SP101 .357 3"

[Masterbuck54]

Stopped by LGS Friday and they had just taken one in on a trade.
Does anyone have anything Good/Bad to say on this particular revolver?
It had aftermarket grips on it...not sure if originals were included??

Thanks as always for any and all info.

Masterbuck54

[Mule Packer]

Yep. I've got one and love it. It's one of my main carry guns. The trigger is a little heavy at first but that can be worked on. Personally, I don't think you can go wrong with it. I usually shoot .38's when I take it to the range, but normally carry .357's in it on a daily basis. It's definitely in the mix with my everyday stuff I carry.


I also have one with a 2¼-inch barrel, but I find myself packing the 3-inch barrel a little more often. Both are great guns.

[murphydog]

Have a look at this current thread:

model 60 vs sp101

[Texas Star]

I suspect that it's been sold while you wavered.

If I saw one in nice shape and had the money, it'd disappear fast. I like mine and could use a spare.

Go hit both Ruger boards (.net and .com) and ask about them. Members seem to be having trouble finding them and they're much prized. I do think it makes more sense in three-inch form. It's pretty heavy for a true snub, but if you want a sturdy little gun that's as small as I'd want for use with .357 ammo, the SP-101 with a barrel a trifle over three inches is it.

A holster may have to come from one of the firms that do custom work, but that's really no problem, except that they take time. Lobo Leather is faster than many and is a member here, and good.

[GKC]

The SP101 is a great revolver. It's built like a tank, and it's not encumbered with any stupid features like a lock. I've had both the 2.25" and 3" barrel models, in .357 mag, and I prefer the shorter barrel for carry and general handling. The triggers aren't as smooth as older S&W revolvers (what is?) but they are OK, and can be tweaked to be really good. The main complaint I've had with these guns is that they tend to have a lot of sharp edges, but that can be smoothed down with a little sand paper and minimal effort. The newer models don't have the entire owner's manual printed on them like the older models do.

The SP101 now comes in a 4.20" barrel in .357 and in .22 LR, as well as the other two lengths. I think they are great guns.

[Northwoods Trader]

+1 here for the SP101. I prefer the 2.25" barrel over the 3" myself. I know this is a S&W forum, but I prefer the SP101 over my old Model 60 anyday. It's built like a tank, and absorbs recoil like no other. And of course, no IL.

[Rangerpat]

Great gun, my son has the SP101 with the 2.25" barrel and carries it in a IWB holster made by Bell Charter Oak Holsters, one of our forum vendors.

[Nico Testosteros]

I have to chime in. I have a 3" SP101 in .357 for my NM/CO bear gun. With Federal Hard Cast loads it is a handful but Hogue rubber grips tame the sting. It isn't really a daily carry gun like an Airlite can be and it weighs a couple oz more than a 3" Model 60 but it's a nifty little gun. I have big hands and find the trigger reach a little short.
Mine's s keeper.

[Masterbuck54]

Thanks for all the comments and related thread.
Will call the shop Tuesday when they open since closed today.
I did send a email but no reply yet
Hopefuuly it will still be available when I call.
I will update Tuesday evening.

What would be an expected "good price range be"?
Checked completed sales on GB and new were going for over $500.

Thanks as always
Masterbuck54

[ArizonaShooter]

I've had a few SP101's since they came out, I carry the 2.25 with Hogue grip currently, they are simply one of the best made .357's on the market!

[Texas Star]

Originally Posted by Masterbuck54

Thanks for all the comments and related thread.
Will call the shop Tuesday when they open since closed today.
I did send a email but no reply yet
Hopefuuly it will still be available when I call.
I will update Tuesday evening.

What would be an expected "good price range be"?
Checked completed sales on GB and new were going for over $500.

Thanks as always
Masterbuck54

I'm a member on ruger.net and can tell you from what's posted there that that is a fair price, and you're lucky to beat it by much. Usually, I think GB prices are inflated, but this time, it seems about "on." Even used in really nice shape, I think you're probably looking at $450 or so. I paid $419 plus sales tax for mine at a major show (new in box, with warranty card) in 2011, I think. I believe the dealer needed money and it was late in the show and I was very fortunate.
That is the lowest price that I have seen in several years.

My example is very well fitted and doesn't have the extractor rod slop that I often saw in older SP's. I think Ruger improved QC after I had a .38 SP-101 about 1990. I traded that gun off for esthetic reasons over that excessive motion in the rod, but the gun worked flawlessly.

