I was in the local Fred Meyer store today and decided to check out the gun counter in sporting goods. They're well stocked with semi autos, and double and single action revolvers but I found 3 to be particularly interesting.

The first one to catch my eye was the Ruger SR 1911. I asked to see it and it's a good looking 1911, especially since it doesn't have the billboard on the side of the slide. It has Novak sights, wood grips and is a good looking 1911. It also seems that they've taken some pains to give it a little softer edges. They had it for $649.00 or something close to that. If this one is as reliable and accurate as other Ruger semi autos, it's definitely a winner. If I were in the market for a new 1911, I'd give this one some serious consideration.

The next one was the new Ruger SP101 in 357 Mag with the 4" barrel and adjustable sights. It took a second or two to dawn on me that this was one of the new ones. This one would make an excellent hiking/camping/packing revolver if a 357 is enough meet your needs. The standard one of these always felt a little on the heavy side to me, but this 4" gun in a belt holster would be trim, handy and light. It's a 5 shot revolver, and like the SR 1911, the side of the barrel was uncluttered with safety warnings. Price on the tag was about $549.00. He did say that he's had 4 of the 22 versions of this gun on order for a while, but no luck on getting one of those so far.

The last one was the S&W Governor. Taurus came up with the concept and developed the market, but Smith & Wesson has taken it many steps closer to perfection. In addition to being a 6 shot, it will also handle 45 ACP with moon clips. The alloy frame gave it a good weight, and the fixed sights are easy to see. The counter guy told me that his example has been accurate with 45 ACP and 45 Colt handloads. He also told me that he worked at the gun counter at the old location and was able to order about anything he wanted, but corporate headquarters limit what he can order now. He's been selling guns for the last 25 or 30 years. This one was also priced at $649.00. I had to compliment the man on his ability to order interesting handguns. It was a good way to spend 20 minutes or so.