SP101 considerations, grip size, etc.

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SpookyPistolero

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Howdy folks-

I've been thinking of getting either an SP101 3" .357 or a new semi-compact 9mm. I'm looking for something a little lighter/more compact than my 1911 to stash in my pack for camping/backpacking trips. It'll go through a bit of concealed carry, too.

There are no stores that carry the SP101 locally, so I was wondering if you all could tell me some things about the grip. I really, really do not want something that will not fully fill my hands, I don't want a 'compact' grip or a snub-like grip. If that means putting on some new grips, that's fine, so long as they are out there. (Meaning NOT a 2-fingered grip, or a grip where you struggle to get your pinky aboard.)

So for those folks who have them, would you call the grip (or grip after replacements were installed) a full combat grip?

Does anyone have an in-hand pic of the SP101 3" (or one with the same sized frame)?

Info (and thoughts) are welcome and appreciated-

Take care
 
It's not a full combat grip IMO but it does allow most people a full 3 fingers under the trigger guard.

I wear a size 14.5 wedding band and IIRC can get a decent grab on the factory grip with my pinky, been a while though because I have wood Hougue's on there.

IMO, Ruger has the nicest of the factory rubber grips out there. Nice and grippy & absorb recoil well. There are aftermarket grips readily available, just not to the extent of the Smith's.

JMHO, but for your intended purposes go for a revolver.

PS: if you can find a used Colt Detective Special or Agent it will give you a good feel of the size of the SP101 - both are just slightly larger than a S&W J frame.
 
Here's some photos, fresh from the "behind the barn" range.

SP101 w/ stock grip
Grip_SP101.jpg

642 w/ Stags & Tyler T-Grip
Grip_642.jpg

I like the feel of the stock Ruger grip, myself. I can get my pinky on there, and recoil is quite manageable. YMMV

rd
 
I have large hands (XXL gloves are usually tight) and a 3" SP101.

The stock grips are small, but offer a very high hold- take a look at how high the top of the grip is right behind the trigger guard. This makes it very controllable with .357 ammo, but I had to smooth out some sharp edges to keep from getting cut by the trigger guard.

That being said, I like Hogue's on mine. If you order direct from the factory you can get them in nylon instead of rubber- very sturdy package for the woods. The Hogue's make the grip a little longer at the base and are a better grip for a large hand I think, with a place for all the fingers.
 
I have med-large hands and consider my grip on the SP-101 a good fit. I have the factory stock grips. I've held one with the Hogue finger grips and it is more comfortable but I would surmise wouldn't conceal as easy. Mine had a sharp trigger and trigger guard that I "softened" with 400 grit sandpaper.
 
Thanks a lot for the thoughts and pictures guys, that's helpful. I can't stand much of any tool that doesn't fit my hand well, looks like the factory grips would be a little on the small side for me. I think with some aftermarkets it would be a lot more appealing to me.

Much appreciated!
 
I have average size hands and I find the SP101 factory grip just right - I've tried others and they sit in the parts box. If your hands are much larger or smaller than average, I'm sure there's an after market grip out there for you.
 
I have average sized hands... in fact just measured them for a custom knife: 3 3/16" across the palm and the middle finger 3 1/2" long. I personally find the SP101 grip the single most natural pointing grip of any gun I have ever held.

That is high praise indeed! I can sit on my couch, throw (the empty) the gun at the front door knob and hold... Then move myself around to line up the sights and be pointing within an inch of the door knob. It is one of my home guns so I practice with it. That pointability works ALL the time!

Now if Crimson Trace would just make a laser grip that didn't change the grip, I would be all over one. Until they do, I just point from the hip and I am aiming at it. YMMV
 
My average size hands find it "just right"

The grip is broad across the backstrap, taming recoil even with the hottest loads, and is long enough to just fit all fingers, but short enough to conceal well. They have plastic or wood sidepanels that are smooth. One guy I know who recently bought one, wants to get stippling on the grips. Personally, I like 'em as is. I see others already posted pics so I won't duplicate. I have to swap out all my j-frame grips to get them big enough. Not the case with the Rugers. Get one. You can't go wrong, IMHO.

Shooter429
 
You might want to wait for the new .327 magnum SP101. The new caliber is being introduced by Federal and will provide near-357 performance (at least on paper), but will have six rounds instead of five.

