Ruger SP101 327 Federal Now Shipping

[Tallball]

My 4" Sp101 in 327 was always "meh" to me because I could never shoot it well. I changed out the grips and springs recently and like it a lot better. (Also, my revolver shooting has improved in general.)

I'll have to bring it out again soon and have a 32 revolver day at the range. I like the 32 calibers a lot. IMHO they would be very popular if the public was better informed.

 

[SeanSw]

I've only made one order from Family Firearms and they were fine! Good prices. Website is a little janky on mobile though.

 

[tightgroup tiger]

I've only made one order from Family Firearms and they were fine! Good prices. Website is a little janky on mobile though.

I'll have to check them out in detail. They sound like they may be a good addition to my vendors list. I don't care about their website to much as long as they are honest people.

My 4" Sp101 in 327 was always "meh" to me because I could never shoot it well. I changed out the grips and springs recently and like it a lot better. (Also, my revolver shooting has improved in general.)

I'll have to bring it out again soon and have a 32 revolver day at the range. I like the 32 calibers a lot. IMHO they would be very popular if the public was better informed.

Mine really irritates me because I really do like it but I would like it a lot more if it were a lessor 32 caliber instead of .327FM and it didn't have such a leading problem.
But my Grandkids like it so I'll keep it and put up with it until they move on to something else.

 

[halfmoonclip]

but… how much them Staple guns run?

Cheap they are not, but really nice machines they are. They are the province of serious bullseye guys. Hammerli makes a good one.
If you just want something that makes neat, .357" holes, and is, perhaps more manly in the bargain, go looking for a used S&W M52. Likely cheaper than a staple gun in the bargain.
Moon

 

[Mark_Mark]

Cheap they are not, but really nice machines they are. They are the province of serious bullseye guys. Hammerli makes a good one.
If you just want something that makes neat, .357" holes, and is, perhaps more manly in the bargain, go looking for a used S&W M52. Likely cheaper than a staple gun in the bargain.
Moon

already found a 52-2! love the run. Was a safe queen until I got a hold of it!!

 

[Madcap_Magician]

I have one and I can't really understand the popularity of the .327FM caliber.

Mine isn't accurate with factory ammo and my lead reloads lead the barrel up something awful. I'm tired of scraping the lead out of the barrel with a machinist pick.
Doesn't matter who's bullets either, or whether they are coated or lubed with alox, or naked with lube groove.

I've tried a lot of different bullets in this thing and Fraulk sent me a bunch of different, quality brand bullets also. Always the same problem in varying degrees.

My .357 and 41 magnums are much more accurate with heavy loads then this thing will ever be.

My Grandchildren use it right now with reduced loads, when we go shooting, but when I move them into something else, the SP101 is going down the road.

Between the leading in the barrel and the cylinder always getting tight from the gas seal not sealing anything out, it's just too high maintenance.

Nice looking gun though, and the trigger is to die for. It will shoot my reduced reloads at 25 yds very accurately until it leads up in about 50 rounds.

I'll move them up to a 38 special or buy an old S&W 32 S&W Long for them to play with. They are not getting my 1947 hand ejector that's in pristine condition.
They need a small frame though.

I am not a reloader, but I remember reading someplace that lead reloads in hot calibers is always a leading issue but that using gas check bullets should resolve most of that.

 

[TTv2]

I am not a reloader, but I remember reading someplace that lead reloads in hot calibers is always a leading issue but that using gas check bullets should resolve most of that.

.327 uses .314 diameter throats, that appears to be the standard. Most .32 bullets are .312, so IDK what .32 gas checks measure to, I have one box of 125gr gas checked .32 bullets, but I can't remember what they measured to.

I don't believe it was over .313, so IDK if the checks can obturate that much to seal the throat.

 

[dranrab]

I'll have to check them out in detail. They sound like they may be a good addition to my vendors list. I don't care about their website to much as long as they are honest people.

Definitely add them to your list. I kinda like their website. I like pages much more than a continuous scroll. I like that you can load 100 items on a single page. They have plenty of filters that allow just about any kind of sorting that I'd like to do. You can tell from the notes and comments that they try very hard to identify common customers concerns and trap them before they occur. Shipping has always been fast for me. I haven't had any issues, so I can't comment on their problem resolution.

 

[Frulk]

I went down the .327FM rabbit hole years ago. Focusing primarily on cast reloads starting at 115 grains and on up to 130. With and without GC. No real leading issues even though I push them hard. Occasionally run a Lewis lead remover through the guns and that took care of any residual lead.

Been playing around with .327 FM powder coated 120 grainers over past 1.5 years. Accuracy is more than adequate. Recently picked up a Ruger Bisely in .32H&R. Very accurate with my reloads.

.32 cal is under appreciated. Economical to reload. Capable of exceptional accuracy. Enjoyable to shoot throughout its power range for both beginners and long time gun enthusiasts. Able to meet self defense carry requirements at the upper .32 H&R/327FM thresholds.

