Ruger SP101 w/2.25" barrel & 357 mag

charles burhans · July 5, 2013, 12:16 PM

Hello Everyone,

I am new to THE FIRING LINE forum.

BACKGROUND
I am in the process of searching for a New Ruger SP101 double action revolver w/2.25" barrel that shoots .357 mag & 38 specials (e.g. model #5718).
While I have settled on the gun manufacturer & model I am in a quandary as to where I can find the best deal.
I live in Aiken, SC.
QUESTION
Where do you recommend I shop for this gun. Is there a Web Site gun dealer that has sharp pricing or do I buy from my local gun shop?

Thanks,
Chuck Burhans
Aiken, SC 29803
H: (803) 642-0401
E-Mail: [email protected]

.38Catt · July 5, 2013, 09:31 PM

I recommend finding a good, reputable LOCAL dealer even if you pay a few bucks more. Build a good working relationship and it will payoff if there is an issue.

Just my $.02.

.38Catt

ClydeFrog · July 5, 2013, 09:57 PM

Id highly suggest checking www.GunsAmerica.com .
It's free & offers a lot of + services. I've used it often since 2004 & I've bought 3 firearms with the website.

You can check prices & compare features. You can also ask the FFL holders questions or review the weapons before you decide anything.

.38Catt · July 6, 2013, 05:35 PM

For what is worth, I saw one today in the Atlanta area for $529.00
.38Catt

9mm · July 6, 2013, 05:37 PM

Why you post email/phone name address?? If you can find one under $550 you doing good. I seen some $600++

redrick · July 6, 2013, 10:11 PM

Welcome, I would also check gunbroker.com.

craZivn · July 9, 2013, 08:52 PM

Also armslist.com.

JAREDSHS · July 10, 2013, 08:16 AM

SHTF vs TEOTWAWKI you ask? SHTF, just some crap on the ceiling and walls, TEOTWAWKI end of the world as we know it. Orignally made by 9mm/®™©

I LIKE IT!!

ScotchMan · July 10, 2013, 08:31 AM

I'd recommend removing your email address and phone number from your post. These pieces of information will eventually be harvested automatically by people you don't want to have them. Unwanted emails and phone calls will follow shortly thereafter.

DealHunter · July 10, 2013, 09:17 AM

I know Lawmen's (local LE Supply shop but they sell Rugers to non LE too) has them up here in NC (Raleigh and Charlotte) for around 450-480 new. They have a store in Columbia SC but it's about 50 miles from you; not sure if that's "too far" or not...

http://www.lawmens.com in case you're interested.

Waspinator · July 10, 2013, 10:16 AM

Just for comparision from this part of the country.

I was in a local store a couple of weeks ago, here in CT, and they had that model 2.25"/.357 Mag SP101 and the DAO model for $549 each. (A gun I have been considering, thats why I know what they were asking).

I did a search online and found some cheaper ($450-$475 range)... But, after you factor in shipping cost and FFL dealer tranfer fees, the price was just about up to the local price. In that situation, I would spend a few more dollars and buy local. No headaches of shipping, transfers, waiting or worry about having to return through reversing the process (s/h + FFL) if there is a problem. The few extra dollars spent is WELL worth it in my opinion for the peace of mind buying locally.

Ferretboy · July 10, 2013, 11:23 AM

The Local Sporting Goods Store has them here for $509.00 of course they got them in right after I bought my S&W M36 3in. just kinda figures.

ScotchMan · July 11, 2013, 07:16 AM

Don't forget that buying from local gun stores helps to ensure we will continue to have local gun stores.

Though they make more money off the non-gun items. I always try to buy some ammo or an accessory whenever I'm looking at guns.

ScaryWoody · July 11, 2013, 08:34 AM

Look up Palmetto State Armory. They have three locations across South Carolina.

lagavulin62 · July 11, 2013, 09:14 AM

It sounds like this is your first gun purchase. Correct me if I am wrong. So for a first time purchase my advice would be to stay away from the internet unless you go with Bud's. Just do a search and you will find their website. I say this because they have the best online reputation and you deal with them DIRECTLY. Going with Gunbroker or the almost always astronomical prices found on Guns America is ok once you get some experience buying online. Also too many variables with these two companies due to the fact that you would be buying from third parties. I would mention Davidson's as another very good possibility, however it's been years since I bought from them due to the fact they NEVER have anything in stock these days but the most boring of guns. But it never hurts to try them out either.