The new gun looks to be a winner. Check out the April AMERICAN RIFLEMAN for more details.
 
Thanks guys, good info.

My hands are about 4" wide (little over) so seems it's not too far off. I may work harder to hunt for a source to handle one. I think a 3" with some aftermarkets would likely suit me well.

One of the reasons for the .357 or a 9mm is to save on ammo costs and get to actually shoot more. .45 is really a price date. The .327 sounds neat, but not worth the extra round considering getting the new cartridge stocked, price, etc.
 
What price range are you looking in? If you don't mind the 1,000$ price tag, Springfield's EMP might be what you are looking for. I carried a 5" 1911 for a year, before going to the EMP. It is MUCH easier to carry, and practice ammo is much cheaper. For a 1911 guy, it is hard to beat.....
 
just my experience

Spooky;
Just re-read your original post and want to post my experience. Have had and used Ruger revolvers since the early 1960's. Love them. Have a 2 1/16" 101 with the factory DAO. Also have a Keltec pf9. The keltec looks ugly and clunky. The 101 is gorgeous. The keltec carries like a dream, very light and flat(only .88" thick!) The 101 carries pretty well(appendix.) Shot both of them yesterday morning. My groups with the keltec were much better than with the 101. I hate to say that but yesterday it was true for me. I don't understand why that was the case. I have put the wolf springs in the 101 so it has a lightened trigger pull and is real smooth. Which one do I like and enjoy? Obviously the Ruger. Which one is much lighter and groups better? The funky keltec. Your mileage may vary. Do try to at least grip anything you intend to buy before you plunk down your cash. It would be great if you could possibly shoot the thing first...........perhaps a friend has one or a range near you rents them? Anyway, best luck.
DJW
 
I can't believe no one has mentioned Hogue rubber grips yet, Ruger has made them standard on the GP100, and they work equally well with the SP101. They do increase the overall size a little but the comfort and security is worth it. You can get them for under $20.

One thing though, I'm not sure an SP101 weighs any less than a .45...

Sorry, no pic in hand.

sp101029.gif
 
SP 101 for Mother's Day

I put money down on an SP 101 for my wife tonight, pretty happy about it. This will be her first firearm. 8 years ago, when we got married, she was not very happy to have even a shotgun in the home. Now, she says she wants to carry; kind of sexy if you ask me.

I need to find some defense and shooting class for her. We will weight until Mothers day.

Any one think this is like buying a microwave for Mother's Day? The main reason I chose this is that I figured we would talk about this for years, unless I got it for her.
 
One thing about the SP101 is that you can shoot the heaviest Buffalo Bore or Doubletap 180-200 grain hardcast bear loads. BUT, you will want to get aftermarket grips that fill the space behind the trigger guard. I find that, with factory grips, the trigger guard bashes the living bejeezus out of my second finger when shooting the heaviest loads. I have hands on the large side, but still, I think most anyone would get the same treatment.

But, the SP101 is the only compact .357 that can shoot them at all, so just get something like the hogue grips and you should be good to go. It is an incredibly versatile gun, and I carry mine daily.
 
"I've been thinking of getting either an SP101 3" .357 or a new semi-compact 9mm."

Compromise. Get an SP101 in 9mm. 9mm has about the same ballistics out of a 2.5 in revolver barrel that a 357 has, with much less recoil. Cheap to find and shoot, too. As a plus, if you run out of bullets, you can pistol whip the BG. :) Try THAT with a Kel-Tec!

I had a 3 inch SP101 - loved it. One of the few guns I regret giving up. Had a Kel-Tec PF-9 too. Don't regret losing that one at all.
 
good luck finding an SP101 in 9mm!

I recently found one at a gun show for $350, and now I hear that they are going for $500!

I had been looking for one for a while now and lucked at with the $350 find!
 
I put Hogue Monogrips (rubber) on my 3.06" SP101 .357 mag & found it then fit like someone had measured my hand to design the combo. The SP101 was originally bought to be a handy Tacklebox Gun. Now, (after an action/trigger job) it's a regular CCW. Couldn't be happier.
 
Compromise. Get an SP101 in 9mm. 9mm has about the same ballistics out of a 2.5 in revolver barrel that a 357 has, with much less recoil.
Click to expand...
No 9mm is firing 200 grain hardcast slugs at 1150 fps. That is why the SP101 is so great. If you want 9mm ballistics, go with a .38+P.
 
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