Titan ReloadingInline FabricationRotoMetals2Load Data
RepackboxMidSouth Shooters SupplyReloading EverythingWideners
Snyders Jerky Lee Precision
Results 1 to 7 of 7

Thread: Trigger action of Ruger SP101 needs adjustment

  1. #1
    Boolit Master


    Join Date
    Oct 2007
    Location
    Montana
    Posts
    1,074

    Trigger action of Ruger SP101 needs adjustment

    Compared with my friend Laurie's 357 Magnum S&W 640 no dash double action trigger is between 2 and 3 time heavier and much less smooth. How can I reduce double action trigger's weight while maintaining reliable ignition. Single action ignition obviously will remain reliable. I use the SP101 almost exclusively double action.
    It’s so simple to be wise. Just think of something stupid to say and then don’t say it. Sam Levinson

  2. #2
    Boolit Buddy

    Join Date
    Sep 2021
    Location
    Eastern North Dakota
    Posts
    491
    Look for a site called ==MaCarbo== Veterans ownedand operated They offer spring kits and a very good video on how to slick up the little Ruger
    GW

  3. #3
    Boolit Master
    Join Date
    Dec 2021
    Posts
    599
    I only have the sample of one gun but I got a SP101 in 38 Special years ago for my wife to use as a home defense gun. She is a small woman and it became imediately obvious that she didn't have enought hand strength to fire it double action reliably. So I got a Wolf spring kit and swapped out everything that came in it to the lightest springs in the kit. Started getting some misfires so had to go up one increment stronger hammer spring and that problem went away. I'm mainly a rifle or shotgun shooter but I've got several friends who know double action revolvers better and they all say the gun feels like it's had an action job by a gunsmith. All I know is that it feels mighty smooth and light to me. A spring kit is easy and cheap to try.

  4. #4
    Boolit Master
    contender1's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Location
    Lake Lure NC
    Posts
    2,450
    Many folks do swap out springs & such with good results.

    However,, a good action job can be had w/o spring changes. My wife & a few other ladies in our family have & carry SP-101's. All have had an "action cleaning & smoothing" to where they are sweet shooters. Even my mother had her's done prior to her passing. She passed at 80.

    Due to design,, the S&W actions seem to lend themselves to a better feel. But I've seen way too many Rugers smoothed up that can rival most S&W's to where folks who are die-hard S&W fans admit how good they are.

    If you are handy,, they aren't too hard to work on.

  5. #5
    Moderator Emeritus / Trusted loob groove dealer

    waksupi's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    Somers, Montana, a quaint little drinking village,with a severe hunting and fishing problem.
    Posts
    19,385
    I've had bad results in changing out springs in the past, sometimes not enough poop to pop the primer. My best solution has been to dry fire hundreds of times while sitting on my butt in the evenings.
    The solid soft lead bullet is undoubtably the best and most satisfactory expanding bullet that has ever been designed. It invariably mushrooms perfectly, and never breaks up. With the metal base that is essential for velocities of 2000 f.s. and upwards to protect the naked base, these metal-based soft lead bullets are splendid.
    John Taylor - "African Rifles and Cartridges"

    Forget everything you know about loading jacketed bullets. This is a whole new ball game!


  6. #6
    Boolit Grand Master

    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Location
    Northwest Ohio
    Posts
    14,591
    Honing the action up to match with correct angles and a bright smooth finish is preferable to changing out springs, the only spring I change out is the trigger return spring. Changing the mainspring to a lighter spring can cause miss fires and other issues. Even if no misfires poor ignition can result from light hits.

    If you can have a smith do a true trigger job leaving the springs.

    If this is a new gun I would also recommend either firing 400-500 rounds or dryfire this may smooth up the action quite a bit. Most gunsmiths want that amount of use before doing a trigger job. The old relvovers smooth triggers arnt always from a trigger job but years of use smoothing and wearing the parts together.

  7. #7
    Boolit Master
    jdgabbard's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    Tulsa, Oklahoma
    Posts
    2,557
    Every SP101 I've handled has had a butter smooth action. The main issue is the heavy trigger pull. Not a problem for me with my gun, but for others I could see where it would be a problem. I definitely would try to Wolff Springs kit. The SP101 is a fine weapon. If you can get the trigger pull to a more acceptable level for you to shoot it'll make you a very nice piece to pass down to the next generation.
    Currently looking for a Lyman/Ideal 311419 Mold - PM if you have one you'd like to get rid of!

    JDGabbard's Feedback Thread

    "A hand on a gun is better than a cop on the phone," Jerry Ellis, Oklahoma State House of Representatives.

    The neighbors refer to me affectionately as, "The nut up on the ridge with the cannon." - MaxHeadSpace.

    Jdgabbard's very own boolit boxes pattern!

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  
Abbreviations used in Reloading

BP Bronze Point IMR Improved Military Rifle PTD Pointed
BR Bench Rest M Magnum RN Round Nose
BT Boat Tail PL Power-Lokt SP Soft Point
C Compressed Charge PR Primer SPCL Soft Point "Core-Lokt"
HP Hollow Point PSPCL Pointed Soft Point "Core Lokt" C.O.L. Cartridge Overall Length
PSP Pointed Soft Point Spz Spitzer Point SBT Spitzer Boat Tail
LRN Lead Round Nose LWC Lead Wad Cutter LSWC Lead Semi Wad Cutter
GC Gas Check