Ruger SP-101 What's the deal ?

[psyfly]

I do love my 3" SP101. Bought it used last year to replace one I traded away and have missed. The trigger has already been fixed; it's outstanding. I just love the way it feels; it's a "fit" thing.

I also have a 3" S&W M60 Pro with adjustable sights and I can't/don't shoot it with any more accuracy than the Ruger.

I carry the SP frequently and haven't carried the M60 since I got the SP.

BTW, I've weighed them both and the SP is 2 oz. heavier than the Smith.

 

[roscoe]

If you plant to fire hotloaded 180-200 grain hardcasts for woods protection, the SP101 is as light as you can go, form my experience. I am glad it is a tank, because I have confidence it can take the pressure.

 

[Elvishead]

Ruger SP-101 What's the deal ?

David E

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

Yes, and it's small.

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

Like what gun's?

I don't have a lot of use for my SP101 3" .357, but it does fit that pocketable .357mag that I know if I ever wanted to carry a .357 with .357's in my pocket, that would be the one.

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

Lighter hammer spring and that made the trigger pull very nice.

TBS, I normally carry a S&W Airweight with .38 +P's. And if I thought I needed fire power, I'd carry a 9mm high cap.

 

[David E]

If I carried a primary in a typical pocket, it would be a S&W 642 or 442 loaded with 158 grain LSWCHP +P ammo. But if this were my normal mode of carry, I'd buy a Kahr PM-9.

I once had a S&W Model 36. Carried in an inside chest coat pocket, the left side of the coat hung 2-3" lower than the right side. I sold it, as it proved to be too heavy for pocket carry (at least for inside coat chest pockets)

Were I to go to a belt carry, then there is no reason at all to limit myself to 5 hard kicking shots with abundant flash and recoil. Not to mention bulky carry, slow reload and difficult to attain accuracy. And then, if I had to do it one handed? Good luck!

Instead, I'd carry a Kimber Compact Aluminum stainless in .45 acp, or a Smith & Wesson M&P in .40, or a 4" Springfield XD-40, or a 1911 in 9mm/.40/.45, or a Glock 26, or when I want to go ultra light, a Kahr P-9.

For a woodsgun, I want a gun that either holds more ammo (2 legged snakes) has more accuracy (adjustable sights, 3-4" barrel) or has more power (.44 / .45 Colt)

If Ruger came out with the "Campers Special" version of the SP101 that had a 3" barrel with real adjustable sights featuring a narrow colored or fiber option front sight and had the DA trigger pull of the LCR, I'd buy one pretty fast.

 

[NMGonzo]

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

Really?

 

[jad0110]

Were I to go to a belt carry, then there is no reason at all to limit myself to 5 hard kicking shots with abundant flash and recoil. Not to mention bulky carry, slow reload and difficult to attain accuracy. And then, if I had to do it one handed? Good luck!

To each his own. For me, as much as I like the SP101 (I'll buy one if I can find one used for under $325 - they just feel so darned good in my hands), its sorta in a no-mans land for me. That's because like you, for pocket carry I want something lighter (my 642). For belt carry, I have no problems carrying a larger 6 shot S&W K Frame or Ruger Six series revolver. Or a 5" 1911.

As for capacity, well, it hasn't been high on my priority list for some time (got nothing against hi-caps, there are just a lot of other factors to consider). I shoot revolvers better than autos, though the 1911 comes fairly close (I'm just not as consistent with it) - so that's what I stick with. And the reload isn't that much slower, if you practice doing it frequently. Under stress, reloading either platform can be bungled badly if you haven't practiced it.

As for accuracy, I suspect the typical SP101 is at least as mechanically accurate as most any other centerfire locked breech semi auto or DA revolver. Harnessing that accuracy is up to the user; some do it well with the SP101, others with a Glock, and so on.

 

[Stophel]

I can barely cram a Chief's Special in my pocket. I don't think I could ever get an SP101 in there....

 

[Rexster]

Quote: "I can barely cram a Chief's Special in my pocket. I don't think I could ever get an SP101 in there.... "

Try Wrangler Riata slacks, from western clothing stores. To be clear, it has been several years since I bought a pair of them, and clothing designs can change with a new season, but I have carried not just one, but two SP101 snubbies in them, one in each front pocket, while going to court in hot weather when I want to remove my sport coat. (Legal, and expected, for me, as a police officer.) Riatas are similar to Dockers, but with a western accent, but of course, Dockers are a Levi Strauss product, and we all should know by know that Levi Strauss is no friend of gun owners. (Let's please not stray into politics; discuss this elsewhere.)

