membership application
I apologize at the outset for what will be a long post, but this is my Qualifying Post to the SP101 Club thread and I want to be sure to respond to all of the original poster's questions.
I'd hate to have my application rejected. 8^)
One 2.25" .357 "Satin Stainless." Just picked it up yesterday.
2) What grips do you use?
Hogue Monogrip[tm]. I put a few rounds through with the factory grips, which were fine w/.38 Specials but bruisers w/.357. I like to get all my fingers on the grip, as well; and the Monogrip has room for them.
I fired Sellier & Bellot 158gr full metal jacket .357s and and International "Green Elite" 110gr frangible .38 specials yesterday. They work. I'm not equipped provide technical commentary.
I plan to use
- International "Green Elite" 110gr frangible for home defense (and zombie outbreaks).
- three Federal 125gr Nyclad hollow point .38 special mixed separated by two CCI #9 shot shotshells for backwoods hiking and trail riding.
- Federal 125gr Nyclad hollow point .38 special for urban hiking, trail riding and general concealed carry.
But I'm open to suggestions on those logistics.
4) Future changes considered for my gun?
I've just taken delivery on the Trijicon tritium front blade for the SP101, but haven't gotten it installed yet. (In the meantime, I've dabbed a little "White Out"[tm] on the front blade, visible in the attached photo (see thumbnail below).
I'm also seriously considering the "action job" described in this thread.
And I'll probably upgrade the grips to the smooth Hogue Pau Ferro Wood Grips. I honestly like the Coco Bolo better, but Amazon's got the Pau Ferro for $59 and the prices I'm seeing for Coco Bolo are in the mid-90s, so ... another box of ammo or my first choice in wood for the grips? What would you do?
5) If Ruger was to produce or bring back another caliber in the SP, what would want?
I'll second your 9mm suggestion. In fact, it would be nice to see an SP101 convertible .357&.38/9mm, like they do with the Blackhawk (another fine Ruger revolver, IMHO). But more than that, I'd like to see an SP101 in .45 ACP. A lot.
6) What questions do I have for other SP owners?
Actually, the posters and postings to this thread have been extremely helpful in leading me to the selection of what I'm confident is one of my best choices yet in sidearms, and I want to thank you. (Thanks.)
I had used semi-autos my whole shooting life, but bought a Blackhawk convertible as my first wheel gun on a whim using a fine Massad Ayoob article from Backwoods Home as my rationale. Two trips to the range convinced me I also wanted a double-action in the same caliber that would be small enough for concealed carry. But which one? That's where you guys (and gals) came in; I'm very happy with my choice; thank you.
None yet.
I've bought a High Noon Split Decision in-the-waistband, tuckable holster for just about every pistol I've ever owned (with the somewhat obvious exception of the Blackhawk), and I've never been disappointed. It's reasonably priced, built to the gun, wears discretely, etc. For the SP101, however, I'm thinking the Split Decision's near-twin brother without the butt-forward cant, the Hidden Ally. I generally carry a Walther PPS in the small of the back, where the butt-forward cant eases presentation. The SP101, I'm thinking, will carry more comfortably just forward of the hip and straight up-and-down. That will likely be the holster I use nine times out of ten when I carry this sidearm.
But just because it's a "snubnose" and just because it looks so damn cool, I am also thinking seriously about a FiST verticle shoulder rig. My only concern about that rig at this point is that I fear it might cause me to talk like Dan Akroyd in Dragnet ... or maybe Nick Nolte in Mulholland Drive ... and maybe wear baggy suits. So if any of you guys (or gals) have experience, especially negative experience, with that holster, this would be a Really Good Time to save a brother a few bucks.
I also like the FiST #5 pocket holster, one of which I have and use for the PPS. I may get another for the SP101.
Not using any of these yet. With a safe full of semi-autos with extra mags and not much experience with revolvers, I'll probably stick with what I know best if I see a situation developing in which reloading would be an issue. But I'm sure I'll try my hand with speed loaders at some point, just 'cause I can. So I'll keep the experience of the thread in mind when I go looking for one (or more) of those.
Nope. Not yet. But that brass looks pretty good coming out of the cylinder. And the prices on ammo are high. And then there's availability ... hmmm.
So that's it. Honest responses to all nine questions. When do I get my membership card? Do you need a photo for it? Does it have to be of me? What about instructions for the secret handshake? And can I be treasurer?