Check the gun carefully, as I have seen posts about canted barrels on a few. But such things tend to be heavily publicized on the Net, and occur in other brands, too. I assume that you know to never buy any gun without a very thorough personal exam. That applies to most products today.

[Masterbuck54]

Ok stopped today and low and behold it was still sitting under the glass
Guy said it had original case as well as original grips.
Used but not fired much.
Price was right so I said I'd take it....can't be sold until Friday since he has to wait the 7 days.
Photo's will be posted this coming weekend once I stop on my way home from work Friday.
Thanks for all the comments.
This will be my first Ruger and it seems like a great gun based on what I'm hearing.

Masterbuck54

[eveled]

Originally Posted by GKC

The SP101 now comes in a 4.20" barrel in .357 and in .22 LR, I think they are great guns.

Just wanted to add that those two are the only ones with adjustable sights, Ed

[wildenout]

I had one for a spell, nothing bad to say in the least! I felt it was big enough to carry in a cowboy holster or scabbard on my hip and yet small enough for concealed carry. I enjoyed shooting it, and heard they were going to stop making them?? (rumor prolly..)

[sipowicz]

I have a Gemini Custom SP...great gun but a tad heavy for a 5 shot so I rather carry my DS or 442. For training others to shoot a revolver, it's perfect, especially with a red fiber optic front.

[Erich]

Like Nico, I love my 3" SP for NM/CO hiking as well (with hardcast handloads)- and it's great for in-town concealed carry (with 135-gr Speer hollow points) in a Remora tuckable.





The 3" barrel really lets a .357 get its legs under it. Or a .38/44 loading like THE LOAD, which delivers a 158-gr Tennessee Valley Bullets hardcast LSWC at an incredibly accurate 1215 fps from this 3".

It's only a little bigger than a 3" J-frame.



I know it's not a S&W, but I have a warm feeling about the 3" SP-101 - nice little machine.

[GKC]

I actually prefer a SP101 over a current J/K frame S&W revolver...no darn lock. The trigger isn't as nice, usually, but can be tweaked.

[sipowicz]

Originally Posted by GKC

I actually prefer a SP101 over a current J/K frame S&W revolver...no darn lock. The trigger isn't as nice, usually, but can be tweaked.

Mine has a nicer trigger than most of my Smiths...of course, that is after Marc got through with it...

[Erich]

And Sip's "melted" Gemini custom gun demonstrates another point that's good about these stainless Rugers: they certainly come with all manner of pokey sharp points and edges (the absence of "softening" these keeps the cost down - the internals on the newer Rugers are as slick as any S&W, if considerably heavier), but you can really change that with very little effort - the sharp rear edge of the trigger used to combine with the sharp edge of the triggerguard to pinch my finger and the pointy corner of the hammer used to dig painfully into my side. Very little work on my part, and this is no longer the case.

[Texas Star]

Originally Posted by Erich

And Sip's "melted" Gemini custom gun demonstrates another point that's good about these stainless Rugers: they certainly come with all manner of pokey sharp points and edges (the absence of "softening" these keeps the cost down - the internals on the newer Rugers are as slick as any S&W, if considerably heavier), but you can really change that with very little effort - the sharp rear edge of the trigger used to combine with the sharp edge of the triggerguard to pinch my finger and the pointy corner of the hammer used to dig painfully into my side. Very little work on my part, and this is no longer the case.

My three-inch SP is "stock" and I don't have those problems.
I guess our fingers differ and I don't carry in a Remora holster.

Nice pics, BTW, counselor. And you have some pretty country out there, if a bit barren looking. See many rattlesnakes?

I do like the three-inch SP-101. Too heavy for a pocket gun, but sure as small and light as I want in a .357.

In published chrony tests, Winchester's factory load with the 145 grain Silvertip .357 round is right at 1200 FPS from a three-inch bbl. That was from a S&W. For whatever reasons, Rugers often clock a little higher.

[Texas Star]

Erich-

In your top photo, with the cylinder out, what load is in the gun, with those huge hollowpoints?

And what's that brown substance in two pieces?

Thanks.

[Erich]

Originally Posted by Texas Star

Erich-

In your top photo, with the cylinder out, what load is in the gun, with those huge hollowpoints?

And what's that brown substance in two pieces?

Thanks.

Silvertip 145-gr .357s and probably rocks, if I see what you're talking about. Rattlesnakes are amazingly polite, and generally warn a fellow before there's a problem. (I petted one in my back yard once, not realizing it was a prairie rattler - thought it was a small bull snake. )

[Shorty 45 MK2]

I've shot a 3" SP in .327FM a good bit and really like it.

Glad you got it.

