S&W 642. Mind you, I am NOT suggestion this would be your solution... OTOH, it might be worthy of your consideration, however brief.

 

[jjmIII_Ruger]

SP101 ...... Enough said !

Well, the question is being ask in the "Ruger Revolver" forum. I'm guessing you're not looking for an auto, and if getting a revolver...why not get a Ruger? Ruger makes a fine revolver.

OK, so I agree on the SP101. Question is, which SP101? I like the 2.25" in DAO. I don't see the need for a hammer on a snub, and there is the chance of catching it on the draw. (I think you need an LCR too!)

I also love the 3" SP101 with hammer if you're looking for a more versatile gun. The 3" is a great in-between size, but you do have a 4" Service Six already.

Like I said (briefly) above, the LCR is awesome for hot summer days in Kentucky. Easier to conceal and much lighter. Buy the SP101, and put an LCR on your new want list!

 

[grumpy7159]

I carry a J-frame Smith but it is over your $600 budget new. The SP 101 would be my next choice for a revolver. The smaller framed firearms are easier to conceal but are sometimes brutal to shoot a lot. You might be able to find a deal in Guns International (.com) listings. Good luck in your quest.

 

[5of7]

If you want it to carry, get an LCR. Light and dependable with a very good DOA trigger pull. 8)

 

[gramps]

I also think the SP-101 is the cats meow. It carries well, and it is eminently shootable.
gramps

 

[luvmyRugers]

While I agree the SP-101 is a great revolver (I have two), you said you wanted a carry weapon. For personal defense, it doesn't matter what all the internet experts say. Carry the one that you shoot the best and feel most comfortable with! End of story.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[Arky]

If I carried a 357, the smallest I would go is my SP 101 3 in and it is a little harsh to shoot.. However, I usually load it with 38+P. I do shoot some 357 loaded with a beginning load of AA #9. I really like my Wife's S&W 637-2 with stainless cylinder rated 38+P. The only problem is my Wife carries it. Even though I have a preference for revolvers, I will admit to carrying a Kahr CW 40 IWB when I go to town. The light flat gun just carries and conceals better. I really prefer to have my magnums in a larger gun. I prefer S&W N frames and Blackhawks.

 

[DGW1949]

i finally saved and borrowed a little to get another gun. i have a 4 inch blued service six now, i want a smaller gun for carry in 357. are most new guns ok?, i see a lot of people returning them. should i get a used one if i can find any?, most my local shops have only new guns. i want something in stainless or in something that is more rust resistant than blue. it has to be easy to conceal and holsters and acc. need to be available. i have $600 to spend on the gun alone, so let me know what everyone would recommend. thanks for any help

"....... i have a 4 inch blued service six now, i want a smaller gun for carry in 357........ i want something in stainless or in something that is more rust resistant than blue. it has to be easy to conceal and holsters and acc. need to be available......"

It seems to me that the quotes which I pulled out of your post indicate a SP-101 would serve you well. Personaly, I'd go for the 3" version.

DGW

 

[boomer92266]

thought i would update, i went to lgs today and the prices were not good in my area. the lcr 357 were out and the price was $540.00 otd if they had them, the sp 101 was in stock $575 otd. but it was tight on 2 chambers and loose on the other three, i would hope all should be consistant. also while not bad the barrel was slightly canted. the manager did give what i think is a deal on a gun i really liked the feel of. i started looking at autos, i got a brand new beretta nano for $279 otd, i love how this gun feels. when i got home i called beretta to register it and the lady was very nice, i asked her about the guide rod which is polymer, i have heard steel is better but seems everyone is using polymer or almost everyone. she said as a new customer she would send me an extra guide rod free to have on hand but she doubted i would ever need it. haven't shot it yet but really like the feel and it will hide great in a desantis sof tuk. thanks everyone for your help, i was thinking revolver and ruger at that, but things change i guess. hope i did good as i think i did.

 

[phonejack]

4" sp101, adj rear high viz front sight

 

[PebblePimp]

I have to agree with the SP-101. 2.25" bbl, DAO, with laser grips (like mine). The only downfall of the SP-101 is also a saving grace for it. If you ever run out of ammo, it weighs enough that you can beat the hell out of someone with it if you had to. in the way of small snubbies, it's the best to shoot because of its weight.

 

[PebblePimp]

i asked her about the guide rod which is polymer, i have heard steel is better but seems everyone is using polymer or almost everyone. she said as a new customer she would send me an extra guide rod free to have on hand but she doubted i would ever need it.

I have seen a video of a continuous-fire torture test of a Glock 19. I THINK it was 1,000 rounds (may have been 500). The barrel got so hot, the plastic guide rod flew out as the slide went forward about 3/4 through the test. The gun continued to function flawlessly. I was never too worried about it before. After, I am not concerned in the slightest about a polymer guide rod. I have never heard of one failing, just "I heard they can". I'd say you're good.

 

[stevemb]

Glock and other poly guide rods can be damaged during re-assembly, otherwise they hold up well. The Nano, traded a nephew for one a while back but don't have a fully formed opinion on it yet. There has been an average of 2ft of snow on my patio/backyard range for more than a month, so shooting pistols that fling brass is at a minimum. The little Nano is small, flat, light. What lttle shooting I've done, well, I was pleasantly surprised with it. I was taught to run pistols without using the slide catch, so the Nano is not a problem for me. For carry ammo, put Gold Dot short barrel variety on your list to try. Just an obvious choice to try, I haven't yet myself. Make sure the holster completely covers the trigger/trigger guard. Stay safe. steve