I like the fact that you know what you want. Make sure you have the SKU number of this particular gun so you are making a proper price comparison. Like others have said I would first try to find it locally. Either go in personally or call around and see what you get with prices.

One other very good option I have found in the past for new Rugers is the gun shows. As much of a waste of time gun shows have become, at least here in the Houston area I have found very good deals on new Ruger revolvers and if I was ever in the market for one this is the first place I would try after calling a few shops locally. If you have cash in hand you might be surprised at what you can save. Also you can hold the gun before making any commitments. And if anything goes wrong with the gun, no worries because you just send it in to the manufacturer.

That was a little winded but hope that helps.

RUT · July 12, 2013, 08:29 AM

>>I recommend finding a good, reputable LOCAL dealer even if you pay a few bucks more.<<

Ditto that.........

joneb · July 12, 2013, 11:41 PM

I prefer to not buy unseen firearms.

Water-Man · July 13, 2013, 12:08 AM

Get some online prices before buying locally to make sure you're not getting taken to the cleaners.

It's all well and fine to want to give the LGS your business but not if there's a big difference in pricing.

July 5, 2013, 12:16 PM	#1
charles burhans Junior Member Join Date: July 5, 2013 Posts: 2	Ruger SP101 w/2.25" barrel & 357 mag Hello Everyone, I am new to THE FIRING LINE forum. BACKGROUND I am in the process of searching for a New Ruger SP101 double action revolver w/2.25" barrel that shoots .357 mag & 38 specials (e.g. model #5718). While I have settled on the gun manufacturer & model I am in a quandary as to where I can find the best deal. I live in Aiken, SC. QUESTION Where do you recommend I shop for this gun. Is there a Web Site gun dealer that has sharp pricing or do I buy from my local gun shop? Thanks, Chuck Burhans Aiken, SC 29803 H: (803) 642-0401 E-Mail: [email protected] Last edited by charles burhans; July 6, 2013 at 05:25 AM. Reason: my message was not clear

July 5, 2013, 09:57 PM	#3
ClydeFrog Junior member Join Date: May 1, 2010 Posts: 5,797	GunsAmerica.com ..... Id highly suggest checking www.GunsAmerica.com . It's free & offers a lot of + services. I've used it often since 2004 & I've bought 3 firearms with the website. You can check prices & compare features. You can also ask the FFL holders questions or review the weapons before you decide anything.

July 10, 2013, 08:31 AM	#9
ScotchMan Senior Member Join Date: July 3, 2011 Posts: 1,368	I'd recommend removing your email address and phone number from your post. These pieces of information will eventually be harvested automatically by people you don't want to have them. Unwanted emails and phone calls will follow shortly thereafter. __________________ Everyday Loadout NRA Instructor NRA Member

July 10, 2013, 11:23 AM	#12
Ferretboy Senior Member Join Date: December 6, 2012 Location: Longview, WA Posts: 214	The Local Sporting Goods Store has them here for $509.00 of course they got them in right after I bought my S&W M36 3in. just kinda figures. __________________ There is no such thing as Overkill, Dead is Dead!

July 11, 2013, 07:16 AM	#13
ScotchMan Senior Member Join Date: July 3, 2011 Posts: 1,368	Don't forget that buying from local gun stores helps to ensure we will continue to have local gun stores. Though they make more money off the non-gun items. I always try to buy some ammo or an accessory whenever I'm looking at guns. __________________ Everyday Loadout NRA Instructor NRA Member

July 5, 2013, 09:31 PM	#2
.38Catt Senior Member Join Date: May 4, 2006 Posts: 255	I recommend finding a good, reputable LOCAL dealer even if you pay a few bucks more. Build a good working relationship and it will payoff if there is an issue. Just my $.02. .38Catt

July 6, 2013, 05:35 PM	#4
.38Catt Senior Member Join Date: May 4, 2006 Posts: 255	For what is worth, I saw one today in the Atlanta area for $529.00 .38Catt

July 6, 2013, 05:37 PM	#5
9mm Senior Member Join Date: January 9, 2011 Location: Land of the Free Posts: 2,834	Why you post email/phone name address?? If you can find one under $550 you doing good. I seen some $600++

July 6, 2013, 10:11 PM	#6
redrick Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2007 Location: Virginia Posts: 1,041	Welcome, I would also check gunbroker.com.

