Ruger SP101 Range Report, Wife getting CCW, and Primer Pressure Question

[Doug S]

Ruger SP101 Range Report, Wife getting CCW, and Primer Pressure Question

I apologize for this somewhat rambling multi-topic post, but here goes. Earlier in the week I picked up a new Ruger SP101 in 357 mag. Today, I had a chance to get it to the range for the first time. Also, todays visit to the range was kinda unique in that my wife who has recently decided to get her concealed carry permit accompanied me, and we are trying to decide what type/model firearm would best suit her. Right now we are deciding between a Glock 26 (a G26 is what I carry, and I have a second which isn’t being used.), and the new Ruger SP101 (I doubt she could handle an Airweight 642 with self-defense ammo). So, we take the guns to the range, and must say that I really like the SP101. Earlier in the week, I had picked up a S&W 340 M&P, and after a couple of range trips, had decided that recoil was just too much to shoot regularly with any pleasure. The SP101 in contrast is a pleasure to shoot with 38 Special practice and 158gr FBI load +P ammo. It is not at all uncomfortable with the Speer Gold Dot 135 grain short barrel 357 mag ammo which is the load I plan to carry in this gun. I also shot some Federal 158 Hydrashock hollowpoints out of the Ruger, and although recoil was “stout”, it was still tolerable. In contrast, I couldn’t bring myself to shoot a 5 round cylinder full of these in the S&W. The trigger on the Ruger was pretty nice in my opinion, long but smooth. Single action fire was very nice also. I bought the model with the hammer spur because I want to have fun with this gun at the range, as well as use it for possible CCW/woods gun. Anyway, the only issue that I noticed with the Ruger was that the 357 Magnum rounds seemed to somewhat flatten the primers when fired. Not drastically, but visually different in comparison to the 38 Special ammo, which wasn’t flattened at all. This was true of both the Federal and Speer ammo. The breech face is somewhat rough on the Ruger, and you can also see the imprint of this on the primer. Is this normal? I’ve posted a picture below. The round on the left is one of the flattened primers, with the lines. The one on the right was fired by the S&W 340 M&P, and it doesn’t appear flattened to me. I would appreciate it if someone could tell me if this is normal.

As far as my wife choosing a gun, she likes both. She shot the Ruger better, which was a big surprise to me. The Glock is a very accurate gun. She claims to have no preference for the "feel" of either gun. She likes the Glock better, I think due to number of rounds, and ability to shoot more quickly, as well as faster reload. That said, she isn't opposed to carry the Ruger, and she shot it noticably better. Recoil wise, it was a toss up, both noticable to her, but neither bad, and both within acceptable limits. Again, I kind of like the idea of a small J-frame for her, but I think the Ruger is much easier to shoot. Also, she plans to pick up a purse with a gun pocket as mode of carry. Not the best idea, I know, but she is small framed, and I don't see her carrying it any other way, except maybe a fanny pack. Anyway, thanks for any feedback, I'm really curious about the primers, and for anyone looking at the Ruger SP101, I'd say go for it. It is a nice little gun. Same for the G26.

 

[Ifishsum]

The primers are normal. The extra pressure of the .357 loading causes the primers to flatten more and push back against the frame of the revolver.

 

[Ifishsum]

dupe

 

[critter]

No worries. All is normal.

Let her carry what she LIKES best as long as she is proficient with it. Sounds like she is with either one. Pinpoint accuracy is not necessary for a carry weapon, but it is nice-gives a feeling of confidence.

 

[Doug S]

Thanks guys, I really do appreciate the feedback. I figured it had to do with the higher pressure of the 357 rounds, but being inexperienced concerning this, I thought I'd ask. I really like the Ruger, and I'm happy to hear that all is normal. You know, looking more closely at the rounds pictured above, I do think both are equally flattened out. I think why I noticed the Ruger more, is because of the lines, which are absent in the S&W. This made it appear to stand out more.

Also, I agree about her selecting the carry pistol that feels best to her. She still not sure, so we will continue shooting to see which of the two, she becomes most proficient with. In truth, she likes the Glock 17 the best, but I just can't figure out where she'd put it.

 

[Jim March]

I agree, these are normal primers.

The Speer 135gr 357Mag is VERY mild by 357 standards. The Buffalo Bore 158gr 38+P might even equal it in raw power but that's a VERY stout 38.

I found the Speer 135gr 357 to be the most accurate factory load my gun has ever eaten, which is always a plus. No guarantees in your gun of course but accuracy shouldn't suck and might be well above par.

If you want to go up in horsepower just a scooch without going into full-house territory, consider the Cor-Bon 125gr DPX all-copper hollowpoint (Barnes projectile). Unlike most Cor-Bon stuff it's not loaded "to the max".

Finally, the BuffBore 158+P while expensive has one thing going for it: it's the max horsepower you can run in that gun without cracking the sound barrier. So for indoor noise/hearing issues, it has an edge over everything.

 

[Doug S]

Thanks for the ammo info. I haven't done a lot of research on 357 mag ammo, and find this information very helpful. For now, I'm leaning toward the Speer 135 grain ammo. It was very pleasant to shoot, and accuracy was fine. I also like the Remington 125gr Golden Saber which I've read is another mid-range load. I'd probably carry something in the "full-house territory" if this becomes much of a woods gun. If the wife carries it, it will be a choice between the Speer, or 38 Special "FBI" load. She did well with that today. She was a little inconsistent accuracy wise, but I think she was nervous, and the long double action trigger took some getting used to. That's why I expected her to do better with the lighter trigger pull of the Glock. Evidently the Ruger felt more natural to her with the full grip.

 

[-terry]

Speaking of carrying, can women use a SmartCarry? That might be an alternative to purse carry.

 

[Doug S]

Don't know about the Smart Carry.

If you guys don't mind another paranoid question, I'd appreciate feedback on this question also. I've been reading that one of the things that people think make the Ruger a strong revolver, is that it doesn't have a cut at the bottom of its forcing cone like some S&W do. My SP101 has this cut, though. Is this cut typical of SP101 models, or does this very from firearm to firearm. It does look like the cut needs to be there in order for the cylinder to close. There appears to be a washer or something around the ejector rod, and when closed, this sits just below the forcing cone. Also, you might notice the small nick/gouge at the outside (left side) edge of the forcing cone. At the top in first picture. On the left side of second picture. Will the cut weaken the forcing cone with hotter loads?Thanks again for any feedback.

 

[Doug S]

For some reason the pictures aren't working?

 

[bill bryant]

My recently purchased SP101 has a small cut just like the one yours has.

 

[noskilz]

Not to be contrary, but comparing a 357 snubby (albeit substantial) revolver to a compact 9 mm semi-auto would not really seem fair. I assume she can handle the slide on the Glock. Some women may have trouble with it. I'd try to settle the revolver v. auto question first, but that's just me. You're luck to have her shooting.

 

[Doug S]

Glad to hear that the cut is normal.

Yes, she was able to handle the slide pretty well. I had her practice with an empty gun for a while, before having her shoot. I showed her how to do it with her thumb and forefinger pointing toward the rear of the gun, palm down on the forward/top of slide. This seemed to give her a better grip, and leverage. No real problem there. Her perception was that the revolver recoiled a little more than the Glock, still she shot the revolver a little better. I think she is leaning toward the revolver for simplicity, but is second guessing herself by questioning only having 5 rounds. We will continue practicing, until we see which works better for her. If I trusted it more, I'd get her a P32. Mild recoil, easily packable.