sp1013inch or 686 3 inch

[marino13]

newb13 should say it all--not a moron--tired of all the crap around here--ready for a gun--got the ccw but probably for home d mostly--ruger a tiny gun after handling-gripwise-smith$$$------leaning toward ruger gp100--opinions please--playboypenguine nuts--lol

[hoytinak]

I'm kinda bias toward Ruger revolvers so I'm gonna say either the GP100 or SP101. If you're not going to be carrying it and just using it for HD I suggest the GP100 but if you'll carry it, get the SP101.

[Yoosta B. Blue]

I've had an SP-101 for a few months and have fallen in love with this little gun! It has become my primary CC piece, and I am so glad that I have it. I also like the GP-100, and that will probably be my next handgun purchase. But if I had it to do over again, I'd still get the SP first.

Yoosta B. BLue

[Kreyzhorse]

If you are looking for a CCW gun, the SP is a much better choice than either the GP or a S&W 686. While the SP isn't the best revolver I've ever owned, but it's a good gun and the .357 version is nice as it gives you options between .357 and .38 spl.

[chris in va]

I'm wearing my 3" SP right now actually. Have all day. It's fine, didn't cost me a crazy $$$ figure and it works. I like knowing I can shoot anything commercially available as much as I want and not worry about it failing.

Get the GP if you plan to use for HD or range though.

[BikerRN]

If it's for Home Defense I'd go with a 4" GP100.

If it's for concealed carry I'd select the 3" GP100. If it's occaisional concealed carry the 4" GP100 will work fine too. I like the SP101 as a BUG if you are willing to fire .357 Magnums out of it. Most people, myself included, aren't. My BUG is a S&W 442.

I have a couple of guns I carry off duty. In order of most carried in the past six months:

Ruger GP100 3"/S&W 442
S&W 22-4/442
Glock 19/442 Glock 19/Kahr PM9 (Carried the Kahr 3 times in the past year)
1911 Gov't/442
1911 Gov't/PM9
S&W 442/Kahr PM9

I'm switching over to a 1911 after carrying a Revolver for the past year most often when off duty. Next year it will be a different platform. I try to change platforms every year or two to stay current.

Biker

[joab]

If you had gotten with me I could have let you do a side by side, but I traded the Ruger for a Combat Commander, now all I have is the 686

As far as price I think you will find them comparable
Used SP101s are going for around $400 I traded a 44/40 cattleman for mine
My Smith was $325 and I see them regularly for around $400

Too many good deals on good used guns for me to buy new

[1911Gurl]

Go with the sp101. I carry one for my BUG. The recoil with Remington 125gr. SJHP is noticable, but controlable with enough practice. It was even better for me when I changed the grips for some Hogues monogrips. Good luck with whatever you choose. Erin.:)

[azredhawk44]

I'm switching over to a 1911 after carrying a Revolver for the past year most often when off duty. Next year it will be a different platform. I try to change platforms every year or two to stay current.

1911, DA revolver? Current? ;) If you want a new toy, just say so... but neither are exactly bleeding edge firearms technology nowadays. :p

To the OP:

I'm a gun collector that has a hard time saying "no" to a new gun. I still only own 1 .357 revolver in that time however. I just haven't been able to find something that suits me better than the Ruger SP-101 3" .357 magnum offering.

While I wouldn't go hunting with it (I carry a .44mag for that), it makes for a very pleasant OWB hiking companion that is nice and light in comparison to a full sized 1911 or 4" 6-shooter, but still has enough heft to handle recoil and a powerful cartridge to take care of any necessary business.

With a quality IWB holster this gun can be carried discretely and with little or no inconvenience to yourself all day.

As a range blaster, it can't stand toe-to-toe with a 6" single action for long range accuracy, but it can make for some fun shooting anywhere from up close to about 25 yards. The 3" barrel gives considerably more sight radius than a 2" snubby... just enough to give an extra dose of confidence for longer than typical snubby ranges.

I'll probably never get rid of my SP101.

ETA: Most folks find peak accuracy with Ruger SP101's with 158gr ammunition. The 125's tend to shoot lower than the 158's for most folks.

[john in jax]

As many wise and all-knowing TFL members have already pointed out the much smaller and lighter 3" SP101 is a good choice for home defense and the best choice for CCW.

The GP100 and 686 are both excellent pistols and either with a 4" bbl would make an excellent home gun, but would be a lot harder to conceal than the SP101 making it less desirable as a CCW choice.

[marino13]

Thanks for the advice from you guys--will give a look at the 4 inch ruger---this is a GREAT site