Ruger SP101: Love it, Hate it, or...?

[Tallball]

When the SP101 came out in 327 magnum I ordered a four-incher, because it was the only DA one available at the time, or the only one I wanted anyway. I got it and took it to the range. Apparently it was designed to exactly not fit my hand well, no matter what kind of grips I put on it. I was shocked that the trigger on a "nice" revolver (that I paid full retail for!) was so terrible. I kept taking my 32 H&R Single Six to the range instead, then I got over it.

Later I decided to buy a ridiculously inexpensive 2.5" 357 version that was supposedly a "display model" (untrue). The trigger was absolutely terrible. Traded it towards something else and got over it.

Then my LGS had a 2.5" version in 9mm. I didn't own a DA 9mm revolver. The trigger was fairly decent. They made me a good deal. I got a pair of the Hogue grips that seem to fit me best. I replaced the mainspring with a slightly lighter one. I could shoot it "okay". I was moderately pleased with my purchase.

9mm ammo has been half the cost of 38 special for ages, so I've been doing most of my snub practice with the SP101 for the past year or two. It took a lot of time and effort, but I can shoot it almost as well as my j-frames by now. Its trigger still isn't great, but I'm used to it. It still doesn't fit my hand that well, but I'm used to it. I realized that the stainless sights were bothering me, so I blackened them front and rear. When I shoot a good j-frame lately it seems easy, so apparently the SP101 is pretty good for snubby practice.

I still don't love the SP101, but I'm glad I've put the time and effort into learning to shoot them decently. I'm a better shooter as a result.

 

[dannyd]

I have 2 SP's and 6 GP100's; I never considered the SP a target revolver, just one that you can carry.

The older models are definitely better because one of mine is a hammer less that's about 25 years old and the other is a hammered 3 inch I purchased about 3 years ago. The old SP was better out of box, as far as trigger pull and smoothness.

The triggers on all Rugers usually need work, I have 13 Rugers revolvers of different types and have worked on all their triggers.

I have owned a couple of old Tarsus's but never owned a S&W, so I really had nothing to compare them to.

 

[357 Terms]

My EDC since 2008.
Love it.
Right now it's loaded with GT 145grn HP, around 1100fps, good load for this little 5 shot.

 

[ontarget]

I had the 3 inch 357. I couldn't love it for some reason that I never could explain.
I'm not sure how much the weight difference actually is, but it always felt much heavier than any of my other small to mid range DAs. Even my vintage K frame shorties felt lighter than the Ruger. Maybe it was the balance, I just don't know.
I ended up trading it towards a Colt Commander 45 ACP. Never regretted it.

 

[dannyd]

All Rugers are heavy, but they do build up your arms. I dry fire with a 6" GP100 everyday.

 

[LimaCharlie]

I am somewhere between "It's OK" and a "mild dislike" for Ruger SP101 revolvers.

 

[Tallball]

For SD, shooting at seven yards...

I want to be able to empty the handgun quickly and hit a small paper plate easily every time (like a dessert plate).

I want to be able to take aimed shots every two seconds or so and have the holes pretty close to touching.

After putting a lot of time and effort into it, I can do those things with an SP101 now. That makes me happy.

My LCR and 642 are way better as carry pieces (in every single way, except as bludgeons). The SP101's appalling trigger and ergonomic deformity has made shooting them seem like "cheat mode".

I'm not knocking anyone who carries an SP101. I'm sure they fit some people's hands. You can get used to the trigger or have it worked on. They have a good reputation for going bang every time. Mine seems very sturdy. I can't imagine the dedication it would take to wear one out.

 

[starnbar]

They remind me of the mosin nagant heavy,bulky,built like a tank,but they work every time when needed.

 

[hdbiker]

My 2 1/8-inch SP 101 is too heavy to carry with comfort. and not fun to shoot with full power heavy loads. The double action trigger is to heavy. Single action is ok, but I'll keep it.

 

[Jonesy814]

I put a lighter main spring in my SP101and the trigger pull is pretty sweet, but I still like my J frames more and shoot them better

 

[MrBorland]

Hate it.

For a 5-shot revolver, it's big and heavy. It's also got the ergonomics of a 2x4.

