In Praise of the .38 SP101

bad_dad_brad

New member
Many years ago, I sought out my first handgun for home defense. My research told me, as a newbie, to go for a revolver in .38 special with a 3 to 4 inch barrel. With difficulty at being a novice I went to the local gun store searching for what I thought would be ideal.

I could not believe my eyes when there in the glass case was a Ruger SP101 in .38+P with a 3.25 inch barrel for the unbelievable price in 1996 of 240 dollars. I asked why so low and the dealer answered no one wants a .38 anymore.

What a fantastic bargain this gun has been. It shoots sweet and true, the grip is comfortable, fits my hand like a glove. I dream soundly with it by side.

I have many more pistols now, but still by my bedside, my SP101 lays in comfort with me. I name all my guns and I named her after my dear departed wife, Cheri. She is full of Federal Defense .38 low recoil and I sleep soundly beside her.

Today when somebody asks me to recomend a first handgun for home defense, I often suggest a SP101 in .38.
 
You've got a great gun there.


I somewhat regret getting my SP 101 in .357 magnum. That small little grip produces hand knumbing snappy recoil with magnums, and I'm ending up not shooting no more magnums in them (I fired a wheel full of magnums and gave up). Its strictly used as a .38 spl now, and probably not as accurate as a SP 101 designed for ONLY .38 spl. Don't get me wrong, my SP 101 is a very good gun, but I think I would have been better off with the .38 spl version.
 
Last edited:
There's all kinds of nice .38s floating around out there at good prices because they're "only" .38s :rolleyes:. Pencil-barrel S&W 10s are another example - most can handle at least modest amounts of +P. Ditto old Colts, etc. All of 'em can get the job done if you do your part.

Still, try holding an SP101 in .357, and you'll find the overall feel is pretty much identical. The only thing you gain with a non-357 version is a price savings, plus of course you can be sure it wasn't beat up with a ton of hot .357s. Which isn't likely in an SP101 in any case :).
 
CZ,
As one of the people who happens to own an SP...I agree. The stock grip so many love, doesnt agree with me either. I have a CTC Laser that offers much more grip than the stocker..but is hard plastic and is a trade off. I also have a Butler Creek boot grip..which isnt a true boot...offers a whole hand grip and is much better than the stocker. The best for assisting with recoil is the Hogue 3 finger rubber grip....this makes full house loads a pretty pleasant experience....try one, I believe you will love it.
Shoot well
 
Back
Top