[Kamicosmos]

I have seen a lot of threads on the SP101 lately, which is good considering I am going to be buying one very very soon. (Like this weekend probably)

Nobody here has mentioned this aspect though, and it has upset my long standing descion on which one to get.

The query is the new 'target gray finish' along with the SRH style grips.

I really like the SRHs in that finish, and the grips on them are comfortable, and I hear they are really nice in use. But, I haven't seen the 101 in person with the gray finish, and those grips look a bit large on the little snubby.

So my questions to the group are:

Has anyone fired the 'new' SP101s? How do those grips feel? I have large hands, but ironically I hate the big Hogue style grips, but I love the normal slim Redhawk grip size, and like how the older factory SP grips felt. This gun would also be for potential CCW so that is also a consideration. Of course, I can always swap the grips out.

Now the finish: I know it looks good on the SRH, but like I said, haven't seen the 101, or the GP101s yet. How does this finish polish up, how does it wear, especially with daily carry?

[Jim March]

Hmmm. Well, you can get all the parts for an original-size grip for pretty cheap at Lett grips: www.lettgrips.com

You need the "rubber core" and wood or micarta "side plates". But the combo can be set up cheap, and your larger grips, if you don't like them, sold for pretty good money because they're of a new type.

So, if it doesn't work out, you're not seriously screwed.

As to the finish, I don't know. The plain bright stainless would do for me. Whatever you're into :).

[Sisco]

Didn't realize they were making an SP like that, went to Rugers website and checked it out.
The grey finish looks ok but as far as the grips go are they SRH sized grips or just the standard SP grips with wood inserts?

[Kamicosmos]

Jim March wrote " The plain bright stainless would do for me. Whatever you're into :)."

Yup, that's why I posted this! I was comfortably settled on the finish choice of "Any type of finish, as long as it's stainless." I think that gray finish will be very practicle for carry. It shouldn't wear off like bluing does in a holster, will be durable and easy to keep clean like stainless, but won't be as flashy for carry purposes.

I always liked the imagery of my stainless Redhawk sitting next to a stainless 101 in the safe....but I'm cheezy like that. :)

The grips, like I and others have said, are an easy fix if I don't like them. Guess it depends on what's at the gun store, and if there is a price difference.
(BTW, I am looking for a 2 1/4 barreled w/hammer .357 if anyone is looking to part with one)

Keep posting opinions though.

[Sisco]

I always liked the imagery of my stainless Redhawk sitting next to a stainless 101 in the safe....but I'm cheezy like that.

Me too. :D

[Kamicosmos]

Sisco, I like that bead blast finish! You do that yourself? I think I remember a post about that...

BTW, where in Kansas are you? I'm in KCMO...

[Sisco]

Did it myself. There was a thread going on the GP, I did a flame pattern on the barrel but didn't like the way it came out.
Dwell in Garden City, too far from Heaven, too close to Oklahoma. :D

[Kamicosmos]

Went gun shopping. Nobody had the gray finish. In fact, hardly anyone had any SPs in .357 Mag. Lots of ones chambered in the 32 H&R or whatever it is and a few 38 Specials.

One dealer said the new finish will cost about 50 bucks more! Ouch.

So, I went with my original choice, but made one small change.

I picked up a 2 1/4 barrel spurless 357 model. I figure since this (hopefully) wil be for CCW, best not get the hammer one. I tried the trigger on both models, and the DAO wasn't really much heavier than the normal single action, but it was a lot smoother than the double action on the hammered model.

Anyways, now I just have to go get my permit next week, and wait for the store to complete the transfer. (One big downside to living on the state line...sigh)

I noticed as they were packing the gun in it's box there was a yellow cable lock and an envelope with a spent casing in it....I quickly put on my tin foil hat to ward off any negative vibes! ;)

[Sisco]

Install a set of Wolff springs www.gunsprings.com and dry fire the heck out of it, the trigger will come in nice.
Caveat; be sure to check reliability with the new springs, if you go too light it can result in misfires or trigger lockup.

[Ruger Redhawk]

About the gray finish from what I've been told by a friend who works for Ruger.He told me that the gray finish is not very duriable. Once it's scratched or worn there is no touch up. He told me it's a tumbled finish which is a very cost efficient process for the Mfg.When these tumbled finished guns are being assembled they use a special mat and extra care not to damage the finish.When my SRH shows it's age I'm going to bead blasting the gray off.They sure are nice looking when they are new though.
Ruger Redhawk