consider a model 65 with a three inch barrel, or the model 66. The 66 has adjustable sights and a full ejector shroud. The 65 has fixed sights, and an exposed ejector rod. Otherwise, same gun, but 3" 66s are hard to find. not so three inch 65s. They are a bunch lighter than the Rugers. Not hard to find 65s and 66s on the used market.

My first several revolvers were Smith and Wesson. They all had the ILS and they were all fine guns. I always liked the looks of Ruger better (I know that is rare) but always thought Smith was the better name. When Ruger released the SP101 in .327 Fed Mag I picked one up and fell in love with Ruger for more than the looks. I have bought Smith revolvers since my first Ruger, but never when there is a Ruger alternative. Which they have expanded the line to the point now that for almost every offering Smith has, Ruger has something similar.

Ruger, in my limited experience and opinion, is the better value for the dollar. If I was getting a gun for serious purposes it would almost certainly be a Ruger. If I was getting one more as a range toy and as something cool there are a ton of older Smith and Wesson revolvers I would love to own. Nothing in their current lineup though.

I like the Rugers also.
I have the SP 101 for CCW, also have a Security Six(very accurate) and a KGP 161 also accurate.

Had two of them for over 10 years and the Security Six is one I got from my dad, he had it for a long long time.

Not entirely appropriate, because the OP wanted stainless. But still....

https://sigforum.com/eve/forums...0601935/m/4160021344

I saw that. Beautiful piece. I was glad to see the pic of it across his hand. A 3" version is larger than I thought. (I mean that as a positive).

Were it SS, would be perfect for me.

quote:

Originally posted by LtJL:
consider a model 65 with a three inch barrel, or the model 66. The 66 has adjustable sights and a full ejector shroud. The 65 has fixed sights, and an exposed ejector rod. Otherwise, same gun, but 3" 66s are hard to find. not so three inch 65s. They are a bunch lighter than the Rugers. Not hard to find 65s and 66s on the used market.

I was about to write essentially the same thing. I would, however, add a 640-1 to the list if I were thinking about concealed carry. The 3" 65 is my favorite revolver to shoot.

And we haven't even STARTED talking about Single Action Revolvers yet!

I took my son shooting the other day with the SP101 and must say, it is quite different than what I remember it being like. We both shot amazing with it and the trigger pull is not as bad as I remembered.

Ruger SP101 -3” barrel. Replace the hammer spring with a Wolff 12#, easy to carry & easy to shoot. can’t go wrong

Here's my vote, a Ruger Speed-Six, stainless with rubber grips... built like a tank!

I own Ruger and S&W. Like both, but if pressed to choose, I'd carry the Ruger.

S&W 686, hands down. Get a 2” or 3” barrel. Perfect for carrying and also very accurate out past 25 yards.