Help me pick Revolver...

[zippo]

Hello.

Now I in market to get other Revolver and been looking for small or short Barrel Length, in stainless.

and only 2 gun that I want now.

1- Ruger SP101 in 3"(or may be 2") USE for $450 total...good condition

2- S&W Model 66-7 in 2 1/2" with Internal lock...USE for $500 total(PD trad-in)good condition

I plan to use as Backpack/truck gun(yes will not be load ammo in gun) and shoot less then 300rd/year most will shoot .38 sp and some .357mag(70/30%)

may be will be home with my wife may be use it also.

I have to many choice to pick but come out with this 2.

my choice start with S&W model 60-15(2"or3"),Taurus 605,and this 2
(686 if I can fine in that price rang)
If U have to pick which will be your choice and why?

thank
zippo

[smittty]

I owned both revolvers in the poll.

The SP101 is heavy for it's size, holds one less round than the S&W. The SP101 that I had I couldn't shoot well no matter what I tried or what grip I tried on it. It felt great in the store but in the field it and I didn't get along.

The S&W on the other hand was a whole lot easier to shoot accurately. I voted for the model 66.

Other guns you mentioned...
I've not been impressed wth the Taurus revolvers because the samples I've seen have loose/poor cylinder lock-up.

The S&W model 60 is a snappy little bugger with 357 mag but not so bad with 38 sp. I like it but only in the hammerless model 640. I didn't find any advantage to having 3" barrel or 2" and having the hammerless model made it easier to carry in a coat pocket which is why I'd suggest the 2". For packpacking I can see the hammerless model 640 being a 'OK' compromise.

But, the model 60 or 640 are still a heavy gun for something that can only hold 5 rounds. In comparison, a Glock 19 with 10+1 rounds weighs just about the same as a loaded 3" model 60. I'd rather have 11 rounds +P 9mm than 5 rounds 357 mag, even in the woods. Or better yet, Glock 23 with 11 rounds of +P 40 S&W is more powerfull but will be harder to shoot well especially for smaller hands.

The Glock19/23 are about the lightest which is why I use them in this comparison. Obvisouly there are lots of other choices.

My personal preference for a backpack/fishing/truck gun is a G19. Having spent well over 30 years playing/camping/hunting/fishing/****ing in the woods and back country I can tell you that wildlife should be the least of your worries out there!

Smitty

[tiko]

SW got lighter trigger than Ruger and very smooth action.

[hybridatsun350]

I voted for the S&W. They just make damn good revolvers!

[Black Majik]

One vote for the M66, however if you replace the SP101 with a GP100 I may vote for that instead.

[savasyn]

For leaving in your truck, I'd vote for the SP101, you won't be bummed when it's get scratched up. Maybe get the hammer bobbed so it's DAO. You probably won't be doing any single action shooting so why take the chance of it getting snagged on something.

As a semi auto suggestion, perhaps pick up a surplus CZ 82(not an 83). They are around $220 or so, are chambered in 9x18 Makarov and hold 9 rounds(using a CA legal CZ 83 mag.) 9x18 is roughly equivalent to a standard pressure .38 Special and comes in either ball or hollow point. Ammo is cheap, the gun is super reliable, accurate, shoots great and cheap, what more could you want in a truck gun?

[9mmepiphany]

i made my choice and my M66-7 just got here from FL last week. it was a LE trade-in and cost <$400. it's 2-piece barrel is very interesting and the action was smoother than i though it would be...but it will still be on it's way to Apex Tactical for some of Randy's revolver magic

i've owned the SP-101 and just found it too heavy for what it was...now it would be a different matter if it were chambered in .40.

[BunnySlayer]

I've owned and currently own Rugers and Smiths. Out of the two the Smiths are my favourites and their customer service has been fantastic. I love rugers too but the Smiths have a slight edge in balance and accuracy. Just one guys opinion before anybody flames me.

[redcliff]

For a backpack/truck gun I'd go with a 4" barrel.. I've owned many of each barrel length and find the 4" the best all-around length.

(I'd get a SW model 66 for your application)

[Donkeypunch0420]

I voted for the SP101. Both are fine revolvers, so it will come down to a matter of personal preference. The Ruger grip feels more snug in my hand then the Smith's. For carry and SD, I would go with the DAO Ruger, I know that's not one of the options, but like someone above me said, your less likely to snag on things than with an exposed hammer. Not sure where you're located, but if you're in Southern California, Turner's often has them on sale new for just a bit more than $450. Think the last time I saw it it was $479.

[Oldnoob]

From the two choices you provide, I would go with Smith. Only because it chamber 6 instead of 5 rounds.

However, if you look around and luck be with you, try to find a Ruger's last generation revolver Service Six. It will fit all your requirements and has the advantage on both revolvers.

http://world.guns.ru/handguns/hg210-e.htm

I own a Security Six (like service six but with adjustable sight) and it's my favor revolver. The weight is comparable with smith 66. 6 shooter, about the same size of 66. And the price is just under both of your choices (given that if you can find them). I have seem them show up on WTS forum every now and than.

[plankowner]

I have never owned an sp101 but I have owned the snub 66 and sold to fund another project and that was my biggest regret next to selling m1 garand, there are great guns and it was also my truck gun and camping gun sure wish I could pick another one up.

[22popnsplat]

I shoot a sp101 and its accuracy is suprisingly good as I can hit golf balls out to 25 yards with consistancy , The reason I would kick out the smith is simply the lock . If it were a prelock then I would go with the smith.

[RedFord150]

One vote for the M66, however if you replace the SP101 with a GP100 I may vote for that instead.

+1.
You beat me to that comment. I was going to say 'anything by Ruger, except SP101'. LOVE my GP100 and my Speed Six.

[zippo]

Thank for all your reply, i much look in to GP100 and may be Security Six in ruger gun also.(if I can fine it use nice price)

now for SW is not in stock and I do not know when they will have it again. may be NO more for that price.

now will be wait time and see other market what will come too,I hope befor end of this year.


for Revolvor just gun and ammo in speedloarder , I think is faster for use and on safe side for truck/car gun.
that mine idea ...

thank again.