Ruger GP/SP OR Taurus OR S&W 357
- Thread starter michlhll
- Start date
Any of them are a good choice, and I own or have owned exemplars of all three brands in the type you are looking for. You don't specify exactly what type of use you are looking for; that can help provide a good recommendation for you.
Without knowing any additional information, I personally would go for the Ruger (GP-100), Taurus (lots of different models) or S&W (K or L frame) in that order.
Without knowing any additional information, I personally would go for the Ruger (GP-100), Taurus (lots of different models) or S&W (K or L frame) in that order.
From your list my order of preference would be:
1. Ruger: Built like a tank, trigger gets better with age and shooting. I love my GP100 and probably will never sell it.
2. SW: Nicer trigger than the Ruger OOB on the used 686 I had briefly. I would buy another SW definitely.
3. Taurus: Never owned one but shot a couple of rentals\buddies guns. Didn't care for the sights on the Trackers. Scan the forums, some folks love them and some hate them.
1. Ruger: Built like a tank, trigger gets better with age and shooting. I love my GP100 and probably will never sell it.
2. SW: Nicer trigger than the Ruger OOB on the used 686 I had briefly. I would buy another SW definitely.
3. Taurus: Never owned one but shot a couple of rentals\buddies guns. Didn't care for the sights on the Trackers. Scan the forums, some folks love them and some hate them.
I've been told that Taurus has come a long way the past few years. A couple of months ago I fired a Taurus Model 66 (.357 magnum w/6" barrel) and I was impressed. It had a nice trigger on it, seemed to have a tight construction and I liked those grips. Others with more experience tell me that Taurus has a spotty records regarding QC. Well the one I fired looked okay and worked even better.
But I personally like Ruger and S&W. Rugers are probably not as "refined" as the S&W wheelguns, but they are solid and reliable guns. They're also not as much money as the Smiths and they don't have the locks on them. Or at least they didn't or they won't for another few months. I'm not sure what the heck is going on with those locks.
Well it really doesn't matter. I think you'll be fine with any of those makes. Of course if you have a couple thousand sitting around there is always a Korth.
But I personally like Ruger and S&W. Rugers are probably not as "refined" as the S&W wheelguns, but they are solid and reliable guns. They're also not as much money as the Smiths and they don't have the locks on them. Or at least they didn't or they won't for another few months. I'm not sure what the heck is going on with those locks.
Well it really doesn't matter. I think you'll be fine with any of those makes. Of course if you have a couple thousand sitting around there is always a Korth.
I agree with Russ. I have all three, and most models of the Smith in .357 are superior. Having said that, lemons, and semi lemons happen. My GP-100, 3" is well balanced and has nice trigger action. My SP-101, 3" was a lemon. Go figure!!! My preferrence in guns I own...
SW625jm
SW29-2
SW629 MG
Ruger GP-100
SW686
Colt Lawman MKlll
SW66
Taurus Tracker 627
Ruger Service Six
SW35
Taurus 85 Ultra-Lite
SW625jm
SW29-2
SW629 MG
Ruger GP-100
SW686
Colt Lawman MKlll
SW66
Taurus Tracker 627
Ruger Service Six
SW35
Taurus 85 Ultra-Lite
zappadragon
New member
Get the GP 100. I will NEVER get rid of mine. Rock soild too. and very accurate
Ramcharger
New member
Get the GP100 the things are indestructable.
I liked mine so much I bought two.
I liked mine so much I bought two.
75thRangerRegiment
New member
The Rugers are definitely far more durable than the S&W's. A GP100 is a great piece to have in the field,city,or your bedroom. They(Ruger) were on to something good when they came up with the modular build instead of the two piece frames. Makes field disassembly a breeze!
Ruger GP100 3" SS full shroud heavy barrel in .357
Ruger SP101 2 1/4" SS in .38 special +P (flawless!)
Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan 2 1/2" SS in .454 Casull/.45Colt (for Canada trips) a BEAST!!!!!!! very fun to shoot in .45 Colt - the .454 Casull is more akin in recoil to a M240!!(grenade launcher) but nice to have in big sky country.
Taurus M65 4" SS in .357
Ruger GP100 3" SS full shroud heavy barrel in .357
Ruger SP101 2 1/4" SS in .38 special +P (flawless!)
Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan 2 1/2" SS in .454 Casull/.45Colt (for Canada trips) a BEAST!!!!!!! very fun to shoot in .45 Colt - the .454 Casull is more akin in recoil to a M240!!(grenade launcher) but nice to have in big sky country.
Taurus M65 4" SS in .357
The Body Bagger
New member
Proof please. Investment cast vs forged steel......I'll take the S&W.
Omaha-BeenGlockin
New member
75thReg---
I was under the impression a Yankee couldn't take a handgun into the Great White North???
I was under the impression a Yankee couldn't take a handgun into the Great White North???
Detective_Special
New member
S&W, Ruger, Taurus
In my younger days I used to work in a gun shop as a sales clerk, we always used to take trade-ins of used guns. To my recollection I've never seen a out of time Ruger during my few years at the gun shop, in fact I've never seen one period. Although I think the Smiths are durable (meaning I don't think a Smith barrel will wear out faster than a Ruger), I do feel the lock work is much stonger and durable on the Ruger. In all fairness to S&W, we used to get 10 trade- ins on Smiths to one of Ruger and the majority were K frames rather than L's, although I think the lockwork on K's and L's are similar.
In my younger days I used to work in a gun shop as a sales clerk, we always used to take trade-ins of used guns. To my recollection I've never seen a out of time Ruger during my few years at the gun shop, in fact I've never seen one period. Although I think the Smiths are durable (meaning I don't think a Smith barrel will wear out faster than a Ruger), I do feel the lock work is much stonger and durable on the Ruger. In all fairness to S&W, we used to get 10 trade- ins on Smiths to one of Ruger and the majority were K frames rather than L's, although I think the lockwork on K's and L's are similar.
Im a newbie here, and have only fired the Ruger line of Wheel Guns, SRH 9 1/2, SRH 7 1/2 , GP100 and the SP101 that I own.
The Gp100 being a heavier gun shot alot more pleasant then my SP101, but my SP101 is my conceal gun of choice and although its a little brother to the GP100, I love the little tank and don't get me wrong its quite the shooter also and I have zero complaints its as tough as nails. BUT my next revolver might be a Smith, I got to have them all!
The Gp100 being a heavier gun shot alot more pleasant then my SP101, but my SP101 is my conceal gun of choice and although its a little brother to the GP100, I love the little tank and don't get me wrong its quite the shooter also and I have zero complaints its as tough as nails. BUT my next revolver might be a Smith, I got to have them all!
Rugers size for size compared to a S&W will be the stronger gun. This is because the Ruger has a solid frame, while the S&W has a side plate that is removeable. The S&W generally will have the better trigger of the two. The Ruger also has no warranty. The owner of Ruger stated when asked why there wasn't a warranty said, " the only warranty needed with a Ruger is your name and the gun"! This goes for second hand Rugers also..
Which gun?, most likely either will more than fill your needs. It comes down to which "feels" best, and which you can afford, which has the features your looking for..
Good shooting, CraigJS
Which gun?, most likely either will more than fill your needs. It comes down to which "feels" best, and which you can afford, which has the features your looking for..
Good shooting, CraigJS