Revolver Choice...

[SEMPERFIDELUS8403]

I am looking to buy my first revolver. I have narrowed it down to a Ruger in 3-5" barrel. I would like to have the option of using it as my CCW, along with my P944, but is not a requirement. Prefer one which can fire more than one caliber to extend its usefullness and my enjoyment. A model with an exposed hammer is a must as I prefer the look and would like the option of SA shooting. I have never fired a revolver before, but also had never fired any handgun before my P944. Want this gun for target practice for now, possibly more down the road. My hands are not all that big, so it must be pretty easy to handle. Any respectful suggestions? Thanks

 

[TRanger]

Sounds like a recipe for a 4-inch Ruger GP-100.

 

[SEMPERFIDELUS8403]

Probably a stupid question, but that is what I am known for. Would it due for hunting? Not talking long range, just if I happen to find a place I could go...

 

[TRanger]

Certainly, within its range, it could serve as a hunting handgun. It sounds like you want it as a multiple use firearm. Among handguns, it's hard to beat a 4-inch .357 for versatility.

 

[SEMPERFIDELUS8403]

Another question... Can the BlackHawk fire both .357mags AND 38spl rounds? Just trying to narrow down what I want

 

[TRanger]

Any .357 Magnum revolver can also fire all .38 Special loads.

 

[SEMPERFIDELUS8403]

Cool. I know I am stupid, but have to get information somehow. Ruger makes so many guns I want that I have to find a way to narrow down my choices. That entails finding reasons not to buy a particular one. lol

 

[Lost Sheep]

I am looking to buy my first revolver. I have narrowed it down to a Ruger in 3-5" barrel. I would like to have the option of using it as my CCW, along with my P944, but is not a requirement. Prefer one which can fire more than one caliber to extend its usefullness and my enjoyment. A model with an exposed hammer is a must as I prefer the look and would like the option of SA shooting. I have never fired a revolver before, but also had never fired any handgun before my P944. Want this gun for target practice for now, possibly more down the road. My hands are not all that big, so it must be pretty easy to handle. Any respectful suggestions? Thanks

Welcome to the forum and thanks for asking our advice.

Concealed carry kind of dictates something smaller that anything starting with a ".4", which means .357 or 38.

GP100 is kind of big for concealed carry, but it can be done if you accept the limitations. If you want 6 shots of .357, the -six series of Rugers are good (Security Six, Service Six and Speed Six). Out of production now, but they are out there on the used market and they virtually never wear out.

The SP101 in .357 is a good choice, though a little heavy, as they are all steel.

The LCR in 38 Special will take 38+p loads, so it barely meets your desire for multiple cartridge capability. I have heard there is a .357 magnum version of the LCR, but have not actually seen one yet. I have fired the 38 special LCR and found it to be very comfortable to shoot and opine that it would be much more comfortable to carry all day than the SP.

Then there is the 6-shot SP101 in .327 magnum which will also shoot the shorter (I believe) 32 H&R and some other 32 caliber cartridges. I have never shot one, but understand it is much more comfortable to shoot than the SP in .357. Definitely easier to carry.

 

[SEMPERFIDELUS8403]

I am not for sure as to whether or not I will CC the revolver, as I have my P944 I bought for that purpose. With winter setting in and my zero tolerence for cold, I will have on many layers of clothes to hide it. The more I look the more I lean towards not being a CC gun, instead one I might be able to hunt with down the road, after I am comfortable with it. I still must save up the money to buy one, but should not take too long. I really like the look of the BH, but also the others lol Am wondering what the difference between the BH (or RH) and the Vaquero is? The gun will most likely be purchased online and sent to the local gunshop/gas station where I will pick it up. Thank you for the welcome, and the advice!

 

[TRanger]

If you choose to use the revolver as a target and hunting gun, with concealed carry taken out of the equation, you may well be better served by a longer barrel. The currently produced Blackhawk is built on a larger frame than the current New Vaquero. The Blackhawk has adjustable sights while the Vaquero has fixed sights. Whether you ultimately select a Blackhawk, Vaquero/New Vaquero, or GP-100; any of them will have strength to spare for any .357 or .38 loads and will give several lifetimes of service with reasonable care. Never feel you are "stupid" for asking questions. None of us were born knowing this stuff.

 

[Driftwood Johnson]

The gun will most likely be purchased online and sent to the local gunshop/gas station where I will pick it up. Thank you for the welcome, and the advice!

Howdy

The best advice I can give you is to find someplace where you can actually get your hands on the gun. Don't buy it sight unseen with nothing more than a photograph to go by. A whole lot of your questions will be answered if you can get your hands various guns and compare them yourself.

