"Firefly"--the Ultimate SP-101

[Cosmoline]

Well maybe not *the* ultimate SP-101, but it's getting there.

After years of searching, I finally hit upon what I consider to be the ultimate all-around handgun, a target grey Ruger SP-101. I've spent the summer adding to it, and I've now decided to call it "Firefly" after Joss Whedon's TV series because like the ship it's old fashioned, mildly radioactive and glows in the dark. Plus, naming a bug-out gun after a bug kinda fits. It also looks like the sort of tricked-out tactical wheelguns they use on the show.

I just got through putting Crimson Trace laser grips and a Trijicon front sight on it, and it's really something to behold when the lights are low. I'll put up some photos tonight.

I've been very reluctant to get CT grips in the past because I prefer Hogue and I was concerned about the fragility of the laser. But field reports indicate the technology is quite sound and not fragile at all. I'll try it this weekend at the range and I suspect I'll end up taping it up a bit with rough hunting tape to add to its gripability. The laser is extremely cool, but the grips are a bit slick.

All in all, it's one of the most shiny blasters in the 'verse.

 

[Dr.Rob]

Blasphemy.. a 5 shot snubby as a Firefly?

Now a Colt "Lightning Bug" with a 2 inch barrel and a laser for a center pin, now you might be talking.

 

[Cosmoline]

Well I would have modified a LeMat with a surefire light a laser sight and a nightvision scope, but I opted against it.

 

[Cosmoline]

More pics

 

[Cosmoline]

Man, this CT is the bee's knees. I have resisted getting one in part because it's such a Sillywood cliche, but I admit now I'm addicted. The thing casts a clear beam in low light out to fifty yards, and even provides some illumination at close range. Seeing one of these things on your chest would have a serious deterrent effect. I know Tom Gresham has been singing the virtues of lasers for revolvers for a while, and I must admit he's right. It's just so cooool.

 

[Dr.Rob]

OK I take it back, that's pretty cool

 

[Ultima-Ratio]

Embarassed!

yeah, i'm embarassed that an Alaskan fell for radio advertising and admits he believes a bad guy will be more intent on his freaking chest than his or her intended victim.
Need I mention how great a target those lasers are? Lookie lookie, a bright red straight line going right to you!
I suggest you visit a shooting school, handguns are wonderful defensive tools but are not pointers...get it?
You're programing yourself to watch a freaking bouncing red dot instead of shooting the threat to the ground...JMHO

 

[Slip Shooter]

Lasers Place the Shot on Target

I have a Crimson Trace laser on my S&W M642-2 purchased new as a package.

It's in my pocket as we speak and is becoming my always bug.

My experience with the CT laser is that it does not produce a straight line back to you, unless you are in a foggy or smoky surroundings, which are unlikely scenarios where I live.

In a defensive situation, on the street or at home day or night, I find that with little practice it places me quickly on target for immediate action. I know where the bullet will hit. I WON'T MISS the perp on the first shot. I wont give him the advantage.

With iron sights I am not always on target with the first shot and may waist valuable time recovering and trying to make contact with the second shot.

No shots wasted with the laser, it's there the bullet's there. To me it's amazing how well I do with it. I am faster and more accurate with my point shooting.

And Yes, it does produce a dot and red glow on the target, not you, making perp identification easier in the dark and giving him a surprise, thus, in a split second making him slower to act. He probably wont look down at his chest, as he will probably be looking right into the thing as I pull the trigger.

It is also visible on targets to 7 yards and more in daylight.

Laser sights are not pointers, they are placers. They do their intended job and do it well.

 

[torpid]

You're programing yourself to watch a freaking bouncing red dot instead of shooting the threat to the ground...JMHO

Scoff all you want, but even the T-800 Terminator chose to use ------laser sights------*, and it was a single-purpose killing machine.

Seriously, though- I have the exact same gun as Cosmoline (only minus the Trijicon sight or a "name") and find the CTs a nice addition. I shoot with it off half the time, and I find that I shoot just fine either way, but I appreciate the extra visual cue with the snubbie.

Yes It's not neccessary, but I do like the gun, like the finish, and like the lasergrips just fine.
JMHO.

____________
(edited for spelling)

 

[Cosmoline]

But I *LIKE* to watch the bouncing red light

Actually, I'm finding it a great way to help improve my point shooting skills, esp. at odd angles where I would never be able to fire from IRL unless it was a life-or-death situation. For example, my point-shooting on a horizontal plane around me is extremely good already. When I activate the laser after eyeing up a spot on the wall, it's usually within a few inches or dead on. But if I start point-aiming at spots above or below me--wow. I suck! Obviously, I've done 99.99% of my real world shooting in that same horizontal plane. The ability to aim is hard wired there, but falls apart when the angles change and I'm point-aiming up or down in a hurry. And with a defensive short-barreled revolver I have to expect fast, odd-angle shots. Possibly even shooting from the ground.