July 9, 2013, 08:52 PM	#7
craZivn Senior Member Join Date: January 25, 2013 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 138	Also armslist.com.

July 10, 2013, 08:16 AM	#8
JAREDSHS Senior Member Join Date: July 7, 2004 Location: Mountains in North East Tennessee. Posts: 176	SHTF vs TEOTWAWKI you ask? SHTF, just some crap on the ceiling and walls, TEOTWAWKI end of the world as we know it. Orignally made by 9mm/®™© I LIKE IT!!

July 10, 2013, 09:17 AM	#10
DealHunter Senior Member Join Date: May 1, 2012 Posts: 225	I know Lawmen's (local LE Supply shop but they sell Rugers to non LE too) has them up here in NC (Raleigh and Charlotte) for around 450-480 new. They have a store in Columbia SC but it's about 50 miles from you; not sure if that's "too far" or not... http://www.lawmens.com in case you're interested.

July 10, 2013, 10:16 AM	#11
Waspinator Senior Member Join Date: February 10, 2013 Location: Connecticut Posts: 517	Just for comparision from this part of the country. I was in a local store a couple of weeks ago, here in CT, and they had that model 2.25"/.357 Mag SP101 and the DAO model for $549 each. (A gun I have been considering, thats why I know what they were asking). I did a search online and found some cheaper ($450-$475 range)... But, after you factor in shipping cost and FFL dealer tranfer fees, the price was just about up to the local price. In that situation, I would spend a few more dollars and buy local. No headaches of shipping, transfers, waiting or worry about having to return through reversing the process (s/h + FFL) if there is a problem. The few extra dollars spent is WELL worth it in my opinion for the peace of mind buying locally.

July 11, 2013, 08:34 AM	#14
ScaryWoody Senior Member Join Date: September 4, 2004 Location: Atlanta Posts: 368	Look up Palmetto State Armory. They have three locations across South Carolina.

July 11, 2013, 09:14 AM	#15
lagavulin62 Senior Member Join Date: June 19, 2008 Location: Montgomery, Texas Posts: 222	It sounds like this is your first gun purchase. Correct me if I am wrong. So for a first time purchase my advice would be to stay away from the internet unless you go with Bud's. Just do a search and you will find their website. I say this because they have the best online reputation and you deal with them DIRECTLY. Going with Gunbroker or the almost always astronomical prices found on Guns America is ok once you get some experience buying online. Also too many variables with these two companies due to the fact that you would be buying from third parties. I would mention Davidson's as another very good possibility, however it's been years since I bought from them due to the fact they NEVER have anything in stock these days but the most boring of guns. But it never hurts to try them out either. I like the fact that you know what you want. Make sure you have the SKU number of this particular gun so you are making a proper price comparison. Like others have said I would first try to find it locally. Either go in personally or call around and see what you get with prices. One other very good option I have found in the past for new Rugers is the gun shows. As much of a waste of time gun shows have become, at least here in the Houston area I have found very good deals on new Ruger revolvers and if I was ever in the market for one this is the first place I would try after calling a few shops locally. If you have cash in hand you might be surprised at what you can save. Also you can hold the gun before making any commitments. And if anything goes wrong with the gun, no worries because you just send it in to the manufacturer. That was a little winded but hope that helps.

July 12, 2013, 08:29 AM	#16
RUT Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 2004 Location: NH, USA Posts: 812	>>I recommend finding a good, reputable LOCAL dealer even if you pay a few bucks more.<< Ditto that......... __________________ Liberals don't care what you do... as long as it's mandated.

July 12, 2013, 11:41 PM	#17
joneb Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2005 Location: Central , OR Posts: 1,888	I prefer to not buy unseen firearms.

July 13, 2013, 12:08 AM	#18
Water-Man Senior Member Join Date: March 23, 2008 Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 2,126	Get some online prices before buying locally to make sure you're not getting taken to the cleaners. It's all well and fine to want to give the LGS your business but not if there's a big difference in pricing.