[john1911]

I'm going to come into a little money next month ($500-$600). I've decided I need a new handgun. I've narrowed the choices down to the following (I think):
Ruger SP101 in .357 mag.
Ruger Super Blackhawk 4 5/8" SS.
Springfield Armory XD 5" 9mm.
Glock 17.
S&W M&P 9mm.

I like the idea of the Ruger SP as a "slip in the pocket when I go out at night to ..." gun. I don't currently own a .357 and would have to buy reloading dies and components.

The SBH as a hunting/walking around in the woods handgun. I already have a Ruger BH in .41mag and a RH in .44mag. I do reload .44 so that is a plus to the SBH.

The three 9mms. I don't have any 9mm handguns. I'm thinking everybody should own at least one? Ammo can be found reasonably priced sometimes. Would make a good gun for the wife and kids to shoot. I don't have much experience with the three models listed, what is the best?

I've got the rimfire bases covered and living in Illinois, ccw is but a distant dream. This will basically be a "just because" purchase except for the SBH which I could use to hunt.

Any comments?

 

[huntswithdogs]

SUPER BLACKHAWK!!

HWD

 

[Roadkill Bill]

I love SA handguns, BUT since you already have one plus a RH, you've got the hunting department covered for now. So I'm scratching the BH. (But just for now.)

If going with a 9mm I'd go with the Glock. The other two may be fine guns, but they are still pretty new and have not really proven themselves in the field. S&W has not had a good experience with polymer guns yet. The Sigma was a dog. It won "Gun of the Year" awards when it came out, but then didn't hold up well at all. Therefore, I'd tend to wait on the M&P for sure. No handgun in the world has been torture tested as much as the Glock, and no gun has ever passed all the tests with flying colors like the Glock has. Go with Glock.

As for the SP101, it's probably the best small framed .357 ever made. A tad on the heavy side, but it's built like a tank. Your grandchildren will thank you for it someday. You said you want something for your wife and children to learn on. This will be better than a 9mm. No magazines or slides to manipulate. With the .357 you have three power loads to shoot: .38 Special, .38+P, and of course .357 magnum loads. The .38s are pretty cheap to shoot, too. It's a fun little gun, and accurate. My wife came in 1st in her training class 13 years ago with a 3" SP101, hitting drop targets at 30 and 40 yards. (She didn't know that might be hard, so she just did it because her instructor told her to!) She's been carrying it ever since. Can't seem to get her to get anything else. I have one, but it's the 4" 22LR model. I think the 2" version would be fun, too.

Anyway, MHO, I'd get the SP101, or the Glock 17. (And I kinda lean toward the Ruger.)

 

[Captn66]

If I were in your situation here's the order I think I'd put them in:

1. SP101 - Wide choices of ammo available. Kids and wife will be able to learn on it. You don't have a 357. Small, easy to conceal. Good excuse to get more reloading components :wink:

2A. Glock - You said you didn't have a 9mm and I like the Glock a bit more than the Springfield.

2B. Springfield - Just slightly behind the Glock

4. S&W - 3rd of the 9mm that I would choose - as someone else said, it hasn't been around that long. I just like the Glocks and Springfields more.

5. Blackhawk - 5th choice just b/c is seems like you have the hunting category covered. If I were doing this list for myself, this would be at or near the top since I don't have a handgun to hunt with.

 

[john1911]

Thanks for the replies. I've pretty much ruled the three semi-autos out. I might consider a 9mm 1911. I've fondled the three semis and none do it for me. Plus, I've been on a revolver kick lately.

I may add a Marlin lever action to the list, either a .41 or .44.

 

[Captn66]

Re: re: Help me choose my next purchase.

I may add a Marlin lever action to the list, either a .41 or .44.

Levers are tons of fun to shoot

 

[Fuelburns2]

SP101! I own three and though a bit heavy they're great guns for almost any purpose. Learning, plinking, defense, etc. I found most of mine used for about $350 so you could have money left over for components if you find a used one.

If you get a SP101 .357 magnum make sure it is not an early one that says 125 grain bullet on the barrel. That was my first SP101 which got sold. It had a cylinder too short for 158 grain bullets because it was a .38 special frame. They are few but they are out there.

 

[firin'blanks]

Guess I am a little late, but I have to disagree. I think the springfield XD is the best for the money out of all of them. In my opinion, a pistol with a "1911 angled" grip and the "sig style" slide and spring, for the price they are offering is a steal. A friend of mine believes that it will be the next G&A pistol of the year. While I wouldnt go that far, I still HIGHLY recommend it.