[gunsmith]

the only experience I have with pistols is a glock22 I've had a couple of years,never owned a revolver but had been wanting
a concealable .357 for a long time.
Just now saw J March's float so I didn't have all that good info
when I plunked down the $$ so I find out in ten days how good a
gun it is.
So, I am looking for advice on
concealment
ammo
how to break it in
all the good stuff:)
THANKS A BUNCH!

[Jim March]

Well first, run it against the checkout anyways, just in case the nice folks at Ruger bloopered :). It'll almost certainly pass just fine, which will increase your confidence in it. On the off chance it doesn't, Ruger is very nice about fixing any "problem children" that escape now and again.

OK, next, before talking about concealment we should know if it's a 2" or 3" barrel, and if 2" is it a bobbed-hammer or a full cockable hammer variant? Both factors will make a bit of difference in concealment options.

Let's talk loads a sec: I assume you know that 357 guns can also eat 38Specials and 38+Ps? If not, now you do :).

Basically, standard 38s will be pussycats in that gun, nice for beginning practice without causing any bad habits like a flinch. The next step up in power is 38+P, the best of which are quite decent defensive choices. Past that, there are relatively mild 357s made for smaller guns like the S&W 5-shot 357s, full-tilt 357 defense loads, and at the very top the really crazy hunting loads that will HURT out of that SP101 but you *can* still shoot 'em in a pinch.

Start by getting used to the gun with 38s at the range. Then try some +P. You *can* stop there and still get decent self defense, or go on at least one more step (milder forms of 357).

From a 2" barrel, the 38+P loads that I personally trust are...well hell, that's thrashed out in a pile of previous threads, such as:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=23201

This thread goes into detail about how the ammo is only one factor in recoil, the gun size and type matters too:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=11046

Another good ammo thread:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=10130

Another:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3599

In my opinion, the SP101 with a 3" barrel is a better idea than the 2", as for most carry methods the inch won't matter and it helps with velocity.

After you shoot 38s or 38+Ps in it, CLEAN the cylinders before shooting 357s. The 38 cases are a bit shorter, so they'll leave a "crud ring" just ahead of the 38 case length of ash and powder residue. This is normal. But if you then shove the longer 357 cases in there, the end of the 357 shells will be right in that "crud ring" and if the crud buildup is extreme, it could prevent the 357 shell from uncrimping properly and releasing the round on firing.

It's barely possible to actually blow a gun up that way, although unlikely in the extreme. But it could raise the pressure.

The cure is simple: if you're going to shoot 38s and then 357s, clean the inside of the cylinder before shooting 357s. You don't have to do an "extreme job of it", just a quick brush and patch job to get the worst of it out.

[gunsmith]

dont know enought to answer the bobbled hammer
question...
I'm sure it can handle +p .38.
It seems kinda small for a .357
I can't wait to try it out!:cool:

[MK11]

The SP101 will eat .38s like candy and you'll be surprised how easy it is to shoot .357s. 110-grainers are nothing (although they shoot high in mine), 125 grainers are brisk but manageable. The 158-grainers hop around too much for me but the gun can certainly take it. I haven't tried any of the middleweights. The factory grips are comfortable and concealable but I'm thinking about slapping on a Hogue grip for a little extra control.

Bobbed hammer means the hammer has been taken down so it won't snag on clothing and the gun can only be fired double action (could be a little nub left to aid cocking but every bobbed hammer I've seen on an SP101 was taken all the way down).

Like with most Rugers, the trigger might seem a little heavy at first but it breaks in quickly. I'm currently using a DeSantis IWB Holster and plan on getting an Alessi Talon soon. I prefer Safariland speedloaders but the HKS are OK and more common. Some people say the Safariland loaders will dump the shells if you drop them but I've never been able to duplicate that. Speed strips are another option for carry spare ammo.

Enjoy your purchase, it's a good one.

[critter]

IMHO you made a really good choice! Fun gun, good for concealment, good round for defense. NOW you should try your living best to wear the sucker out! (Your GRANDKIDS woun't even be able to do it though.) Shooting it a lot will break it in, smooth it up and get you used to it and in practice----and besides it's a ton of fun!

You done good; now enjoy!

