Ruger SP 101 .327 Opinions

[Tomcat13]

Hello folks,

I'm seriously considering the purchase of a new Ruger SP 101 in .327. This gun would be used primarily for fun at the range and limited HD.

I'm also interested in introducing my petite wife to the fun of plinking at the range. My thoughts are she could work her way up from .32 short to the more powerful loads as her comfort and confidence increases.

Would this be a good gun to do this with? I've been pleased with the Rugers I've owned in the past.

I currently own a few semi-autos and this would be my first revolver.

Any info you folks could impart would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Craigman]

You wont like the cost or availability of the ammo. I think the .357 would be easier to sell as well, if you need to get some cash in the future.

.38spl is what I introduced my GF with and its pretty easy on her little hands....and cheaper

and, theres about a million choices for HD ammo in both .38spl and .357magnum

Have fun with the SP in whatever you choose....I'm sure you will both love it. Shoots awesome!!

 

[PabloJ]

If the 101 came with 6-chamber .357 cylinder it would be quite a revolver.

 

[Rexster]

.38 Special target wadcutters have gentle recoil, and .38/.357 ammo is going to cost far less than any of the .32 ammo. I like the idea of the various .32s, but unless one hand-loads, ammo cost will be substantial.

In spite of having a mere five chambers, the .357 SP101 IS quite a revolver!

 

[Stainz]

I had a 4" .32 H&RM SP101 - and a 4.6" BHG SSM so-chambered. The chambers for both were oversized - resulting in the nominal commercial ammo .334" ammo bulging to .337+", making extraction sometimes difficult. This was especially true with the warm GA Arms 100gr JHP .32 H&RM's - which made 1,200 fps+ from both revolvers. As a reloader, I found components harder to find than .38's - and more costly. Case life was short, due to that bulging - they were 'worked' a bit during resizing. Then there is the cheesy windage-only adjustable rear sight... a joke. I was dissappointed - they are elsewhere now.

Another caveat... that SP101 was the worst, QC-wise, revolver I ever saw when new... it took a lot of TLC to get it to be a shooter. Once a Ruger-only owner, I now have S&W's - and and my only Ruger, an Old Army BP revolver. While there are Rugers I might own again, an SP101 isn't one of them... especially in .32/.327M.

Stainz

 

[PapaG]

Ahhhh, the 327, another answer to a question that had not been asked. Referred to in much gunwriter's literature as a low recoil 357.

O.K., the 327 SP holds six. The 357 only five. Neither compares to a small semi-auto, but the really small ones only hold seven. I've got a 357 SP101 and wouln't trade it for a 327 on a bad day, much less a good one. Solid, POWERFUL, and pretty accurate. Cost to reload is about the same for either caliber. Cost for new stuff, way out of whack for the 327 and just about impossible to find.

I predict an early death of the 327.....like some others, 307 Win, 356 win, but I was way wrong on the 17hmr....which I have grown to love, given its limitations. (Tracker 17, on a really, really calm day, with scope, does an honest moa at 100).

If you want one, get one. Life is too short not to live it. It will probably become a collector's gun like the SP101s in 22, 32 H&R, 22 mag, and 9mm.

 

[Tomcat13]

Thread bump...any more opinions out there?...Don't be shy...

 

[Hunt480]

Even though I don't own one "yet",I think the 327 would be a great woods gun for camping, hiking or general use. I load just about all the big handgun calibers from 41mag to 500 S&W now and I really don't need another gun and caliber to stock componants for but I am considering the 327. Everybodys probably thinking just get the 357 but from what I've read about the 327 its very versatile and I'm not so sure it would'nt be a good hunting round for some game. I think it would be a good round to reload and it will shoot all the 32's so I'm interested. I kinda like the looks of that 8 shot Blackhawk too. Since I shoot all these hand cannons the 327 with be a very noticeable change of pace for me.

 

[Smaug]

Are you a hand loader, Tomcat?

If not, I say go with 38 Special instead.

327 Federal Magnum ammo, you can probably get. Not as easily as 38 Special or 357 Magnum, but you'll do OK.

327 H&R Magnum, you may be able to get.

32 Long and 32 Short: Fat chance of finding any locally. I'm not even sure it can still be ordered.

If you're a hand-loader, all bets are off, and it should be a perfectly wonderful caliber. Get a good supply of 327 Fed Mag brass and load it to whatever level you like. You'll get the sixth shot in the SP-101, 3" heavy barrel is about right for ladies, and the only windage adjustable rear sight in the SP-101 line-up.

Things may change and it may gain steam.

Word from the manufacturers is that it (327 Fed Mag) hits like a 357 Magnum, but with the kick of a 38+P. That seems dubious to me. It is hard to beat physics. Energy in = Energy out.

I think it would be a smart move to have her shoot one of your similar size 38s with both 38 Special and 38+P. See if she can handle that. If not, you need not look any further into it. Think of a 4" 22 Magnum instead.

