Which One?

[The Blackhawk Kid]

:arrow: Well I decided I need a 357 revolver. I went to my LGS and handled a new model 66 S&W. I liked how it fit my hand, but the trigger pull in DA was 10 lbs. SA was as bad. Then I tried a Ruger SP101 and I like it. They had a 3 inch model and the Wiley Clapp model. I like them both. I would carry concealed mostly and home defense. What do you think. I have a nice 38 spl load, too. I saw Hickok45 shoot an SP101 with 38's, Nice. It's christmas time! :mrgreen:

 

[Major T]

I'm one to be talking. Right now I have five Smiths with "two inch" tubes, but I tend to buy used and the prices were great on the whole bunch. I have carried concealed for a lot of years both on the job and as a private John Q. The three inch ( or even a four inch with a proper holster) is no detriment for concealed carry, and is an advantage if you have to use it. Although I don't own one, I like the 3" 101

 

[Mus408]

LCR in .357 mag. Bought one for the wife and we both like it for easy carry and a great little shooter,especially with .38 I keep it loaded with .357 when carrying.

 

[The Blackhawk Kid]

MajorT, I also like a 4 inch Model 28 S&W. I didn't like the grips on the 3 inch 101, but I would probably would put pachmyers on. I'm gonna trade a 22/45 for a 101. I like the Wiley Clapp model, but I may need to shoot farther than 20 yards. Hmmmm. Thanks for your input.

 

[eveled]

I like my GP100 more than my SP101, just saying, check out a GP before you commit to the SP.

 

[Sapo]

Go with a GP. For me.... A 357 that is pleasant to carry is UNpleasant to shoot.

Sapo

 

[Jimbo357mag]

MajorT, I also like a 4 inch Model 28 S&W. I didn't like the grips on the 3 inch 101, but I would probably would put pachmyers on. I'm gonna trade a 22/45 for a 101. I like the Wiley Clapp model, but I may need to shoot farther than 20 yards. Hmmmm. Thanks for your input.

I carry 38's in my 3" SP-101 and I put on Hogue grips. They work great and give you a lot more friendly and secure grip.

http://www.hogueinc.com/store/products/ruger-sp101-rubber-monogrip-black/3512

 

[bogus bill]

I packed over 35 years on security jobs. Been retired for 15 years and still pack. That said here`s a couple of opinions: Weight and portability matters! Also rubber grips are nice to shoot, but they do tend to hold the cloth in shirts or jackets more than nice smooth wood grips.
I have plenty good revolvers including a s&w model 27-2 in a 5" barrel. That`s the same except for a higher finish than the model 28 your interested in. Nice to shoot, but a tank to pack! I never carry mine. As far as 357`s go, here is a couple I have. A s&w 3" 66-3 and a 2 1/2" python. I also own a 4" python. I dont carry it as it also is unnecessary heavy. I also own a 4" s&w 24-3 (44 special), and a 4" 25-5 (45 colt). Both are the same or easier to pack than that model 28 and in better calibers. I used to be issued a stainless 4" speed six and liked it. The smaller round grips made that gun more preferable to me than the s&w 4" 586`s that I also sometimes packed, because they had the larger and more cumbersome target grips. By the way, I own many smiths and colts and seldom experienced too heavy of a double action trigger on them. What I most often pack is`nt near as romantic as all the guns I own and talked about.
I most often carry a 3" plain jane s&w model 36. It`s saving grace is its lighter weight and smaller frame and holster. If I carry the 66-3 or 2 1/2" python odds are I carry the same 38 special p+ ammo in them as I do in the 36. Remember, the 36 is also 3". I give up one round as the 36 is a 5 shooter. I do a lot of trail riding on our RZR. That`s when I take a .44 special or .45 colt. If you ever do have to use your revolver I doubt you are going to worry about it kicking more than a heavier revolver. I really carry the model 40 smith the most around town etc, but if your going to have only one defense revolver I wouldnt go smaller than the 3" model 36 smith.

 

[The Blackhawk Kid]

I thought about a GP and it's a good choice. I can shoot one and see how I like it. The SP is a little small in my hand, so the GP moved up a notch or 2. I also am looking at a Model 28, too. Thanks for all the input! BhK

 

[The Blackhawk Kid]

I just read the post on an SP101's chambers not reamed for 357. I'm getting the GP or Model 28.