[TonyB]

I took my new gun to the ondoor range last night to shoot it for accuracy.......HOLY CRAP..this gun wicked accurate..I started off close at 15feet...I got a 1 1/2 inch group off hand standing,SA and taking my time.Next same distance but DA,slow taking my time.....about the same!!!OK I thought,"i'm too close"....so back to 21 feet......the group opened up some but was right on,point of aim, exactly!
I was shooting 38 Winclean(that's all they allow).
All in all it's a keeper......when and IF the snow ever melts,I'll try some +p's and 357's at longer distances...even though this will be used for defense and a colse up gun,I'd love to see how accurate is really is.
Maybe I just got lucky,but this little gun is SWEET....more later:D

[priv8ter]

I have only used my SP-101 a couple of times, but I agree with you about the accuracy. I started out at 7 yards, and moved it out to 10 and still had good groups. I found that I was right on POA with 125gr .38's, and 158gr .357's, but when I tried 38 +P's, I was comming out 5-6 inches low. At first I thought it was me, but when I came back in on target with the .357 loads, I began to wonder.

Now I'm gonna have to shoot more to find out what's going on...Dang my luck :D

[Sisco]

I enjoy mine, shot this group shortly after I bought it. http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid41/p9d30884013e9c2d87009dd013a712f78/fcf75d95.jpg


Either of you guys interested in a pair of Uncle Mikes boot grips? Just happen to have an extra pair. http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1501

[Neal Bloom]

Glad you like your SP101. I am saving up to buy another since I like mine so much.

[Kahr carrier]

Hey guys do all of you have 3inch Sp101s ??? Those are some good range results.

[Jim March]

Priv8ter: What you're seeing there is completely normal.

What happens is, the front sight is higher than the rear. If you were to line up the sights "horizontal" and then put a rod down the barrel and measure horizontal off of that, you'd find that the barrel is still pointed down despite the sights being lined up level.

When you shoot it, the recoil starts throwing the barrel up. The bullet is supposed to leave the muzzle when the barrel reaches horizontal!

So what happens when the recoil varies?

Less recoil, the barrel doesn't kick up enough, and you shoot low. Too hot, it flips too high, and you shoot high. The gun is a 357, it's regulated to 357s, it's shooting properly with 357.

So what to do?

If you're going to shoot nothing but 38+P, file the top of the front sight to regulate it for that load. If you want to leave it adjusted for 357, draw a fine horizontal white line where the proper front sight height for 38+P is, and choose between the two heights when shooting.

If you switch to an Ashley Express Tritium front sight, the front sight will have an enameled white circle around a central Tritium dot. That will let you control the height of the central dot with some precision, differently for 38+P versus 357.

BUT!!! You better think about how fast you can do such "mental adjustments" in a gunfight! Follow? KISS principle applies here, in spades. You might do better with sticking with one caliber or the other. You might try seeing if 158+P 38s shoot higher than the others, that sometimes happens, might put it in the same ballpark as a 357 you want as a carry round.

[Nick96]

Does everyone have a 3" SP? No, I have a 2.25" .357. My rational was if I wanted a 3" barrel I would have gotten a S&W M-13/65 or a 3" GP 100 (but that's just my preferance). And yes, it's suprisingly accurate at fairly close range (like 7 yards). The only time I get a little disappointed is when I try to get 2" groups out to about 15 - 25 yards (really kind of a reach with short barreled guns). Mind you, it will stay inside 6" circle - double action - free hand - but you aren't going to get "ragged hole" groups at those ranges (at least I don't).

It's my impression (after about 10 years of use) is the most accurate round is the 158 grain .38 +p (in any bullet configuration). The SP was originally introduced as a .38 only. Shortly thereafter, models were produced in standard velosity 125 grain SJHP .357 only (probably the best defensive round available). Again, I've seen good accuracy with these rounds (so #2 on the accuracy list). I've had good results with 158 grain .357's too - but there is a bit more recoil. Results have been disappointing with 110 grain .38's and especially 110 .357's. They shoot WAY low for me. I currently favor the 125 grain Remington 125 grain Golden Sabers for "serious" duty. They are between the 158 grain +P .38 and standard pressure 125 grain SJHP .357's - with a bit less muzzel flash, blast and recoil of the standard pressure 125 grain .357 - and still acceptable accuracy to about 30 feet or so.

I have changed to Hogue grips. This may be a factor in accuracy (tendancy to shoot low) since I get a much firmer grip, and muzzel flip is considerably less than with the factory grips (for me anyway).

Bottom line - if you are looking for maximum shooting comfort and accuracy with your SP, get some Hogue grips and 158 grain .38's. For comfort and accuracy with .357's - again, Hogue grips and nothing smaller than 125 grain medium or standard pressure rounds. Again, just my experience - others may have had different results.

[Charles S]

I have a 2 1/4 Inch Ruger SP101 that I carried as a primary carry gun from about 1992 through 1995. I really like this gun and still carry it from time to time. Mine is very accurate, but it is most accurate with 145 gr Winchester Silver tips. The 125 gr _____ you name the brand shoot well also, but the blast out of a short barrel is impressive. :what: The Silver Tips are a bit much for concealed carry, so I usually have 110 gr +P+ CorBons as my carry load of choice. I recently put a tritium front sight on, that was a really nice edition. I really like mine. :D

http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?s=&postid=109092

Charles

[Nick96]

Charles S,

What kind of holster is that? Where did you get it and how much did it cost? I'm still carrying mine around in an old cheapo Uncle Mikes Size 0. Originally bought it for a Charter .44 Bulldog (early '80's), then used for a Walther PP late '80's - early '90's) and now the SP (I need to upgrade).

