First revolver question

P

pyrilium

Inactive
I'm working up to the purchase of my first handgun, and I'd like some feedback on a couple of things. First, the background: I'm interested in a revolver that I can carry in the field with me when I backpack, to the range for practice, and maybe sometimes concealed (when I get good enough). I'm pretty set on 3-4" barrel - not really interested in snubbies - and .357 which seems like a reasonable chambering for the above jobs. Oh and stainless, since it will probably see kind of nasty environments, and I think I'd prefer adjustable sights.

I'm looking at a taurus tracker or a ruger gp100, new for the tracker and used for the ruger. I've looked at smiths, but I can't find anything within my budget (<$400). The tracker is pretty attractive, especially because it's a full 10oz lighter than the ruger. I'm interested to hear what peoples' experiences have been with the tracker, especially when firing full .357 rounds. I'd also like experiences with the GP100 and maybe the SP101. I don't want to start a thread of ruger vs taurus - I've read a lot of those - I'd just like to know your firsthand/secondhand experiences with these weapons as well as comments on my thought process.

Thanks!
 
357 is the perfect choice for what you want.
But may be a little difficult to conceal

While I do love my Tauri I would probably go with the used, if in very good condition, Ruger.
 
With careful shopping you can find S&Ws, Colts, and DWs along with the Rugers for under $400 used.
Remember that the lighter the revolver the greater the recoil. Something to think about if you consider carrying heavy field loads.
 
I have a Ruger Security Six stainless 4" .357 6 shot w/adjustible sights. I am not sure about this, but I think the SP100 may be the same as the Security Six with a new grip and maybe a few other minor changes.

I really like the Security Six. It was one of my first revolvers. I played with the action (springs and honing) and I reloaded alot and shot mostly .38 in it. It is now one of my few guns that gather dust these days. I just can't get excited about shooting it. I like the S&W better, 686 is a great gun IMO. However, If I were hiking or packing and wanted a .357 for your needs, I would grab my Ruger Security 6. I think the recoil is a bit wild for the .357 full loads but for gun just to have on the trail it's a good choice for the money. It's built like a tank and will last forever and longer.

I would maybe look at the used S&W as Majic suggested if I were doing it again and if it was for your needs.

Again, this is assuming my Security Six is about the same gun as the GP and SP Rugers. If not, forget everything I said.......:rolleyes:

But you can't go too far wrong with ANY Ruger firearm IMO.
 
Just remember...

The .357 i agree is a fine weapon, shoot .38's for practice along with the .357rnds. Just remember the .357 hasa nasty bark that hurts the ears. If you listen to lots of bass music yer fine tho, lol. But seriously, .357 is a fine choice, but do not discount a .44, or a .45LC type revolver. Big bore is usually the way to go. I prefer my dan wesson .357.
 
Ruger says they produce a 3" GP-100 in 357 Magnum. So far they are air. If you could find one, buy it. The second choice would be a 3" M19 from S&W. Third choice? A 5" Taurus Tracker in 357 Magnum. A nice revolver to consider in an alternate caliber would be a S&W Mountain Gun in 44.
 
Thanks!

Thank you all for your replies so far. I'm leaning pretty strongly towards the Ruger at this point, although I haven't seen a smith that I can afford yet so I haven't really been considering them. I'll do some more spirited hunting and see what I can find.

As far as caliber goes, I think I want .357 for now. I like the ability to shoot .38sp, and I'll probably end up with a big bore somewhere down the line for big game hunting and protection.

I've seen the 3" GP100, and it looks very nice. I was turned off a bit by the non-adjustable sights, though - what happens if POI isn't POA? Also, it seems like there might be issues with elevation if I'm firing anywhere from .38sp on up to hot .357. Can anyone who's used fixed sights comment on this?

OK, now I'm off to drive halfway across the country :cool:
 
Smith model 10?

So I found today at one of the local gun stores a few S&W model 10's - police trade-ins - for $195. I didn't have the full condition checklist with me, but lockup was nice and tight. They're blue, and .38sp (not .357), but I'm very tempted because at that price I can afford to get out and shoot a lot more! Any thoughts?
 
The 10 is a nice shooting revolver, but it's not a .357. I'd hold out for one. I recently bought a Model 19 for $400.00 on one of the auctions.

I have a Ruger GP-100, 3" Barrel in Like New condition, just slightly higher than your buget amount, on one of the major auctions and nobody wants it. I'm not going to give it away. I also have a Colt Lawman for sale for under your budget amount. It has that nice Colt action and doesn't have a scratch on it. It is on its 3rd time around with no bites.

So what you want is out there. If you're patient and learn where to find stuff you indeed can have your Like New .357.

Oh, I also have a Ruger Service Six for sale. Nice gun in it's day, but has no value in today's market.

Good Luck in your search!!!:D
 
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