Which do you think is the better defensive handgun...G26 or SP101

[Doug S]

I've got a second G26 that I purchased as a backup in case something ever happened to my CCW G26. It's been sitting in a safe for 5 years, and I'm tempted to trade it for a SP101 in 357. I'm hesitant though, because the G26 is my favorite handgun, and also because I don't want to regret making the trade (especially as Glock seems to be transitioning to Gen 4, and I like the Gen 3 better). Just wondering which gun the people on these forums would choose (if they had to choose one) for defensive purposes. I do like the idea of the SP101 for a woods gun, but I'm pretty sure I prefer the G26 for general CCW or even HD.

So I guess my question is, would you keep a duplicate G26 in a safe, just in case your primary ever went down, or would you trade it for an SP101?

I should probably mention that the second G26 is actually kept with a loaded magazine in a safe in my "Man Cave". It doesn't get carried or shot, but it allows for quick access if I'm in the cave, and otherwise unarmed. That said, I figure the SP101 could also pull this duty just fine.

I also have a Mossberg 500 Tactical that just sits in a safe, that I could use as trading fodder. After some of my recent purchases, my wife would probably try to shoot me with it, if I tried to just buy the Ruger outright, so some kind of trade is almost a must if I'm to get the Ruger.

Thanks for any feedback.

 

[HexHead]

I'd keep the backup G26 and save up some money for the Ruger. Trade the Mossie for it to bring down the cost.

 

[hso]

Why switch manual of arms and failure protocols in defensive handguns?

Sure you can get just about the same ballistic performance by picking the ammo you want to feed the two if you're careful, but then you have to worry about reliabiliyt and accuracy of two different calibers from two different make/models when you're just matching energy/momentum on target. I'd never advocate mixing working guns.

If this isn't really a working gun question and more of a justification for getting rid of a gun you don't use for one you might, it doesn't really matter.

 

[SOUTHPAW]

Hmm... Tough call being two totally different types of pistols. I personally love my SP101. I bought it used from a friend for $300. Not a lot of money to spend in today's gun market, and worth every penny. I use it for carry, HD, and at the range those 125gr .357's put the biggest smile on my face!

 

[bikerdoc]

I like the SP 101 and I am sure you will also.
How you get yours, and what you trade or keep, leaves me stumped,except for trading the mossberg and saving a few bucks over time.

 

[Doug S]

I appreciate the quick responses. Trading the Mossberg is an option. The shop offered me $240 for my Mossberg. They have a used SP101 for $365, but I think I'd prefer a new one which they sell for $477 (after a recent price increase, used to have them in the $450 range). I was quoted $375-$400 for the Glock trade.

Sure you can get just about the same ballistic performance by picking the ammo you want to feed the two if you're careful, but then you have to worry about reliabiliyt and accuracy of two different calibers from two different make/models when you're just matching energy/momentum on target. I'd never advocate mixing working guns.

I guess on the one hand, it is a justification for making a trade, but on the other hand, I do like the idea of the simplicity of a revolver as a safe gun. No springs being compressed, and that it can sit loaded for years without worrying about it. I also enjoy shooting revolvers at the range, and it would make a good hiking gun IMO.

Otherwise, I have to agree with the above. I wouldn't be making the trade for ballistics. As far as reliability neither of my G26' have ever malfunctioned. They are accurate, and I think a good match for my house G17 (with which my wife is also familiar).

 

[Fred Fuller]

Since this is a 'hardware exclusive' thread and doesn't get into strategies and tactics, I'm moving it to Handguns: General.

lpl

 

[fireside44]

If the SP101 was the three inch kind that is what I would keep.

Otherwise, I would hang on to the other gun, as you have an affinity for it.

 

[conhntr]

if its just going to sit around in the "man cave" id much rather have a shotgun to grab than a pistol (even if it is a mossberg)

 

[Bulldawg55]

I have a SP 101, 3 1/16" which sits in a Gunvault in my nightstand.It will share winter carry duty with my Para CCW & G32 when my new holster arrives.
I had a G26 which was a great gun but I sold it and got a G33 (like that 357 power!). It shares summer carry duty with my S&W 360 & PF9.

 

[Old John]

I have 2 SP101, .357's.......

I only shot a Glock once, a .45acp. It was okay.
My everyday CCW is an SP101. I have a spare in the gunsafe.
I also have a Ruger, GP100, .357 mag.
I would not think of trading any of them.
I make my own choices. No one else's.

 

[snooperman]

I would rather have the SP101 but..

I am partial to the wheelguns over semi-autos anyway. I have the Ruger and like it a great deal.

 

[NMGonzo]

What you shoot better with?

 

[Don357]

For me there is no question as to what to do. This is my opinion and mine only, unless someone agrees with me! I (for my own reasons, not bashing) don't like Glocks, and would opt for the Ruger without even thinking about it. I would keep the Mossberg, lose the Glocks, and never look back.

 

[Trebor]

Keep the G 36. You like it and it's a good defensive pistol.

If you really want a Ruger revolver as a woods gun, save your pennies and get one later.

But, you will likely regret trading away a gun you like for a gun you *might* like.

And, I'm a revolver fan and not a Glock fan and I still think this. You like the gun you have. Why trade it for an unknown?

 

[neededausername]

I agree with Trebor. I'd much rather have a revolver, and I don't like Glocks. But if the Glock feels good and shoots well for you, then what does my preference matter? Btw if the springs sit compressed for a long time on a mag it wont hurt them. What wears springs is going from uncompressed to compressed and vice versa. In other words normal use

 

[wanderinwalker]

Keep the Glock. Stoked with 127gr Ranger SXTs (+P+, the Glock can take it) it gives you near-.357 punch, 10 +1 rounds (or more) reliably and it is no harder to shoot than a short-barreled DA revolver.

If you want a .357, save your pennies and pick up a used Security/Service/Speed Six. If it's a man-cave, safe, woods, range gun, you can even go with a 6" model for something easier to shoot.

And I can shoot either a Glock or a DA S&W well, so I don't think I'm too biased in my opinion. YMMY!

 

[wtfd661]

I would keep the G26 and save my pennies for the Ruger SP101. I would definitely not get rid of the shotty.

 

[W.E.G.]

Two is one.

One is none.

 

[Ichiro]

In your position, I would keep the backup Glock, keep the shotgun, and forget about the SP-101. Costs nothing and leaves you with three good guns.

 

[Girodin]

I have both. For me the better defensive gun is the G26 simply because I shoot my G26 better, and run it better. Mechanically they are both good guns and both viable choices.

 

[Doug S]

I do appreciate all of the thoughtful comments. I'm still undecided, but there is some good food for thought here.

 

[okespe04]

Get both, learn to use them both, carry both.

 

[Four Knives]

To answer the title of your thread: which do I personally think is a better defensive handgun, I'd say Glock 26 due to capacity, and much cheaper ammo to keep you in practice.

Since you already have an extra G26, I'd say move the second out the door and get an SP101. Rugers are incredible revolvers, and with the ammunition/power versatility a good 357 provides, you can't go wrong

 

[frankiestoys]

If you have a second Glock then take the trade. The SP is a great revolver.
There more accurate then most snubs ,with very little felt rcoil. I don't own a Glock but have fired several they perform,and function well. Just not for me.