Ruger SP-101 Factory Grips...Okay?

[Confederate]

I've never fired it with magnum ammo, but just wondered: Is there is a general consensus on whether the factory grips need changing or whether they're okay as is? I like the size and feel of those grips, but you know how things change, change on the range! (Good song title....)

If anyone has fired magnum rounds extensively with factory grips...or fired it just enough to know it needs after party grips, please relate your experiences.

Thanks!

 

[silicosys4]

the factory grips are fine,
I have a hogue monogrip on mine, just because it fits my hand better,
nothing wrong with the factory set though.

 

[limpingbear]

I have a DAO version, and have fired a lot of hgher powered round through it. To put things mildly.....it stings. I found the factory grip to be comfortable but a bit too short for my hands. I ordered a houge monogrip from Ruger for it and though it still stings with the upper end loads, it is much nicer to shoot.

 

[Mick_W]

Factory grips are a bit small, but work better for cc. I have the hogue grips on mine.

 

[Quoheleth]

I got serious recoil from the trigger guard against my middle finger.

Ymmv.

Q

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I thought they stung quite a bit and ditched them quickly. The Houge is much better.

 

[tubeshooter]

Mine has worn Hogues for a long time. I didn't fire off very many with the factory grips, plus it's been awhile since I did, so I can't speak on that too much.

The main complaints I recall regarding factory grips are generally either a) too small or b) the inserts are harsh on the hands with heavy loads, creating sort of a "cheese grater" effect. That description might be a little over-the-top, but you get the idea.

The Hogue grip is comfortable; you do give up a little size-wise for CCW. Seems to be worth it to most people.

I have one of the new .22lr SP-101 guns with the factory, wood-insert grips. Feels fine to me. But then again my hands are small and .22 is no .357 recoil-wise, obviously.


Aftermarket inserts are available if you like the factory grip but want something more comfortable and/or attractive than the factory inserts. Good luck.

 

[Haywood]

I've shot mine with the stock grips and Hogue Grips. I like them both. I can't decide witch one I like better.

 

[beag_nut]

The factory grips are a joke for magnum loads. If that's what you intend to use, get the Hogue rubber grips, as I did. Even then, don't expect to withstand 50+ magnum rounds. Still love mine, though, because I know about the gun's and my limitations.

 

[bulltaco]

I got some Trausch grips and they are perfect! Check em out online and order! You won't regret it!

 

[camsdaddy]

I really liked the way the factory grips felt. I didn't like the way any of the grips felt shooting 357. Both sp101's I had cut me with magnums.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

Factory are ok, but I like Badger Custom Grips for mine.

 

[RealGun]

My factory grips lasted about three shots, as did shooting of full powered magnums in a 3" SP101. I now use rosewood Hogues the same shape as their rubber version. I also load my own ammo, strictly .357 cases.

The reports of bruised finger behind the trigger guard match my experience. The replacement grips close out or fill up the area behind the trigger guard and move the hand to a slightly lower grip. Finger grooves are nice when you really have significant recoil.

I don't prefer rubber grips, because clothing tends to hang up on them, but my heavier guns all use rubber. My GP100 5", in which I do use full power .357 Magnums, has a Hogue Tamer grip with the pad in the web of the hand, relieving that trademark magnum bone bruise at the base of the thumb.

 

[billybob44]

I got serious recoil from the trigger guard against my middle finger.

Ymmv.

Q

^^^THIS is exactly my problem with SP/GP/SR grips. My right middle finger feels like someone took a hammer to it. I have installed Hogue on all of my Ruger DA revolvers..Bill.

 

[Armored farmer]

I like the grips, but didn't like the cheap plastic grip inserts. I upgraded mine with some imitation ivory panels, from Altamont.
Much happier now.

 

[VA27]

I like the factory grips.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

This is what mine looks like after hand polishing and adding Badger full size grips. If you have a little bit larger hands, these grips work really well. I have a rosewood set on order for my SP101 in .22lr. I also ordered a set for my S&W 686 3". They make a boot grip too if you are looking to keep the gun as compact as possible. The full size Badger grip really makes shooting full house .357 loads fun.

http://badgercustomgrips.com/

 

[ID-shooting]

I have smaller hands so the factory grips work great for all full=power loads. Mine came with the Houges and the standards. The Houges were too large and took away from the CC aspect.

 

[Dframe]

My very large hands didn't like the sp-101 standard grips at all. nearly busted the nuckle of my middle finger with the trigger ring. Ended up with a monogrip. Problem solved.

 

[788Ham]

Was impressed with the blast from the .357 rds in my 3" SP 101, not the trigger guard smashing my middle finger knuckle though, after 4 shots, I switched to .38 spl's, then bought the Houge grips, best grips out there.

 

[Dr_B]

The factory grips are awesome even if they are a little ugly. I have some wooden boot grips on mine right now just for pretty. The only complaint I have ever had about the factory rubber grips is they will grab a shirt and ride up sometimes and show your gun.

 

[hariph creek]

I prefer them. I also like the bigger version they used to put on the GP100.
I can't stand Hogue's, they don't fit my hands at all.

 

[TennJed]

factory grips were always fine on mine

 

[Tony_the_tiger]

I'm partial to em', especially with some nice buffalo horn in the inserts...

 

[Mastershroom]

The factory grip is fine for shooting .38 special, but I didn't like shooting .357 magnum with them. I have fairly large hands, so my pinkie didn't have anywhere to stay on the grip, and the back of the trigger guard bit into my middle finger.

I replaced it with the Hogue Monogrip, and it's definitely a lot more pleasant to shoot. .38 is effortless with the Hogue, even one-handed, and .357 is much more tolerable. The Monogrip is a little longer than the factory grip, though, so it's not as easy to conceal. But Hogue does make a nylon version of this grip (mine is rubber) so it doesn't catch on clothing, etc.