• We are now running on a new, and hopefully much-improved, server. In addition we are also on new forum software. Any move entails a lot of technical details and I suspect we will encounter a few issues as the new server goes live. Please be patient with us. It will be worth it! :) Please help by posting all issues here.
  • The forum will be down for about an hour this weekend for maintenance. I apologize for the inconvenience.
  • If you are having trouble seeing the forum then you may need to clear your browser's DNS cache. Click here for instructions on how to do that
  • Please review the Forum Rules frequently as we are constantly trying to improve the forum for our members and visitors.

need help with new gun buy???

boomer92266

Regular Member
Joined
Jul 12, 2008
Messages
200
Location
Gamaliel, Kentucky, United States
i took my ccdw test the other day, i passed and outshot everyone there with my ruger service six, yes the same service six i at one time thought of trading or selling because of a little rust and a few tiny pits. not anymore as at 7yds double action 20rds tore a hole in the plyboard that my fist would go through. i was the only one there with a revolver, now to my question. i have a safariland 568 for my service six, and will use it till i get another gun, but now it seems i can get another gun in about two months. i want a revolver and a ruger if i can, what do ya'll suggest? the 357 lcr or the 357 sp101? mabe something else? i know it's two months but i like to plan ahead, thanks
 

Levi

Regular Member
Joined
Mar 20, 2012
Messages
188
Location
Tacoma
I have an SP101 and love it. It's the DAO with the spur-less hammer and the 2 1/4 barrel. It's got enough mass to shoot comfortably with all but the heaviest loads. It's just the right size for me as a smaller carry. I shoot pretty tight groups with it too.

On the other hand, the LCR is very light and compact. It's easy to to carry and hide if you choose to CC. It's really a bit light for .357 loads but I don't think that'll matter much in a survival situation. Even with .38spl it's a little stiff to shoot, on par with a S&W airlight J-frame.

For their intended use, both are excellent choices. One thing you have going for you if you stay with Ruger is that their DA revolvers all work the same so there's less to learn when switching between them.

I really like Ruger revolvers and feel only Colts are superior. (I said FEEL all you flamers.) S&W makes excellent revolvers but feel and operate drastically different. I would recommend you go to a range that rents out fire arms and try out an LCR, an SP101, an airlight J-frame, a steel J-frame, and a K-frame.
 

SouthernBoy

Regular Member
Joined
May 12, 2007
Messages
5,837
Location
Western Prince William County, Virginia, USA
If it's a revolver you want, and a Ruger at that, I'd go with the GP100 in either the 3 or 4.2 inch barrel and most likely in stainless. This is a very versatile gun and was built on the excellent Security Six design from over 30 years ago. Plus you get six rounds instead of five with the SP101.
 
Last edited:

cjohnson44546

Regular Member
Joined
Nov 8, 2013
Messages
188
Location
Memphis, TN
Love my 3" GP100... awesome gun. Its not that easy to conceal though its kind of large...

I like my Rhino much more for concealed. Six shots around the size of a j-frame and rather easy to conceal. Draw backs..? Chiappa has quality control issues. I have 2 Rhino's, and both had minor issues brand new... but Chiappa was great in getting 1 fixed, and I was able to fix the other. They feel more like a semi-auto when shooting, and very easy to keep on target, i really love them... but they are also quite expensive.
 

Rusty Young Man

Regular Member
Joined
Jun 19, 2013
Messages
1,548
Location
Árida Zona
Hope the OP doesn't mind if I borrow this thread a bit, seeing as I'm in a similar situation:

Want a revolver for discreet carry as my BUG while the 1911 is OC (that way I can also have that super tactical surprise advantage the CC-only types rave about:rolleyes:).

I would prefer a Ruger, and think .357 would give more ammo versatility. The candidates are the SP101 and the GP100.
In regards to the latter, is it a viable option for someone who would describe himself as "medium-framed"? Anyone else carry either as a BUG while OCing something else?
 
