[CHLChris]

Originally Posted by tookalisten

Yes, each handgun requires a permit in NC. When you apply, upon approval, you can buy several permits (not sure if there is a limit), and each permit costs $5. So, if you are going to the trouble of applying, most people will pick up a couple. They expire after 5 years. The wait between application and approval is only a couple of days though.

What part of "...the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." does NC not understand. Infringement is ANY regulation that slows down the process, charges money, or adds any numerical limits on law-abiding citizens.

Okay, I'll put that soapbox away. I should have left that steaming pile in the political forum. Sorry.

[WDB]

I have a S&W 586 6" barrel with target sights. It's a lot of fun to shoot, hits what I aim it at and fits my hand well.

[stick_man]

Well, after reading all the posts in this thread, I'd have to say my new #2 choice in .357 revolver would now be a GP-100. It had been down my list a couple notches, but has been building a great reputation. It still has a long way to go before it can even consider the Dan Wesson for my #1 pick though. I already have a DW and would love to pick up another. When I first bought it, I was a little concerned about the interchangeable barrels and accuracy. That concern was VERY quickly put to bed the very first trip to the range. The only thing I have changed on mine is the grip. I replaced the stock wood grip with a Pachmyer and have noticed a (surprisingly) marked improvement in its handling characteristics. In my book, it is the standard bearer of .357 wheelguns. Unfortunately when I bought it (used), it only came with the 2 1/2" and 6" barrels. I very rarely use the 2 1/2" as it is a little bulky for concealed carry, but the 6" makes a great target and hunting barrel.

A couple weeks ago I got to shoot a 3" SP-101 for the first time. Even with mild .38 loads, I could feel the trigger guard banging into my middle finger to the point that I pretty much lost interest in it and it fell from my #2 choice down to a #5 choice. In fairness though, a good Hogue or Pachmyer grip on it would probably resolve the knuckle bangin'. Ruger factory grips have always felt very undersized to me.

The Dan Wessons have a great reputation as a VERY accurate and well built revolver. I have heard their strength compares favorably to the Redhawks and pretty close to the Freedom Arms monsters.

If you get the opportunity to handle and shoot one, you will likely be pretty impressed as well.

[Stealie]

The Hougue grip mades all the difference on my SP101. I wanted more concalability or I would have gotten the GP100.

[BILLYBOB44]

Originally Posted by tookalisten

Yes, each handgun requires a permit in NC. When you apply, upon approval, you can buy several permits (not sure if there is a limit), and each permit costs $5. So, if you are going to the trouble of applying, most people will pick up a couple. They expire after 5 years. The wait between application and approval is only a couple of days though.

That seems like a Crock of Shi! to me! What do they do, make you put serial # for that handgun on each separate permit? Really sounds like a backwards system to me. In my state the permit is for My Person, not on ANY individual weapon. He!! that's(Your states system) is like saying that you have to have a different drivers license for each vehicle that you drive?? You+and the permit holders in the state of NC should work to get that changed

[Shotgun Shooter]

So..what I'm getting from this thread is that Ruger revolvers are pretty reliable. I like my ruger 10/22. No problems with it. Hope the revolvers are the same.

Thanks for all the responses.

S.S.

[onenut58]

Ruger builds the strongest revolvers you can buy. If you look at reloading manuals you will find ruger only loads. This means that if you try to use a ruger only load in any other brand it will have a good chance of blowing up.
If your buying brand new the gp100 is a sweet gun. But if you go used dont count out the security six. It is the pre runner to the gp100. There was nothing wrong with them just was more exspensive to make them. They are a little lighter than a gp100 and are just as strong.
Rugers fit and finish are not as refined and polished as a smith and wesson and there triggers are not as smooth and are heavier.The suggestion about the wolf springs I would take the advice and do that.
Rugers are actualy over built they always have been and there single actions are just as tough.Used colts are nice also with a nicer finish like smiths and smoother triggers as well. But they can only be had used now and the prices are out ragous.
You just cannot go wrong with a ruger.

[OC357]

I have had a few .357 but not as many different ones as some of you have. So I am sure I am not as qualified to answer your question. I am currenty using a Colt Python and it has had a lot of rounds put through it and has stood up well. It is old now and a little holster worn but it is a really sweet shooter with a hair trigger in single action mode. All I know is I wouldn't trade it for anything. Not saying it is "the best" but a fine shooter for me anyway.

OC

[NGIB]

One of my favorites is my 3 inch S&W 686+, 7 shot. I find the 3 inch barrel to be a great compromise between carry gun and duty gun. I have pretty wood stocks for it but it generally wears these Pachmayr Decelerators. This one has Meprolight night sights and is generally on duty in the nightstand...

[Rigby]

While the Rugers are stout and I like them a lot the S&W 586 or 686 will handle anything you care to put threw it in 357. They also are extremely smooth and consistently accurate. Just feel they are the best DA 357 made. Of course I’m talking about the pre-lock guns