Happy birthday to me

[b0bbyg]

4" barrel makes it legal for hunting,   I like the pistol for scouting elk when Bear are in season. 
If I happen to stumble across one I have a legal hunting weapon at my disposal.

I have the GP101 that I carry around at times. Have not shot much but like the gun,

[headshot5]

Either the ruger or the smith listed would be my choice.

Both well made, reliable guns?

Yeah you can't go wrong with either.   I have a few of both brands, just practice shooting whatever you get a bunch.    

[Angry Perch]

I now realize I said GP101, when it's either a GP100 or SP101. I like the look of the SP better. I guess I need to handle them all and see how they feel.

[brew]

happy birhtday my friend....

[257wbymagkiller]

I have the 686 .357 in the 2.5" out of ther performance center, and it is  AMAZING

[Mossy]

I now realize I said GP101, when it's either a GP100 or SP101. I like the look of the SP better. I guess I need to handle them all and see how they feel.

Better just get the GP100 Match Champion then

[jeffro]

Me and the wife have been married so long (28 yrs) that we came to an agreement to just buy our own presents, that way we get what we want.
New Years eve we set a price limit and try to stick to it
Last year I got a new Howa 1500 .308 bench gun and had enough left over to take momma to Vegas for our anniversary.
If this is your first pistol I'd recommend a Glock 23
Small, light, limited recoil, dependable
My .02 cents

[Encore 280]

You could get a 357 and shoot 38spc. less recoil or 44 mag and shoot 44spc. less recoil. 

[DOUBLELUNG]

Both Ruger and Smith revolvers are extremely well made, dependable and great to shoot.  If I had to turn in all my handguns but one, I'd keep my Ruger Security Six.  If I could only have one handgun, it would be a 4" barrel stainless .357

[Angry Perch]

Handled an SP101 with 4.2" barrel last night. Really liked it, except grip is a little small. Man, the GP 100 is a tank! Probably more pleasant to shoot, but not to carry. I'm guessing I could get aftermarket grips to remedy the size issue. The weight might make recoil an issue, but I'd imagine plinking with .38 would help a lot in that regard. I could just load it up with heavy .357 rounds when in the woods. Any comments/ suggestions for grips?

[jrebel]

No suggestions on grips.....but for carry I would look real hard at a Gunfightersinc kenai chest rig.  I have o e and it is the only way to pack a big revolver when hiking. 

[fish vacuum]

*cough* 10mm Glock *cough*

[steen]

That is a great birthday present.   What is your purpose with a pistol.....this would help to narrow down some choices.

 
Honestly, if I were to state a legit purpose, it would be bear protection. But I'm really not that concerned with bears. I just mention it here and there to scare my wife, and voila, a case full of hundred dollar bills! The wheel gun idea stems from 2 things. 1) a bear worthy calibers and 2) Starsky and Hutch. But have you priced a Python lately? Sweet Jesus! I have no interest in concealed carry. I was cruising the internet last night getting ideas, and of course the choices are infinite. If it was my hard earned cash, I'd probably take it to Home Depot and buy tile for the bathroom, but if the wife wants me to have a handgun, I guess I'll be a good boy and do what she says!

Things I've seen that I like, but know very little about:

Ruger GP101 .357 with 4.2" barrel
S&W 686 .357 with 4"barrel
CZ 75b
CZ 97b

I bought the Ruger SP101 .357 with 4.2" barrel and LOVE IT! It is too much fun buying ammo for it:regular .357, Hornady .357 for personal protection, bear and deer, Shotshell for grouse and .38 special for target practice. Oh! And some speed loaders cause you never know which bullet you are gonna need! Lol

[Angry Perch]

SP101 is on the way! Ordered some Hogue rosewood grips, so we'll see how those work out. Now to stock up on ammo!

[Angry Perch]

No suggestions on grips.....but for carry I would look real hard at a Gunfightersinc kenai chest rig.  I have o e and it is the only way to pack a big revolver when hiking.

What about with a hunting pack?