 

[Lucky Derby]

Get the .357. you can start your wife with "cowboy .38s" and work up. Lots of ammo choices in both .38 & .357. The .327 is to much of a nitch cartridge.

 

[evan price]

I will +1 what's already been said.

If you are NOT a handloader- a box of 327 Fed Mag ammo will cost MORE than a box of 357 Mag ammo, and be a LOT harder to find in stock somewhere.

If you ARE a handloader, good luck finding reasonably priced cases to load without buying factory ammo and saving the empties. In the time since 327 has hit the market I've found exactly 144 pieces of brass and that was scrounging far and wide. And I sold that brass and got 25 cents per case plus shipping for it- so it is NOT inexpensive IF you find some.

While it is true that a 327 can be hotrodded up to something pretty close to 357 Magnum performance, it is NOT a 357, it can't do everything a 357 Magnum can do. When you bump that little 32 up to 357 power levels it takes a lot of velocity and that means a lot of pressure. To get it to acceptably comparable levels with the 357 you have to drive it to the max. A true 357 however can be driven even further with heavy bullets. So what you wind up with is a compact, lightweight revolver that is using 45,000 psi ammo at 1500 fps... and that IS a snappy recoil, lots of flash and bang, and you do feel them. Think 30 Carbine in a SP-101. Yes, it's snappy.

BUT, you say, the 327 Mag can also be downloaded to the 32 H&R mag, the 32 Long or 32 Short and that's pretty light shooting.... yes, and the 357 Mag can be downloaded with 38 +P or regular 38 Spl... and I have yet to find a load softer and more accurate than the 148-gr wadcutter in 38 special.

Basically- if you like the idea of a 6-shot SP-101 and a 32 caliber bullet, you can afford to buy your ammo off the shelf, and want something different than the same old 357 magnum everybody else has- go ahead and buy one. I'm sure it will be fun, you'll enjoy it, and it will get shot. Ultimately it's your choice after all.

It's just not for me.

 

[Tomcat13]

Thanks for the great replies.

To answer a couple queries...No, unfortunately I am NOT a reloader...yet. Haven't had the opportunity to venture into that aspect of the hobby...maybe someday.

Anyway, your advice is welcome...now I'm leaning toward the .357 with the 3" barrel. Did a little research, and you folks are sure right about the price and availability of the .32/327 vs the .38/357...and since I'd have to buy it off the shelf...well, you understand...

Now, this thread is gonna drift a bit...I like the Ruger SP-101...seems like a well built revolver in a size that's right for me and my smallish wife. Are there any other revolvers out there that are comparable both sizewise and pricewise? Maybe a S&W?

I prefer to buy new so please don't get into the "well, if you can find one of these (fill in your favorite make/model here) used, for around the same price..." discussion.

Thanks again for all the great advice, I appreciate it.

 

[DMZ]

Maybe a S&W?

I would look for a 3" Model 60.

 

[Lucky Derby]

A 3' S&W M60 is the closest size wise, but it is a bit smaller, and quite a bit more $$$. Also, IMHO, in the latest versions with the lock, it is not as good as the SP101. The older, Pre-Lock versions are comparable, but good luck finding one.

I have a 3" SP101 that I regularly carry.

 

[zfk55]

One of ours (the 2" Taurus) chronos at 1,305 fps and we made the mistake of shooting at our pistol caliber steel plate swingers from 15'. Made a mess out of one of the hanger plates. Bent it so the hinge isn't true anymore. This is one we use for .357 without denting them at all.

Recoil with the 115gr bullet from the 2" is stout for sure, but who's going to notice the flash-bang-recoil of a defensive shot? Its got the larger factory grips so it feels comfortable and completely controllable. The SP101 feels better but its quite a bit larger than the Taurus. Lots of rounds through the Taurus so far with not a single glitch.

One of the very big deals is that our girls can shoot all the rest of the .32's and even .327 downloaded for practice. We cast for it so its cheap to shoot.

2" Taurus and SP-101, both .327 Mag

 

[CraigC]

The .327 is a wonderful cartridge for the sixgunning sportsman. It does everything we have been doing with heavily loaded .32-20's for years but with a stronger case and it fits into smaller sixguns. Unfortunately, there are far too many who feel threatened that the .327 is supposed to replace their beloved .357. Components are easy to come by and plentiful. Cases can be procured from Freedom Arms and bullets abound.

 

[Guy de Loimbard]

+1 for starting her off with light .38 special.

If you do not reload, you will not like the cost of .32 short. At a local range about two weeks back one guy brought in a Iver Johnson in .32 S&W (not .32 S&W Long). He had paid about $35 for a box of 50. IIRC .38 special is generally around $15 to 17 for a box of 50.

I took my fiance (then gf) shooting for the first time last summer. Prior to this, she had shot a .22lr rifle and that was it. She tried everything I brought, but the .38 special was her favorite. Your wife should not have problems with it, especially in a gun with the weight of the sp101.

