Ruger SP101 vs Taurus 856...which to choose?

[TB89]

For either offering I'm looking at carrying IWB so I want a nice 3" barrel. The Taurus can shoot +P .38's but the slightly heavier Ruger can shoot .357 full house loads....not that I want to shoot them per se but maybe? Anyways I have heard that the Ruger is like a high quality all Stainless tank that will probably last a life time and is just screaming good quality and able to eat really high pressure loads in all it's offerings along with the GP100, Redhawks, etc, etc. My question I guess is should I opt for the higher quality .357 with 5 shots or the lower quality .38 special with an extra round? I just cant decide because honestly I really, REALLY want the Ruger but I hate losing that extra round. Which would you opt for? Which is the better piece in your opinion?

[golfish]

For either offering I'm looking at carrying IWB so I want a nice 3" barrel. The Taurus can shoot +P .38's but the slightly heavier Ruger can shoot .357 full house loads....not that I want to shoot them per se but maybe? Anyways I have heard that the Ruger is like a high quality all Stainless tank that will probably last a life time and is just screaming good quality and able to eat really high pressure loads in all it's offerings along with the GP100, Redhawks, etc, etc. My question I guess is should I opt for the higher quality .357 with 5 shots or the lower quality .38 special with an extra round? I just cant decide because honestly I really, REALLY want the Ruger but I hate losing that extra round. Which would you opt for? Which is the better piece in your opinion?

Customer service is something to consider. I've delt with Braztech/Taurus customer service, it's really bad. Ruger could arguably be the best.

I own a couple Braztech guns. They all have had problems

We use to live up the Canyon in Azusa.. it was a great place to live

[Oneaudiopro]

[TonyMang_89]

Ruger , no question from me. They make reliable firearms and have some of the best if not the best customer service . To me those two companies aren't a fair comparison . As far as losing the round , I'd feel good with the more reliable weapon and 1 less round. It's still 5 shots of .357 mag which is no joke.

[TB89]

Customer service is something to consider. I've delt with Braztech/Taurus customer service, it's really bad. Ruger could arguably be the best.

I own a couple Braztech guns. They all have had problems

We use to live up the Canyon in Azusa.. it was a great place to live

yeaaah it's okay out here but I want to get out of California as quick as I can. Hopefully I wont be here too too long (i love my guns and want to become an FFL maybe). We're looking at Nevada and a very very slim chance of Idaho or Arizona and Utah. But most likely Nevada.

That's extremely reassuring. I really do like those Rugers. They have a different look and I love how they just gleam in the light with that beautiful stainless polish.

Ruger , no question from me. They make reliable firearms and have some of the best if not the best customer service . To me those two companies aren't a fair comparison . As far as losing the round , I'd feel good with the more reliable weapon and 1 less round. It's still 5 shots of .357 mag which is no joke.

Yeah that's something else to think about. I'm sure even the milder .357's are stronger than even the hottest +P Buffalo bore. I could be wrong on that though!

[Sutcliffe]

[TheFlash]

How about neither...
If you go with a Kimber K6s (I have one), you don't give up that round - the Kimbers are a 6-shot cylinder.
OR - go with a S&W Model 66 with the ~2"bbl - again 6-shot cylinder and MUCH better trigger than the Ruger. (Yes, I owned an SP-101 and sold it. And no, I do happen to LOVE Rugers and have Vaqueros, Blackhawks, etc.)

[ojisan]

The 66 is a LOT bigger than the SP101, I have both.
The K6S is a very interesting option, I have been looking at those lately.
I won't bad mouth the Taurus but the Ruger takes the win here.

I went with the 3" barrel on my SP to take better advantage of .357 ammo.
I cut the barrel underlug to drop the weight, plus I like the half lug look.
Uncle Mike's boot grips are really light, they drop the overall length and weight too.

[plumbum]

I have a Taurus 856CH and it’s a pretty decent snub - nice trigger and 6-shot is nice. The Ruger SP101 with a 3” barrel is a whole different animal - a literal tank. The SP101 is a better choice for trail duty.

[TB89]

How about neither...
If you go with a Kimber K6s (I have one), you don't give up that round - the Kimbers are a 6-shot cylinder.
OR - go with a S&W Model 66 with the ~2"bbl - again 6-shot cylinder and MUCH better trigger than the Ruger. (Yes, I owned an SP-101 and sold it. And no, I do happen to LOVE Rugers and have Vaqueros, Blackhawks, etc.)

yeah i'm not paying $1,000+ for a snubby man. Not happening. They'd have to drop that baby down to around $800 for me to consider it. Plus the Kimber doesnt handle the loads as well from what I've been heard (more snap)

[TB89]

but for trail dont you tend to open carry? I mean normally...not as much here but...when I think trail I think of a big iron on my hip. A good Redhawk .357 with 8 shots would be excellent to handle recoil, get follow up shots, and maximize capacity!

[aye_dre]

No experience with the Ruger SP101. I do own the Taurus 856 Ultralight and it’s been a great shooter. Also it has a pinned front sight so you can change it out if you want. Something I didn’t know when I purchased mine. For the money, it’s a hard snubby to beat.

[deadcoyote]

SW model 60 would get you a lighter more carry friendly 5 shot 3” .357. But if the two you selected I’d go Ruger.

[rsrocket1]

Definitely the Ruger if you have a choice. If you can't afford the Ruger, then Taurus is better than a pointed stick or harsh language for SD.

[MyOdessa]

Ruger , no question