Last edited:

boomer92266

Regular Member
Joined
Jul 12, 2008
Messages
200
Location
Gamaliel, Kentucky, United States
If it's a revolver you want, and a Ruger at that, I'd go with the GP100 in either the 3 or 4.2 inch barrel and most likely in stainless. This is a very versatile gun and was built on the excellent Security Six design from over 30 years ago. Plus you get six rounds instead of five with the SP101.

i already have a service six 4 inch, and holster to conceal it. i now want a smaller gun to use according to the clothes i wear. thanks
 

Levi

Regular Member
Joined
Mar 20, 2012
Messages
188
Location
Tacoma
I have both a GP100 and an SP101. The GP100 is a bit big for concealed carry and significantly heavier. It's really Ruger's version of the Colt Python. The SP101 is much more suitable to concealed carry and I use it both as a BUG and a concealed only carry. All but the smallest people should be able to conceal it easily.

Even though the SP101 is smaller and lighter, it is still a heavy framed revolver. You will have to account for that fact when you carry.
 

Rusty Young Man

Regular Member
Joined
Jun 19, 2013
Messages
1,548
Location
Árida Zona
I have both a GP100 and an SP101. The GP100 is a bit big for concealed carry and significantly heavier. It's really Ruger's version of the Colt Python. The SP101 is much more suitable to concealed carry and I use it both as a BUG and a concealed only carry. All but the smallest people should be able to conceal it easily.

Even though the SP101 is smaller and lighter, it is still a heavy framed revolver. You will have to account for that fact when you carry.

Thanks for the input; hope boomer92266 didn't mind me borrowing the thread a little.
 

Rusty Young Man

Regular Member
Joined
Jun 19, 2013
Messages
1,548
Location
Árida Zona
don't mind at all, are there any other reliable guns in the $0-$500 range that would be good for conceal carry? i can not go over $500 that's all i will have when it comes in. thanks

I've been looking at the Walther PPK/S and the Makarov pistol (if I decide to get a semi-auto BUG); they are very similar in design (some would say "suspiciously" so:lol:), but tend to be rugged, overly-built, and reliable. I've found the Walther in the $430-470 range more than a few times, and the Makarov may be found in the .380 ACP if the 9x18 Makarov doesn't convince you.

I skipped over the Bersa Thunder (also a PPK/Makarov clone?) because of its magazine disconnect (won't fire unless magazine is inserted) as well as the Ruger LCP (I still don't trust polymers very much:uhoh:), but both can be had in the $340-380 range new, and both are chambered in .380 ACP.

Hope this helps.:)

Add.:

In the $0-150 range, you might be able to pick up a Hi-Point from someone who doesn't realize how reliable/rugged the design itself is. The execution may be rough, but nothing a little TLC (Tender Love and Care) can't fix. Also, the design lends itself to inherent accuracy. Ask me how I know.:p
 
Last edited:

FreeInAZ

Regular Member
Joined
Oct 15, 2012
Messages
2,508
Location
Secret Bunker
Walking wolf has a hi-point in 380 & says it's a keeper. I have several in larger calibers and they are all damn functional guns. If you want a decent bug rusty might also check out Kahr's line up - the cw9 & cw40 can be had for under $300 new as of today's date. As with all semi autos they can be ammo picky, but I can save you some time and money there. Bonus they come in stainless at no extra charge ;)
 

bloodstone1311

New member
Joined
Jan 7, 2014
Messages
14
Location
Mt. Jackson Va
don't mind at all, are there any other reliable guns in the $0-$500 range that would be good for conceal carry? i can not go over $500 that's all i will have when it comes in. thanks

Rusty listed several semiauto choices,to add to his list check out the CZ-82 and CZ-83.Kind of Makarov-ish pistols,.380 and 9mm Mak cals.IIRC they have 12 round mags,DA/SA action with cock and lock safety.I keep seeing them used at the gun shows for about $300.
 
Top