Ruger SP101

[ACrowe25]

Hey guys,

First of all happy thanksgiving.

Wanted to get some reviews on the ruger sp101. I really like the feel and look. Kinda in between the 2.25" and 3" model...

The use will be to put into my carry rotation in addition to A LOT of 38 spl WC target shooting. I was thinking of going with the 3" for the longer sight radius and dealing with the longer barrel and carry. I'm used to a 3" 1911 at all times and I think full mag the ruger will be lighter anyways.

Can I even expect decent accuracy out of the 3" gun? I'm no sharpshooter but I get great accuracy from my kimber ultra raptor II.

Your thoughts between the two? And the model overall?

Thanks in advance guys.

[jmort]

I got the 3" and it is accurate. Problem for me was the weight, too heavy to make sense to carry and too light to shoot heavy .357. Many have no problem with the recoil. For sure, too much recoil for me. I ended up with the LCR .357. At 17 ounces it is easy to carry and while it is too light to shoot heavy .357, I can shoot mild .357 with comfort. The LCR absorbs recoil well. I don't have a problem with the trigger reset, but some do. BTW, the SP101 trigger was really nice in my opinion.

[LUCKYDAWG13]

i have the 3" SP101 and i like it.it mine will shoot castboolits better then the Hornady XTP
i would buy it again

[Artful]

Wife has SP101 DAO - shoots accurately enough - weight not an issue in purse carry (she could kill just swinging it without a gun inside)
Had a smaller 5 shot 38 for her she prefers the heavier SP101 and she generally is happy with +P or +P+ loads. You can get different grips to match your hands - I was looking for a crimson trase laser grip for it at a reasonable cost.

[deepwater]

The 3" barrel is the starting point for reasonable .357 mag combustion. The shorter barrels loose velocity but the firearm still has the magnum recoil and muzzle flash.

I had a DAO SP101 that I tricked out with a trigger job, chamfered the cylinders, re-crowned the muzzle and forcing cone, dehorned, Hogue grips and Mag-na-ported. Very,very sweet. Another one of those "why did I trade it" regrets.

[Kraschenbirn]

I've had my 3" SP101 for 10+ years and it's a typical Ruger...a little clunky but acceptably accurate and totally reliable. D/A was kinda rough when I first got it but a little internal polishing and a Wolfe spring kit took care of that. Even with the Hogue grips it's not what you'd call fun to shoot with full-house .357s but with +P .38s it's my favorite carry gun.

Bill

[ACrowe25]

Great to hear! Weight is only an issue (and not much of one) I'm the winter for a pocket holster inside my carheart jacket. Summer carry I wear jeans every day and the extra weight makes no difference with a good belt.

Looks like I have my chosen revolver...

[Poygan]

Recently I tried varying loads in 4 revolvers at 25 yards resting. Barrel length went from 6.5, 6, 4 and SP101 with the 3+. While I was expecting the SP101 to be the least accurate due to the shorter barrel, it actually was the most accurate! It does wear the Hogue grips and I might have changed the spring (memory issue). I do like the longer barrel... get one and I doubt you will regret it.

[shooting on a shoestring]

I've got the 2.25". To big for pocket carry for me, but then a J-frame is only marginally a pocket carry option for me.
The 2.25" can certainly get you well into magnum territory. Most of the boolit acceleration happens in the cylinder and first inch of the barrel. I can get north of 1300 fps with wadcutters or SWCs in the 150-160 grain range. 2400 works well for me, just use enough to make Elmer grin. Yes the recoil is enough to encourage flinching. I have hogues and it helps alot to keep the pistol from moving in my grip. Shooting single action standing slow fire two handed I can keep them on a piece of copy paper at 25 yards. Shooting double action fast, need the copy paper at 7 yards or so to catch them all. For a defensive handgun, small and powerful, it works well for me.

The 3 inch is not really much difference in any department except carrying. That 3/4" can make a big difference doing appendix carry IWB. Of course if you're 3/4" bigger than me, it won't matter to you.

[ACrowe25]

I'm decent size at 6' 225 or so. I just figured it can't be any worse than my 3" kimber I carry daily.

[Three-Fifty-Seven]

also!

[Three-Fifty-Seven]

Oops! Double post!

[ACrowe25]

same style I'll be going with. Local guy here makes crossbreed-like holster for $30-40 and it's made in a day or so (foxx holsters). Made a nice one for my 1911 so ill stick with it. I carry the same way, except on the other side (I'm LH)

[Bullwolf]

Here's a few pictures of my Ruger SP101 alongside my S&W442 Airweight and some opinions on Ruger's durable little tank of a revolver .

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/imagehosting/thum_187904f332e5a776fa.jpg http://castboolits.gunloads.com/imagehosting/thum_187904f309093ba7c8.jpg

I own a 2.25 inch .357 Ruger SP 101, and one of my shooting buddies went with the 3 inch version. So I have gotten to shoot them both a bit. I noticed more of a difference in aftermarket grips really, than with an extra 3/4 inch of barrel. If I was going to wear the gun holstered on my hip, I would probably buy the 3 inch version. If I wanted to pocket or appendix carry the gun, I would go with the 2.25 inch barrel with a bobbed hammer in DAO, or Double Action Only.

