Handgun options

[MountainWalk]

Concerning the sp101.
I used to carry one on a long term loan. Great gun, but my hand totally swallowed it up. Did not like that.  Affordable means no Colt or S-W.

[Bean Counter]

IMO the judge is a joke, its not accurate and the 410 is next to useless. Its heavy and large. I've got a couple of Smiths a double  action with a hammer and a double action airweight without a hammer. Before I'd carry a Judge I'd look at a titanium Smith in 44 but it might be a hand full, of course it will shoot 44 special.

  Revolvers make for poor shotguns. 

My first suggestion would either be a GP100 or a SW 686. But if those were bigger than you were wanting, I'd get a Ruger SP101 in .357 with a 3" barrel, and carry some premium .38 +p.

I like the 686. Make sure you like the trigger if you get a Ruger. Not saying they're worse than Smith, but maybe you'll want to get one tuned up even out of the box if you go that route.

[j_h_nimrod]

Have you tried the Hogue Mono Grips?  The SP101 seems to have small grips for my hand as well but my hand fits the Hogue like it was custom built for me.

[Mongo Hunter]

Concerning the sp101.
I used to carry one on a long term loan. Great gun, but my hand totally swallowed it up. Did not like that.  Affordable means no Colt or S-W.

I know everyone has a different idea of whats affordable but MSRP on a S&W 642 $470. so your looking at just under $400 for a quality handgun that goes bang every time thats not a bad price at all.

You can look in the used market and find some of these even cheaper. if your really wanting a affordable revolver you best bets are either Ruger, Taurus or Smith not much else out there unless you get to something more exotic like a Chiappa Rhino (which I really want now).

Pretty much the whole gun market has shifted to Polymer semi autos and of those, mostly striker fired. Maybe check out the next gun show and see what you can find. at least you can handle a few guns and see what you like. Gun shows for the most part have just become a gathering of gun stores and they don't always want to haggle but every now and then you find a deal.

[splitshot]

  I think the sp 100 is heavier than the sp 101.  luv the sp 101, only 25 ounces and shoots very nice.  don't know anyone who got shot with it and then hurt you.  practice with 38s then load it with 357.  I shoot birdshot thru it for rattlers.   I do have a judge for sale for $400.  if you are ever in Othello we could go shoot it and if you like you can buy it.  no strings.    mike w

[splitshot]

   hope you have a concealed weapon permit.  if not, get one now.   mike w

[CP]

Yes, get yourself a concealed pistol license if you don't already have one.  Then forget about revolvers, yes they are cool but someday you may need your sidearm to save your life. 

There is good reason why every LE agency has gone to semi-auto handguns and retired their revolvers.

[Bean Counter]

  The average self defense shooting is only 1.2 shots. IIRC 1/2 of 1% reload their weapons in a shooting. Its also likely to be at arms length distance or less. a J frame snubby is going to be just fine. In fact in such close quarters a semi auto is more likely to jam or otherwise be encumbered by clothing or body structure that could cause a Type II malfunction.

Cops need the extra capacity because they're such crappy shots (20% hit rate) just sayin' 

[splitshot]

   if it is available go to a shooting range where they have various guns to shoot.  it might cost 10 or $20 but better than hundreds on a gun you don't like.   that way you wont buy something you will be selling on this site to get another.  there is one in Spokane.   mike w

[jdb]

Yes, get yourself a concealed pistol license if you don't already have one.  Then forget about revolvers, yes they are cool but someday you may need your sidearm to save your life. 

There is good reason why every LE agency has gone to semi-auto handguns and retired their revolvers.

care to elaborate on that?

[jdb]

The average self defense shooting is only 1.2 shots. IIRC 1/2 of 1% reload their weapons in a shooting. Its also likely to be at arms length distance or less. a J frame snubby is going to be just fine. In fact in such close quarters a semi auto is more likely to jam or otherwise be encumbered by clothing or body structure that could cause a Type II malfunction.

Cops need the extra capacity because they're such crappy shots (20% hit rate) just sayin' 

[jdb]

Ruger Blackhawks 4 5/8" barrel, .45 colt, 36 oz. some will say single actions are no good for self defense. To those people I say "you want to get shot by one?"

[Rick]

Yes, get yourself a concealed pistol license if you don't already have one.  Then forget about revolvers, yes they are cool but someday you may need your sidearm to save your life. 

There is good reason why every LE agency has gone to semi-auto handguns and retired their revolvers.

care to elaborate on that?

It's because most cops can't hit the broad side of a barn. They need to carry 60 rounds in the hopes they'll eventually hit what they're shooting at..lol

[JJB11B]

Smith and Wesson make EXCELLENT concealed carry wheel guns in all sorts of calibers

[fly-by]

Concerning the sp101.
I used to carry one on a long term loan. Great gun, but my hand totally swallowed it up. Did not like that.  Affordable means no Colt or S-W.

If you are a wheel gun guy and feel the SP-101 was too small in the hand, a GP-100 may be a great choice.  However, I think short barrels are really meant for large diameter, low pressure, big&slow cartridges.  Everything the .357 is not.  Take a look at a 5 shot 44 special.  I have a Rossi 720 and a Charter Arms Bulldog and carry both regularly.  They have bigger grips than the SP-101 but are smaller framed than the GP-100.  Very modest recoil and blast yet ample penetration.  Use a lightly constructed hollow point like a 180 XTP.   The Judge is a good woods carry or console gun but try sticking one in your pocket.  I had one, sent it off to have a screw in choke installed, shot it for a while, and traded it.  You at least want the option of concealing if licensed. With that long cylinder they are really big...