[Glock1926]

Have a chance to purchase a 3" sp101 .357, mid 90's production for $450. Good deal or what?

[TheSadPanda]

Originally Posted by Glock1926

Have a chance to purchase a 3" sp101 .357, mid 90's production for $450. Good deal or what?

Average price. I say save the money and buy a Smith. I had an sp101 a year ago and i hated it. I have a 686 now and its soooo much better.

[Holmes375]

Originally Posted by Glock1926

Have a chance to purchase a 3" sp101 .357, mid 90's production for $450. Good deal or what?

I wouldn't rate it as a "good" deal. To be fair, the current climate makes it difficult to define good deals vs bad deals. And regional location may well play a greater role nowadays, too.

I just picked up a 2 month old 6" GP100 with a 125 rounds of good factory ammo for $500. I don't consider that anything more than a decent deal but I'm pleased with the acquisition.

[mdauben]

Originally Posted by TheSadPanda

Average price. I say save the money and buy a Smith. I had an sp101 a year ago and i hated it. I have a 686 now and its soooo much better.

Kind of an apples and oranges comparison. If you want to look a S&W vs. Ruger I'd look at the SP101 vs. the Model 60 (both small frame) or the GP100 vs. the Model 686 (both medium frame). A medium frame revolver is always going to be mor comfortable and fun to shoot than a small frame, no matter who makes it.

[TheSadPanda]

Originally Posted by mdauben

Kind of an apples and oranges comparison. If you want to look a S&W vs. Ruger I'd look at the SP101 vs. the Model 60 (both small frame) or the GP100 vs. the Model 686 (both medium frame). A medium frame revolver is always going to be mor comfortable and fun to shoot than a small frame, no matter who makes it.

You're absolutely right. That's an issue I didn't address. But The point I was making is that I think Smiths are of better quality in general. I mean... Dat trigger pull I like the 686 more than the gp100 by a substantial amount. I know it's a matter of personal preference, but I don't think I am in the minority on this one.

[Gonzilla]

I'll back ya on that one Sadpanda - I shot both side by side w 6" barrels. But there is nothing wrong w a GPs trigger that a good smith couldn't fix.

How a gun balances in the hand is a qualitative variable - science can do many things but qualify a "warmfuzzy" is not among them.

At the end of the day, Welcome to the Gun Community.

[TheSadPanda]

Originally Posted by Gonzilla

I'll back ya on that one Sadpanda - I shot both side by side w 6" barrels. But there is nothing wrong w a GPs trigger that a good smith couldn't fix.

Thanks in reality theyre both great guns. Its like having to choose between better and best. Both are solid choices, so you cant really go wrong. Like you said, if you want that great trigger pull youre either seeing a gunsmith or buying a Smith & Wesson. Either way, youll be seeing a smith

[Sniper03]

Glock,
As has been mentioned the accuracy of the pistols depends upon the ability and time spent practicing by the shooter. Years ago I carried a Model 66 4" S&W on duty and a Model 66 2 1/2" Off duty and back up. Obviously we had to qualify with both. Both were agency weapons. When in CID I carried the 2 1/2" I found that the Model 66 21/2 was as accurate as the Model 66 4" at anything up to 25-50 yards. As the guys have mentioned, obviously the 4"or 6" Revolver has a longer sight radius which is easier to align at longer distance but the bottom line, if the rear and front sight are properly aligned the only effect would be muzzle velocity and energy at various ranges. But also as mentioned the 2 1/2 is easier to conceal and carry than the 4 or 6" revolvers. I also carried my 2 1/2" in an a GALCO ankle holster which I got accustom to the weight of the Model 66 2 1/2" and hardly noticed it. So the real point is the purpose you want the weapon for is a big factor. If for target or plinking only or protection at home stored in a drawer or security box The 4" or 6" would be a better choice for the average person. But if it's intended purpose is for personal protection and concealment the 2 1/2 would be my choice. Either I am sure you will enjoy the weapon you choose. But I also like S&W over others for a Revolver choice. Just feels better to me but nothing wrong with the Rugers if you like those. Best to go check them out for feel balance and other issues before you buy! If you have a range around that rents them that would be a good thing to check out!

03

[Gonzilla]

Bowen makes a sp101 perfected - he will zero it to any load or hand-load of your choice. The man is an artist w a revolver.