Is there anyplace within reasonable driving distance that carries a good selection of handguns?

 

[Chief_10Beers]

Can't go wrong with a Blackhawk or GP100! Plus you get your choice in Stainless or Blued .................................

 

[5of7]

Or any K frame Smith in 357 Mg. would be fine.

As a side question; I note that your screen name contains the Marine motto, which makes me think that perhaps you are a Marine veteran.

If you are a Marine vet, how is it that you never fired a handgun before your recent purchase?

If you think this is too intrusive, please ignore the question. No offense intended.

 

[rugerfan100]

Sounds to me your looking to have a trail gun. Yes, there are some very good single action choices out there for you....

 

[Jimbo357mag]

Get you that 4" GP-100 for a first revolver (I did) and never look back. You won't find a more modern, reasonably priced, rugged, dependable, versatile revolver on the market. It is perfect for self-protection, home-protection, target shooting, hunting, (6" barrel is better) or as a car or truck gun and it can be concealed if necessary (I do sometimes).

...Jimbo

 

[Glupy]

Ruger makes so many guns I want that I have to find a way to narrow down my choices. That entails finding reasons not to buy a particular one. lol

So buy more than one!

I nice Ruger Revolver mix is:

- A large-bore single action (Blackhawk 45 with a 5 1/2 in barrel)

- A mid-sized double action for carry and defense (GP-100 or Security Six with a 4 in barrel)

- A fun and hunting single action (Single-Six with a 6 1/2 in barrel).

That's a good start, then look for a unique Vaquero, and a different caliber Blackhawk, etc. Stop when your wife gets concerned.

Dave

 

[roaddog28]

Hi,

I agree with others on a 357 magnum revolver. I have three Ruger 357s and any of them you might consider.
1. Police Service Six 4 inch
2. GP100 4 inch
3. New Model Blackhawk 357/9mm 4 5/8.
The Blackhawk is a my all around revolver. You can shoot three different types of ammo. For your first revolver that might be the best.

Good luck
Howard

 

[Lateck]

I was looking at carry and range when I bought a GP-100. (4" or 6")
So, I bought a 5" through Davidson's Gallery on line.

It's a thought.

Lateck,

 

[MTPlainsman]

I'd also say to give the 4" GP100 a good look. I love mine.

Hey Jimbo, nice Key Largo pics. One of my favorite Bogart movies.

 

[Hugh]

Welcome to the Ruger Forum. There have been several good suggestions. If your intent is to perhaps hunt with the revolver, it would be a good idea to check your state laws regarding length of barrel. Some states may allow 4-inch barrel revolvers as hunting arms, some states require 6-or-more inches.

For many years my only hand-gun was a 4" Ruger Security Six .357 Magnum; a very versatile revolver, and good for concealed carry as well as on the trail. I have acquired a few other Ruger revolvers over the years, some with shorter barrels, and some longer.

 

[Chief_10Beers]

Or any K frame Smith in 357 Mg. would be fine.

As a side question; I note that your screen name contains the Marine motto, which makes me think that perhaps you are a Marine veteran.

If you are a Marine vet, how is it that you never fired a handgun before your recent purchase?

If you think this is too intrusive, please ignore the question. No offense intended.

Not all Marines are Issued Pistols, most are Issued Rifles.................

 

[SEMPERFIDELUS8403]

Or any K frame Smith in 357 Mg. would be fine.

As a side question; I note that your screen name contains the Marine motto, which makes me think that perhaps you are a Marine veteran.

If you are a Marine vet, how is it that you never fired a handgun before your recent purchase?

If you think this is too intrusive, please ignore the question. No offense intended.

I wanted to join the Marines, but was turned away, but have used this name online since before I tried and have just stuck w/ it. I do try to live by it though. Was in the Army before a medical discharge though

 

[SEMPERFIDELUS8403]

While I am saving up my money, I will attempt to find someone with one of these pistols, but currently only know one person w/ one. Have to try and find him to beg him to fire it off. I checked the laws in Bama, but forget what they said about barrel length. I can do that tommorow.

 

[thayward]

I did 28yrs in the military(Corp & USA) and I just purchased my first revolver...GP100 with the 6" bbl. There is no better .357 mag out there that is built as rugged and at a very reasonable price. Also Ruger Customer Service is X-L-NT!! From Viet-Nam to Gulf one: I wish I had had this revolver.

