Why Does Ruger Still Offer a .38 Special SP101?

This post is an interesting read. I certainly don't have the answer but I do know that I am a 38 spl. shooter / reloader. I have both 38s and 357s but I have no problem in shooting 38s out of a 357.

However . . . in the past, I have read a number of posts by those who are dedicated 357 shooters who are aghast at the thought of anyone shooting a 38 out of a 357 . . . OMG! :D

I just think it's interesting that some responses on this one bring up the point of you can shoot the 38s int he 357 so why two different models.

I'm a "plinker" not a serious shooter so perhaps the more serious shooter would prefer the shorter cylinder of the 38 if that's all they are shooting? Or it may be the market that Ruger has - restrictions in some of their markets? I think a lot of shores would probably opt for the 357 model just so they had the "option" of both cartridges but obviously there is a niche for the 38 spl. model for whatever reason. :)
 
bedbugbilly said:
I'm a "plinker" not a serious shooter so perhaps the more serious shooter would prefer the shorter cylinder of the 38 if that's all they are shooting?
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The cylinders are the same length.
 
Leejack said:
Why wouldn't they make it?
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Because they have an identical 357 that costs the same, weighs the same, and is the same physical dimensions as the .38 model. You can shoot the .38s out of the .357. Other than the export comments, and maybe the crud ring, there is no reason to continue offering both models.
 
If the cylinder and the frame opening were reduced back to 38SPL original specifications then it would be worth it, to me. That would reduce the weight and size a smidgen.
 
I'm actually thinking about a 38 Special chambered only snubbie...

I have 4 other 357 revolvers, so I don't "need" one... in a snubbie, for self defense, I would never chamber a 357 magnum, I can get a 38 Special to do all I'd need... much too loud for shooting unmuffed, in a parking garage, or from inside a car, or from inside a room in a building... add the faster follow up shot with the 38 Special

I'd have no need for the carbon build up at the end of the 357 chamber, the bullet jump, or the additional "pounding" of the magnum in a snubbie

I can agree with the OP, if it were a 4" barrel SP-101, but as a primary carry gun... the 38 special only is what I'm looking for, as long as I have another platform for 357
 
Many people still prefer the .38 to the magnum

I specifically chose the .38 SP because it's easy to shoot a snub .38 well than a magnum. Modern .38 loads for self defense are quite up to the task.
 
My guess would be simply "to sell more / marketing". Average gun owner who doesn't know that .38 spl is a "subset" of .357 mag hears that .38 spl is good and wants a "38 special"..... goes to Ruger website; can't find a .38 special. Is disappointed because he heard Ruger is good; goes to next manufacturer. In other words, no good reason, except from the perspective of the Ruger shareholder.

But for those in the know, and who know they want to shoot ONLY .38 spl, you avoid ringing the cylinders.
 
I've heard this a lot, but is it detrimental to the performance of the revolver or just a cosmetic thing?
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If the deposits become really heavy, you cant chamber .357 ammo. I have found if you use a fired .357 case, and lightly tap it into each chamber, before the crud ring gets really heavy, it breaks out the crud ring.
 
I'm with p5 guy, it the .38 had a smaller cylinder and frame it would make more sense to me. I wish S&W did the same with the j frames. A 442 should be a smidge shorter than a 340pd for example. I'm one of the guys who rarely shoots .357's but like to have the option.

Deaf Smith, hold onto the short frame/window/cylinder SP101 not many of them out there. Ed
 
When I worked as a security guard in Georgia they wouldn't let me use .357 magnum, .38SPL was the upper limit for us rent-a-cops.
 
If I had to guess it lies with NYPD and other departments, and there various regulations. Only people who are mandated to only have a the capacity for 38 by force of law or SOP's do so even if many of us have 38's sitting in 357 chambers.

As of a few years ago , perhaps still the Sp101 was an authorized off duty / backup gun but ONLY in 38 special.

NYPD has what? 40,000 officers? Plus how many other departments around and associated with them who have policies that are the same or close to them.

That is a good bit of market and perhaps years ago it was big enough to justify a 38 frame size, now it's just a 357 frame with 38 chamber cut cylinders and markings.
 
Well - after two weeks of everybody wondering why and guessing, I decided to contact Ruger customer service via email....

I'll be sure to let you know what they say ;).

@ weblance Excellent question!!!
Too much time or not, you noticed something that's really an oddity.
 
Well - here's the official reason straight from Ruger:

Comment / question:

Why does Ruger still make the SP101 in .38spl?
A .357 magnum can fire a .38spl, there's no price difference and the once market for law enforcement has pretty much gone away.
It's sort of an oddity and I'm curious why it's still being made.

Response:
Sir,

The reason that model is manufactured is a marketing decision. Thank you for your email.

If you need further information, please visit our website at www.ruger.com or contact us at:

Revolvers, shotguns, rifles, 10/22 Charger Pistol: (603) 865-2442
Pistols: (928) 778-6555
Serial Number History Information: (603) 865-2424

Please note: This e-mail is sent from a notification-only address that cannot accept incoming e-mail. Please do not reply to this message.

Sincerely,
Ruger Firearms
 
Well... that answer was disappointing. I had hoped for a little more info.

I think after reading all the comments about service revolvers, and the requirements of only using .38 Special, that makes the most sense to me.

I AM puzzled that the revolver that Ruger still chooses to offer in .38 Special, is the SP101. The SP101 is a backup revolver. If you were required to carry a .38 Special DUTY gun, I would want the GP100. It carries 6 rounds. I just got a 3" GP100, and its not much bigger than my 3" SP101. Now before everyone cries out..."The GP100 is much larger than the SP101..." You might be surprised if you saw them side by side. Comparing the 3" models, the GP100 is barely larger than the SP101.
 
Now before everyone cries out..."The GP100 is much larger than the SP101..." You might be surprised if you saw them side by side. Comparing the 3" models, the GP100 is barely larger than the SP101.
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Just wanted to pop in and agree with this. People, I think, make way to much out of the size difference between these two guns in comparable barrel lengths.
 
It makes no sense therefore it must be a government mandate!
Probably Ruger is bound to make .38 specials in equal numbers to ther .357 Magnums to satisfy OBAMA!

Other than that I see no reason...
 
For example, the reason that the SP101 and GP100 are offered with 4.2" barrels instead of the more standard 4" is because 4.2" is the minimum length that is legal for private ownership in Canada.
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Not to hijack thread, but

It looks like Ruger makes a 4.0" and a 4.2" GP100. Any idea which is more common? If I was buying one and I have been looking I would prefer the 4.2" but it seems like many of the sellers are not aware there is even a difference.

And why is CA approved for the shorter 4.0" but not the 4.2"?

http://www.ruger.com/products/gp100/specSheets/1705.html
 
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