I briefly had a set of Ebony wood Eagle Secret Service grips on my SP101.

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=52386&d=1305279410

The Ebony grips hardly print at all, and your shirt is not prone to stick to them. Sadly, they just don't give you very much to hang onto either. While the grips were very concealable, I unfortunately managed to break them. The expensive ebony wood grip panels cracked under recoil while shooting a box full of factory .357 Magnum rounds through my SP101.

I have since replaced the ebony wood grips with a nice solid set of Badger Grips. I also bobbed the hammer on my SP101, and had the gun converted to Double Action Only.

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/imagehosting/18790502079a0e4d49.jpg

The felt recoil is pretty sharp on the little Ruger SP101, and a good set of oversize rubber grips like the Hogue's allow me to wrap a lot more of my hand around the gun. That really helps make the SP101 a more pleasant gun to shoot when firing .357 magnum loads. I highly recommend anyone who owns a SP101 to try a pair, as they make it feel like a completely different gun. The trade off unfortunately is that while the larger more durable Hogue grips soak up recoil better, they are also sticky and tend to stick to your clothes and everything else that you bump into.

http://www.danwessonforum.com/wp-content/gallery/bullwolf/SP101-Left.jpg


My Smith Airweight with a DeSanti's Clip grip is a much easier and more convenient gun to drag around with me or stuff into a pocket. It's also lighter and smaller than my 2.25 inch Ruger SP101. So I rarely take my SP101 along now, but I do still love to shoot the Ruger. My SP101 was often loaded with .38 Specials anyways.

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=53029&d=1326591951

While my SP101 shoots great, and is a really nice and accurate gun, it's also much heavier to wear all day than either a Smith 442 or 642 Airweight. I can simply slip a 442 into my pocket whenever I want, so I grab the 442 when I go outside to feed and water the horses, or to do anything around the property. Now the Ruger stays at home most days, or gets regulated to target practice duty unless I really feel the need for a heavy compact .357 magnum pistol. When I want a holstered gun to wear on my belt, I prefer one with an exposed hammer, and I consequently tend to grab a smaller Smith model 60.

I personally find the newer lightweight alloy J-frame's in .357 downright miserable to shoot with full power .357 magnum loads, and I am a reasonably big guy. (over 6'2 and 200 lbs with medium to largish hands) The heavier weight of the Ruger SP101 was a bonus there. Everyone tolerates recoil differently, but I would rather shoot something big and heavy with a longer barrel to help soften felt recoil. I find the sharp snappy recoil of the small frame ultra lightweight .357 magnums a bit too obnoxious. Full house .357 magnum loads tend to get shot through my larger framed longer barreled wheel guns.

The Ruger SP101 is about the smallest and lightest .357 magnum that I can comfortably tolerate, but it's still a bit to heavy for me to use it as a pocket gun. I am much more likely to take an Airweight with me just about anyplace I go. There were times when I would often leave the SP101 in my truck because it would pull my pants down, or just be uncomfortable while doing work around the ranch. If I had to buy a new SP101 knowing what I do now, I would get one with a 3 Inch barrel and an intact hammer for utility use as I don't often wear my SP101 anymore.


- Bullwolf

[ACrowe25]

Well, I really appreciate all of your opinions! I decided and therefore purchase the 3" model today when I was out shopping in the madness. Really like the gun... REALLY like it. Was able to bring home 3 boxes of 38 spl at the same time for some fun range use.

I doubt I'll shoot much 357 mag out of it... if any. I have a 44 mag for hard hitting range use that I enjoy greatly. This 357 mag was primarily used for carrying 357... and shooting lots and lots of 38 spl at the range. My girlfriend enjoys shooting and while she manages my 1911 (45 acp) I do not want a flinch to be developed (seeing signs already). Also, 148 (38-wc) grains of lead is cheaper to shoot than 200 (45-swc) and 240 (44-swc). :)

[9.3X62AL]

If Ruger revolvers were authorized by my agency for carry, an SP-101 x 3" would have shown up here YEARS AGO. For firing 357 Magnum ammo, the SP-101 is LIGHT-YEARS ahead of any of the S&W J-frame 357s, or the ultralight Ruger 357s. Install an aftermarket neoprene gripset, and go forth. The Federal #357B load (125 grain JHP) offers significantly less recoil than do the 158 grain bullets, and unlike S&W K-frames the SP-101 will absorb them safely and for extended periods of usage.

[johniv]

I have a 3 1/6" SP 101 and find it makes a good carry gun , accurate enough for it's intended use. I dont mind the weight(God knew I was gonna be dumb ,so he made me durable) I had a pair of the Hogue grips for a while ,but went back to the factory grips, they handle the recoil of magnum loads well and feel better than hogue's. The 101 doubles as a EDC gun and handles cast boolits to 1100 fps or so, for walking in the woods. I bought my 101 used and have put near 10,000 rds thru it and can detect no wear, or looseness.
FWIW
John

[LuckySavage]

I have 2. A 3" and a 4", and I carry them both. The 4" is much more accurate than the 3", at least in my hands. Either one will handle ANY .357 load you care to run through it, they're built like tanks. Pleasant enough to carry, strong enough for social work. I love my Rugers.

