Buying a used Ruger SP101 .357 snub

[JesterRock]

I might be on the verge of buying my first revolver, and I know very little about revolvers. I have a co-worker who buys storage units, and he stumbled across a unit that had a Ruger SP101 .357 snub nose pistol. The gun came in the original case, papers, receipt, and two boxes of ammo. He said the receipt showed the person bought the gun and three boxes of ammo, so we can only assume that the other box was shot. I am told the gun is in excellent condition. He said he would sell the gun to me for $300. Is this a deal I should jump on? I'm looking for a reliable gun my wife can keep on her side of the bed or one she can put in her car. What things do I need to look for on a used revolver? Is there an easy way for me to confirm that the pistol is not stolen? What could I sell this gun for if my wife really doesn't like it? Any advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[Dr_B]

Your local PD might be able to run the serial number to check on whether it was stolen.

$300 isn't bad for an SP101. I used to have one. 3-inch barrel. Sold it recently for over $400.

On a used revolver, look for signs that the timing might be off. SP101's are pretty tough though, and I wouldn't expect one would show signs of timing problems unless it was severely abused.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

While I like Ruger revolvers I'm not a fan of the SP101. IMO it's too heavy for what it is and I don't care for the trigger setup. While $300 isn't a bad price I think for the same price you can find something a little better than an SP101. I know there will be a lot of posts disagreeing with me but before you buy anything I highly suggest you shoot the same model. A used S&W Model 60 would be a better choice IMO.

 

[bikemutt]

Consensus in this area is a good, used SP101 is worth about $375-$400.

Personally I don't care for shooting the SP101 and don't imagine most women would. But it's hardly a target/range gun. Anyway, I picked one up a while back for about $325 and keep it in a kitchen drawer for quick access downstairs, just in case.

I don't see how you could go wrong at $300.

 

[skidder]

The trigger is a little stiff, but that can be fixed. For a compact size 357, they are the most pleasant to shoot. IMO anything smaller and lighter than a sp101 should be 38 special caliber or smaller.

If the gun checks out that sounds like a good deal.

 

[goon]

I kind of disagree with those who don't like the SP-101. It's one of my favorite handguns and I've taken a few of my female friends to the range with it. Most find it pretty pleasant to shoot with standard .38 Special loads. It is a heavy, stout little beast compared to a S&W, but it's also a lot more gentle on the shooter. I owned a 2" S&W Model 60 once that I wish I would have kept, but it still was harder on the hand after forty rounds of standard .38 Special than the SP-101 is after a couple hours of them. If your wife likes how it fits her hand, I'd be surprised if you can't find a load that she can manage and even enjoys shooting.

 

[firesky101]

Get it, if you don't like it I will give you your $300

 

[357 Terms]

anything smaller and lighter than a sp101 should be 38 special caliber or smaller.

Totally agree!

For 300 I would jump all over that, and I already have one!

 

[BossHogg]

I too like the S&W mod 60 over the Rugur SP-101. I also don't think you would ever fine one close to $300 price. I'd buy for that price all day long. The Ruger is a solid gun and $300 is a great price.

 

[JesterRock]

Thanks for the help guys. The gun was purchased with two boxes of ammo and only one bullet is missing. The gun looks flawless and legit. Every bit of paperwork including the name and credit card info of the owner (who is the same person that owned the storage unit) is listed on the receipt. I think I'm jumping on this deal. Thanks again.

 

[Remllez]

I'd buy that one! Make sure there's no rust in the barrel or charge holes, give him 3 krispies and smile all the way home. I've carried/shot 3 inch SP's many years and think they are for the money one of the best all around revolvers made.