Besides, I can see some situations, esp. dealing with Spenard denizens, where putting a red light on their chest might well sober them up without having to introduce lead into the situation. If not, I don't see any down side to it either legally or as a tactical matter. A hulking great Alaskan, usually in a big coat, is already going to make a pretty obvious target with or without a red dot coming from my handgun. LOL. I mean I'm not exactly inconspicuous and if I'm using a defensive handgun I'm probably going to be yelling at the top of my lungs in the process in my "crazy Swede" voice that carries about fifteen blocks and terrifies small children.

On top of this I *WANT* them to see that I'm armed. It's not a sniper rifle. I don't want to hide my handgun, I want them to see it and run off. Pocket shooting is fine in a pinch, but its purpose isn't to hide your iron it's to get a shot off faster from a difficult position.

I can see what you're saying, though and for a long time I've felt along those lines. I agree that just sticking a laser sight on your revolver or pistol and firguring you don't need to practice is a bad thing. But I've already put probably in the neighborhood of 10,000 or more rounds downrange out of an array of handguns over the years. This is my Jedi weapon

Also, this is my backup bear gun. If I ever actually have to shoot a moving bruin right in the brain pan I want as much help guiding the bullet as possible.

 

[carebear]

A hulking great Alaskan, usually in a big coat, is already going to make a pretty obvious target with or without a red dot coming from my handgun.

Now I'm confused, you are planning to illuminate Spiff with the laser in order to do what exactly?

 

[Boss Spearman]

Nice revolver. I think it's so cool Firefly has gotten so much attention here. I had never seen much discussion on any other science fiction program here before.
And, I think Firefly is one of the all time best programs ever, not just sci fi programs.
I cannot wait for Serenity. And even though FOX will be very stubborn in their decision to cancel Firefly, I hope they face alot of flack over it.

And again, sticking to the thread, nice gun! Smiths and Rugers are the best revolvers.

 

[Kamicosmos]

I shot one of those funky 8-shot S&W snubbies with the CT grips. It was fun to pop plates from the hip!

How hard was it to get that Trijicon site on there? I would like to put one on my SP because it is my carry gun, and the stock sites are hard to see in low light.

And nods to the Firefly name. September 30!!!!!!

 

[Cosmoline]

I didn't even try to mount the Trijicon myself. I took it to a gunsmith to do it right. You have to drill a hole in the sight after deciding on your elevation and I don't have the tools for it. Cost $30 to do it, but it's very nice in low light. With only two inches of sight radius I'll take every leg up I can. That green glow in the top photo is the Trijicon.

 

[Cosmoline]

Took "Firefly" out to the range for a short session. The factory setting on the CT was way high and needed to be adjusted down a full turn. I can't say the laser made any difference at my usual ten yards, but it very much improved the groups at 20. I had to leave before a full test could be conducted. Very interesting, to be sure.

Also, a bad note on the CT is the little brass bit that serves as the anchor for the main screw is not well designed and tore lose when I was trying to tighten the screw. I will be countersinking a little bit into the receiving side of the grip and using a proper nut and washer to secure the screw, which will solve the problem. No biggy, but CT really should address this given the expense involved. Small .357 magnum revolvers have to have VERY tight grips to hold up under the recoil. The kind of tightness that requires a proper bolt and nut--and I don't mean the one doing the shooting

 

[torpid]

Also, a bad note on the CT is the little brass bit that serves as the anchor for the main screw is not well designed and tore lose when I was trying to tighten the screw. I will be countersinking a little bit into the receiving side of the grip and using a proper nut and washer to secure the screw, which will solve the problem. No biggy, but CT really should address this given the expense involved.

Hmm, not at all a problem with mine.
Contact CT customer service- especially on their web forum- very good in my experience.

.

 

[V-fib]

Cosmoline,

I like the gray SP! I have a 3” with CT grips and bobbed hammer. Ever think of bobbing the hammer on yours? I found it really decreased the snag factor when drawing from my smartcarry.

As for the trouble with the screw on the grips, give CT a call and they will make it right!

 

[Cosmoline]

I think I got a bad set of grips! The brass bit has completely come loose, and now the laser activation switch is cutting in and out. This one is going back.