Ruger SP101 Versus the Taurus 1911

Which would you purchase for CCW and why?

Taurus http://www.guntechinc.com/TAURUS_SS_1911.jpg

Ruger sp101 http://www.frontiergunsandammo.com/catalog/images/ruger-sp101q.jpg

Neither for "concealed" carry...Both guns pretty big and heavy

You'll tire of carrying them and eventually they will become a "left it"

Left it at home, left it in the car etc etc...

a concealed weapon is only good if its on you...not "left it"

I's suggest if CCW is the main porpose...that you consider other choices....

there's my 2 cents

IF THAT'S YOUR ONLY TWO CHOICES, I would have to go with the SP101 for carry. Like neck said though, there are better choices for CCW.

I CC an Sp 101 everyday all day. Not a problem to conceal or tote at all. I guess It's all what you are wanting.

Just an affordable CCW and these seemed to be to great option in a reasonable price range.

The SP-101 is an excellent carry gun if you like wheel guns. Very easy to carry, extremely dependable, and a great shooter. I think it is an excellent choice for CCW.
Gonzo

What about the SIG p220? Is that too big for CCW? I am going to the gun shop this week to feel these guns in person.

The 220 is as big as a 1911, but probably thicker. They make a 220 compact that has the shorter grip. The shorter grip would make it easier to conceal, but still not ideal.

Like has been said, you can conceal anything if you are willing to take the time to "plan" your wardrobe. That's the beauty of the small .380's and 9mm's. They can be an afterthought. Kind of like your wallet, just grab it on your way out the door.

Redvalic wrote:What about the SIG p220? Is that too big for CCW? I am going to the gun shop this week to feel these guns in person.

I carry a P220 or a P220 Carry model regularly, even in the summer. I use a good holster and a good belt and I conceal them with no problem under a camp shirt or an untucked polo shirt and short. I carry OWB, not IWB.
Gonzo

SP101 if those are only choices. How about a Glock 36? compact 45 that conceals good in a IWB holster. 6shots just like a wheelgun. I'm thinking your a 45 person anyway,so why not.
just more options to look at. I will say its a handful though,but manageable.

Ruger. built better. smaller. and just feels good!

Redvalic,
Are you open to other options or are those your only two? And, if you are open to other options, what are your preferences in caliber and action type?
Gonzo

I guess I should have prefaced my remarks by asking what caliber sp-101 and what caliber you were looking at.

I have a 3 inch barrel in 327 Federal and its pretty hefty...course heft is your friend when you shoot it

Another very important thing that folks "skimp" on is a good gun belt and good holster...If they are not up to snuf...then it will be more of a chore to carry...

Tell us what your options are....calibers, revo, semi, price range etc...

we have lots and lots of opinions

I am open to pretty much anything in a gun. I just dont have much money to put in guns so the closer I stay to 500 the better. I could go as high as 700 if a must.I like calibers 9mm and up, I like revlovers but I know that living in memphis I would be outgunned by 99% of the criminals in most situations with a revo. I love the colt stainless 1911 but my pocket hasnt caught up with my taste...

at the $500 price mark you should be able to get a pretty nice used XD, XDM or Glock...I'd take any of those over a Taurus semi....

First rule of a gunfight....Have a gun....2nd rule...it has to go bang...every time....3rd rule...hits matter...

for a civilian...more than likely its over after 2 or 3 shots and at very close range...less than 7 yards...

Ruger SP-101 would do the job well there as well..I'm guessing you are looking at 357 mag...so if the wife wanted to shoot it with 38's then she'd enjoy it also....

Enjoy the decision making process

Go to Memphis and talk to Tom Givens at Rangemaster...Go take a course and shoot some of his range guns up there...

then decide...if you can get there and back without getting shot

www.rangemaster.com

You figure a 1911 has 7-8 shots so with a 5 or 6 shot revo you won't notice much difference. 2 quick strips for an extra 12 rounds are more compact than a 7 or 8 rd magazine. Most gun fights don't last long enough for you to reload. Well maybe they do in memphis. But at any rate if one lasts that long, you need more than a pistol.

I'd prefer a 3 inch or 4" 357 sp101 as I could deer hunt with it too if hunting is your thing. Also the ability to use 38spl ammo for practice saves money.

But if capacity is the main concern then I'd recomend a 9mm or 40 xd or similar as it will give you the most capacity in the most compact package.

I can get back and forth to memphis without getting shot haha.just thinking of worst case scenarios and compatibility in multiple situations. I love Rangemasters too. I havent worked with Tom though. As for gun fights in Memphis there are a few and my neighborhood in Southaven has had multiple break ins this year alone. Thus the interest in weaponry. I just wasn't sure how much capacity mattered in most situations. Thanks for all of the great feedback.

If you are worried about home invasion...and Memphis is the home invasion capitol of the South.

Get ya a Remington 870 pump action for $200 at Walmart. really splurge and order you a 18.5 inch barrel...

stoke it with #4's and #6's and you are Good to go for home defense after you practice a little...and don't believe all that TV BS about the sound of you jacking a shell scaring an invader...the only thing they understand is gun blast...and I say put the lead to em.

Good luck to ya....Go see Tom and try some out on the range up there...

Look into the XD9 or 40 sub compacts I think they will fit your bill nicely.....And you can have one of these for $500 and some taxes!! Add a pierce grip extension and you got your self a shooter very accurate and pretty hi-cap for size 12rnds for 40 and 16 for 9!!!!! Ruger Sp101 is a sleeper hand cannon and will do what it is tasked to do.....Heavy lil sucker though but hey it helps with full power THREE FIVE SEVENS!!

I'm glad someone here agrees with me that the Ruger SP101 is a pretty hefty piece

Ruger builds em stout which I like...Its a great carry piece...given the right situation....just not my primary.....