Ruger SP101 Cal.

B

Bullrock

New member
I really like the looks of the Ruger SP101. :D It comes in several calibres, .32 magnum, .357 magnum, and .38 Spl. +p.

I will use it mostly for the range. I doubt that I will use it for carry, but you never know. I have not heard of a .32Magnum, how powerful is it? :confused: Personally, I would not own a regular .32. The club I belong to does not allow .357's or higher calibres on the range, either inside or outside. :(

Some .357 wheelies are chambered for either .357 or .38Spl. I can't find anything on the Ruger website that indicates this is possible with the SP101.

Under the circumstances, which cal. do I purchase, and how does this wheelie shoot compared to the larger GP-100? :confused:
 
Great little revolvers...i too would go the 357 route so you can still shoot 38 specials through it for cheap plinking. As for how they shoot compared to a GP, not much different. The GPs weight a little more and will tame down the recoil a bit but other than that, the mechanics and characteristics in how they work and shoot are very similar. The GP is almost certainly stronger however due to its extra bulk and will fire the hottest of magnum loads without a hitch.
 
I own 3 ruger double action revo's including the sp101. YOu will love these guns. go with the .357 .all ruger .357's shoot .38's. MOst if not all .357 magnum revo's will shoot .38s but not the other way around.
 
I have had & carried both in .357 mag, SP in an ankle holster, GP in a duty holster. BOth are excellent revolvers, & can be shot very well. The SP size makes it the better CCW piece. SIze/weight advantages have already been discused.
 
the 32 H&R magnum is almost as powerful as a 38 special but there arent many ammo makers that produce 32 mag ammo. Federal and Black Hills are the only companies that I know of that make 32 mag. ammo. So stick with the .357 version of the SP101 since it will also shoot 38 special ammo. Or you could get the 22 LR version of the SP101 and shoot all day for only a couple bucks.
 
. . . and, FYI, I believe the SP101 has been made in .22, .32 H&R Magnum, .38 Special, .357 magnum, and 9x19.
 
I have shot .38, .38SP+P, 357 and my favorite 357 +P+
The 357+P+ is hard to find in stores but Miwall usually has them at gun shows.
The SP101 Ruger is one of a very few out there that can handle it
I do a mager cleaning on it once in a while and it is really easy to strip but you will want to get a LEAD--WIPE cleaning cloth for the cylinder face.
The SP101 is definitely worth buying and using
 
Another Vote For the SP101

I own the 3 1/8" bbl version of the .357. Put a night bead on it from trijicon and some Pachmeyer grips, making it a great carry piece, night or day. Its definitely the gun on my nightstand, stuffed with the FBI load.

Admittedly I carry and shoot the FBI load most of the time, but sometimes when I feel the need for speed I'll run a box of 145 gr Winchester .357 Silvertips through it. Those hurt my hand more than the gun :D
 
I've got a SP101 in 32 H&R Mag. Its a great little gun. I really enjoy shooting the 32 but you really must reload in order to shoot cheap plus the round is very much underloaded in factory ammo.
 
Ranger61, I thought I read range gun in here somewhere also, sounds like your .32 Mag is a blast. I do agree, this one is probably better suited for the reloader and the thought of getting one with a 4" barrel for a fun gun and a six shooter for female and young family members has crossed my mind! ;)
 
One thing you may want(especially when shooting full house magnums)-houge monogrips.

Mine have been on for thousands of rounds. Having that third finger for recoil control makes all the difference.
 
STURM: I recently got the SP 101 because I have a Taurus 731 in 32 H&R but my wife shot it once and now its her carry gun and I don't get to shoot it any more. :mad: I got the Ruger when I traded in my P85 and its a lot of fun to shoot with Hornady 90 lead SWC at about 900 fps. :)
 
Good choice on the .357/.38.--hard to go wrong with. Most versatile round(s) around. .32 Mag also a neat round, a nice popper with about as much whollop as a non +P .38 w/o the commotion (noise and recoil) -- and unlike the .357 format, allows a full 6 shots (in all of its DA forms: Taurus, S&W, Ruger, etc.) ...none of the others do...so does make a nice CC gun. Certainly has its place, not as a replacement by any means for a .357 but a good CC alternative to "just" carrying a .38 and want something with about the same oomph in an even handier format. Perfect "tweener" round in the rather large gap between the .22s and .38/.357 family. Should get much more support by the ammo makers, gun manufacturers (including the ones that make it, e.g., Ruger's recent dropping of the slicker-than-you-know-what Single Six in the caliber), as well as the gun magazines, etc., but sadly doesn't. Read more about the .32 Mag in other threads.
 
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Doug242ti

I suck up recoil pretty well. I have a SW66 2" Brl. that is very accurate. I had an opportunity to shoot the identical SP101 I ordered 2 days ago at the local range. I put 5 rounds of .38Spl. +p through it. Very smooth, and I liked the balance of the 3" Brl. better. The factory grips feel great. I'll keep those Houge grips in mind, however.

I don't see a problem shooting .357's when my SP101 comes in tomorrow, or the day after... :D Thanks all for all the input everyone!
 
Ranger, I hear ya!

Bullrock, take a look at Hogue's website. They also make the Mono-Grip in at least one beautiful wood version. Think it's Goncalo Alves! ;)
 
I just picked up my new Ruger SP101. :D What a nice little pistol. I'm shooting tomorrow, and plan on using 50 rounds of .357 (I forget the grain and the box is in the car) then another 50 rounds of .38Spl. +p.

I don't think I'll need the Houge grips, but I'll let you know... :rolleyes:
 
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