New SP101

[GBExpat]

You'll never go wrong with a Ruger revolver.

My first handgun purchase was a NIB blued 4" Ruger Security Six in Spring'73 ...

... it is still true, I agree with you ab-so-lute-ly!

Mitlov, that is one fine-looking little pistol!

 

[Tallball]

My small-handed friend bought one as his first firearm a couple of weeks ago and likes it a lot. Mine does not fit my XL hands well, but is doeable. Mine is 327, so the recoil is nbd. Shooting his with 357's was a bit spicy, but not too bad.

The OP made a good choice, imho. I own seven or so Ruger firearms and am hoping to get a SBH soon.

 

[Richard Head]

I expect large men could say that, but where is the empathy for people that are different, perhaps more typical?

I'm 5'8 150lbs, I shoot full power loads with heavy hard cast bullets (180 grains @ 1150 fps+) and it's no less tolerable than a Glock 29 with heavy handloads. It doesn't hurt my hand at all with the stock grip. Sure you can feel it , but it's a 357 not a 454 Casull. If it hurts your hand it's probably the grip not the gun or you just have soft hands. The dang thing weighs 25 oz. It's got the weight of a medium sized gun in a small package. If you can't handle that then idk what to tell ya other than stick to 22's. That's what my wife does.

 

[RealGun]

If you can't handle that then idk what to tell ya other than stick to 22's. That's what my wife does.

That's right! Let's make shooting 357 in a SP101 with stock grips a rite of manhood.

 

[billybob44]

Stock Grips..

:banghead:

I have a DA only SP-101 with a 2 1/4" barrel. It shoots very well+no hurt with a Hogue Mono-Grip..With the stock grips it HAMMERS my middle finger+hurts like He$$.
Guess what grips are on it now???...

 

[kcofohio]

:banghead:

I have a DA only SP-101 with a 2 1/4" barrel. It shoots very well+no hurt with a Hogue Mono-Grip..With the stock grips it HAMMERS my middle finger+hurts like He$$.
Guess what grips are on it now???...

I've had the same experience with other 357 stock grips. Middle finger gets forced between the grips and the back side of the trigger guard. Wacks the heck out of the middle finger. Goes to prove one size doesn't fit all. Glad you found a better fitting grip.

 

[Panzerschwein]

Ruger made a special version of the SP-101 for the NYPD.

It has a bead-blast coating, DAO, in .38 special with "SPNY" on the frame. Came with the the rubber and black plastic insert grips.

It's on my short list.

 

[Mitlov]

That's right! Let's make shooting 357 in a SP101 with stock grips a rite of manhood.

Seriously. I mean, if I don't enjoy shooting Buffalo Bore 357 Magnum loads out of a snubbie, then instead of shooting 38+P rounds, which are comfortable and controllable out of the SP101, and excellent for self-defense, I should shoot rounds meant for gophers. Because...testosterone. And "real men" nonsense.

 

[Panzerschwein]

I shoot nothing but Buffalo Bore full maximum power 125 grain ammo through my .357 snub, which is a S&W M&P340 which weighs 13oz. Recoil is a non-factor. If you can't handle it like a man, you should probably switch to a .22 pop gun.

KIDDING!!

I use .38 special +P in all of my snub nosed revolvers, including .357 magnum. Plenty of power for the job at hand, and less recoil and blast. I prefer the Speer GDSB 135 grain load.

 

[Crayfish]

Grips are surely a personal thing. The stock grips fit my hand size very well and even with the full house stuff don't bang my middle finger and I too hate how the Hogue's lower your grip but, I can see how they would be a big help to some with larger hands or thicker fingers. My little finger gets just enough purchase. I tried a lot of different loads and finally settled on a mid range 357 in 125 grain (Hornandy Critical Defense). Remington Golden Saber is another good mid range 357 in 125 grain. Even though the full house 158 grain is doable I loose too much follow up control especially one handed.

 

[SVTOhio]

My new 3" loves critical duty 357 (so does my middle finger) much less recoil the the American Eagle red box 357 I bought with the gun.