Sp101 .22 update

[JJHACK]

So, I've had this revolver a few months now. Brand new the cylinder jammed and it went back to ruger.

Came back fitted and finished like a custom shop gun.

I replaced the grips with hogue to give me more holding power. The little ruger grips with the stiff trigger pull was not a good match for me.

My son and I shot about 500 rounds through it. This helped with a massive smoothness. It became much easier to shoot accurate. Also the effort to pull the hammer back was better. When new that hammer would wear your thumb out.

I happened to go to Salt Lake City through Ogden. Impact guns is in Ogden where Terry Gardner works as the gunsmith. He does SP101 action work. So I decided to drop off the little ruger with him to see if he could get it any better.

Wow! Better is an understatement. Stock springs remained but the action is so smooth and with a brilliant single action pull that has no creep or roughness at all. It's likely about 3lbs or less. Comparing to other single action guns it's as good as any if them. Including the pull and break over of my freedom arms 83.

Double action is still rimfire stiff, but smooth as functionally possible. What an improvement! This little ruger is just perfect now for what it's intended for. The sp101 properly set up has been a great surprise.

 

[C0untZer0]

How much did the smithing work cost?

When I bought my daughter a Model 63 last year the .22 LRRuger KSP-242-8 was relatively new. I did get to try the trigger on both side by side.

The Model 63 had a nicer trigger and the lock up was better on the Model 23. Everything I read on this forum, folks who had them, loved them, especially their wives and daughters, so I bought the S&W Model 63.

 

[JJHACK]

It was 60 bucks and the turn around was next day back to me.

Seriously, this trigger is just fantastic now. Could not have hoped for anything better

 

[C0untZer0]

So it is a lo less expensive to get the Ruger KSP-242-8 and spend $60 to have the trigger re-worked than buy a Model 63.

I am still trying to see how the 2 stack up accuracy wise when fired from a bench rest.

 

[Schwing]

I live in Layton about 10 miles away from Impact and have met Terry a couple of times. They do excellent work at impact.

 

[JJHACK]

Can't speak to the S&W63 for accuracy

This Ruger has shot sub2" at 25 yards with some of the holes sub1" Until I number the chambers I won't know if it's me or the gun. I believe as with most Revolvers there will be some chambers which will be more accurate then others.

One reason I feel strongly about this is that I consistently get three shots under 1/2" in the center of the 8 shot groups. I have used a lot of different .22 ammo now. So far the best ammo has been the Remington yellow jacket, Winchester Bulk HPs, Federal 36gr HP's ( bulk box)

Worst has been Stingers, Armscor with the MiniMags falling into the middle.

I'll say this, every squirrel and rabbit should worry out to 35 yards, under 25 they will definitely be hit! The little SP101 is a dandy packing gun, If only that big thick barrel could get fluted or have a Rib Cut with EDM. The Barrel is very heavy on this gun. It may be the reason its easy to hold steady too?

 

[aarondhgraham]

The Model 63 and the SP-101 aren't really comparable...

So it is a lo less expensive to get the Ruger KSP-242-8 and spend $60 to have the trigger re-worked than buy a Model 63.

The Ruger with trigger job is less expensive for sure,,,
But the S&W Model 63 really doesn't compare to the SP-101.

The Model 63 is a smaller J-Frame gun,,,
The same frame size as the classic snub-nose 38,,,
It's the nature of the beast (small frame + rimfire cartridge),,,
That combination of factors makes for a revolver with a smooth but heavy pull.

The Ruger SP-101 has a larger frame,,,
It's more comparable to the S&W K-Frame revolvers,,,
S&W K-Frame .22 revolvers would be the Model 17, 18, & 617,,,
If you were to try one of these guns in good condition the triggers will amaze you.

I'm not ragging on your Ruger purchase,,,
I've been lusting after one of those beauties myself.

I just wanted to post that comparing the Model 63 to the Ruger,,,
Well that's like comparing apples to oranges,,,
They are two radically different guns.

Aarond

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[ArchAngelCD]

I'm sure your custom SP101 is a nice revolver but I just can't take a liking to the SP101. I do like the GP100 revolvers but not the SP.

 

[JJHACK]

I lined up the 617 the 63 and the sp101

The SP101 is bigger then the 63 but much smaller then the 617. It's a mutant frame dimension when put into S&W terms.

 

[Cardboard_killer]

With the barrel length, I'd say it was more akin to a model 18, but those are very hard to find, even new. It comes in at 8oz less than the 18. I recently sold an Sp101. Even with a change in springs, the double action trigger was at least ten pounds. Just pulling the hammer back for single action was painful due to the springs and the needle point trigger serrations. I resisted the urge to stone the trigger serrations. Anyway, it's passed on now to a more receptive owner.

 

[DPris]

One current "upgrade" on SPs is that there are no more sharp edges on the new MIM hammers. Or triggers.

Emotionally, I'm not fond of MIMs in general, but that aspect of the newer guns is a positive.
Denis

 

[JJHACK]

The beauty of this is the vault like construction, the price, and the way you can pack it around without the worry of the precious bluing, walnut, and big bucks investment.

It's affordable and amazingly functional. Tossed in the glove box, tackle box, backpack, under your seat, etc. pretty nice piece ......that for me will see far more "duty" then a gun twice the price and only equal in performance.