Downside (if there is one): ammo availability and cost if buying it off the store shelves. Course, if you reload that’s not an issue ….and, we (THR faithful) constantly bring this up when discussing .32 H&R and .327 FM…currently both of these calibers are pretty much a reloaders proposition.

 

[TTv2]

I too continue to find that 100gr or heavier in the .32 revolvers shoots best with 115gr being the most accurate and also quieter/less blasty.

There are 85 to 90 grain hollow points and the 73 grain bullets meant for the .32 ACP and short .32 S&W, but they don't seem to hold tighter groups.

I would like the revolvers to be able to shoot the lighter bullets better because one of the major benefits for .32 is ultra low recoil with those light bullets.

 

[P Flados]

Stop with the pleading for a better 327 LCRx. I makes me think about my grail gun.

I have the 4.2" SP-101 in 327. I have a 3" LCRx in 38 SP (aluminum frame). I shoot the LCRx a lot more than the SP-101.

About the only new gun I would buy is a 6 shot aluminum frame LCRx in 32 H&R with adjustable sights and any barrel from 3" to 4.2".

It would not be super popular. However, for guys that really like to shoot their guns, I am betting that the satisfaction level would be about as good as it gets.

 

[tightgroup tiger]

I am not a reloader, but I remember reading someplace that lead reloads in hot calibers is always a leading issue but that using gas check bullets should resolve most of that.

I only shoot reduced loads out of it these days, 4.0gr of Universal under a 90gr SWC. A little hotter than a 32 S&W. That's so my Grandkids can shoot it.
I have loaded some plated bullets for it but I don't feel I get the accuracy out of them I get out of the Lee tumble lube 90 gr SWC. Especially at 25yds.

 

[cfullgraf]

I'll agree, I do not shoot full power 327 Fed mag loads from my SP101. I do not shoot 38 Special +P loads from my S&W Airweights either.

But, my 32 caliber SP101 shoots well and I'm using it for some critter control vs 22LR around my hobby horse farm.

Lately, I've gotten interested in 32 caliber handguns in various cartridges. 32 ACP, 32 SWL, 32 H&R Mag, and 32 Fed Mag are all in interest.

 

[someguy2800]

I've kind of lost interest in 357 magnum ever since I got into 44's. I absolutely love my 4.2" sp101 in 357 but kinda thinking about swapping it out for a 4.2" 327. I really wish they made an adjustable sight 3"

 

[someguy2800]

Ordered a 3" last night. Planning to put my 357 sp101 up on gunbroker. This was the gun I always said was my favorite and would be the last firearm I would ever sell, but ever since getting a couple 22 lr revolvers, a 22 mag 941, and 2 44 mags, I have kind of divided the affection that I had for my 357 among those other revolvers. Its really made it clear to me that 357 magnum is a jack of all trades but I don't really like it. I've shot a few deer with it and concluded 357 is too small for my liking for big game. I do like shooting revolvers at like 50-100 yards on my range and 357 performs well at that but is unpleasant to shoot full house loads for long. Would much rather use my 44 for that. For plinking on the range or hunting small game I would rather use my 22 mag than 38 special. I'm hoping 327 federal will split the difference between 38 special and 357.

 

[Frulk]

3 inch barrel with full house .327FM loads will have a heck of a sound signature.

 

[someguy2800]

3 inch barrel with full house .327FM loads will have a heck of a sound signature.

Even a 22 mag revolver is a real ear ringer. I never shoot any centerfire handgun without ear protection anymore.

 

[Armybrat]

Like mine…

 

[TTv2]

Ordered a 3" last night. Planning to put my 357 sp101 up on gunbroker. This was the gun I always said was my favorite and would be the last firearm I would ever sell, but ever since getting a couple 22 lr revolvers, a 22 mag 941, and 2 44 mags, I have kind of divided the affection that I had for my 357 among those other revolvers. Its really made it clear to me that 357 magnum is a jack of all trades but I don't really like it. I've shot a few deer with it and concluded 357 is too small for my liking for big game. I do like shooting revolvers at like 50-100 yards on my range and 357 performs well at that but is unpleasant to shoot full house loads for long. Would much rather use my 44 for that. For plinking on the range or hunting small game I would rather use my 22 mag than 38 special. I'm hoping 327 federal will split the difference between 38 special and 357.

I read this and the vibe I was getting is you're waking up from the limitations of the .35 caliber and instead of having the one caliber to do a decent job that smaller and larger calibers can do better, but requires having more guns. Years ago I had the same awakening and realized that sure, I could get super low recoil with .38, but the .32 can still be lower and has better penetration and expansion capability if using hollow points. Then if I wanted power for hunting or large animal protection, the .45 Colt does that.

The popular opinion is that the 9mm and .357 are the Goldilocks caliber, they're "just right", but for a revolver I'm seeing 10mm as fitting that "just right" as it's available in medium frames and has a very wide selection of projectile weights from 135gr to 220 and has the option of shooting cheaper .40 S&W, which is more powerful than .38 and costs less. About the only thing the 10mm lacks that I wish Starline and others would make, is a rim like .45 Auto Rim got.