[FergusonTO35]

I had a three inch .357 for awhile. Good little gun albeit awfully heavy for a five shot revolver. Mine was as accurate as I could hold, it really liked the Remington UMC .38 +P 125 grain JHP. The DA trigger pull was pretty terrible and the factory grips allowed the trigger guard to dig into the knuckle on my middle finger. I ended up trading the SP for what I paid for it on a cherry Marlin 1895, a very good decision!

[PWS]

I'll second all the reports of good accuracy; my wife's 4" will produce 2" clusters at 50yds with the LEE 125gr flat point and MP360640HP and does pretty well with everything else. Other than making my fancy 686 look like a chump, the SP101 is a great little revolver!

[detox]

I would rather have a small 38 special

[JayinAZ]

I've always found the stock grips on my SP-101 quite comfortable for shooting .357 mag. I wouldn't do it all day but a box or two isn't bad at all. I'm no glutton for recoil punishment either :). Mine is the 2" version, with some lighter Wolff springs in it. For carrying though I much prefer my 638 airweight with .38 +P.

[Para82]

I have had a SP 101 357 mag with 3 1/16 barrel for a few years and really like it. I also have a Rossi 92 and they make a good pair. You won't regret your purchase.
Para82

[Tucker]

Wife loves hers it a sweet shooting piece

[Lever-man]

My SP101 is the 3" barrel, it is a little heavy so that is what I carry when I'm walking on my place or in the woods. Very accurate at 25 yds, with light mag loads or 38 special, the full house mags are a little "stiff" for me so I limit my shooting with those. I have Hogue custom wood grips, and put a light Wolfe trigger spring in. Really made shooting it in DA mode a lot easier. A light load that I like shooting in it is a .360 RB over 3 gr of Bullseye. I can put all five shots touching with this load at 15 yds.

[ACrowe25]

Me and my girlfriend put 100 rounds of WWB factory rounds through it this past weekend at the range. Was shooting at 20 feet or so and was holding a decent group. Gotta get some more trigger time and I think it'll improve. I like her!

[FergusonTO35]

I would love to see Ruger stretch the SP-101 frame a little so it could hold six rounds of .38 Special +P. Add some low profile adjustable sights and you've got the perfect carry revolver!

[Jim Flinchbaugh]

I wish I could find a SP101 in the 9mm luger that they made for a while :(

[thumb bum]

I've got the two and a quarter inch love the gun heated the front sight so I put a XS big dot on it. it's one of my favorites now.

[cheese1566]

I love my 2.25" 357 mag SP101. I do shoot more 38's thru it (acttually she does!) than magnums.
I have Hogue grips for it also that seem to tame the mags a little better. I do use the stock grips for carry though. I found a used leather holster for a S&W frame that I formed to fit it.

I also found I shoot it better in double action rather than single. Accuracy is great within 10-15 yds. Any farther and I get out my 6" Colt King Cobra.

[Good Cheer]

3", Crimson Trace grips and the NEI gas checked wadcutter 358-148-GC (#137) soft heavy cast, seated out, 296 and the front sized to slip into the throats.
:happy dance:

[Outpost75]

My SP101 is an early model in .38 Special with the 2-1/16" barrel and Crimson Trace laser grips, factory built as a DAO with bobbed hammer. It has been shot ALOT with Federal HydraShok +P+ 147-grain which gives 920 fps from the 2" barrel. Also lots of hot handloads with 146-grain Saeco #348 DEWC loaded to @1.25"OAL in Federal cases with Federal 200 primer and 9 grs. of #2400, also 920 fps.

Gun is an accurate little powerhouse. No drips, runs or errors. Approx. 5000 rounds to date, no malfunctions or parts replacements, just dependable EDC.

[FergusonTO35]

I bought my SP-101 in excellent used condition in 2002 for $225.00 at a gun shop not known for low prices. Back then nobody wanted them, they were regarded as an overweight brick compared to the slim n' trim J-frame. About a year later I traded it on the Marlin and got $225.00 towards it. Nowadays on the rare chance you see a used SP for sale it's only $20-30.00 less than new and will sell quickly at that price.

[Petrol & Powder]

The SP101 is an outstanding gun. Strong, durable, accurate and well engineered. It's a tad big/heavy for pocket carry but that's the price you pay for that strength. When talking about revolvers for self defense, I prefer bobbed hammers or concealed hammers. The DAO SP101 with the 2.25" barrel is an excellent piece of kit. It conceals well in a holster, it will never break, it's just about snag-proof and you can count on it working. By the way, they make good companions to GP-100's !
I had a great little 2.25" SP-101 but let it go in a trade, been regretting that bone-headed move for a while now. If I ever find a DAO model that doesn't require a second mortgage to purchase, I'll fix that mistake.

[FergusonTO35]

I wouldn't mind finding an SP in .38 Special with a 3" barrel...