Ruger SP101 or Smith&Wesson 686 7 shot

[brucear777]

I am looking to get a new CCW which one do you all think

brucear777 :?

 

[pisgah]

You're choosing between an apple and an orange.

The L-frame 686 is considerably bigger and heavier than the SP101. Not to say it could not serve perfectly well as a concealed carry gun, but those willing to exert the effort , both physical and mental (in figuring out how to keep it concealed), of carrying a big gun are few. I sometimes carry my S&W Model 28 -- but when it comes to all-day, everyday carry I long ago went to considerably smaller/lighter guns.

 

[maxpress]

The best self deffense gun is the one with you. That being said I think the 686 would get left home. I carry 2 small frames from time to time and its easier than carrying 1 full size GP100 or 686.
Now if you were saying in the outback then I would go for the 686/GP100.

 

[clayflingythingy]

For most of us, it is much easier to carry and conceal a small frame gun. The SP101 and Baby Glock are about as large as I like to carry.

 

[FergusonTO35]

As a carry gun, I would go with SP-101. As a shooter I would go with the big Smith. Personally though I would split the difference and find a short barrel Speed Six or S&W 67. :wink:

 

[ranger1]

Another option for a carry gun would be a S&W 386, 357/38, 7 rounds or a S&W 327, 357/38, 8 rounds. Both are 2 1/2" and weight 24.5 and 27.6 oz.

They are a little spendy, but do have the extra round capacity.

 

[78CJ5]

For most of us, it is much easier to carry and conceal a small frame gun. The SP101 and Baby Glock are about as large as I like to carry.

Same here anything bigger is hard for me to carry.

 

[Yosemite Sam]

Split the diff and get a 3", 6-shot GP100, maybe? Or a used Security Six?

I can't recommend any new S&W revolver. They're just not the same any more, and you're paying too much for that name (and the lock, and the crappy finish, and the two-piece barrel, and ...).

I'm content with 5 shots in an older J-frame, or would be with an SP101 if I had one. The couple of ounces saved on the "unobtainium" (Scandium, Titanium, etc) guns just aren't worth the cost, IMO. Buy a decent belt and holster and you won't notice 4oz of weight difference.

-- Sam

 

[piratedude]

For me its all or nothing. I either carry my Kel-tec P32 or my SAM-7, Bulgarian AK-47 (milled receiver). There is something comforting about carrying a full powered rifle with a 75 round drum. It can be a challenge to carry a full sized AK-47, but anyone with some common sense and proper training can pull it off without a problem. All you need is an IWB/AK-47 holster and a pair of baggy pants. I do worry sometimes about printing when I am out at the grocery store and the drum presses up against my inner thigh, but for the most part I doubt that anyone sees the rifle.

This post may contain elements of sarcasm.

 

[maxpress]

As a carry gun, I would go with SP-101. As a shooter I would go with the big Smith. Personally though I would split the difference and find a short barrel Speed Six or S&W 67. :wink:

Hey now...we dont want to let out the speed six secret or there will be less for me to add to my collection.
My 2.5 is almost the same size as my SP and has that sixth shot. Also shoots much better for me. SHHHHHH :wink:

 

[jpickar]

SP101 for CCW. The 686 is too big and heavy for that. If you want a carry weapon for the woods..... get the 686. There, that was quick and painless.

John

 

[WendyZXZ]

SP101 is the better one for CCW for me. I know some who can carry a 686 concealed, but it is a bit big for me to try.

 

[hittman]

Hey now...we dont want to let out the speed six secret or there will be less for me to add to my collection.
My 2.5 is almost the same size as my SP and has that sixth shot. Also shoots much better for me. SHHHHHH :wink:

I agree about the Speed, Service or Security Six.

 

[Jayhawkhuntclub]

Smith will likely be a nicer gun with much better trigger. But for CCW go with the sp101.

 

[mattsbox99]

My CCW revolver is a S&W 64, it isn't as light as the SP101, and its much lighter than a 686+. Not that I carry it that much, my S&W M&P 40C gets the call most of the time in a Galco IWB. Its smaller, lighter, and carries 5 more cartridges.

 

[Yosemite Sam]

Smith will likely be a nicer gun with much better trigger. But for CCW go with the sp101.

That may have been true 10-15 years ago, but I sincerely doubt it today. Smith triggers are not what they used to be. Heck, the GUNS aren't what they used to be.

-- Sam

 

[Mandan]

I thought long and hard about the SP101. Size of it was good...but it is HEAVY. Looked at the S&W J-frames. Took my wife along when I was looking as she wanted a carry gun too. She fell for the LCR. J-frame sized
(+/-) a tad. Light weight. Sweet trigger. I liked hers so well that a couple months later I bought me one. Shoots well for its size. Does not drag down the britches or cause the baggy pockets on my shorts to sag.
NEVER ARGUE WITH A WOMAN! Especially when she is right and armed!
Dan