I'm having a very hard time deciding on which Sp101 to purchase . I really like the 3 " bbl but like the 2" as well . I just kinda like the look of the 3 "er a lil better . It would be a primary ccw gun. This would be out & about in the everyday world as well as accasionally in the woods . But I can't make up my mind which to pick . I know the 2 " SP would probably conceal much better having an inch shorter Bbl. That doesn't make it any better . Can those of you who have one or the other or both pleasehelp & give some insight to your feelings to both ? TIAFYH
Sp101 Dilema
- Thread starter bshort64
- Start date
SouthpawShootr
New member
That extra inch of barrel isn't all that hard to conceal. I'd get the 3 inch. In fact, I already have. Twice. Unless you're going to pocket carry the gun (and I really think the SP101 is too heavy for this), the difference between a 2 inch and 3 inch barrel is insignificant. Just get yourself a good holster and a good belt and you'll be ok.
Stephen A. Camp
Staff In Memoriam
Hello. I recently purchased the 3 1/16" SP101. I preferred the extra barrel length as, for me, the gun with the shorter bbl was too heavy for a pocket holster and if going to a belt holster anyway, why not go with the longer tube?
If interested, here's a range evaluation on this revolver:
http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/Ruger SP101 Report.htm
Best.
If interested, here's a range evaluation on this revolver:
http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/Ruger SP101 Report.htm
Best.
I have the dao 2" model. contrary to some statemenst this thing has a great trigger pull and I have easily mastered the ability to "stack" the trigger for more accurate shooting. The only thing about the dao model is finding a holster. I have also heard that finding a holster for the 3" can be a task as well. the 2" with a hammer being the easiest in holster finding. I still recommend the 2" and a little more biasly for the dao model.
shoots awe lots
New member
The 3" is alot better in that gun, and I will tell you what I know about this trigger thing. Every sp101 I have ever seen or as any ruger I have ever purchased, the trigger isn,t the greatest out of the box. I have found that 500 plus rds and nitely sessions of dryfiring will smooth them up. Then if pull is still not to liking go with a wolf spring kit. Remember if wolf kit is installed stay away from cci primers because reduced springs mean lighter strikes. I shoot every weekend and between me and my shooting buddies we have over ten ruger,s.
I suggest the three inch because the hit rate is much higher than a two inch. This especially important with a five shot cylinder. The three inch is much better a night. It points and balances beautifully in the dark. No concealed weapon will help you one bit unless you can hit. I have a three inch and it is a mighty potent revolver both in it's power and accuracy.
got_the_bug
Inactive
bshort64...
I have both the 2 1/4" and 3 1/16" SP101s...I actually think (when talking about revolvers) that it is the grip that is harder to conceal than extra barrel length. Go with the 3" if you are going to fire a steady diet of .357; it is easy enough to conceal, and the grips are the same as the 2" version. I wear mine in both slide holsters and a SmartCarry, and both systems work fine.
Good choice on the SP101, by the way. Don't worry about the "it's not as smooth as a Smith" comments...with 30 minutes of dry-firing and perhaps a Wolff spring kit, which is easily installable by you if you are the least bit mechanically inclined, you'll have an incredibly smooth action.
I have both the 2 1/4" and 3 1/16" SP101s...I actually think (when talking about revolvers) that it is the grip that is harder to conceal than extra barrel length. Go with the 3" if you are going to fire a steady diet of .357; it is easy enough to conceal, and the grips are the same as the 2" version. I wear mine in both slide holsters and a SmartCarry, and both systems work fine.
Good choice on the SP101, by the way. Don't worry about the "it's not as smooth as a Smith" comments...with 30 minutes of dry-firing and perhaps a Wolff spring kit, which is easily installable by you if you are the least bit mechanically inclined, you'll have an incredibly smooth action.
Detective_Special
New member
Sp-101
If you like the the look of the 3", then you should go with that. The extra inch benefits in handling, velocity and may be slightly easier to shoot. No harder to carry if your using a holster. I personally would buy the 2" based strictly on looks.
If you like the the look of the 3", then you should go with that. The extra inch benefits in handling, velocity and may be slightly easier to shoot. No harder to carry if your using a holster. I personally would buy the 2" based strictly on looks.
I'd be more concerned about the trigger than the length. had a 3". Not only did it have a trigger from hell, right out of the box, the cylinder froze on the 4th and 5th rounds. Long story told several times
There are many who swear by the SP-101. But there are enough of us who have experienced trigger problems to exclude the 'lemon' theory. Too bad! I really liked the size and looks of the 3".
azredhawk44
Moderator
I have a 3" sp101 in .357. If I shoot it in SA with .357, I can put 5 steady shots in a 1" group at 30ft. It is a great gun. I carry it backpacking, mostly... but I trust it a hell of a lot.