Now, that doesn't mean I'm not going to own .357's and .38's anymore, I have too much free brass from the range to do that, but I don't have much interest in them. The Taurus 692 I plan to get I'm mostly getting because it shoots 9mm, the .357 spare cylinder is just nice to have for fun.

The .327 is closer to .357 in power, but definitely has a hot .38 type recoil.

 

[cfullgraf]

Like mine…
View attachment 1181007

I like the rubber/wood grips Ruger puts on some of their handguns. They look nice and the rubber gives extra holding power.

My adjustable sight SP101 as well as my GP100, both chambered in 327 Fed Mag have that style of grip.

 

[Tallball]

@TTv2 We have similar thoughts about this. I see myself transitioning more to 32 magnums as I get older. (I'm used to the 38 snubs for now.)

I plan on a range trip Monday or Tuesday. Bringing my 9mm snubby, 9mm medium-frame revolver, and 9mm SAA for some fun and inexpensive practice.

Got one of these when they first came out. Shoots pretty good now that I changed out the grips and springs and put some rounds through it.

Ruger SP101 327

• Tallball
• Feb 23, 2018

 

[someguy2800]

I read this and the vibe I was getting is you're waking up from the limitations of the .35 caliber and instead of having the one caliber to do a decent job that smaller and larger calibers can do better, but requires having more guns. Years ago I had the same awakening and realized that sure, I could get super low recoil with .38, but the .32 can still be lower and has better penetration and expansion capability if using hollow points. Then if I wanted power for hunting or large animal protection, the .45 Colt does that.

The popular opinion is that the 9mm and .357 are the Goldilocks caliber, they're "just right", but for a revolver I'm seeing 10mm as fitting that "just right" as it's available in medium frames and has a very wide selection of projectile weights from 135gr to 220 and has the option of shooting cheaper .40 S&W, which is more powerful than .38 and costs less. About the only thing the 10mm lacks that I wish Starline and others would make, is a rim like .45 Auto Rim got.

Now, that doesn't mean I'm not going to own .357's and .38's anymore, I have too much free brass from the range to do that, but I don't have much interest in them. The Taurus 692 I plan to get I'm mostly getting because it shoots 9mm, the .357 spare cylinder is just nice to have for fun.

The .327 is closer to .357 in power, but definitely has a hot .38 type recoil.

Yes exactly. I concluded that many years ago but couldn’t afford to buy a bunch of revolvers in different calibers till the last couple years. 38 is nice to shoot but if you like to shoot long range like I do it has a rainbow trajectory and the wind blows it away. I already sold my Taurus 38 and will be listing my 357 sp101 today, and I sold 2 other 38/357’s years ago, which will only leave me with a S&W model 10. I think a 22lr, 327, and 44 mag will perfectly cover my practical revolver needs, but I’ll keep the model 10 and my 22 mag just because I like them and they shoot well.

I’m not a particular fan of 9mm either. I prefer 40 and 45 though I have a bunch of 9mm pistols since they are easiest and cheapest to feed. The only 9mm pistols I really like are the micro 9’s. In a full size pistol I’ll take 40 or 45 every time.

 

[jski]

Here’s Hickok45 shooting the SP101 327 in his weekly Sunday-Shoot-a-Round:

 

[Rodfac]

As to the firearm;
No adjustable rear sight is a show stopper for me.
No thanks!
The difference in POA/POI in a .32s&wl and .327mag at 25yds is just too great!

Yep...I've wanted to try a Ruger DA revolver in one of the .32 calibers....they know how to bore the cylinders and keep the throats/bore dia's as they should be in their Single Sixes, but...adj. sights are a must as I want my POA/POI's to coincide....a crap shoot unless....

My Single Sixes...all three of them in .32 H&R shoot to the POA at 25 yds...but getting the Bird's Head to that enviable state was a royal PITA. Pic of two below.

I like Rio's but...again, there's those plastic, fiber optic front sight...another of my dislikes, and while we're on it....get rid of the unnecessary full lug bbl. There's no need for it on a .32 cal. pistola, IMHO; but Hey...ya can't please everybody...Rod

laptop keyboard keys not working​

 

[someguy2800]

Yep...I've wanted to try a Ruger DA revolver in one of the .32 calibers....they know how to bore the cylinders and keep the throats/bore dia's as they should be in their Single Sixes, but...adj. sights are a must as I want my POA/POI's to coincide....a crap shoot unless....

My Single Sixes...all three of them in .32 H&R shoot to the POA at 25 yds...but getting the Bird's Head to that enviable state was a royal PITA. Pic of two below.

I like Rio's but...again, there's those plastic, fiber optic front sight...another of my dislikes, and while we're on it....get rid of the unnecessary full lug bbl. There's no need for it on a .32 cal. pistola, IMHO; but Hey...ya can't please everybody...Rod

laptop keyboard keys not working​

I like the full lug, but not a fan of the fiber optic sights. On my 357 I tig welded up the front sight and filed it down into a blade.