Stopsign32v
Single-Sixer
I'm curious about 38 Special only, not 357/38.
What 38 Special only revolvers did Ruger make over the years?
- Thread starter Stopsign32v
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gunman42782
Hunter
All the Six Series revolvers were available in .38, the SP101 started out as a .38, pretty sure they have offered the GP100 in .38, and of course the LCRs. So, all their double action revolvers have been offered in .38, assuming I am right about the GP, but I won't swear to it.
OP
Stopsign32v
Single-Sixer
I'm looking for one for my son's first revolver.
Truthfully, in this case, for a first revolver, I would go with a .357 magnum because you CAN load it with .38's to start out and later progress to the magnums if so desired.
contender
Ruger Guru
I agree with Ron. The .357 has more versatility,, and he can grow into the magnum stuff later on. Just only buy .38 Spl ammo for him to begin with.
While I agree for the most part, I think it depends on the purpose and the platform. I have an LCRx in 38 Special and I could not imagine shooting anything heavy in that gun, not even +P. For self defense plain ole 38 Special is more than adequate. If woods defense is in the queue, I would opt for the 357 as you indicate, but in a heavier platform such as the SP or GP.
Then again, for woods defense I would prefer a larger hole. You can't have too many revolvers....
OP
Stopsign32v
Single-Sixer
I think a Speed Six or Security Six would be about perfect for him...
Don't rule out the GP....will be easier to find several different variations and usually cheaper. Several months back I picked up a GP Police trade in for pretty cheap and it was in fantastic shape. 38s are all I've fed it.
But absolutely nothing wrong with the Six serious....Security Six was my first revolver. Bought in 1985 and still shoot it today.
But absolutely nothing wrong with the Six serious....Security Six was my first revolver. Bought in 1985 and still shoot it today.
OP
Stopsign32v
Single-Sixer
I have a 5" GP that he shot, I think something a smudge smaller and lighter would be more enjoyable to him.
If he is not planning on using this as a carry gun, the LCRx is an excellent choice. Lightweight, accurate, adjustable sights, reasonably priced, comfortable to shoot.
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OP
Stopsign32v
Single-Sixer
Shoot, that ain't a bad idea!!! He's 14 so he will not be using it as a carry gun anytime soon. LOL
Timbo23
Plinker and accumulator
Ruger did make a GP100 chambered in .38 Special. I have one made in 2011. It has a 4 inch full lug barrel with fixed sights with a DA/SA action. I think it may have been an over run from a special contract.
It's way over built for a .38 Special but everyone needs to have a 4 inch, 6 shot, fixed sight revolver. I also have a .38 Special Service Six and two S&W 64s with 4 inch barrels and fixed sights.
It's way over built for a .38 Special but everyone needs to have a 4 inch, 6 shot, fixed sight revolver. I also have a .38 Special Service Six and two S&W 64s with 4 inch barrels and fixed sights.
NikA
Hunter
LCR (spurless or spurred) in .38 are extremely lightweight guns (aluminum frame) that are oriented to carry. Would strongly advise against them for a inexperienced shooter (they are ~1/3 the weight of a 6" GP). The .357 LCRs have a steel frame and will be more recoil friendly with .38s. .38-only SPs will be similar and were also made with 3" barrel length.
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Ruger brought out the SP101 in 38 Special to begin with, later a 3” model in 38 Special.
contender
Ruger Guru
Having watched your son shoot,, and your thoughts on a LCR .38 for him,, I would advise against it. I have a .38 LCR if you'd like him to try it. It's recoil is a bit more than a solid steel framed .38 or .357.
I think the .357 SP-101 would be a much better choice for him. He can try one of those here as well.
And grip selection for the SP-101 is more varied to allow him to better "fit" the gun!
And of course,, in a few years or whenever HE'S ready,, ,357 mag ammo is an easy swap over.
I think the .357 SP-101 would be a much better choice for him. He can try one of those here as well.
And grip selection for the SP-101 is more varied to allow him to better "fit" the gun!
And of course,, in a few years or whenever HE'S ready,, ,357 mag ammo is an easy swap over.
I went from .357 6" to .38 4" cuz my old hands, love to shoot in comfort! My GP100 .22 is great also for target shooting!
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Durango Dave
Single-Sixer
Some are recommending a lightweight 38. Don't go too light, especially for a first gun. A heavier gun has less felt recoil and is more fun to shoot.
Are we talking about conceal carry? If so I'd recommend a 9mm semi auto.
Are we talking about conceal carry? If so I'd recommend a 9mm semi auto.
Durango Dave
Single-Sixer
Durango, is your gun stamped "Security Six"? Because the high back fixed sight square butt guns are normally stamped "Police Service Six". We have found a very few mis-stamped guns over the years. A photo of the other side would help.
Terry T
My first year (1989) SP101 3” 38 special,,,,
later I bought a the same gun in 357M only because it was a friend needing cash,
but for what ever reason still prefer this 38 Special over the 357M.
The only difference between the 2 is the cylinder (357M ) is just a tad longer, hardly noticeable.
CAJUNCHEF
Single-Sixer
Another vote for SP-101 in .357 Magnum, but starting out with 38 Special Range ammo, then move up to +P, and a few years down the road to .357 magnum. I have owned one SP-101 3-inch barrel and while a bit heavy for a 5 shot revolver, it always worked, accurate, and built like a tank.
I started at 16 years old with a new Model Ruger Blackhawk .357 Magnum, purchased NIB at Western Auto (remember them?). My Dad filled out the paperwork.
I shot a lot of .38 Specials, learning to reload with a Lee Loader, 158 grain LRN and Unique. As I was growing a bit stronger, I moved up to the .357.
Overall, a good experience for a teenager, but the Blackhawk was heavy for a light framed skinny kid.
Get the SP-101, and your son will have that revolver for life, and pass down to his grandkids.
I started at 16 years old with a new Model Ruger Blackhawk .357 Magnum, purchased NIB at Western Auto (remember them?). My Dad filled out the paperwork.
I shot a lot of .38 Specials, learning to reload with a Lee Loader, 158 grain LRN and Unique. As I was growing a bit stronger, I moved up to the .357.
Overall, a good experience for a teenager, but the Blackhawk was heavy for a light framed skinny kid.
Get the SP-101, and your son will have that revolver for life, and pass down to his grandkids.
McCoyB
Bearcat
Don’t they make a SP 101 in .327 magnum.
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One of my Speed Six is a .38 Special only.
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I agree on the GP100 being a perfect first gun. Especially in stainless steel.
I also agree there is nothing wrong with the six series revolvers, but they are no longer supported by Ruger. This is a gun he is going to treasure for the next 80 years. Don’t get him something that is already discontinued.
The only advantage I see to a .38 special only revolver is avoiding the crud ring, but a stainless revolver is easy to keep clean.
Years ago when some companies allowed their security people to carry a gun, all they allowed them to carry was a 38 Special and they didn’t allow them to carry a 357 mag handgun with 38 Special rounds in it. I believe this was because they had a crazy idea about getting sued over someone killing a bad guy. Crazy idea if you ask me. And they didn’t particularly care about the security guards, getting overwhelmed.
Yes they did & do.
This one from 2015
And these 3”, a recent Lipsey’s exclusive, blue or stainless.
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