So I'm looking for a revolver with sights...

[Stationary Smell]

I'm searching for the "perfect" carry revolver and I'm looking for some suggestions. I want something with acceptable sights, I don't really care for the "post and gutter" style ones. Right now I'm thinking something like the Ruger SP101 with a 2.25" barrel. I would probably get something like Badger Boot Grips for it to make it a little easier to conceal. I've thought about the Smith and Wesson model 60 pro with a 3" barrel. So... to outline my criteria...
-preferably .357 mag, 38+P options would be considered too
-something "shootable", not a featherweight 2" barreled .357
-something easy to carry concealed, probably 3" barrel and under
-I'd also prefer an exposed hammer. I like the option of single action

If any of you happen to have a s&w model 60, a ruger sp101, or a suggestion, I'd like to hear what you guys think.

 

[gotboostvr]

The K frame snubs would be something to consider.

The M15 (38 special) came with a 2" barrel and target sights. The M19 (357 magnum) came in 2.5" with the same great sights.

 

[Jim NE]

I agree with the K frame snubs. If you can find a model 15 with a 2" barrel, it would be a sweetheart. Adjustable sights, but combat for easier draw. That gun would be in .38 Special. +P no problem.

The stainless version would, more or less, be a model 67, but I'm not sure I ever recall seeing them in 2" barrels. Anyone know? You can find model 10's in 2" versions now and then, but alas...they're fixed sights.

My SP101 was a loser, but I'm reasonably sure that's not the typical experience for most people.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I bought a new 2.25 SP in 1995. I carry it daily in a leather pancake. It wears Badger boot grips.

 

[Fine Figure of a Man]

I have two SP 101's, a three inch and the 4.2 inch. The 3 inch makes a great carry gun and it's very "shootable" with +P and 357's. Factory grips are to small for me. I have Hogue grips on the 4 inch and Crimson Trace on my 3 inch.

 

[Rexster]

I really do like the SP101, but mine have either the "tunnel" rear sight, or the old-style adjustable rear, not the current adjustable rear sight, which is probably better than its predecessor. (The older-style adjustable sight, on the SP101, was only available on the small-bore versions; mine is a 4" .32 H&R.) I can get all of my skinny fingers on the OEM grip, and like it.

The notably heavier GP100 is certainly much more comfortable to shoot with magnums, a simple matter of mass damping recoil. The GP100 is a contender for my most-favored all-around handgun. My first GP100 was my duty handgun for a while in the mid-nineties, and as late as about 2006, I still brought it, or another GP100, to work with me, for special circumstances, such as wanting more penetration, or a flatter trajectory, than .45 ACP or .40 S&W. The original, pre-Hogue OEM square-but GP100 grip is absolutely perfect for my hands.

 

[AZAndy]

A S&W 640 Pro has pretty nice raised sights, complete with tritium inserts. Steel frame, but no exposed hammer, sorry.

 

[sabbfan]

There is the SP101 Wiley Clapp, it has Novak sights on it as opposed to the usual front post/notch rear. I don't own one but have window shopped online, they look nice.

 

[stoky]

I have a couple of Model 60 snubies (.38s) and a 3" SP101.
The Smiths are pocketable, best in a hip or cargo pants pocket. They're good for carrying in pairs, don't seem to end up upside down and are easier to deploy than their sub compact semi auto brethren, maybe a holster issue.
The 3" sight radius on the SP really helps, as does the built like a tank factor, especially with .357s. Heavy for it's size and not really pocket friendly, but it disappears and is very comfortable in an IWB. Mine shoots to the sights with mid range loaded 125gr JHPs.
We're (OP) in agreement regarding 2" .357s and hammers.
HTH and that I'm not adding to the conundrum.
I'll recommended going with the 3" SP101. At some point, after it's broken in, you might want to do some minor smoothing and lighter springs. They're pretty simple.
Only God is perfect, picking a carry piece is rife with trade offs.

 

[Bad Ninja]

Model 60-15
.357
Adjustable sights
3 inch barrel
Not heavy but not a featherweight.

It's a decent shooter at short range, flexible with ammo, and cheap to feed (.38).

 

[fireman 9731]

I know you stated that you want a hammer, but have you fired a hammerless revolver before? A good double action can be utilized the same as a single action. The 640 Pro Series would be an excellent choice.

 

[red rick]

I the 3" barrel is going to be hard to fit in most pockets and if it had a rear sight it might hang up and I don't think you will like carrying a 26oz. revolver around in your pocket . I think it is an excellent sized revolver for OWB or IWB carry . If you are not dead set on .357 and still want to pocket carry with good sights and a hammer , I would look at the 3" LCRx , it is light enough for pocket carry and has an adjustable rear sight , if you think you can fit that 3" barrel in your pocket . I have the 3" SP101 and carry OWB , I pocket carry sometimes with a 642 .

 

[Stationary Smell]

I'm mainly thing IWB. I did see the SP101 Wiley Clapp version, that's the one I'm considering. So 3 inch (assuming I'm not going to pocket carry) would be better than the 2.25? I guess the barrel is kind of the easy end to hide

 

[Stationary Smell]

Do any of you guys pocket carry the sp101 Wiley Clapp (2.25" barrel) with badger boot grips? (Or the regular version with the 2.25" barrel) It looks like with the right holster it would probably fit well. The hammer spur might be an issue... but I'm curious about those grips and grip angle.

 

[Pudge]

How about a 3" LCRX? .38+P, adjustable sights, shootable, exposed hammer, light (but not unreasonably so), should check your boxes.

 

[Stationary Smell]

Hmm... I never really thought about the LCRX... does anyone make shorter grips for it (similar to the badger boot grips)? More like a 2 finger rather than a 3?

 

[Stationary Smell]

I reeeeally like the looks of the badger boot grips... it seems like your hand would be at an odd angle though. Anybody use these grips and have any input?