3"er- SP-101, 65LS, 66 Hi-Viz or 386Mtn. Lt.?

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dsgrntldPW

New member
I've come to the conclusion that I'm a 3" kinda guy. (My wife says she knows why. Huh?) I've looked at the above revolvers for defense and sometimes concealed carry. I just can't decide. The Ruger has a great solid feel and balance, and is undoubtedly the most concealable, but is a 5-rounder. The 65LS is just so durn pretty and the 66 Hi-Viz snaps onto the target real quick with those sights. Either of those would be my only K-frame. The 386, with its light weight and and 7 rd. capacity looks to be a great overall carry gun, but is it worth the extra cost and is it still managable with 38+P or .357 lite rounds? While I don't consider myself to be all that recoil sensitive, I don't shoot the heavyweight magnums that much anymore.

I've been thinking about this so much lately I've gotten a headache. Please pass the Tylox. Help!
 
Disgruntled PW;
I bought a 3" SP101. The S&W will have better showroom appeal but the Ruger has real world utility. It is nearly rust free, easy to shoot with 38+P or 125 med/mag. It's bearable with full house loads. The Ruger grips, grip angle and sights are great. You will be able to place your shots with either hand at combat range with only a little practice. Ergonomics are excellent!
You will be hard pressed to conceal a K or L frame in Arizona weather. One or two extra shots are worthless if you have to leave the piece at home. Ruger reliability is legendary. The SP101is surprisingly accurate and easy to shoot.
Mike
 
I'd have to go with either of the two Smith's. I lean toward the Hi-Viz only because of adjustable sights. I've always been a stickler for having my ammo print where it's aimed. However, that's not to say you may not be able to find a load that does well in the fixed-sight LS. If you'd care to meet up to shoot, I'll be happy to let you try my 3" M-66.:)

I carry a K-frame rather frequently under an untucked shirt, so it's certainly do-able here in Phoenix. In fact, I'm going to have a kydex rig made up for one of my N-frames and see how well it works.:D
 
I just got a 3" Mod 13 wow what a ccw piece. I have not shot it yet but I hope to soon. I think that 3"ers are the best, I had been carrying a 3" S&W mod 60 in 38 spec with adj sights. But this Mod 13 is better with one more round and 357, and not much more weight.
 
They are all good choices but I personally like the Ruger SP101. It will be a little easier to carry concealed than others. I have one and my sister has one and our opinion is that they are totally reliable and durable and recoil with 125gr full power load is not bad for such small revolver. Only negative side to this revolver is that trigger is usually pretty heavy and gritty but a simple trigger job is not expensive.
 
Don't forget about the 3" Ruger Speed Six! They can be had for somewhere around $300 and are about the size of a S&W K-frame. I have a 4" SS and a 4" blued Speed Six and think they are very nice guns. I am on the lookout for a SS 3" Speed Six for just what you are talking about.
 
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