 

[harmon rabb]

38 special out of a SP101 is not bad. My wife, who I consider to be somewhat recoil sensitive (she'd say otherwise), prefers my SP101.

 

[MachIVshooter]

If the 101 came with 6-chamber .357 cylinder it would be [Strike]quite[/Strike] a bigger revolver.

There

I have an SP101 in .32 H&R. Biggest advantage? An extra round with similar terminal effectiveness to a .38 +P. The .327 didn't yet exist when I bought it, but I plan to ream the chambers for it at some point. .327 is a nasty little bugger

That said, I'm a handloader, so after the initial investment for brass, .32 cal is actually slightly cheaper to shoot. If you don't handload, though, ammo cost is going to take the fun factor right out of it. If you're stuck buying loaded ammunition, I'd go with the .357 and shoot .38's.

 

[harmon rabb]

seriously, if your wife hasn't shot before, you're not really going to know what she'll end up liking or caring about. i initially thought recoil would be a big factor for my wife. it's actually not (to a degree. she shot 357 and hated it, for example). what seems to matter to her the most is how the gun fits her hand, how short the reach to the trigger is (small fingers), and much leverage she can get on the trigger for DA guns.

my assistant loves full size 1911's in 45, despite her husband constantly trying to force her into 9mm's. on the other hand, a buddy's wife hates anything above 380 in a full size.

everyone is different. she may end up liking semi-autos or revolvers more. she may be recoil sensitive or not. she may end up loving shooting, or she may be indifferent about it, as my wife unfortunately is.

if she's never shot, take her to the range with what you've got and see how she does. rent or borrow a revolver if you can and see how she does with that. then ask her HER thoughts.

brotip: be sure she wears a high necked shirt if she's gonna shoot semi-autos. my wife had hot brass fly into her cleavage once. she was not amused.

 

[dashootist]

My sp101 327 is the best revolver in my small collection. The trigger pull on my sp101 is smoother than any of my S&W. Shooting my 32 h&r reload is almost like shooting 22s. You can even shoot 32 S&W Long. Those are cheap $16/50 rounds Fiochio, almost as cheap as 38spl. And your wife will love its very low recoil and enjoy the sport of revolver shooting.

You can shoot SP101 327 in IDPA and meet the 105 PF requirement. You really can't be competitive with a SP101 357 because it only has 5 rounds. IDPA stages are setup for 6 minimum. That's how it is at my local match, anyway.

Edit: On second thought, 32 S&W Long is allegedly inaccurate from a 327 chamber. So you are better start handloading.

 

[Tomcat13]

If she's never shot, take her to the range with what you've got and see how she does. rent or borrow a revolver if you can and see how she does with that. then ask her HER thoughts.

brotip: be sure she wears a high necked shirt if she's gonna shoot semi-autos. my wife had hot brass fly into her cleavage once. she was not amused.

Thanks for the tips Harmon...

What a great idea..."Ask her what SHE likes..." sage advice.

I'll also be sure to have her wear a sweatshirt...wouldn't want those babies getting singed...

 

[Tomcat13]

Thread bump...

No more opinions out there?

Gonna let this one die soon...

 

[weregunner]

Not hardly.

I own the Ruger GP-100 and the SP-101 in .327. I also own a Taurus 327.

These cover any shooting concerns I have. I'm getting older and own a goodly number of .357 magnum revolvers. While the .357 mag/.38 Special are still a goodly part of the overall gun battery the .32 calibers have a lot going for them. Ammo versatility comes to mind.

For my needs and most shooting needs the .32s cover most of the bases.

Need full power, but not the .357 magnum recoil? The .327 Federal does that and has the power to get the job done if needed. 115gr. Gold Dots are nothing to sneeze at. Neither are the 85 gr. low recoil rounds.

Need or want something with less power and more fun to shoot. Then the .32 H&R magnum can be gone to. For utility the .32 H&R can handle just about any situation.

http://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=257
www.georgia-arms.com

These are two places that I get ammo from for the .32 H&R magnum. The Buffalo Bore round is a good one for defense and other chores.

For fun the Georgia Arms ammo gets used. Both the BB and Georgia Arms rounds are 100 grain.

A significant other can enjoy shooting the various .32 H&R rounds without major flash and noise. These are mild compared to the .327 Federal rounds.

Need something more enjoyable that the recoil shy can use? The .32 S&W Long round gets the nod. These are more available then most would think. A check of ammo seek or ammo engine.com places will verify that. Even Cabela's sells them. I do my buying online for the Longs.

For other possibility of finding ammo for these guns there is www.ammoseek.com and www.ammoengine.com.. These cover a vast majority of online ammo suppliers and ammo deals.

I can handle the .32 caliber rounds for the revolver better than for the .357 magnum/.38 Special combo. Yet I give up little in many ways. Less recoil and noise to boot.

I find the Ruger and Taurus revolvers more than adequate for use. No, I can't stop a bear, but my chances here in Wisconsin of needing to stop a bear are slim to none.

For all around use the .32s can have their place.