Would Like Your Thoughts On the Ruger SP-101

J

Jelly

New member
First off, I just want to say that I've spent WAY TOO MUCH time on the 'net over the past week looking at guns...never realized how many different ones are out there and the cool resources such as this very forum!

After all that reading and researching, the Ruger SP-101 is on the top of my list. I do like the .45ACP cartridge on paper, but I'll take the .38/.357 combo for real-world use (target practice, and hope I never have to use it for protection). Also, the semi-auto pistols look nice and I've become interested in them, but they're not for me at this time.

Here's my selection criteria off the top of my head:

CCW - Will be used as such occasionally on the waistband, but not nearly all the time.
Home Defense and Glove Box - This is where it will spend most of its time.
Backpack Use/Camping/Hiking/Fishing/Backcountry Horse Riding
Etc, etc, etc...

From what I've read on here so far, the Ruger SP-101 is well thought of in the realm of compact/small-frame .357 snubbies.

What do you think of the 2.25in spurless-hammer SP101 (KSP-321XL)?
 
I have a spurless SP-101; it's a great little gun (after installing a spring kit, that is). For your purposes though it seems that a GP-100 might be even better (I've got one of those, too). CCW will be slightly more difficult, but not impossible. It's certainly a lot better for target practice, and still ideal as a home-defense/car/hiking/riding/etc. gun. If you're set on spurless DAO, there are a bunch of RCMP trade-in DAO GP-100s on the market now.

But the SP-101 is great, too. Either way you can't go wrong.
 
I do see the RCMP Ruger GP-100s for right about $300.00. The ones I have seen are smooth but, around 10 lbs DAO triggers. They are 4", stainless steel, 6 shot, adjustable sight, 357 Magnums and include a SSIII duty holster. They are hammerless and have NO single action capability. I keep looking at them. I have no need for one of them. I still keep asking to see one when I go to the dealer. I would far prefer a full size frame and 4" to manage recoil.
 
Like you, when I first decided on a CCW piece I spent countless hours reading posts here on TFL and other forums along with web searches and reviews. I settled on the Ruger SP101 because of the favorable reviews of its function, durability and a revolvers general reliability. I also liked having the option of using .38 or .357 and all the various loads available for these calibers. I also like the way it looked.

I chose the 3” over the 2” because when you look at the actual difference it’s bbl. is only about ¾ of an inch longer. I also felt the 3” might have a slightly better site radius and the weight of the underlug might be better at handling recoil but that’s debatable I guess since I’ve never shot the 2.2”.

Since getting my SP I have been very happy with its reliability and accuracy. The only changes I made to mine were getting a set of CT grips for it and bobbing the hammer.

If you choose the SP I think you will be very satisfied with it. :cool:
 
If CCW wasn't the primary purpose, I'd be tempted to step up to a 3" or 4" medium-frame revolver. They conceal fine as belt guns, and are a whole lot more shootable as a nightstand/glovebox piece than a small-frame.

That Said(tm), the SP-101 is certainly a fine quality, rugged little gun. I'd consider going for the 3", given your stated intent.
 
I've only been shooting revolvers for a month and have only been shooting semiautos (glocks in 9mm, .40, .45 cal) for six months or so, so I qualify my post w/ that info. I have both the 2 1/4" and the 3 1/16" versions of the Ruger SP-101, the 4" version of the GP-100, and I've ordered the 3" GP-100 and expect to pick it up today, so you might say I'm enthusiastic about shooting Ruger .357's. I CCW both the SP-101's daily (alternately, that is) in a pocket holster (yes, size and weight-wise they do push the envelop for pocket carry) and use the GP-100 as my nightstand gun. At the range, the larger GP-100 is much easier to shoot (recoil-wise) than either of the SP-101's (and between the two, the 3" shoots marginally better than the 2 1/4"). I pick up my target ammo from Wal-Mart and shoot 125 gr JSP Remington UMC, 125 gr JSP Winchester WinClean, and occasionally 110 gr Winchester JHP. The UMC is the most potent of the three, followed by the 125 Winchester which does burn much cleaner than the UMC, and the 110 is just a much lighter experience altogether. I'm not a skilled enough shooter to guage the accuracy and I only shoot at defensive distances of 4, 7, and 10 yards, so I can only speak to recoil and perceived power of the loads and must pass over accuracy in silence. All the good info I've received from this forum, thehighroad.com, and glocktalk.com led me to the belief that the Rugers were very durable revolvers and able to stand up to heavy .357 usage (my carry ammo is 125 gr doubletap - http://www.doubletapammo.com/php/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=21_27&products_id=48)
and since I plan on shooting my guns alot and only using .357 as opposed to .38 Spl (though the 100 value UMC .38+P at Wal-Mart seems kind of tempting) I think I've hit on something good. Just some input from a newbie.
 
