What would you get

SP101 3" with Hogue Monogrip

Heavy enough for SD/HD .357 use and a pussycat with .38 +P. The grip is a must for my hands, and my 5'-2" wife likes it as well over the stubby factory grips. I like the 3" over the 2" as it is more muzzle-heavy for pointability.

RugerSP101Grips2_zps07f64341.jpg
 
I have also gotten pretty much away from airweight revolvers. I still have Two, an LCR22 and a 315 Night Guard. I like to shoot what I carry, and airweight's are not much fun to shoot at all with carry ammo. The 315NG being somewhat of an exception being a snub airweight K Frame.

I have several revolvers that I conceal carry in Pancake Holsters. What I have found out is:
A 3" is the maximum barrel length I can carry, as a longer barrel blocks getting my wallet out of my right back pocket. The 3" allows access, but just barely. I have a 3" Model 66-2, a 3" SP101, as well as a couple adjustable sight 3" GP100's. Plus the 2.75" 315 Night Guard. I rotate through all of them.

I prefer the 2" revolvers for concealed carry: A 2" is just handier all around for me. I have a 2" 64 snub that I like pretty well. It would be a much better revolver if S&W would take the hint from Ruger and install a front sight that can be changed to something you can see better on all models. My 64 has a trigger job, and Pachmayr Compac grips on it.
I find myself carrying my 2" 357 SP101 a great deal. It has springs & shims, a 24/7 Tritium front sight, and Pachmayr compac grips. It is a very nice concealed carry revolver. I have owned a 2" Model 10 as well as a 2" Model 15. Both are great concealed carry revolvers, but I prefer stainless in my old age for concealed carry.

A 2.5" S&W 66 is also a good choice.

If buying new, I would recommend an SP101. Have a trigger job done (Springs, Shims, and a little Polishing). I have the XS 24/7 night sight on the 2" and a Gemini Little Wonder Fiber Optic on my 3" both are great choices. Get a quality leather pancake holster for it. I carry one or two 5 Shot Jet Loaders in Big Creek Kydex belt carriers that I build for a reload. This time of year I may also pack a speed strip with shotshells for snakes.
In a Smith & Wesson a Model 60 or 640 Pro would not be bad either.

Going used you might open up the list to include 2" 64's and 65"s, and 2.5" 66's. The ultimate would be a 2.75 315 Night Guard, however they rarely show up for sale.
 
Last edited:
Go to a well stocked gun store at a time when they are not super busy and look at a bunch. At least the feel. Also down here most ranges rent a bunch so you might be able to shoot a few and see what you think.
 
Well my son bought a Colt Police Positive Special chambered in 38 spl to cheap to admit to and a new hack saw blade and now has this nice little carry gun.
 
Well, I'm with Super Sneaky Steve on this one.

After holding Ruger LCRX, I was hooked!! 38 Spl +P, 3 inch barrel, adjustable sights, and feather weight...
Then I tried the trigger.... YESSSS!!!

I have one on lay away now... lol
 
Back
Top