Ruger SP101 problem

[SkunkApe]

When Ejecting .357 cases from my .Ruger SP101, the rim of a case can hit the rubber side grip before the ejector is fully depressed, causing the case to get underneath the star extractor. Then its a real pain to get it out.

Anyone else have this problem? Solution?

 

[Hkmp5sd]

My SP-101 does not do this. The rims barely touch the grip. You might want to try trimming the rubber back a small amount so the cases don't hit the grip.

 

[Nick96]

The way I've found to avoid this is to hold the cylinder perfectly vertical and make sure it's full open before pressing the ejector rod. In other words, the extractor serves more as a guide and nudge to get them to fall free - not as an instrument for pushing them completly free of the cylinder. .357 shells should clear the grip just fine before the extractor is fully depressd

If the shells are stuck in the cylinders, perhaps running a brush through them every 20 or so rounds will help. I find this to be more of an issue when I mix .38's and .357's. I've also got a .22 SP101 and use the same technique. They never stick, and .22's are notorious for swelling in the cylinders.

If the shells are so swollen in a clean cylinder that they need to be forced all the way out - perhaps an ammo brand change is in order.

Since the ejector set up is not a solid piece on the SP101, there is going to be some play when fully extended. Don't know I would call it a design defect - but it is an idiocyncrosy of the piece.

 

[SkunkApe]

Thanks for the responses, guys.

 

[Airweight]

SkunkApe-

The same thing happens with mine. It's annoying. Hopefully it doesn't hamper reloading, if/when needed.

 

[SkunkApe]

Airweight, I got the idea if I could shorten the ejector rod stroke, I could avoid this problem. I tried to to take the cylinder and crane apart to have a look, but couldn't figure out how to disassemble it. I got as far as pushing out the pin in the crane, and removing the little wedge and spring. Couldn't figure out what to do from there. Do you know how to disassemble?

 

[Jim March]

Shave the rubber grip down!

I recommend a dremel tool or similar and a "sanding barrel bit" (small cylindrical sandpaper roll on a rubber core, on a metal rod). It can re-shape and sculpt rubber grips to perfection.