I applaude your choice of a revolver over the Semi as yoru first 'do all " handgun. I don't think you will regret the simplicity, reliability and versitility a good revolver provides. Given your needs, I'd vote 2.5'-3.5" barrel in .357 would work about right. I personally have a whole bunch of small and medium frame S&W's along with a single Ruger SP-101 ( in 9mm). I like the 101 as a mid sized gun allot. It weighs in at more than any S&W Jframe I've owned yet is a bit more compact than a K frame gp-100. ( Extra weight =less recoil) The 3.1" barrel is very happy medium for velocity, ballance and sight radious IMHO. The .357 chambering will allow you to shoot anything from low velocity 38 spl for plinking to full 357 mag for defence against large critters. I'd go longer in the barrel only if you plan to carry infrequently. While I do like a spurless gun, I'm not sure I'd select one for a first/ only gun though. It's nice ( and usually more accurate) to have the single action option for unhurried shots. The spurless really comes into it's own for concealed carry without a holster.
If it were me, i'd probobly look for a nice used 3" Sp-101 in 357 and save any extra $ for a possable /eventual profesional action job and /or hammer bobbing . My close second choice would be a medium frame S&W mod 13, 19, 65 or 66 in 2.5-3".

My 2 cents.
 
What everybody else said. Great gun. Dry fire or shoot alot and the trigger will smooth up immensely.

The other benefits of a good SP101.
Makes a great hammer in a pinch.
Can be used to jack up a car.......I have seen this. Actually it was a GP but I digress.
Makes a heck of a blunt weapon.
Soaks up heavy load recoil very well for a snubby.

All jokes aside the SP101 is definitely a lot of bang for your buck that is capable of doing many things very well.

Chris
 
I have 3" SP-101 and GP-100. Both have had spring jobs and are great shooters. I can carry my 100 in a Don Hume 721 OT with ease. If I were limited to one handgun, it would be the 100. I have Glocks, Colts, and 1911's, so that is proof of how much I like thta gun.

HiCap
 
After all that reading and researching, the Ruger SP-101 is on the top of my list.
Click to expand...

:) What a coincidence.

I was so sorely tempted a couple months ago by a S&W model 13, 3 inch (which turned out to have problems) that I decided to look to see what else was available in that size format. Being able to disassemble the piece is a plus as well.

Spot checking in the area I'm seeing them at $360. The one I physically handled at MC Sports had a completly solid lockup. MMMMMmmmmm. Gotta sell off the Taurus, and get paid for some other work first. . .

Somebody tell me: you can change from DA/SA to DAO just by swapping out the hammer, right?
 
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Ruger SP-101 .357

A wise choice, if weight requirement isn't a major concern. Built "tank
tough", the Ruger SP-101 will definitely outlast most of its users. I had
a Ruger factory rep tell me many years ago, that their firearms are
"proofed" with loads that are 30% above normal. So with that in mind,
it should be able to digest even hot .357 magnum handloads without
a hiicup.

Fuel for thought, I don't condone the practice of leaving a firearm in
a glove box unattended. Today's crooks and perp's are far too smart,
and if they break into your vechile chances are they would use the
weapon on you; if you tried to stop 'em. I've seen it happen to many
times.