I have even seen pleated jeans, but full-cut jeans and relaxed-fit jeans are out there, and are not just for fat guys. Diamond Gusset jeans are made in the USA, of US-grown cotton, and have advertised in martial arts magazines, as they bare full-cut for freedom of movement. My Diamond Gusset jeans were not exactly deep enough in the pocket to truly hide an SP101, but J-frames were easy to hide in those pockets.

 

[Scotticus]

One should have the proper tool for the job they intend (hard to drive a nail even with the best screwdriver). I'm reading different uses and different carries from probably different sizes and builds of people. Thank God we're not the same because then there would only be one gun model on the market!

That being said, I love my 3" .357 SP101 for a lightweight, inconspicuous trail gun carried OWB with 158 gr .357 as well as a suburban home defense gun with heavy .38 sp 158 gr LSWCHP Buffalo Bore.

I put Hogue grips on it before I ever shot it and love them. I consider the 3" SP101 a little big and heavy for most of my present CCW carry needs--the shorter barrel might be a different story.

 

[Gideon]

Must be hard up for a thread. If you don't like it, why ask people to convince you otherwise? You like it or you don't. If you don't like the base gun then you won't like it if you change things.

By the way, dimensionally it's not really any different than a standard S&W J frame. It is too heavy for a pocket gun and it doesn't have many rounds if you're carrying it IWB. The trigger (at least DAO) is rough unless you take 5 minutes and put in a reduced power spring that costs $8 and leaves it as reliable as the day is long.

Cost is cheaper than comparable S&W's but there are much better guns for CCW and much better choices for hunting.

why would you want to be convinced otherwise?

As for me, I have the 3" and just love the gun. Don't need any reason other than it fits me, shoots great w/little recoil due to the weight and it's a good field gun (mine is 3") that can take a beating.

Gideon

 

[RJM]

I have the 3" barreled .327 federal magnum and find it to be a very balanced, very good revolver. The only thing I would change is the sights. I want them to be fixed.

I would love to have a 5" half shrouded barreled .327 federal magnum with adjustable sights like on the gp100.

A trigger job would be nice, but it isn't necessary.

 

[David E]

Must be hard up for a thread. If you don't like it, why ask people to convince you otherwise? You like it or you don't. If you don't like the base gun then you won't like it if you change things.

waste...

Someone (not saying who) didn't read the OP or subsequent postings, but still took time to post how much of a waste a 3 page thread is.......... that just strikes me as funny!

 

[Rexster]

Looking back at the OP, I see I didn't answer the question of what I would do to an SP101 to make it better. Well, I have long wished for a 4" or 5" version, with better sights. (Keep in mind I can get all of my skinny fingers onto the factory grip, so an SP101 behaves much like a service sixgun in my hands.) I found this one atthe Bowen Classic Arms site, which has been given the BCA sights made for J-frames. While its barrel is stock Ruger, BCA has rebarreled many revolvers by machining new threads. This would make for a VERY packable little revolvin' pistol.

http://bowenclassicarms.com/NEW/Projects.htm#Perfected_Ruger_SP101

 

[DPris]

Cylinder & Slide can install their high-visibility three-dot fixed sights on the three-inch .327 MAG SP, replaces the factory sights.
Denis

 

[david_the_greek]

I really like to look and feel of my new to me sp101. I have the 2 some inch barrel with ct grips in .357 mag. I have been carrying it lately (both in a desantis in the coat pocket and a cheap iwb holster) and don't find it too bad. I did throw my 442 in my pocket for the first time in 2 weeks and I have to say I do feel the difference. Though again, I'm using cheap holsters on a cheap belt, not that great of a combination! To make mine perfect I'd change.... my shooting habits. As in I'd go shoot a lot more till I get as good with revolvers as I am with autos. Despite not being that proficient with it yet, I still like it. I've noticed that my attempts to become better with my revolvers have greatly improved my abilities with my autos. Funny how that works isn't it. I guess I'd consider throwing in a different weight spring too.

 

[TUBBY1]

Alot to love

Too big for my pocket but fits in the belt behind the back quite nicely.i do like the way it handles even though the 3 inch barrel throws it into the bonus round for pocket conceal. Works ok in the map pocket of my jacket.summer time need a fanny pack to carry.