Ruger SP-101 What's the deal ?

[David E]

EVERYONE seems to like their Ruger SP-101.

To me, it seems unnecessarily heavy and clunky. But at least it has a horrible factory trigger pull.....

Yes, I agree it's a tank of a gun, solidly built, will outlast any owner, etc, etc, etc.

But for the roles most people praise the SP-101, I have other guns that for me, fill those roles better.

I was thinking, tho.......what would it take for me to like the gun? Well, it would have to fill a role that, in its current configuration, does not.

Too heavy for a pocket gun, too little capacity for a defense gun....

But, if it had adjustable sights, it would make a dandy trail gun. Chambered in either .357, .327, or even .22 LR or .22 magnum, a 3" barreled SP-101 fitted with rugged adjustable sights (not the stupid "adjustable" rear sight blade Ruger put on the .22 version) it would cover many bases afield for me. Make the .22 versions 8 shot with an aluminum frame for weight concerns, and it'd be a tough gun to beat in that role.

What work have YOU done to your SP-101? Or want to do? What would make it perfect for YOU ?

 

[W.E.G.]

...if it had adjustable sights, it would make a dandy trail gun. Chambered in either .357...

Then it would be a Smith and Wesson Model 60.

 

[MMCSRET]

Or in 327 it would be a Charter Arms Target Patriot.
Take a look over at the CA site.
I've had one for several months now simply because of everything you described; and I like Ruger revolvers with "ONE"(1) exception!!!!!!!!!!

 

[David E]

The SP101 is stronger than the Model 60 and should handle .357 kick better than the M-60.

Also, it's better made than any Charter Arms, but I am still intrigued by their .327 Patriot.

I don't know how bad I'd want to shoot a .357 in the 3" Model 60. If I had one (and it's been on "the list" for awhile) I'd shoot mostly .38's thru it.

 

[frankiestoys]

The sp is one of the finest revolvers made today while it does have some issues that to some make it less then perfect but i think its attributes outshine its flaws IMO . Some say its bulky i can't agree, it is heavier compared to my 642 but handel's rounds with far less felt recoil and is more accurate. As far as its round capacity an extra one or two wouldn't hurt any revolver.
So what would i do to improve the sp , i agree better sights would be a welcome upgrade and a lighter trigger ya that would be nice ,how about a better grip. All these up- grades can be done at little cost and are done to most all the Revolvers on the market anyway, it realy comes down to what makes you more comfortable .
Smith, Ruger,Rossi/Taurus to name only a few.

 

[9mmepiphany]

i owned a SP-101 when they first hit the market and my expereince pretty much reflects the OPs'

if i had to own one, i'd have the action tuned, K-frame rear sight installed and have it rechambered for .40 loaded with moon clips

 

[MMCSRET]

I bought the "CA Target Patriot simply because it had a 4" barrel and adjustable sights. After a thousand or so rounds I am convinced it was the right 327 for me.

 

[357mag.]

I have done nothing to mine,and see no reason to.I like the weight when shooting the mags and don't find it hard to carry owb/iwb.I trust the gun and the caliber and do not feel under-gunned being limited to 5 rounds before reload.

 

[chris in va]

I tried very hard to like my 3", didn't warm up to it. It was the same size as my Sig 220 with the Hogue grips. 357 just wasn't my thing, and 38's didn't make sense.

 

[David E]

chris, that's a big part of my problem with the gun for defense. It's as big and as heavy as something else better suited for the role.

But I don't want this to be a "let's bash the SP101" thread, but what changes would make it better ?

 

[W.E.G.]

OK then, it would be a Security Six

 

[madwell]

i think a sp101 in .41 magnum would peak my interest

 

[David E]

i think a sp101 in .41 magnum would peak my interest

Until firing the first full charge load !

 

[.45&TKD]

Too heavy for a pocket gun

It's a pocket gun for me. Only place I've carried it.

If I am going IWB, I go for a full sized 1911, which is what I usually do.

 

[Dr.Rob]

Some people like the heavier weight for taming the recoil of stout loads. The SP doesn't kick as hard as my Magnum Carry, but it's a steady and solid performer.