Best Wishes,
 
Just to add ..... I'll endorse the choice of an SP .... mine is and has been my daily carry for some time now (just happen to have BHP on for a while - as a change) - and with CT grips it is a superb piece. I have nothing against Smiths - love em but - the SP is so rugged and will not suffer much from carry wear etc. I for one - like the weight - not into lightweights at all.


sp-101-s.jpg
 
i just shot my 2" for the first time today.....

and i must say the full power 125 grainers are punishing. ive heard it from alot of people and its true. i have the hogue grips and half way through a box of 50 my hand was throbbing. couldnt shoot it very accuratly with that recoil either. on the other hand my kahr pm9 shot like a dream.
 
I just got back from the range with my new 3" Ruger GP-100 .357 and I am happy as can be with it. I can shoot it much easier (much less recoil) and better than my 2 1/4" or 3 1/16" SP-101. I shot 1 box of Winchester WinClean 125 gr JSP, 1 box of UMC 125 gr JSP, and 1 box of 125 gr doubletap JHP. I shot several of those dark blue/light blue center silhouette targets (B27? E27?) from 7 yards and put most everything in the center section which is good shooting for me. I'm a newbie and not a fantastic shot, but I really had a good time and like the gun. I've hogues on my 3" SP-101 and the GP-100 and the two look to have pretty much the same dimensions (gotta get a digital camera). I like the SP's, but I think I've a new favorite.
 
I can't say enough about the SP-101. It's my "always" gun. It's a bit bigger and heavier than an S&W model 60, but not enough to matter. I've shot hot 125s, 158s and 180s out of it without a lick of trouble. More accurate than I expected a snubnose to be.

Jefs:
I've been considering a 3" GP, but no shops have any in stock, so I'd have to order. The catalog says it has a shorter grip frame than the 4"+ GPs. How much smaller is it? Will it conceal as well as an SP? Been thinking about it so I could carry My 4" Gp and the 3" as a backup without carryign two different sizes of speedloader.
 
Magnum88C, I called my gunshop on Friday and told them to order me one and picked it up today (the following Tues.). The grip is noticeably smaller and feels way better in my hand than my 4" GP-100. Offhand, I'd say it's 96% as concealable (if this makes any sense) as the 3" SP-101 w/ the hogues. Also, although it's listed as 7 or 8 ounces heavier than the 3" SP-101 - I'd never guess that disparity. And no kidding, it shoots the .357 loads much easier than the SP-101 (at least that was my impression today). Recap: the dimensions are almost the same lengthwise and heightwise (but definitely wider - you can lay the SP and GP on their sides and check it out yourself), I don't feel the stated wt. difference (does the GP balancing real well in my hand account for this?), and it shoots .357 much easier and better for me. I really like it.
 
I have a SP101 stainless hamerless in short barrel.

Be advisied that the short barrel is 2 1/4 inches long.

If I had to do over, I'd get the 3" inch.

Don't mess with spring kit.

A few weeks of dry fire at moronic network talking heads will slick the action up just fine.

(or, you can disassemble and hone and jewel, if you got the skill set. Either way, no biggie.)

I can't prove it, but I believe that Ruger tunes it's fixed sight .38/.357 revolvers for a 158 grain bullet. If your tool doesn't shoot to point of aim, keep sending it back till it does.

The Hogue grip is superb, buy it, and you'll never look back.

Enjoy!
 
My wife's carry gun is a 2.2" bobbed 101. Sweet, sweet gun. I like the factory grips. I can shoot any .357 out of it. Wouldn't want to shoot more than a cylinder at a time of the hottest mags, but anything less is nice!

Personally, I'd prefer the 3" with spur and bob it myself so you have the SA capability, especially in the woods. The SP is a little heavy, but that can be a plus. I think it a very fine all around gun. If ya' can have only one handgun, the .357 is great, and the SP is top o' the line!

My everyday Carry gun is a Glock 19, but I prefer a wheelgun in the woods.
The Glock is light w/ 15rds of good 9mm HP, but with the 101 and a speedstrip, I wouldn't feel undergunned.

Now I have to find a 3" GP to try!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Stay safe.
Bob

PS: Lee- no Ruger won't sell a hammer except to a gunsmith, I think. I tried to buy one for a silky smooth Speed-Six a few yrs back. Wanted to bob it!
 
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