 

[CoalCrackerAl]

I have the 4'' 327. I enjoy shooting it.

 

[Big_Al]

Had a 2.5" 357. It felt way too heavy for 5 shots & trigger was mediocre at best. Never got attached to it and sold it.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I bought a new SP in .357 about 30 years ago. I have carried it off and on for years. No complaints. Today, if I was shopping for s similar gun, I'd probably go with a Colt King Cobra for the extra round.

 

[dannyd]

For SD, shooting at seven yards...

I want to be able to empty the handgun quickly and hit a small paper plate easily every time (like a dessert plate).

I want to be able to take aimed shots every two seconds or so and have the holes pretty close to touching.

After putting a lot of time and effort into it, I can do those things with an SP101 now. That makes me happy.

My LCR and 642 are way better as carry pieces (in every single way, except as bludgeons). The SP101's appalling trigger and ergonomic deformity has made shooting them seem like "cheat mode".

I'm not knocking anyone who carries an SP101. I'm sure they fit some people's hands. You can get used to the trigger or have it worked on. They have a good reputation for going bang every time. Mine seems very sturdy. I can't imagine the dedication it would take to wear one out.

Great thing about Rugers if you run out bullets, no problem just grab it by the barrel and use it like a club.

 

[Gun-Reck]

Buddy has a 4.2" barreled SP101 chambered in .357, with the adjustable sights.

Damn fine trail revolver, loaded with 158 gr. Federal JSP.

 

[Armored farmer]

A sp101 was my first ccw and I carry it occasionally, but have slowly succumbed to the higher capacity, lighter, slimmer. 9mm auto ccws.

 

[JohnKSa]

I love mine, but would be the first to point out that it's not for everyone. Mine is the 8 shot .22LR version and I've done a lot of work on the trigger. It now has a very smooth, but still pretty stiff DA trigger--maybe 13lbs. I find it fun to shoot, and, also, it's a good trigger trainer because even with the heavy DA pull, it's so smooth that it's quite shootable with good technique.

 

[dannyd]

I bought a new SP in .357 about 30 years ago. I have carried it off and on for years. No complaints. Today, if I was shopping for s similar gun, I'd probably go with a Colt King Cobra for the extra round.

Best thing about SP's 30 years ago you could pick one up for 250.00 used that would be about 450.00 today.

 

[James K2020]

Buddy has a 4.2" barreled SP101 chambered in .357, with the adjustable sights.

Damn fine trail revolver, loaded with 158 gr. Federal JSP.

I changed the grips on mine. A fine gun, need to shoot it more.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

While I don't want to sound like I hate Rugers because I don't, I hate that gun. It does not feel balanced in my hand and the trigger has an extremely long reset sometimes causing a short stroke.

If you like the heavier snub nose buy a S&W M60, M640 or M649 instead, I did.

 

[2ndtimer]

I love my 2 1/8” .357 Magnum. Have had it for decades and put a Wolf spring kit in it whe I bought it and it has a very nice trigger pull. I don’t carry it that often just because of the 5 round capacity and the Glock 48 10 rounds make it more practical.

 

[plainsdrifter]

i carry my SP .357 all the time. I like it more than a semi auto.

 

[stonebuster]

I bought a nearly new SP101DAO 2.25" 357 from the original owner for$450 OTD @5yrs ago and found out why he sold it pretty quick. There was a big problem with the trigger requiring a trip back to the mothership for hammer dog replacement. I never did shoot it well so sold it to buy a nice 1989 3" blued GP100. I missed how easily that SP101 carried so after a year I bought a SP101 DA/SA 2.25". This time I was determined to learn to shoot it well at the distances it was made for which means to me 18-25t. I've accomplished that & now working on speed, draw & point shooting. I like the weight of the SP and how painless it makes 38+P on range trips. The triggers on both my SPs were very smooth after installing a 12# hammer spring, hammer & hammer dog shims and polishing the hammer spring strut. I love my Speed Sixes (3"&2 3/4"), 3" GP100 but I like my SP101 a lot which I carry daily occasionally along with my Shield 9.

 

[dickydalton]

I like mine after I worked the trigger over, changed springs, shimmed it and added a Pachmyr Compac grip. I just have too many better to carry now.