 

[Rexster]

1. I like a certain amount of weight so a gun will "hang" on target.

2. It just so happens that my hands are small enough that an SP101 fills my hand well, so it handles and shoots like a service weapon more so than a pocket gun. Recoil is controlled very well; I have shot some brutal magnum loads in relative comfort.

3. With my good, sturdy belts, and well-made holsters that match up well with those belts, an SP101 weighs nothing. What I mean is, I cannot tell, without looking or touching, if the gun is in the holster. (Milt Sparks PMK, with a Kramer or Sparks belt.) I can begin to feel the weight when I wear TWO of these SP101 snubbies, and before I started regularly carrrying my P229 concealed, I often did carry two SP101s.

That is three reasons I really like the SP101. I do wish I the adjustable sights were better! I have seen photos of some nice aftermarket sights mounted on these little guns.

I presently carry a SIG P229, or two. It is simpler if I tote the same weapons I use on duty, on my own time, too. (I own my duty pistols.)

 

[G27RR]

I would like to change the sights on mine for more contrast and the trigger to be lighter. It's the only gun I own that I don't shoot well and I think those are the reasons why. The biggest one is the trigger, because I am used to much lighter ones on my other handguns. I will get around to the changes sometime, and hopefully things will improve for me.
Anyone have any suggestions on sights or trigger adjustments I could make?

 

[Cosmoline]

Then it would be a Smith and Wesson Model 60.

Actually as W.E.G. notes it would be the Security Six, which Ruger used to make.

 

[rubicon923]

The modular design allows relatively easy maintenance and lubrication.

 

[tango3065]

I have bunch of handguns, long guns, and a couple shottys but the 357 2 1/2" SP101 is my go to house gun and it stays loaded bed side with 38 125gr +p's. The SP101 is the perfect trade off in my opinion for weight, durability, and ease of use.

 

[KBintheSLC]

I have no major quarrels with the SP101 as is... it is a great package for using hot loaded .357's. I would not do that with a lightweight alloy snubby. I personally have no use for adjustable sights on a stumpy revolver. I think that 5 rounds of .357 is generally enough to end 99.99% of armed conflicts. I wouldn't mind having a 6-shot in .327 either. Yeah the trigger could use some work, but so can my new S&W 637.

 

[ronto]

I carry the 357 DAO in a Mika pocket holster every day with no problem. Since I'm not a LEO or Navy Seal, 3 rounds in 3 seconds at 3 yards will protect me and mine in 99% of situations I may confront.

 

[Big Bill]

I was thinking, tho.......what would it take for me to like the gun? Well, it would have to fill a role that, in its current configuration, does not.

Too heavy for a pocket gun, too little capacity for a defense gun....

It's the strongest snub nosed .357 Mag on the market. You can pour the heaviest .357 rounds through it forever and it'll hold up. There isn't another snub out there that can claim the same durability. And, it's heavy enough that one can shoot it all day without causing a broken wrist. In addition, the trigger pull issue is easy to remedy. I know; because, I've got one.

 

[David E]

Ronto,

I'm glad you like your SP101 so well. While I have serious doubts and concerns about the "3 shots in 3 seconds at 3 yds" ability, it sounds like you do practice with your gun.

I like your quote, but it seemed incomplete. I looked it up and found this:

Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote!

Not sure which is the more accurate, as it's a good quote either way.

 

[19-3Ben]

Primarily I love its balance. I can draw and put an accurate shot on target faster with the SP101 than ANY other handgun that I own. With the 3" bbl I can shoot it accurately (3"groups) very easily out to 50'. I'm not a very good pistol shooter, so any accuracy advantage I can get is good for me. Bust seriously, people say that the right gun for you is the gun that fits your hand, and the gun you shoot best. the SP101 is the gun that I shoot best at least for now. I just bought a Kahr K40 that I am putting through the paces. It's showing promise for being right up there with the SP101. if it can match or come very close, it'll go into the carry rotation.
Until then, it's 5-sure shots for me.