SP101 as a first revolver, good choice ?

A

Alaskanmonte

New member
I have a couple semi-auto pistols but its time for a revolver. I've always enjoyed shooting my fathers revolvers, and I think its time for my own. I'd like to go with the Ruger SP101 with a 2.5 or 3" barrel. Any experence with this guns reliability and accuracy would be greatly appreciated. Also, so you know, its going to be for target shooting and occational CC, do you think I should get the 2.5 or 3" (opinions). Thanks :)
 
the 2.25" is a great choice for c.c. i carry mine in a fanny pack. when i carry in the pocket it's the pm9........
 
The Ruger SP101 (in .357 magnum) is a fine revolver; however, for a first – or an only – revolver, I would opt for its “big brother” (the four-inch Ruger GP100, especially the KGP-141) or its S&W “cousins” (any of the four-inch L Frames: 581, 586, 681, or 686).

My reason is simple: These mid-size GP100 and L Frame .367 magnums are “do everything well” revolvers. They are concealable without much more difficulty than the SP101, and they are also better for target and plinking work, for mid-game hunting, and for defensive use.
 
What RWK said. I just bought an SP101 last week and I love it.. however, I bought it for CC and if you plan to spend much time with it at the range I really believe you'd be happier with the adjustable sights and larger frame of the GP100 (especially in 4".) I may have to get one myself down the road a bit when I can afford another revolver.

Again, nothing wrong with the SP101 at all, but for the purposes you described I believe you'd be better served by a GP100.
 
I agree with RWK. I have a Ruger Security Six with a 4" barrel. It shoots .38+p's much more comfortably than the smaller frame revolver, and .357's WAY easier on my hands. A 4" .357 revolver is just such a versatile and easy to shoot gun.

Chuck
 
By occasional cc do you mean on your person or in your vehicle? If it's on your person the SP101 would be easier to carry. If it's for vehicle carry i have to agree with going with the GP100. But with the right holster and clothing you could carry the GP100.

I put a pair of Hogue grips on my SP101 and it made a great little gun even better. The Hogue grips also work great on my GP100.

The .357 magnum is one of the most versitle handguns ever made. You can use light .38's for target shooting or plinking, .38 +p's or .357's for defense and the heavier loads for hunting. Don't be surprised if you wind up with several .357's.

If i could only have one handgun it would be a 4" .357.
 
Thanks for the replies everyone. I will be using this for carry on me not for in the car. It seems everyone thinks that the 4" would be the best, I'll have to take a look at that when I go in to buy my revolver. I will take a look at both the SP & GP series of guns and see which will fit my hand better. I know there are a lot of replacement grips for both. I have average sized hands, and after shooting my fathers S&W 629 (44 Mag.) it just seems to bug and bulky to shoot comforatably. I don't have a problem with the recoil of his S&W, just the reach of the trigger pull.
 
I don't mind going against the grain.

My 2.25" SP101 was my second revolver. I sold a 4" S&W 686-4 and replaced it with the Ruger, and I am not a bit sorry I did. So, I disagree with what most have said. It depends on what fits you best, and what you are comfortable with.

For me the 686 was just a bit too long and heavy for what I wanted. As a range only gun it was very nice. But as a carry gun and one to grab when I have the dog on a leash at night, the Ruger is far better.

I replaced the stock grips with Hogue rubber, and now it has Hogue cocobolo wood grips, which I like even better than the rubber. With a good belt and a nice leather belt holster this gun conceals incredibly well. I am very satisfied.
 
I'm a Smith fan, but, I've seen some really nice snubby SP-101's that are perfectly fine carry guns. They are stout, reliable, and handy. Boils down to your preference.
 
I really liked mine, before it was stolen. :mad: It was my trail gun. A .357 J-frame size in stainless is, for me, the perfect woods gun for the Southeast. I'm torn between barrel lengths for its replacement. The short one conceals better, but the longer would give a little better performance.
 
I will be using this for carry on me not for in the car.
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Go for the little one then.

But for range banging and target shooting, the GP100 is great fun. The big frame soaks up the recoil nicely. I love mine.
 
I'd go with the 3". A half inch isn't a great deal but it gives slightly better sight radius and improves the balance and "point" of a small revolver.
 
Alaskanmonte said, "...for target shooting and occational CC..."

I agree with the GP 100, Adjustable sights. It fills the hand gives you six shots and can handle anything from plastic bullets to full power 158 gr flat point .357 Magnums.

Geoff
Who has a Security Six Heavy Barrel he wouldn't trade. :cool:
 
I like the KGPF-330 best, it is the 3" short lugged GP-100. I would suggest the 3" version of the sp101 as being more versitile, but the 2 something inch one with bobbed hammer would be nice too. Play to your tastes.
 
hi

the 2.5 inch sp101 that i had was sold. every nite i would come home and look at it an wish the barrel was a little longer. now i have a 3 inch barrel sp101 and it shoots better for me and has better balance. the 2.5 barrel was too light up front. have used 142 gr hot loaded .357 mag ammo and this thing is more comfortable than my g30 that i traded for it. glad i have the little 5 gun now. have a gp100 on layaway. but for carry the sp101.
 
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I like 3" barreled snubbies. IMHO they are a great combination of concealability and "aimability." I also find the proportions of that configuration to be visually pleasing. The only real danger of going with a Ruger for your first gun, as I see it, is that you'll be spoiled for life.
 
I carry a 3" SP101. I opted for the 3" over the 2.25" for the longer sight radius, a bit better velocity and accuracy. For concelaed carry, the extra barrel length matters not at all. In a couple of months I am going to take the gun in to Teddy Jacobson (Actions by T) for one of his splendid action/trigger jobs.
 
Geoff Timm, said: "Who has a Security Six heavy barrel that he wouldn't trade?

Geoff Timm, asked: "Who has a Security-Six(Heavy barrel)that he wouldn't trade"?

ANSWER: I do! I have two of these heavy barrel beauties(Both are NIB!)and, are consecutively numbered(Circa, 1979)!
 
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