SP101 first impressions

[olywa]

Picked up my new 2 1/4" spurred SP101 last week. Dry-fired it about 2000 times, took it apart, polished the innards, slapped it back together with a light oiling, and I'm off to the range with it manana. I also painted the front sight bright orange to aid my older eyes.

The dry-firing and polishing greatly improved the workings and the trigger breaks like glass now in single-action mode. I'm going to put some Winchester 110gr and Magtech 158gr through it tomorrow and see how it feels and where it prints. So far I like it a lot. It's a real tank of a little revolver and the factory grip actually feels pretty good in the hand.

However, I can't help but compare it to my Security Six. I much prefer the cylinder yoke and ejector rod setup on the old Six series. It seems much sturdier to me. Though the SP is pretty stout overall, there is some awfully thin metal in the ejector rod and the cylinder axle. Granted, those pieces are not exposed to high pressure during shooting, but I think I like the older design better. I'll post additional comments after shooting it tomorrow since that will be the acid test.

 

[MachIVshooter]

One must remember that the SP101 is similar to other compact handguns in that it is not designed to take tens of thousands of full-power rounds. That said, the SP101 is quite sturdy as small wheelguns go.

FWIW, I cracked the forcing cone on my Security Six 4" running 100 gr. Gold Dots @ 1620 FPS.

My SP-101 is a .32 H&R model (6-shot).

The Hogue grips are a must. The Holster is home brew, as none of the available IWB holsters will accomodate a 3" tube and sit deep enough for 12 O'clock carry. Should be plenty available for your 2-1/4", though.

 

[cslinger]

One must remember that the SP101 is similar to other compact handguns in that it is not designed to take tens of thousands of full-power rounds. That said, the SP101 is quite sturdy as small wheelguns go.

True, but all things considered me thinks most folks wrists will wear out before the gun will.

 

[Huddog]

My son purchased a 3 inch model earlier this summer and is very happy with his. It shoots point of aim with 158gr. .357s. Congratulations on your purchase, hope you enjoy it much.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

When my oldest daughter needed a concealable handgun, I bought her an SP 101. I slicked it up and gave it quite a wringing out before turning it over to her. That is one impressive snubbie!

 

[olywa]

Thanks for the input gents, much appreciated. Well, she's a shooter alright. Really liked the 158 Magtechs and the the 110 Winchester WB was a pretty easy shooter. I'm going to load up a mess of 158gr LSWC over 6 grains of Unique for next weekend. That's a nice range load in my Security Six and I think it ought to do well in the SP. I want to try some of the Speer Short Barrel loads but I can't find them anywhere around here.

I like the stock grips and they look pretty nice with the Rosewood laminated inserts, but they sure bust my middle knuckle if I'm not careful. So I ordered a Hogue monogrip in the hard nylon. I have that grip in rubber on my Security Six and like it a lot. But I figured the nylon would be a little less "grabby". Also ordered a Silver Dollar Pancake holster from Simply Rugged.

Lastly, I'm pretty pleased with the single action pull, and the double action is now very smooth. But I believe I will try a lighter main spring before I'm done. I gotta say that I'm very pleased with this little gem, and I'm sorry I waited so long to pick one up.

 

[Ben Shepherd]

MachIVshooter:

I disagree. My carry sp101 is approaching 70,000 rounds of full snort 158grain 357 fodder. Still just fine.

I honestly think that the sp101 is easily stronger than a k-frame smith.

YMMV of course.

When I use a factory carrry load it's the speer 158 gold dots in urban areas, and handloaded 180 XTPs out in the sticks.

 

[Euclidean]

I have one of these that will be my brother's Xmas present. Of course I've fired it... little sucker is pretty accurate for a 3" barrel compact frame with fixed sights.

 

[olywa]

Hey Ben,
Tell me more about those 180gr XTPs. Are you seating them on the upper cannelure in order to fit the finished round in the cylindar? What are you pushing them with?

 

[Ben Shepherd]

1. Seated to the front cannelure.
2. A healthy dose of either 296 or 2400.

 

[Pistol Toter]

I suspect that if you ever shoot or wear out an SP101, you will have done something. I not saying it can't be done, but I've got one and absolutly expect it to last me the rest of my life and son that I plan on giving it to. They're one tough little gun!! P.T.

 

[Legionnaire]

olywa, I just swapped out the factory springs in my SP101. Bought the Wolff spring kit and replaced the 14# factory mainspring with a 10#, and the 10# trigger return spring with an 8#. Still want to polish the innards, but just the spring change alone made a significant difference. Great little gun; I'm starting to look for a good second-hand 3" barrel to go with my 2" one.

 

[Thorn001]

I've carried my SP101 for years as an on duty back-up. Unfortunately the ammunition it liked the best were Nyclads. Although it now tends to be loaded with Silvertips. I have the Hogue Monogrip on mine. The front sight has had an orange plastic insert installed. It has also had a trigger job and Wolff springs installed. I love this gun and wouldn't trade it for anything.

 

[azredhawk44]

My 3" sp101 absolutely loves anything of the 158gr persuasion. Point of Aim all day. Shoot it until you can't touch the barrel, it still shoots point of aim. I've had mine for about 2 years and have put about 2000 rounds through it... still tough as nails. I fully expect it to last my entire life. It has outlasted my friend's Dan Wesson full size .357.

I got a set of badger grips for mine and they did wonders for my middle finger knuckles... changed the grip angle slightly to increase the gap between the trigger guard and handgrip. Must recommmend them.

 

[olywa]

Thanks Everybody,
I just ordered the Wiilson spring kit from Midway. I plan on swapping out to the 10# mainspring but I believe I'll leave the factory return spring in place for now. I think I'll keep my eyes peeled for a 3" .38 though. It ought to be perfect for the nightstand with +Ps.

I painted my front blade orange and it's a big improvement. I also swapped out the grips to the Hogues. I have both the soft rubber and the hard nylon and I'm not sure yet which ones will stay on. But I do prefer them to the stock grip. What a great little revolver.

 

[RyanM]

The trigger return spring makes a pretty big difference to the pull, without compromising reliability (especially with polished internals). My SP-101 with 8 pound return spring and 9 pound mainspring (both Wolff) is extremely good. Totally smooth, 8 pounds from start to finish.