Wanting a Snub nose Revovler

So the SP101 seems to be the clear choice here. I have not handled a 686 yet so thats not out of the question nor are other S&W models. Can't find a used Colt in my area for some odd reason (probley the owners tend to keep em). The gun stores in my area seem to have alot of Taurus and Rossi revovlers, and not much in the S&W selection. Further handling/ renting is in order even though the money is burning a hole in my pocket. This revolver would be a night stand gun and carried for legal CCW once I am confident in my abilities.

Speaking of renting, a few years ago, I rented a Charter Arms .38 spl(model name or model number unkown) and found shooting it was a joy. I was using Winchester 130gr FMJ and Fed. American Eagle 130gr. FMJ. The AE seemed to be "weak" compared to the Winchester with more flash and recoil. With the Charter Arms and the 130gr rounds, the POA was the same POI out to about 10 yards......I thought this was the best shooting I had ever done.


**I realize that I spelled Revolver wrong in the title of this thread**
 
I vote for the sp101 , this snub was made for extensive shooting it does well with magnums. Its a shooters snub. mho
 
Rossi problem

Sir William, I've noticed that your inputs are objective - sharing real personal experiences. I find that useful. Thanks for what you've shared so far.

Your comment, "I have owned a few Rossi snubs and I had problems with them all. I would not buy a Rossi product again," troubles me. I own a Rossi (462) and often carry it as a BUG. Now I'm skeptical, to say the least.

Please share what "problems" are. Thanks in advance for what I know would be useful words from you.
 
First, I will be objective and say that my Rossi mule-eared shotgun in 12 bore is still going. No problems. I have had several Rossi 92s and they develop feeding and cycling problems, will balk at shooting both 38 Special and 357 Magnum, wear quickly and have lifter problems too often for my comfort. I have yet to complete a CAS season with a Rossi 92 lever action rifle. I have had blued and stainless 38s and 357 Magnum Rossi revolvers. I have had poor service from them in springs, broken locking bolts, worn hands and a broken thumblatch. The cylinder free wheeled on my 3" 38 Special. The thumblatch was made from what seemed to be MIM and was pressfitted. I have a friend who also had their thumblatch to break. Rossi firearms CAN be built to a higher standard. EMF has Rossi 92s and so did Navy Arms. Those lever action rifles are well proven and durable. Taurus has given Rossi a dose of quality control but, I recently picked up a 357 Magnum Rossi snub. It was non-functional NIB. The hand was overriding the cylinder ratchet. Gunsmiths usually turn down Rossis for repair. They honestly will tell you that a replacement would be cheaper than their labour and parts to repair a Rossi product. If I had the choice between a $150.00 well used S&W M10 and a NIB $279.00 Rossi, I would take the S&W. This has been my Rossi experience. If Rossi decided to clone the Colt product line though, I might try them again.
 
The problem where I live...

Is that used smiths and rugers are hard to come by. I have a taurus snub, and so far have been very satisfied. :)
 
Looks like I may go with a SP101, however I had seen a GP100 w/ partial lug on another gun board which has caught my attention. Either way, I really dig the robust design of the Rugers, can't stand the instruction manual on the side of the barrel. A friend offered to sell me his 101, as he has a nice project he is trying to fund....so we both would benefit (he takes care of his firearms and has yet to shoot this revolver oddly enough).

How about grips for the SP101, I understand that Hogue rubbers are nice, as are Pachmayr(sp?) would you fellas suggest a boot grip as well as a good wood grip. Also I heard that Nills is/was/had considered a grip for the SP101, any news?

Thanks again folks!
 
On snubs...

If you can handle another input. I have a S&W Model 637 38Spcl +P.

The good news: Easy to carry, compact, and very accurate.

The bad news: Your shooting hand will appreciate an Uncle Mike's glove.
 
D Ric902 :

I looked up Gemini Customs and really liked what I saw. Your SP101 and the photos they had posted on their site show some beautiful work. I am considering having a package done on an SP101 or possibly a S&w late model 60. The various packages look good but I would probably stick with the stainless steel bead blasted rather than the other finishes, but, I wanted to ask you about the barrel porting. Does it work and is it worth the price ? Have you done any night shooting and if so how does the porting effect the muzzle flash ?
 
I don't think I saw it as one of your choices, but I have to also vote for the SW 642. I picked one up several months ago, and have been very pleased with this little snubby. As a matter of fact, I just returned from a week in Savannah, GA., and the 642 was an absolute joy to carry around in my pocket holster.
 
Re snub ?

Hi
I have a Rossi Stainless Steel .357 with 2'' barrel. The first time at the range after only 25 rounds of .357 ( not the full house loads) the gun locked up and the cylinder would not budge. Rossi repaired it and I will be taking it back to the range this weekend and I will post how it performed. I also have a Smith model 60 and a Model 642 in .38 and just sold a model 36 and I must say I never had ANY problems with them. The model 36 was carried and shot for 20 years and NEVER malfunctioned. If the Rossi gives me any problems I will be getting rid of it and reaching DEEP into the wallet for a Smith Model 340 or a 2"" model 60 in .357. I have considered the Taurus 605 but have seen threads on this forum that give it very mixed reviews. I do however have a Taurus model 94 in .22 L/R for plincking and it has been fine. But. the recoil is nothing compared to the .357. Good luck.
Post what you decided to get.
Steve
 
If I might be contrarian for a minute I would like to suggest you look for a lightly used Colt Detective Special or one of its variants in the Colt D frame revolver family.. Sure it is only a .38 Special, but it carries six rounds unlike almost all of its competitors, and is likely the only snubbie you could buy, compared to that list up there, that will actually appreciate if you treat it well and don't clap it out.
 
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