[Bob]

Congratulations. You have chosen a great snubby. I have the 2" , full hammer edition an just love it. You might want to check out Uncle Mike's boot grips, with them and a pocket holster you can carry in the front pocket of loose fit jeans, dockers, etc. I also like a good cross draw IWB holster, but I can't recommend a maker as I made my own.
I use 125gr full power and up and also 38 spec +P. I found the boot grips change how the gun recoils and (for me) makes it easier to shoot with high power ammo.
I think it is lots more fun to shoot than any other small frame revolver (but I'm biased).
Bob

[Jim March]

Here's an SP101, 3" barrel, full hammer:

http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/images/Products/49L.gif

And here's a 2" tube, "bobbed hammer" for concealment:

http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/images/Products/50L.gif

The latter can be shot DA only, the first can be cocked for an SA shot or fired DA.

[xjer]

I finally made it to the range yesterday with my new
sp101 2". I ran a box of 38 130 gr a box of 357 110 gr
and a box of 357 157 gr hydra-shok's through it. I was
surprised how easy it was to shoot. I have a couple of
Rossi 971's in 357. I always thought they where good
guns. After shooting the Ruger it seems to be a step or 2
above the Rossi's.

Mike

[Rob96]

My 2.25" SP-101 is loaded with Remington 125gr Golden Sabers in 357mag. I carry mine IWB in a Don Hume holster. They are indeed great little revolvers.

[SADshooter]

I didn't care for the factory stocks, and changed them out with Hogue finger groove grips. Recoil management became much better.

[who me]

My 3" is great. Not one problem with it. I've put close to 800 rounds through it. I painted the front site white, houge grips, and a 10lb hammer spring on it.
http://photos.imageevent.com/whome/juststuff/websize/SP101-1.JPG
I plan to carry it in a Milt Sparks IWB when I get my CHL.
http://photos.imageevent.com/whome/juststuff/websize/SP101-C.JPG

[V-fib]

I have the 3" version and really like it. I shoot win winclean 38's in it and 110gr jhp win .357 ammo. I personally like the strong trigger pull so I don't plan on changing the trigger springs. I do dry fire with it often using alum. snap caps. my only alteration was to add a pair of crimson trace laser grips.

enjoy yours

:cool:

[TonyB]

My Carry is an SP 2.25in.I use a Desantis Thumb break holster.I use it between my belt and pants.....I'm a fat guy and it seems to hold it closer to my body.I carry+shoot 38+P+ hollowpoints,but for just goofing around I shoot 38's.Like someone said above 357's are very shootable in this gun.At first I thought they were too much,but I must've gotten used to them.
My gun is wicked accurate at reasonable self defense distances(5 to 15 yards)at 25 yards it starts to shoot low...like If I aim at center mass,I get stomach shots.Ilove this gun.I've used it in IDPA a couple of times.I also use HKspeed loaders,and I carry one in my front pocket,and one in my vest (if I have one on.)
Mine's still not really broken in,but I'm working on it.
There are lighter guns,but if you want a carry gun you will ACTUALLY LIKE TO SHOOT the SP is a great choice.I got used to the weight and hardly even know it's there.
Let us know how you like it.:cool:

[gunsmith]

Man! I love this gun!
I've had it for awhile now and can't believe how accurate it is.
I have a Glock as well but this is hands down alot more fun at the range.
I put houge grips on it and love the "thump" I get from bigger grain .357 loads....

Now all I have to do is figure our how to get CCW while living in San Francisco:(

[Erich]

Don't know about a CCW, but as of today they'll let you marry anyone you like! :D

[dairycreek]

First off, Rugers are incredibly well made and about as stout as they can be. They will stand serious use for a long, long time. I have never heard of anyone "breaking" one of them. As others have alreadey posted you have a tremendous choice of ammo. Practice with as many varieties as you can and then make a choice. Concealment for the SP is really no problem. There are a number of excellent choices as far as holsters are concerned. FYI I have had excellent results with FIST http://www.fist-inc.com/ and recommend them highly. I prefer IWB for concealment purposes and the SP will do nicely with that kind of holster. Don't forget to get a good belt as that is a significant part of sucessfully and comfortably carrying concealed. Good shooting;)

[Unisaw]

Gunsmith, your affection for the little Ruger will only grow over time as the trigger becomes smoother.

I have a 2.25" SP-101 that is my carry gun. I put a Hogue grip on it, added red pinstriping tape on the front sight, use 158 gr. LSWCHP +P for a load, and carry it in a VersaMax II. I carry five extra rounds in a Bianchi speed strip. YMMV, but this carry combination really works for me.