Cump
Member
I recently traded for a DAO Ruger SP101 with 2.25 inch barrel. I suspect it is a good example of the typical life of a snub nose revolver. Taken for granted, or rarely shot but there when needed.
It is 2009 production. The previous owner said he fired less than box. I have no reason to doubt him. It looked like it had never been fully cleaned, but showed minimal residue. Carbon rings were almost imperceptible on cylinder face and became noticeably darker after I put a mere 20 rounds through and cleaned. It's impossible to be sure, but I wouldn't be surprised if he only shot a few cylinders and then put it in a bedside drawer. And it shows some signs of use in that capacity, with some light superficial scratches. But none at the crown or cylinder face. Timing and lockup are good.
Some complain about the double action pull. It's relatively heavy but pulls straight, without jerking the sights, and it can be staged. I tend to shoot small revolvers a bit high and right. But this one naturally hits around poa for me. And it points well. The ugly factory grips fit me, though I think I will try to make some wood panels to match my gp100.
I am surprised by its practical accuracy. In my first 20 rounds, I shot the following 5-round groups with perfecta 158 gr 357 at 5 yards: 1.25 inch with 4 touching (two-handed), 2.5 inch (right-handed), 3.75 inch (left-handed), and all on the torso when point shooting from the draw.
It is 2009 production. The previous owner said he fired less than box. I have no reason to doubt him. It looked like it had never been fully cleaned, but showed minimal residue. Carbon rings were almost imperceptible on cylinder face and became noticeably darker after I put a mere 20 rounds through and cleaned. It's impossible to be sure, but I wouldn't be surprised if he only shot a few cylinders and then put it in a bedside drawer. And it shows some signs of use in that capacity, with some light superficial scratches. But none at the crown or cylinder face. Timing and lockup are good.
Some complain about the double action pull. It's relatively heavy but pulls straight, without jerking the sights, and it can be staged. I tend to shoot small revolvers a bit high and right. But this one naturally hits around poa for me. And it points well. The ugly factory grips fit me, though I think I will try to make some wood panels to match my gp100.
I am surprised by its practical accuracy. In my first 20 rounds, I shot the following 5-round groups with perfecta 158 gr 357 at 5 yards: 1.25 inch with 4 touching (two-handed), 2.5 inch (right-handed), 3.75 inch (left-handed), and all on the torso when point shooting from the draw.