Ruger SP101 .357 Magnum, 3" Barrel - My New Gun

[Waveski]

"They did away with that stuff."

Thank goodness. My SP is littered with that crap!

 

[Erich]

Yours is pretty - mine goes on a lot of walks up Bear Canyon with me:

 

[ShowMeState1977]

Those photos of your 101 speak to my soul! What a beautiful combination!

 

[Trad Archer]

Very nice gun. Congrats.

 

[Gun Geezer]

Beautiful. I want one!

 

[ACP]

Good Lord, that is STUNNING. Nice photography.

I have a 3" S&W Model 65 Ladysmith with a Crimson Trace grip. It is very utilitarian, nothing like your Ruger. Congratulations.

I agree with you on 3" revolvers -- they feel very good in the hand, and are a good blend of ballistics and concealability.

 

[SDGlock23]

Love those 3" SP101's, very attractive revolvers and they shoot as good as they look.

 

[MIL-DOT]

If you had a choice between the 3-inch Ruger SP-101 or a 4-inch GP-100, which would be your choice? Just from a preference standpoint?

The 2 are really kind of apples-and-oranges. The GP is a large frame,6-shot pistol,w/ adjustable sights and is quite a hefty handful,even with the 4" barrel (I was playing with one again at my LGS just 2 days ago, and really want one, even though I've had the 6" version for years).
The SP is considerably more petite, and of course, only a 5 shot. It also has almost no sights to speak of.
Preferrence would depend on intended use. For EDC, I'd definitely go with the lighter,smaller SP101 (even though I retired my 3" SP101 as my CCW in favor of an even lighter S&W Airweight .38).
For recreational target shooting, home defense, or protection from large critters in the wilderness, I'd go with the GP100.

 

[Kleanbore]

My wife just bought one. It will get CT grips and probably a bobbed hammer.

 

[OrangePwrx9]

Had one for over a decade, now. The gun is quite accurate but I always had a big problem with the sights. Sight picture was terrible in most lighting. Finally went with an XS-Big Dot front sight (standard dot would've been better) and CTC grips. NOW, I can aim the thing.

A week ago, after many years of trying to get my sister to take up shooting (at least enough to defend herself), she finally consented to range session with a Ruger Mark II and my 3" SP101 (shooting .38 wadcutters). She got on very well with the SP101 and loved the laser sights. Now she's jonesing for one of her own. She was worried about recoil and appreciated how the little gun's heft soaked up recoil.

 

[Lucky Derby]

I would love to see the new Wiley Clapp version in a 3"

 

[xxjumbojimboxx]

Ive got so much love for mine. Its an everyday carry piece that rides well in just about any setting. Jacket pocket is my favorite for it, whether it be the normal pockets at your belly. or the zip up pocket on the chest. I love it. Rides really well in a holser too. I gotta say though, that i prefer the factory grips. Mine is the ones that have wood inserts layed into the rubber. What a great gun though. I'm happy I own one.

 

[LT.Diver]

In my opinion, a three inch .357 revolver is just about the perfect handgun. Small enough to carry, big enough to shoot hot magnums. Plus with the .357 you get huge ammo versatility, and with you get double action when you need it, and single action when you want it.
I've always favored Smiths over Rugers, mainly due to their triggers. But if I stumbled onto a three inch Ruger at the right price I would be very tempted.

 

[Kleanbore]

The CT grip is here and on the gun. The next step is a trip to the best gunsmith in town to bob the hammer, and while we're at it, to smooth it up a bit.

 

[diyj98]

I would love to see the new Wiley Clapp version in a 3"
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I agree!

 

[ABTOMAT]

Does Ruger make any revolvers without the huge Taurus-like barrel these days? I miss the Security Six look.