S&W vs Ruger vs Taurus

The thing about pocket revolvers made of/with alloys is the recoil factor, some can not handle it that well or be very accurate with them. It depends on the individual.
I have a (new) S&W 60-15 with a pancake holster that carries well and can handle all 38spl rounds and 357mag. The mags are stout but with 38spl +P rounds it is accurate and it is a 5 shot, Ruger makes some fine weapons of this type too. I do not have any experience with other brands.
The number of rounds chambered will also be a factor in size.

Just my opinion.
 
The sp101 and the model 60 are two excellent choices in my opinion. Two revolvers that you can actually enjoy to shoot all day at the range, as well as carry concealed. The one thing I refuse to do is buy a gun based on it's size, weight and ability to be carried in my pocket. Most (not all) of them aren't fun to shoot.......
 
My thinking exactly. Had a 15 oz 442 - sold the 442. The Ruger DAO I keep because it's comfortable to use, zero recoil, and I can actually hit the target. Couldn't say that about the airweight.

Laura

BTW, got the 60 too - that too is the better gun over the airweight - but that's me.
 
ruger and smith both make fine guns, i think the extra cost of the smith goes into the triggers and fit & finish. my sp101 didn't come with a great trigger and the 642 airweight i got a great deal on didn't either. the ruger gets shot often, the 642 gets carried more. the steel smiths and colts are usually pretty smooth.

buy a gun for america!
 
I have gotten good service from, and used all three.
But I really prefer Colts.
The main reason I pack a Smith now is because my Colt is no longer in production and has become "collectible."
Colts rule. Or they did when they made them.
A python is a full bodied beauty. An L frame is a fat chick.
 
Smith and Wesson is the best.
However, the cost is more than my wallet can bear!!
That's why I carry a Taurus M85SSUL!! ;)
 
So to recap:

S&W #1 but some models are too much $, the Airweights look good, conceals well but aren't fun to shoot and you would have a better chance of hitting your target with a rock... (.357- .38+P)

Ruger #2 Only because it can be a little harder to conceal, (for some) a little heavier but quality is equal to the S&W. Prices are competitive...

Taurus #3 It certainly seems that most are very happy. Inexpensive in comparison, conceals well and you don't really care if they get banged up and scratched...
 
Taurus

I have several Smiths, Colts and even a Glock 30. My favorite carry gun, which I have run over 1000 rounds through without a malfunction of any kind, is the Taurus Stellar Tracker 2 in. snubby .45ACP. The full moon clips make reloading quick and easy so the 5 shot capacity does not bother me.

Gun conceals well (favorite holster is a Crossbreed IWB) summer and winter and is light enough to actually forget I have it with me.

With the smaller, hard rubber grips (from Taurus for $20), the gun punishes my hand after 50 rounds or so, but the stock "fuzzy" grips did not work well for me.

I would like to have a Smith 325 PD but for almost $800 I think I will pass.

This may not work for you, but it surely fits my needs and very well.

John
 
I currently own snubnose revolvers from all three makers listed here. If I had to pick the most sturdy, it would be the SP-101. Up until last year, my Model 60 was the revolver I carried most frequently. Since buying a Taurus 650 and 651, they are now what I carry most frequently. I would feel confident with any of my snubbies.
 
I have to go with the S&W. Well made and I have had great success with them at the range. I also like the fact that I can tweak the S&W while the Ruger presents problems. Taurus does not even enter the equation for me.
 
SW 642 - because the Ruger is too big as a pocket gun and I've had bad luck with two Taurus guns. The price difference between SW and Taurus is about $50 to $75 bucks. I can spend that on dinner taking the family out.

A gun is for a long time and its for my life. Thus, no Taurus for me. YMMV.
 
taurus im saving up 4 a taurus 45 acp compact
 

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rsqvet, a sp101 would pull my pants down. yes, i do avoid shooting my airweight, but i never can't carry it. concealing an airweight in even shorts are not a problem. i assure you ruger never meant the sp101 to be a pocket gun. if you can pocket it then goodie gum drops for you. however, i would have to holster any gun of the weight of a sp101, and i'll take my flatter,lighter, more rounds 9mm any day. now for shooting alot, don't get the airweight. it is a trade off gun. light weight bad recoil, but no pocket sag.
 
All are fine guns. For myself I'll pass on exposed hammers in the snubbys. Which shoots down the Ruger right off the bat.

My preference is the S&W 649 or more preferably the Taurus 651 in a matte stainless (I like to actually shoot my snubbies i.e. 38+P's in my 357). The "humbacks" as I like to call them offer the user a snag free draw and the choice of a double or single action trigger pull as opposed to the centennial framed gun which are DAO.

In other words, I wouldn't spend too much time worrying about brand. I'd decide what you want your gun to do and then see who is offering what you want.
 
The 3 brands work well in different situations

I'm with the "all 3 work well" group. For pocket carry in the States, Smiths work best for me because I am a medium-sized male, and they are relatively small. Have had good experiences with police turn-in all steel Centennials and Bodyguards.

For really rugged situations where there is a need for power and durability, or when you can carry on a good gun belt under a covering garment, an SP-101. Carried one in N.O. after Katrina. All the pets left behind were more of a problem than looters, and some of those very hungry dogs were very big. One of the most unpleasant aspects of that response operation for me was having to shoot them. I love dogs. Anyway, getting off post...sorry.

When you need to carry but may not be able to bring it back home; a Taurus. Carried one in Iraq and left it in Kuwait with US GOV security personnel. Did the job and didn't break the bank.

Sorry, no experience with Colts, Charters or Rossis.

If I had to pick only one, it would be the SP-101. You should pick what works best for you.
 
I think S&W used to make the best revolvers, nowadays I not so sure. Rugers are fine revolvers, they are bulky. That's so they will last for years and not shoot loose. Taurus makes a good revolver. hpg
 
Taurus

I have had three Rugers. I now carry a Taurus model 82 38spc.+P . I have put hundreds of rounds through it without a single problem. I have had very expensive weapons like Kimber and Springfield. I will take the less expensive Taurus from now on.
 
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