[old fart]

i recently got a good deal from my gun shop, i traded my charters for rugers. i have a sp101 3 inch stainless, and a gp100 4 inch blue, my question is which should i carry and which to keep at home? i will be carrying on farm, hikes, and carrying open here in kentucky, the other gun will stay at home in case someone there needs it. i would also like to know what kind of ammo would be best for 4 legged and two legged varmints? thanks for any help.

[nathangdad]

No one can give you an answer. Handle and fire each gun with a variety of loads from .38 mild target through the magnum round.

It is about what you feel most comfortable with in terms of balance, pointability, sights, hand to grip, and so on . . .

Given some time and practice the answer will become known to you.

What would be right for me might not be right for you.

[thrillbilly]

^+100

[DaTeacha]

Who is the someone at home who might need it? It sounds like you are the more experienced shooter, so I would let the homebody pick the one that works best for them and carry the other one. Then get them to practice with you, often.

[old fart]

the someone is my wife, she handled both guns and liked the sp101. then she fired both guns, now she likes the gp100. i'm gonna leave the gp100 at home, its heavier but she shoots it better cause of less recoil. shooting good is the most important thing. now comes another question, i know about what to use at home for 2 legged varmints. but what would be best for me with my sp101 357 mag., out on hikes and farm for 2 legged and 4 legged varmints? thanks.

[DaTeacha]

Two schools of thought predominate here. One group of guys follows the Texas Highway Patrol line of preferences and advocates for the 158 grain JHP and the other for the 125 grain JHP, which seems to shoot bigger than it is. The main thing for 2 legged varmints is hitting the triangle between the Adam's apple and the nipple area on the chest -- both loads are more than adequate with a solid hit there. Unless you might encounter a black bear while out and about, the 125 grain loads should be fine, but some guys prefer the 158 for deer hunting duty. The 125 seems to have a better accuracy reputation.

It's really pretty even between the two loadings, both in terms of opinion and statistical evidence of effectiveness.