SP101 9mm on Gunbroker

[rammerjammer]

I’ve been interested in getting my first revolver and want to get an SP101. I am thinking about getting one of the older discontinued 9mm SP101s.

Gunbroker seems to be my best bet to find one and I want to do a price check. One auction for a 2 ¼” 9mm SP101 ended at a price of $630 earlier in the week. There is another one with a buy it now for $850 and a reserve price that wasn’t met the first time it was auctioned. That one seems overpriced.

But would paying $630 to $650 seem like too much?

There is currently another 9mm SP101 with a 3” barrel up for auction that is currently at $605 and probably going up.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=246026450

Tell me your thoughts.

Thanks

 

[farscott]

I owned a 9mm SP-101 and decided it was not what I wanted. Having to use the moon clips is a PITA as unloading them is not as easy as it should be. I like the option of using the moon clips, especially for loading, but wished I could run the gun without them. In addition, the cylinder of the 9mm SP-101 is essentially as long as the .357 Magnum version, so you get no advantage in weight and have more freebore.

I finally sold the 9x19 model and used the proceeds to buy a three-inch .357 model that had been through Marc Morganti's shop, Gemini Customs for a full-house treatment. It has been machined for moon clips, but will run fine without them. So I can run any .38 Special or .357 Magnum load I desire, with or without moon clips. I liked it so much I got two more of them, both 2-inch models. One is Hybra-Ported and one is not.

My vote is "No" on the 9mm SP-101.

 

[Shear_stress]

I am a big fan of 9mm revolvers because they are unusual and shoot a cheap round that does well out of a short barrel. At $650 you lose any cost benefits, you just get an unusual revolver. For that kind of money you could get a new SP101 and 500 rounds of Prvi Partisan .357 Magnum. . . .or, better yet, a decent used S&W Model 27.

 

[GLOOB]

If that's what you want, 650 isn't unreasonable. But I'd just get a semi auto for 9mm.

One of the beauty of revolvers for me is they're so easy to load out of an MTM ammo box sitting on a bench. I have 5 speedloaders, but I almost never use them. Loading manually, can pop rounds off like M&M's, dropping 2-3 at a time into the cylinder by hand. It's much faster and easier than loading magazines.

Loading moonclips is even harder than loading magazines.

As for cost, if you even get into reloading, it doesn't really make any difference. Your brass lasts a long time with a revolver. If you don't reload, save your brass and sell it for a good price. 357 brass is worth a lot more than 9mm brass, and it will recoup some of your costs.

 

[goon]

I also wouldn't bother with the 9mm version. The .357 version gives you options and doesn't really give much up if you go with a cheap .38 practice load or especially if you reload. And you could get a used one for around $350 - $400.

 

[Brian Williams]

I have a S&W 642 that I have a S&W 940 cylinder installed, Makes for a sweet small lightweight 9mm revolver. I like 9mm in a small gun. The problems with moonclip refilling and emptying are from people who do not have the tools to help with the process. A tube that is just larger than the 9mm case with a notch on the end will remove the empty cases very quickly and the Ruger moonclips are better than S&Ws. I use Rugers in my S&W. If I had the money I would jump on this one.