I think the SP101 is a great design. But quality is patchy at best in my experience. I had a 2 1/4" version that was great out of the box. Smooth DA trigger, tight barrel cylinder barrel, crisp SA pull, good workmanship. In a fit of lunacy, I sold it. In a fit of remorse, I later impulsively (i.e. without carefully examining before buying) picked up a 3" version thinking I'd get a little more velocity and better balance from the longer barrel. This one came with the barrel screwed in too far (front sight at angle to one side, shot 2" right at 5 yds as a result), a SA trigger pull I've learned to know as "slide, grind, break," sharp edges on the trigger face, etc. Ruger "fixed" the barrel rotation by leaving me with a not so nice .006-.007 cylinder gap. It now shoots to point of aim, but I sure am glad I got the longer barrel for more velocity, because I surely need it now. I'm still debating on whether to spend time smoothing it out, or just dump it.
Does anyone know if the SP101 trigger and internals are case hardened? I'd hate to polish off the hardened surface on any parts.