!st,2nd,3rd and 5th Marines and 82nd,101st,5th SF and a long tour in Germany.........What a great life

 

[SEMPERFIDELUS8403]

I did 28yrs in the military(Corp & USA) and I just purchased my first revolver...GP100 with the 6" bbl. There is no better .357 mag out there that is built as rugged and at a very reasonable price. Also Ruger Customer Service is X-L-NT!! From Viet-Nam to Gulf one: I wish I had had this revolver.

!st,2nd,3rd and 5th Marines and 82nd,101st,5th SF and a long tour in Germany.........What a great life

I wish I could have joined the Marines, but it wasnt meant to be I reckon

 

[maxpress]

You mentioned not using it as a concelled carry now and wanting multi calibers with the ability to hunt.
That sounds like the 45 blackhawk convertable. It comes with a 45acp cylinder and a 45 colt cylinder. You can practice Cheaper with the 45acp and find really good pesonal deffence rounds if it ever came to that. To hunt if your not a reloader you can spend some extra change and get some "+p" buffalo bore loads in 45 colt that rival the .44 mag.
They also make a 9mm/357 but its a little on the light side for hunting and the 9mm accuracy is a crap shoot.
As a first revolver I agree with most the posters on a six series or GP100 though.

 

[SEMPERFIDELUS8403]

I will definatly be checking all of them out. After checking the hunting laws in Alabam, I am unable to find a barrel length limit. The GP100 is looking like a top choice so far. Was told that ALL .357magnums could fire the .38spl round, I will have to look for good prices from reputable dealers.

 

[Hugh]

I will definatly be checking all of them out. After checking the hunting laws in Alabam, I am unable to find a barrel length limit. The GP100 is looking like a top choice so far. Was told that ALL .357magnums could fire the .38spl round, I will have to look for good prices from reputable dealers.

Here ya go for Alabama. Looks like 4-inch barrel or longer, minimum Cal .40. This might be what you're lookin' for. Looks like the GP-100 is out.

http://www.alabamaadministrativecode.state.al.us/docs/con_/220-2.pdf

 

[5of7]

Or any K frame Smith in 357 Mg. would be fine.

As a side question; I note that your screen name contains the Marine motto, which makes me think that perhaps you are a Marine veteran.

If you are a Marine vet, how is it that you never fired a handgun before your recent purchase?

If you think this is too intrusive, please ignore the question. No offense intended.

I wanted to join the Marines, but was turned away, but have used this name online since before I tried and have just stuck w/ it. I do try to live by it though. Was in the Army before a medical discharge though

Good on you for that sentiment, it is a damned good motto to aspire to.

 

[KWYJIBO]

I see you are getting many questions answered. Maybe I can add a few things to help your decision.

I think you really need to identify what you want to do with the revolver. If you plan to ever use it for concealed carry, this should be a major factor in your choice. I love my Smith and Wesson 642 for CC. It is small, light, and smooth. But I would never consider hunting with it, and it's not much fun for shooting targets. My Blackhawks, on the other hand, are great for any kind of shooting EXCEPT personal defense. What I'm trying to say is, a gun's design (or in your case, choice of gun) should follow from its intened use, and some uses are mutually exclusive.

Many guys can effectively conceal a medium frame, all-steel revolver. Because of my body shape and wardrobe, I cannot. So I use my 642, an aluminum frame 4" 1911, or (occasionally) my Ruger SP-101 for that purpose.

I'd say if you can have only one gun and you're looking for the most versatile revolver available, the 4" GP-100 would be the ticket, but it will come with many compromises--it will excel in some uses, be adequate in some, and be unacceptable in others (like hunting, considering Alabama requires hunting handgun calibers to begin with the number 4 or higher). The GP is a great value and very durable, but it can't be expected to do everything well.

Alternatives would include a 4" Redhawk in 45 Colt or a 5 1/2" 44 Magnum. You could hunt with either of these if you ever got the notion to, and either one would be a fine home defense or truck gun, but even guys who are built like a tree trunk will tell you they're very big and heavy for concealment. Another choice is the Smith and Wesson model 25 (blued) or 625 (stainless) mountain gun in 45 Colt. The mountain guns have a lightweight barrel contour. They're N-Frames so they're nearly as big as a Redhawk, and they're also spendy (like $800-ish). If you don't insist on having a Ruger, these are a very capable and versatile option. You can also get a 44 magnum mountain gun, but I really like .45s.

This should give you something to chew on as you continue pondering your decision. I would echo the recommendation that whatever you do, you physically handle all these guns before making a decision. With the gun in your hand you can get more information that's useful to YOU specifically in two seconds than you'll find through weeks of online research.