Hello everyone. I purchased a new Ruger SP101 with the 2.5" barrel about a week before Christmas and took it to the range yesterday. I ran approx 100 rds of .38 spl target stuff and 25 .357 mags through it. As expected it was a great shooting gun. The distance I used was approx 13 yds and it pretty much shot to the point of aim with all loads at that distance. Recoil with the .38's was a breeze to handle and the mags weren't as bad as I expected. I use to own a S&W 360 in .357 mag and it's recoil was brutal to say the least. The SP101's recoil was much more manageable under rapid fire and was not nearly as punishing as the 360's was. Also as expected the were no light strikes, sticky extraction, failure of the cylinder to rotate, empty case stuck under the star, or any other type of stoppage, malfunctions, or failures to function or catastrophic failure of any kind that I keep reading about from the semi-auto crowed. It fired perfectly everything I fed it unlike a lot of autos I've owned. Oh yea and it did all this perfect functioning without observing the 200 + break in recommended in autos also.
Ruger SP101 First Outing
- Thread starter virg
- Start date
Nice gun. It's a little on the heavy side for me to carry compared to a J frame, but if you want to shoot and carry .357 loads, the SP is way more comfortable. I have one with a 3 inch barrel that had to go back to Ruger. It was grouping 4 inches left at 20 yards. I called Ruger, and sent it back. 3 weeks later it arrived shooting dead center.
bedbugbilly
New member
Nice write up and glad to hear you like it. Like puppy face, I carry a J frame (Model 36) but I've looked at the SP101 in 3" - and it is on my "to buy list". I have always had good luck with Rugers and I really liked the way the one that I looked at felt in my hand. I have 357s but at my age, I don't like the punishment. 38s, I could shoot all day. Glad to hear your's works so well! 
When I first got my model 60-9, I ran a steady diet of 125gr. HP's though it until one day I discovered that the firing pin bushing cracked in half. Smith and Wesson fixed it for me and now I only carry and use +p 38's in it. The SP 101 really shines as a relatively small carry weapon that is a TRUE .357 mag. You can safely and accurately shoot hot loads though it. I guess that's why it is so popular. Have fun with it.
Bay Mule 45
Inactive
The SP 101 2.25" bbl gun closely approximates the overall dimensions of a 2" Colt Detective Spl. I have owned both and they are interchangable in fitted holsters.
For me the Magnum option trumps the 6th shot of the Detective Special. And the Colt's are delicate and increasing in value.
I prefer the spurless hammer model and like the action slicked up. Very accurate reliable handgun, the successor to the Colt DS.
For me the Magnum option trumps the 6th shot of the Detective Special. And the Colt's are delicate and increasing in value.
I prefer the spurless hammer model and like the action slicked up. Very accurate reliable handgun, the successor to the Colt DS.
FoghornLeghorn
New member
I have a spurless SP101 357. It's one of my carry guns. I like it because it's purt near perfect for IWB carry.
The action is very stiff which is common for new Rugers, but I strongly dislike action jobs on self defense weapons. Besides, in a stressful self-defense situation, the surge of adrenalin more than compensates for a stiff trigger pull. I don't want to lighten it. I've had SD revolvers with lightened trigger pull that failed to detonate the primer. For a target gun, maybe. But not for a SD gun.
But glad the OP is pleased with his purchase. It's a good gun that will outlast several generations of virg shooters.
The action is very stiff which is common for new Rugers, but I strongly dislike action jobs on self defense weapons. Besides, in a stressful self-defense situation, the surge of adrenalin more than compensates for a stiff trigger pull. I don't want to lighten it. I've had SD revolvers with lightened trigger pull that failed to detonate the primer. For a target gun, maybe. But not for a SD gun.
But glad the OP is pleased with his purchase. It's a good gun that will outlast several generations of virg shooters.
DannyB1954
New member
Next stop, the Hogue Grip Store. The one piece rubber grips go for about $16 online plus shipping.
Another thing you might want to look into is weaker spring sets from wolf. I am getting Arthritis in my hands from being a mechanic all my life, It is most noticeable when I pull the trigger quickly several times. My semi auto pistols have about a 6 lb pull, so I don't need a 14lb trigger pull to keep a gun safe or make it fire. Keep your finger out of the pully part until you are ready and willing to fire. There is a Youtube video that shows you how. Real Easy.
I have had revolver reliability issues, but not with the SP101. I have a S&W 38 Bodyguard who's cylinder can jam up if you pull on the trigger a little and then back off. I also Have a Taurus 805 which uses moon clips and 40S&W. If the bullet is a little off in the moon clip, it can jam up the cylinder.
Another thing you might want to look into is weaker spring sets from wolf. I am getting Arthritis in my hands from being a mechanic all my life, It is most noticeable when I pull the trigger quickly several times. My semi auto pistols have about a 6 lb pull, so I don't need a 14lb trigger pull to keep a gun safe or make it fire. Keep your finger out of the pully part until you are ready and willing to fire. There is a Youtube video that shows you how. Real Easy.
I have had revolver reliability issues, but not with the SP101. I have a S&W 38 Bodyguard who's cylinder can jam up if you pull on the trigger a little and then back off. I also Have a Taurus 805 which uses moon clips and 40S&W. If the bullet is a little off in the moon clip, it can jam up the cylinder.
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