It has a WAY better trigger than the standard redhawk. The DA pull is completely manageable, just get some stronger fingers and wrists. I have not had a single problem with it, and is my favorite revolver out of my redhawk, my sp101 and my taurus 94.
It has a WAY better trigger than the standard redhawk. The DA pull is completely manageable, just get some stronger fingers and wrists. I have not had a single problem with it, and is my favorite revolver out of my redhawk, my sp101 and my taurus 94.
Sp-101
Well I have a DAO and a regular both in the 2" barrel. I would agree the 3" is probably easier to sight with but I have no problem either way. All my Ruger revolvers have been 100 percent reliable and I have never personally seen a ruger Double Action revolver broken unless someone messed it up "customizing" it. After reading about a few people on the internet having a bad one I am on a quest to actually see one. So far not found one-still looking.
Well I have a DAO and a regular both in the 2" barrel. I would agree the 3" is probably easier to sight with but I have no problem either way. All my Ruger revolvers have been 100 percent reliable and I have never personally seen a ruger Double Action revolver broken unless someone messed it up "customizing" it. After reading about a few people on the internet having a bad one I am on a quest to actually see one. So far not found one-still looking.
got_the_bug
Inactive
Bullrock...
I'm curious...what was wrong with your trigger out of the box? I haven't heard of any SP101 trigger problems, and I own two, have sold a bunch, and pretty much read only positive -- both professional reviews and user reviews. I'm not doubting your experience, but I've never heard of trigger problems before...what was wrong with yours?
I'm curious...what was wrong with your trigger out of the box? I haven't heard of any SP101 trigger problems, and I own two, have sold a bunch, and pretty much read only positive -- both professional reviews and user reviews. I'm not doubting your experience, but I've never heard of trigger problems before...what was wrong with yours?
got_the_bug
I have told that story too many times and pissed off too many Ruger Types. Without going into too much detail...the gun would fire the first 3 rounds, but the the cylinder locked on the 4th and 5th rounds. The SA was just OK and the DA was heavy...very heavy. I have had the opportunity to shoot two other SP-101's and found the action on both to be very tight. I have no personal knowledge of cylinder lock up other than my own, and I have no personal vendetta regarding the SP-101 even though I did lose money on the sale.
I LUV my GP-100 though... Ok? Am I forgiven???
Oh, No, I would not buy another SP-101!
I have told that story too many times and pissed off too many Ruger Types. Without going into too much detail...the gun would fire the first 3 rounds, but the the cylinder locked on the 4th and 5th rounds. The SA was just OK and the DA was heavy...very heavy. I have had the opportunity to shoot two other SP-101's and found the action on both to be very tight. I have no personal knowledge of cylinder lock up other than my own, and I have no personal vendetta regarding the SP-101 even though I did lose money on the sale.
I LUV my GP-100 though... Ok? Am I forgiven???
P. Plainsman
New member
One thing about the 3-inch SP101 (technically 3 1/16") -- if you're going to be carrying bona fide .357 Magnum rounds in it, that extra inch of barrel is nice.
Even in a standard 4" barrel the energetic .357 round wastes a fair amount of its powder charge in muzzle flash. Thus you would probably see some ballistic benefits from choosing the 3" model rather than a 2".
Even from an abbreviated 2" barrel, though, the .357 will outperform a comparable .38 Special. As I recall, Mr. Camp did a brief chrono test of his snubby S&Ws to verify that fact.
SP101s tend to come with heavy triggers but are responsive to gunsmithing or judicious use of aftermarket springs.
Even in a standard 4" barrel the energetic .357 round wastes a fair amount of its powder charge in muzzle flash. Thus you would probably see some ballistic benefits from choosing the 3" model rather than a 2".
Even from an abbreviated 2" barrel, though, the .357 will outperform a comparable .38 Special. As I recall, Mr. Camp did a brief chrono test of his snubby S&Ws to verify that fact.
SP101s tend to come with heavy triggers but are responsive to gunsmithing or judicious use of aftermarket springs.
shoots awe lots
New member
Just to give Ruger a plug here, as far as I know if you have a problem with a Ruger you just mail it to them($25.00) and they will fix for you no charge if it is a problem that is,nt self induced(put fire out with, dug in garden with ,etc) That is a warrantee that is hard to beat.