Those front sights. Did you replace them yourself - or hire it done? Again, where did you get them and how much did they cost?

I see you are a Hogue grip fan as well.

[10-Ring]

I've been trying to decide between a S&W 640 & a Ruger SP101. Threads like this one make it really tough. Are the Rugers available w/ a bobbed hammer?

[Sisco]

Yep, they sure do.
http://www.ruger-firearms.com/rvpages/ksp321xl.html

[Kahr carrier]

You would be happy with either one the 640 is a great revolver with the internal hammer,and the SP101 you can get it with the Bobbed or Regular hammer.:)

[Charles S]

Nick96

The holster is a Blade Tech IWB holster. I purchased the holster directly from Blade Tech (http://shop.blade-tech.com/). The cost for the holster is $59.95 plus about $5 in shipping. I hate to sound like a Blade Tech commercial, but the Blade Tech Kydex holster is the only comfortable holster I have found for my revolver for IWB carry. I tried Milt Sparks and Kramer (I am very happy with Milt Sparks and Kramer Leather with my autoloaders just not my SP101). The holster is very fast and does a good job of protecting the gun from my sweat. It gets hot in East Texas.:fire:

To answer your second question. I had a front sight installed by IWI (http://www.ptnightsights.com/) The cost of the sight was $44.98 plus $12.50 for installation (there is no charge for semiautos) and $9.00 for shipping. Since you are in Texas you will have to pay sales tax on the sight. My total was $70.19. I chose a green front sight and I am very happy with the configuration.

Innovative Weaponry Incorporated
5050 E Belknap
Haltom City, Texas 76117

I shot the SP101 some in a night combat course with Jerry Miculek at Bang. Inc (http://www.bang-inc.com/), and I was very pleased with both the sight and holster. I cannot recommend the Remington Golden Saber load unless you wish to advertise your position to all around and blind yourself in the process. I lit up the entire shooting line with the first cylinder full of that load.

I am a fan of the Hogue grips, they are very comfortable and work with speed loaders.

I hope this helps.

Good luck,

Charles

[Charles S]

Nick96:

I forgot to mention. The new Blade Tech IWB holster come with either pull dots or loops, the loops are adjustable from 1.25" to 1.75" and you can adjust to holster to a strait drop or an FBI cant these are really nice features.


Charles

[AC]

Charles S, You stated you don't carry your SP-101 much anymore.
I'm curious what you didn't like about it or what you decided fit your needs better.

[twoblink]

My ex-gf use to group about 1.25" @ 7 yards with my 2" SP101, with 38Spl SWC.

The pistol is extremely accurate if you are.

I got a bottle of whiteout, and painted the front sight white, and the groupings improved.. I think the bright orange of the Smith sights are even easier to see..

[Charles S]

AC;

I can't say that I don't like the SP101. I really like the gun very much. I would not hesitate to go back to carrying the SP101 should my primary handgun cease to be reliable, or was unavailable for other reasons.

I went through the various loads in growing comfortable with the SP101. I carried the 357 125 gr. Loads until I realized how bad the concussion is with those loads. I then started carrying +P+ 38 110 gr loads or the now discontinued Cor Bon 115 gr load that was developed for the SP101. If you run across this load it is a 115gr Sierra Bullet loaded to 1350 nominal out of a 2 1/4 inch barrel It is my favorite carry load.

The real reason that I am not carrying the gun goes mostly comfort level. I can shoot faster, more accurately with faster reloads with my Kahr K9 than I can with my SP101. I determined this during a tactical handguns course in which my shot to shot times, and reload times were measured utilizing a club time.

The flatness of the Kahr lends itself to more comfortable long term, read 16 hour carry, that the more rounded SP101. The differences are minor, but I do notice them when I carry all day.

Some would argue that the 357 is a superior round, but the loads I am most comfortable with are really comparable to the hot +P+ or +P 9mm. I just really like the comfort of my Kahr for carry.

Charles

[TonyB]

I shot several different loads:
38 +p+ Federal (law inforcement)
38 Winclean
38 target wad cutters Winchester
38 +p Lawman
357 Blazer
357 Winclean
357 Remmington(125gr)
an a buddy's reloads.
I was at 7 yards and about 10 yards
All shots were a little to the right (my usual)but right on target,not low as some have said...now maybe it's because I was so close.....I'll do some distance shooting later,but I think this was a realistic self defence distance.
The 357's ,especially the Winclean,were alittle potent,but not painfull.the +p+ were my favorite and the most accurate,so they'll probably be my carry load...all and all I LOVE this gun!!!:D

[docbones]

Sisco, what kind of holster is shown in your picture? It certainly looks to be well made.

Docbones

[Sisco]

The holster is a Don Hume, don't remember the model number.
It was pretty well constructed, more of a duty holster than a CCW. It was bulky, stuck out to the side quite a ways. I sold it and am now using an Old World.