S&W K Frame versus Ruger

[craig_o]

The title says it all... any personal experience...one better than the other...

[kjm1016]

I once had a four inch Service-Six. It gave me alot of problems and I eventually sold it. Now mind that it was well used when I bought it, and I have NEVER had much problems with Ruger single action revolvers. But, with regard to medium frame double action revolvers, I've just had much better luck with the S&W. I love my model 10 and my model 66. I just don't think the Rugers could hold a candle to the S&Ws. One last word: I have no experience with guns like the GP-100. I have heard good things about them. Perhaps they are much improved from the Security-6/Service-6 tribe.

[flycaster]

I had a S&W 66-2, and now own a Ruger GP-100. The Smith was,well, a bit more "nimble"- likely due to not having the Ruger's full underlug. It was accurate, and had a sweet trigger- after I did some smithing on it. The GP is a fave now. I replaced the stock hammer spring with a lighter Wolff one, and now have a much better trigger pull, 100% ignition, and almost scary accuracy. I mean, I can't believe the 50' groups I get (when I'm doing my part), shooting double action. Sorry- no pictures today! I kind of miss the 66, but am far more than pleased with the Ruger. Also- if you plan to shoot only .38's, it's your choice; if .357 mags, go for the GP... it's why S&W discontinued the K-frame series.

Chuck

[El_Ron1]

The Smiths are more refined and smoother in general, the Rugers are a little more "heavy duty" in general.

[PzGren]

I agree with El Ron. I have about a dozen S&W wheelguns but only one Ruger revolver, a GP100. The GP100 compares to the S&W L frame and is definitely a solidly built gun. It's as accurate as my S&W revolvers but the double action does not come close to S&W.

[noway]

K frames are nice revolvers and the Ruger are heavier built. Both are great revolvers.Smiths and pre-lock revolver net more in the used market than the rugers.

I own more smiths than ruger but I wouldn't hesitate in getting another ruger and would perfer one over smith if it's for hunting or general use.

[craig_o]

Any opinions on the modeal 13/65 versus the SP101?

Assume a 3" barrel if that makes a difference.

[Yamadad]

Originally posted by craig_o
Any opinions on the modeal 13/65 versus the SP101?

Assume a 3" barrel if that makes a difference.

6 shots vs 5. Whatever you prefer. :thumbsup:

The older security sixes are a more direct match to those guns. The SP101 is more akin to the "J" frame, like the Model 60. The SP101 is actually in-between sizes, smaller than the "K" model, but bigger than the "J".

[Rex G]

I carry one or more SP101 snubbies virtually everywhere, every day. The grip is PERFECT for my hands, with the only imperfect part being the reach to the trigger being a little short, and training resolved that issue. One important factor with the SP101 versus anything larger is that speedloaders with magnum ammo in them will tend to bind between the cylinder and the grip. The same may be true of longer-bullet .38 ammo. One solution is to stay with short-bullet .38 reloads. Another is to grind some material from the rubber grip. My solution is to not use speedloaders with the SP101, or else to use option #1 above while carrying magnums in the gun itself. Most of the time, I use Bianchi Speed Strips with magnum ammo, often along with a REAL speedloader in the form of another Ruger .357 revolver. I choose not to grind my grips because I do not want to reduce the profile of the grips where they meet my hand, as their present shape is a perfect fit. BTW, the problem of speedloaders binding between the grips and cylinder is not unique to the SP101; it used to be a common occurrence with Colt and S&W sixguns right up through the 1980's when most production revolver makers saw the light and made their grips in a shape that had clearance for speedloaders.

[Rex G]

Originally posted by craig_o
Any opinions on the modeal 13/65 versus the SP101?
Assume a 3" barrel if that makes a difference. These are very close, so I would advise to go with the best fit in your hands, and the one which remains the steadiest during a double-action trigger stroke. Neither is a realistic pocket gun with the 3" snout, with most modern pants pockets. (I do often carry a 2.25" SP101 in a Kramer pocket holster.) It's easy to find grips for the M65 that have clearance for speedloaders, though most production M65s should already be wearing grips with clearance for speedloaders. I like both round-butt K-frames and SP101s, and the only time one would get definite preference would be if it was intended as a duty weapon, where the 6th shot and use with speedloaders would be important. It in significant that the FBI's standard sidearm in the years before the switch to autos was the 3" M13, which is the blued version of the M65.

[craig_o]

If I had to make a decision tomorrow I'd just get a 442 since I'll want one sooner or later anyway :animlol:

I'll have to take a look at prices and do lots of picking up and putting down at the upcoming gunshow... which is anything but a chore (except perhaps the putting down part).