CrashInBlack

I need some help deciding on a gun. I'll mainly be using this gun as a woods/hiking/camping gun. Maybe go hunting with it too.

I've narrowed it down to 3 revolvers, all stainless .357s. I've got the info on them here along with the prices I was able to find locally.

Taurus Model 66 6” 7shot 40 oz. $408.94
Ruger SP101 3” 5shot 27 oz. $434.82
Ruger GP100 6” 6shot 45 oz. $502.16

Mainly I'm deciding between the Taurus and the GP100. I know the Ruger is going to be a better gun, but is it $100 better than the Taurus? I own a Taurus PT1911 and am not afraid of quality issues, plus it holds an extra round and weighs less. I threw the SP101 in the mic because of the price, quality, and relative lightness, but I'm not sure I can see myself hunting with that one.

So anyway, let me know why the GP100 is worth the extra money. Thanks

White Falcon

Yes!! You get what you pay for!

MadMike

No question the GP100 is superior to the Taurus in every way - design, engineering, manufacturing and functionality. Buy Ruger quality and pass that GP on to the grandkids.

Tork

It is a difficult choice to make. I went through this several years ago before I decided on my GP 100 with the 6" barrel.

"I'll mainly be using this gun as a woods/hiking/camping gun. Maybe go hunting with it too. "

Check your local hunting regulations for handgun hunting in your area. Some require a 6" barrel on the gun for hunting. If you are serious about the hunting option that may help with the choice you make. Also consider when hiking you want a gun that is lighter and easy to pack. After several miles on the trail you will notice the weight and size of the gun. I now use a S&W M620 in 357 mag as my hiking camping gun. I think a gun with a 4" barrel fits good the description you are looking for. The hunting part may be the kicker though. I like a larger frame gun for true magnum loads and that is what I want to use while hiking. As to the Taurus compaired to the Ruger see if you can look at both of them side by side someplace. I think you will find the Ruger to have more metal in the important places on the gun and it will take a steady diet of magnum level loads and not show the wear that the Taurus will.
Cary

bigghoss

4" gp100 is my woods gun

CrashInBlack

I had considered a 4" barrel but I feel a little more comfortable aiming a 6". What's the weight difference between the two?

amb1935

That's an attractive price on the sp101. That gun would sell new for about $520 at some of the local shops.

Blaze

For woods walking, hiking and camping I use my SP101 3" .357 (Use 38 Spl. +P). Light weight and compactness means alot in those activities. Real hunting (deer?) is another matter. I like a 6" for that activity.

Amigo Will

The extra hundred is made up for when you leave the showroom floor

Tork

Information from the ruger.com lists the 4" model at 40oz and the 6" model at 45oz. I would think both of those weights are with the gun empty.
Cary

Tater

The SP101 with a 3" barrel doesn't sound like enough stopping power for a woods gun, leaving the Taurus and the GP100-6".

I have a GP100-6" and it's my woods/hiking camping gun. I really like this revolver. I believe it to be very well worth the extra $100 for many reasons. I also like that it's made right here in the USA.

Geneo

I sure like my 6"SS GP 100 for out in the woods. Gene

CrashInBlack

For you guys who carry a 6" in the woods, how do you carry? I'd most likely have a backpack on, so I'm not sure if thigh or chest carry would work best.

Geneo

When I'm out in the souther Idaho,I ride a ATV part of the time and it gets muddy all over me some times. I made my own holster and wanted to be able to also carry under my arm or on my belt to keep the mud off my gun. So here is what I came up with and it works great. Put it on your belt or under the arm. Gene

Bobk

I have both revolvers in 4" stainless. The Taurus is a very nice shooter but I prefer the feel and smooth action of my GP100

Hope this helps.

Bob

JBinTX

Check out Simply Rugged holsters... They have some good variations for camping and hunting... Look at the "Sourdough Pancake" holster and the "Chesty Puller" system, about half way down the page...

Simply Rugged

White Willie

Between the Taurus and the GP100, I would choose the GP100 in a New York Minute. I would also choose the GP100 over the SP101 for a hiking/camping gun.

Go forth and prosper Grasshopper, and do so without confusion.

pedlcat

Absolutely go for the GP100.

RMWHEELER

Do alot of fly fishing and backpacking in the western US and the crossdraw holster works best for me.

CrashInBlack

Thanks for all the replies. I'm leaning toward the GP100, but I'll have to get them both in hand to make the final decision.

Tork

The GP100 is a proven design built tank tough.
Cary

Silent Sam

As Amigo Will said, as soon as you get it out of the store the value of the Ruger will be there. I know you are looking at DA guns but you should look at a 50th Anniversary Flattop in 357. They are inexpensive right now and they are above average fit and finish. Don't put too much stock in the weights listed by Ruger. They are 'very' approximate.

CrashInBlack

My dad actually has a similar one. Nice gun, very well made, accurate. Not exactly what I'm looking for though. I'm not a big fan of the western style grips. Also, this will be a trail/camping gun. If a cougar is chewing on me I'm not sure I'll have the presence of mind to operate a SA gun...

techase

CrashInBlack,

Tork makes a valid point about checking out your states hunting regulations. I do most of my hunting in Wisconsin. They require a 5 1/2 in barrel for hunting. The kicker is the lenght is measured from the firing pin. This means the the GP100 4" would meet their requirements. With this in mind, if PA is the same you could go with the 4". Also the Ruger, for many reasons, is what I would recommend.

oldnoob

Go with GP. It's worth that extra 100 bucks.

GunsAreGood

add me to the Ruger GP-100 list. It is a great gun, reliable, and you will be satisfied with your purchase. Plus if somehow you do have a problem Ruger is said to have the best customer service in the biz. The GP-100's front sight is very easily changed as well.

Nutty Ned

Get the GP100, well worth the extra $100; Taurus copy cat pistols are better that their revolvers, as near as I can determine.

RNorris

For your question on Taurus vs Ruger.....Ruger all day long.

On your description of use....Hiking, camping...maybe hunting....I would go with a Blackhawk. 4 5/8 or 5 1/2 inch, and it would be a toss up for me between a .357, 45 LC, or .44 Special. For your application, I would probably go with SS.

bigweatherby

Spend the extra money now. It may sting a little bit, but years later when you look at that gun, you won't remember the extra money. What you will remember is the trouble free performance.

Myjarreth

Just say NO to Taurus! I have a good friend that is a dealer. He sells alot of Tauruses. But he does not recommend them if you ask. Most people buy them for the price!

CrashInBlack

May I ask why exactly he doesn't recommend them? I ask because my grandfather owns a Taurus .357 and we've never had any issues with it.

At this point I am leaning toward the Ruger. I'm selling some of my paintball gear and guns to fund this, so my budget may end up taking me in a different direction anyway (hopefully not).

Satanic Toaster

get the GP100... better all around than the Taurus, except maybe price but that is made up for in Ruger's durability and reliability.

Pat-inCO

Yes. - - In my opinion, the Ruger is more than $200 better.

The Taurus is a carry a lot and shoot a little gun. The Ruger fills both needs VERY well.

As stated several times above, you get what you pay for. Ruger revolvers are the most rugged, reliable guns available. Yes, the Taurus will do fine, if your idea of shooting a lot is 50 rounds per year, and you are retired, like I am. Otherwise, go for the Ruger, even if you have to wait a little longer.