Got A New Gun Today

SoCalChris · January 16, 2008

Got a Ruger SP101, .357 Magnum. Anyone else have one of these? I was looking online, and found nothing but glowing reviews of them. I bought it mainly for recreational shooting, and for protection from bears while out hiking.

I can't wait to take it out this weekend, and destroy some ice blocks.

dietz4ibanez · January 16, 2008

you going deer hunting with that thing next season?

Draenor · January 16, 2008

Those bears better wear a vest.

cmoore74 · January 16, 2008

Ruger makes a good solid dependable revolver at a very good price. I don't have the SP101, but my buddy does and it's a nice little piece. I've got a S&W 686 .357 and love it. The only thing about Ruger's is they tend to have a heavy or rough trigger. Most smooth out a bit after some firing, but you could always get some trigger work done.

If you're talking brown bear a .357 will do the job, but make sure you've got some descently heavy loads. Most prefer something a bit bigger to stop a big brown like a .44 or more.

When target shooting with a .357 I'd shoot .38's to keep the cost down.

Have fun.

January 17, 2008

Ruger makes a good solid dependable revolver at a very good price. I don't have the SP101, but my buddy does and it's a nice little piece. I've got a S&W 686 .357 and love it. The only thing about Ruger's is they tend to have a heavy or rough trigger. Most smooth out a bit after some firing, but you could always get some trigger work done.

If you're talking brown bear a .357 will do the job, but make sure you've got some descently heavy loads. Most prefer something a bit bigger to stop a big brown like a .44 or more.

When target shooting with a .357 I'd shoot .38's to keep the cost down.

Have fun.

I wouldn't go into bear country without anything less than S&W's .460 Magnum, but that's just me!

Great gun! What did it set you back?

Zembonez · January 17, 2008

I like the New Model Blackhawk .44 Rem Mag models. The Super Blackhawks were stellar guns also. Great revolver! Better pack some hot loads for bear though...

tigerbait · January 17, 2008

nice handgun...you can't go wrong with a ruger. I keep my Springfield XD .45ACP w/ Federal Taxtical HST loads when i go into bear country.

SoCalChris · January 17, 2008

I might take it hunting, I'm not sure yet. I'll have to see how accurate it is, and if I'd be comfortable that it would take a deer down quickly. One of the guys that I work with has taken a few deer with his .357. He was less than 50 yards on both of them, and said it took them down pretty quickly.

As for bears, we've got both brown and grizzly around here. From the guys I've talked to, most said that a few well placed rounds from a .357 would be enough to stop a grizzly. Hopefully they're right.

I went with the .357 over a .44 because of it's size, easy of carrying, and variety of ammo available. Hopefully I won't have to use it against a bear, but if I do I'll be sure to let you guys know how it went.

It set me back $399, out the door. I was looking at some other guns made by Taurus and Bersa, but the Ruger was only a little bit more. I liked the feel of it, and that it is made of solid stainless steel, so I ponied up the little bit of extra cash for it.

And I love Montana's gun laws. No need for a permit, license, extra fees or taxes. I was out the door with it less than 10 minutes after deciding which gun I wanted.

Wingnut · January 17, 2008

Dude...Dailyfrolic?

jsn0801 · January 17, 2008

New guns are always fun! My dad shot a doe a few years ago with a 357 revolver, she didn't go 2ft and it was over.

Spoonman · January 17, 2008

Ruger is a solid choice. I have a Ruger 45 semi and love it. I bet that sucker is loud, think about ear protection.................

SoCalChris · January 17, 2008

Dude...Dailyfrolic?

TrashyLingerie.com was already taken.

ws6_guy · January 18, 2008

nice! I dont have much exept a couple rifles, and my trusty ole bb gun from when I was 10

deerhunter · January 18, 2008

...
As for bears, we've got both brown and grizzly around here. From the guys I've talked to, most said that a few well placed rounds from a .357 would be enough to stop a grizzly. Hopefully they're right.

If you run into a griz be sure to count your shots so you can save the last one for yourself.

Seriously, nice gun.

DEV1ST8R · January 23, 2008

It looks just like a Smith & Wesson Airweight. Have you shot it yet?

I got a new gun 2 months ago. . .Bushmaster AR-15 . I haven't had an opportunity to go out shootin' with it yet, but I'm super excited. Probably won't be until spring/summer.