Thinking of buy a SP101; what should I have done?

[Jamie B]

These guys are right - don't do anything at first, or at all!

Dry fire it a lot!
Don't get caught up in the modification game!
Spend your money on ammo!

I picked up a LNIB a few months ago, and dry fired it a lot.
I replaced the mainspring only, and smoothed all of the rough edges inside the frame.

It shoots like a dream. I kept the stock grips 'cause I like them.

Excellent gun as-is!

Jamie

 

[Blueduck]

Check the cylinder gap before you buy. The last two NIB SP101's I've measured were between 0.008" and 0.010". Ruger considers less than or equal to 0.010" within specification. My experience has been that Ruger does not try very hard to build them with proper gaps in the 0.004" range.

S/W's acceptable cyclinder gap range is .003"-.010" as well.

If you have even a hint of interest in laser grips you can get a good video by Crimson Trace free here http://www.crimsontrace.com/Home/Videos/tabid/396/Default.aspx They were something I initially thought of as a novelty, but I've become a true believer.

Trigger pull wise nothing against the "Dry fire the heck out of it" crowd, but a trainer I work with has done several 101's for Parole Officers I know. With careful polishing and playing with springs he has gotten several below or right at 8# pulls with perfect reliablity, so it can be done.

I know, I know, "smoooth not light" blah blah blah. I've yet to meet anyone who shoots a revolver with a smooth 13# pull, better than they do one with a smooth 8# pull

 

[Dr. Snubnose]

I didn't read thru this whole post and this has probably been said but if it has not: Don't do anything cept a lot of dry firing and lots of range practice with hot loads...then you will know what it needs..I have been carrying a pair of these babies daily for many many years...what did I do to them? NOTHING but shoot em....a lot!......Doc

 

[FullEffect1911]

For the record, the sp101 with a 2.25" barrel and spurless hammer is perfectly fine for pocket carry. In fact that is the only way I carry mine, and I carry it pretty often.

The dimensions really are not all that much larger then a 642 but of course it is a bit heavier. The 642: you can forget it's there. The sp101: you can carry it comfortably.

Of course this is what works for me, ymmv.

 

[williamthedog]

shoot it .
there is no way i would send a brand new gun to a smith for a chamfering or anything else!

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I agree, do nothing right away. Dry fire and live fire to see what you think you need. Also, buy the DAO model that's available from Ruger at no extra charge. Why pay to have the hammer taken care of when you can have it done for free? (Part #KSP-321XL)

 

[Stainz]

While my 2" 10 is a great gun, it's heft demands an OWB pancake holster, as would a slightly smaller & lighter SP101. At 15 oz, smaller, and hammerless, a 442/642 is ideal. It will fit in most front pants pockets (I like Robert Mika's pocket holsters.) un-noticed, by you or others. Remember, if it's too much trouble to wear/tote, it'll be at home when you need it most.

Whatever you choose, either 135gr short barrel Speer Gold Dots or Remington 158gr LHPSWCs, both +P .38 Specials, are just what you want for protection.

Stainz

 

[tsidorus]

Im supprised nobody has mentioned the 2 vs 3 in model... I have a 3 incher and I love it. Also took it apart and smoothed up stuff/got the chips out kinda thing. DONT USE A DREMMEL. Use a stone and very fine grit sandpaper. Cant remember where I found the instructions for a detailed teardown but its on the net somewhere. Google is your friend. The only thing else Ive done to mine is the Houge grip and paint the front site. I still plan to put a big dot site on it and smooth the trigger (it really is quite sharp). I may play with a wolf spring kit but the pull doesnt bother me.

-Tsi

 

[crebralfix]

The Rugerforum.net has a gunsmith who publishes the directions for triggerjobs.