Author Topic: Compact double action .3 or .357 SS (Read 1863 times)

bckskin2 · « **on:** December 27, 2009, 11:12:15 AM »

Does anyone make a .38 special or .357 on a small frame like the Ruger sp101? I'm looking for a compact durable farm carry gun. I want at least a 4" barrel and adjustable sights.

Old Griz · « **Reply #1 on:** January 29, 2010, 11:18:23 PM »

Yeah, but the SP101 is better. To compete with the SP101 when it first came out, S&W beefed up their J frames to handle .357 loads. Most of the guns writers were honest enough to say they were "punishing" to shoot. I've never fired the Charter Arms product, so I can't really say much about them. However, I believe their quality is pretty good (though not like the Ruger). Now I have a 2.5" and a 3" K frame S&W that I love, but the SP101 is easier (for me) to shoot with full .357 loads.

NickSS · « **Reply #2 on:** January 30, 2010, 01:27:02 PM »

I have a 3 inch SP101 that I love it is the ideal gun to carry for casual plinking, small game shooting and self defense when fishing, camping or just walking around in the woods. I mostly shoot 38 spl loads but it works well with magnum loads as well.

bckskin2 · « **Reply #3 on:** January 31, 2010, 04:00:12 AM »

My big concern with the SP101 is the lack of adjustable sights. Maybe it isn't a problem.

spruce · « **Reply #4 on:** January 31, 2010, 10:23:53 AM »

Hard to beat the SP101 for durability. Fixed sights may or may not be a problem for you. If they shoot to point of aim with the load you want to carry they are excellent (very durable, snag free). If you want to shoot a variety of loads, or if they don't shoot to point of aim with your favored load they can be very irritating (to me at least).

Charter Arms is the only one I can think of that fits your criteria. I've owned a Charter Mag Pug with 2.2" barrel for about a year and so far I have no complaints. No, the fit and finish aren't like an S&W, but it's about half the price (and maybe 2/3 the price of a SP101?).

Tough call, good luck with it.

bckskin2 · « **Reply #5 on:** February 01, 2010, 01:39:07 PM »

My wife has a nicked S&W Model 19. It's not bad,but a little heavy for belt Carry. I had thought of a Target Pug with a 4" barrel.

Old Griz · « **Reply #6 on:** February 01, 2010, 05:12:10 PM »

Quote from: bckskin2 on January 31, 2010, 04:00:12 AM

My big concern with the SP101 is the lack of adjustable sights. Maybe it isn't a problem.

It isn't.

bckskin2 · « **Reply #7 on:** February 02, 2010, 07:24:33 AM »

Gun show this weekend! I'll keep my eyes open.

dougk · « **Reply #8 on:** February 03, 2010, 04:23:06 PM »

I carry a Dan Wesson .357 with 4 inch barrel and adjustable sights. They are hard to beat for the money.

Kal52 · « **Reply #9 on:** February 23, 2010, 09:50:42 AM »

I have the 3" sp101, love it, I also have a 32mag with the 4" barrel as well, I love that one too!
overall great guns.

I do recall that smith and wesson made a model 60 with a 5" barrel, not sure if they still do, but It may be worth taking a look at.

Dave

teamnelson · « **Reply #10 on:** February 23, 2010, 12:19:44 PM »

+1 for SP101. Wife has one with CT grips, and it fits my large mitts great, balances nice, and accurate as all get out. Hers is in .32H&R Mag though, so 6 rounds.

gcrank1 · « **Reply #11 on:** May 02, 2010, 04:16:59 AM »

20ish yrs ago I had two Charter Arms .44 Bulldogs (one for each pocket, how cool) and they were, as said, not up to the fit & finish of the 'name brands', quite good. I would like to see their newer offering on range sometime to try out. For your farm gun carry the R 101 is a great gun, but to me on the heavy side, and even though in .357 you will shoot way more .38Spls.
I now have the S&W 442 and a Rossi M-68 (basic 'J' frame size), both in .38Spl and they dont weigh me down in everyday activity or get in the way doing the other things of everyday life. I think Taurus may also make a small revolver in the 'J' size, but not sure.

bckskin2 · « **Reply #12 on:** May 08, 2010, 10:22:59 AM »

The Tarus Tracker 627 is very similar & only about $60.00 MSRP. Holds 2 extra rounds.

gcrank1 · « **Reply #13 on:** May 08, 2010, 10:24:44 AM »

Gotta get me about 4 at that price! What are they really?

bckskin2 · « **Reply #14 on:** May 08, 2010, 12:13:42 PM »

Tracker=$600.00
Mag Pug Target= $533.00
Still pricey for a PLINKER, but if I get some of that Obama Money they are going to give poor folks ---.
If I was looking for a serious hand gun either would be a bargain if they shoot well.
Jerry

WD45 · « **Reply #15 on:** May 09, 2010, 07:06:38 AM »

Some times you can find a used Smith K frame for a good price. While they do not have adjustable sights you can find model 10's for good prices that make dandy plinker / woods guns especially if you are a reloader. If it can be a single action then it opens up a couple more possibilities

bckskin2 · « **Reply #16 on:** May 09, 2010, 09:55:35 AM »

I prefer adjustable sights. Thought of Single actions but they are too big. I thinks Rugher made a small run of small frame but they are probably collector's items.

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #17 on:** May 10, 2010, 03:25:35 AM »

smith model 60 http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogId=11101&langId=-1&productId=14755&tabselected=tech&isFirearm=Y&parent_category_rn=15704 perfect combo gun for woods bumming and self protection and consealed carry.

bckskin2 · « **Reply #18 on:** May 11, 2010, 09:33:02 AM »

I'm sure it is but at $250.00+ over the Tarus way out of my price range. Never see them used. People who have them keep them.

gcrank1 · « **Reply #19 on:** May 11, 2010, 09:55:20 AM »

You know you want something along these replys, so carry cash. You never know when you are going to have an opportunity (especially these days) fall in your hand. First with the cash gets the deal, snooze ya' lose.

bckskin2 · « **Reply #20 on:** May 11, 2010, 11:21:01 AM »

actually I go by the biggest used gun dealer in the area a couple of times a week. May be I need to drop in more often. I believe cash is the only way to go.

blaze · « **Reply #21 on:** May 12, 2010, 04:14:35 AM »

They don't have 4" barrels but the two best (very best) take along/woods walking guns I've ever come accross are the S&W 60-4 38Spl 3"bbl (no lock, etc) and the Ruger SP101 357 mag. with 3" barrel. I have both and they are fine "friends". I really like the 3 inch barrels.

bckskin2 · « **Reply #22 on:** May 12, 2010, 04:21:17 AM »

The Ruger would have been My first choice except you can't get adjustable sight except on the .32. I want a plinker and something to hit smaller targets.Like coon, possums, feral dogs. My Single Six will hit them but isn't a good killer and way under power for "'polecats". Two legged kind