[major bumm]

Erich,



Is that a Partagas cigar in the background?

[Erich]

Originally Posted by major bumm

Erich,



Is that a Partagas cigar in the background?

You are very astute, good sir!

[TJHuxley]

Originally Posted by Masterbuck54

Ok stopped today and low and behold it was still sitting under the glass
Guy said it had original case as well as original grips.
Used but not fired much.
Price was right so I said I'd take it....can't be sold until Friday since he has to wait the 7 days.
Photo's will be posted this coming weekend once I stop on my way home from work Friday.
Thanks for all the comments.
This will be my first Ruger and it seems like a great gun based on what I'm hearing.

Masterbuck54

I picked one up new about a year ago and take it out to range often because the ~3" SP101 is an amazingly comfortable shooting somewhat smaller revolver. Like Erich I find a Remora very suitable and comfortable for this piece.

[major bumm]

Originally Posted by Erich

You are very astute, good sir!

You sir, are a gentleman of excellent tastes.

[Erich]

If you should ever pass through Albuquerque, please let me know - we can burn a stick and sip a dram.

[686_500fan]

Hey how we all doin? Thought i'd jump in on the subject. I bought my old lady a sp101 with the 4" barrel at a gunshow back in February. Only gun there that she wanted. Installed a wolff trigger kit and she loves it even more. Has the rubber grips with wood inlay. Think i paid $510 cash.

[Erich]

4"? So it wasn't a .357...

Sent from my VS980 4G using Tapatalk

[686_500fan]

It is a 357. Sorry should have put that in there. The actual barrel is 4.2" i believe.

[686_500fan]

The gun shoots great. Only complaint i have about it is it doesnt like my cheap, dirty 38 spl handloads. It will bind up the cylinder after 5-10 rounds. So all she gets is plated 38's.

[Texas Star]

The 4.2-inch barrels were needed for sale in Canada, the bureaucracy up there banning guns with barrels of four inches or less. Thus is the state made secure...

I suppose the barrels that long are for those wanting a compact trail gun with full .357 four-inch ballistics. I haven't seen one yet outside of photos.

I think I'd just wear a Model 66 S&W with four-inch in that application and stick with my three-inch SP for more compact carry. I think this model is perfect for the barrel a fraction over three inches.

[Masterbuck54]

Ok picked up Friday but just now able to post photo's since had other things to do.

Original grips,case lock etc. doesn't look to have been fired at all.

Hopefully get out and put a few rounds down range next weekend.

OTD for $410.00 so I fell pretty good .

Masterbuck54

[Texas Star]

Originally Posted by Masterbuck54

Ok picked up Friday but just now able to post photo's since had other things to do.

Original grips,case lock etc. doesn't look to have been fired at all.

Hopefully get out and put a few rounds down range next weekend.

OTD for $410.00 so I fell pretty good .

Masterbuck54

I think those are Badger aftermarket grips. You can swap them out for something else if you don't like them.

[Protected One]

Originally Posted by Erich

Like Nico, I love my 3" SP for NM/CO hiking as well (with hardcast handloads)- and it's great for in-town concealed carry (with 135-gr Speer hollow points) in a Remora tuckable.





The 3" barrel really lets a .357 get its legs under it. Or a .38/44 loading like THE LOAD, which delivers a 158-gr Tennessee Valley Bullets hardcast LSWC at an incredibly accurate 1215 fps from this 3".

It's only a little bigger than a 3" J-frame.



I know it's not a S&W, but I have a warm feeling about the 3" SP-101 - nice little machine.

Nothing like enjoying a fine cigar while accompanied by your protection! A Partagas I believe?

[Erich]

Exactly right!

Sent from my VS980 4G using Tapatalk

[Maximumbob54]

Very nice. It looks like someone before you melted the trigger and hammer. I'm guessing if that was done then a trigger job on the internals may have been done as well. Wolff offers spring kits for this gun (duh) that can make the trigger pull feel even better still. I never use their lightest springs but I've not yet had trouble with the middle weight offering. Not a single primer failure.

[Protected One]

Originally Posted by Erich

Exactly right!

Sent from my VS980 4G using Tapatalk

Oooops...had not read the whole thread before posting my comment or I would have seen you'd already answered that.

Cigars is one of the few things I know BETTER than guns!

[Erich]

You're invited as well, amigo.

Sent from my VS980 4G using Tapatalk

[Protected One]

Originally Posted by Masterbuck54

Ok picked up Friday but just now able to post photo's since had other things to do.

Original grips,case lock etc. doesn't look to have been fired at all.

Hopefully get out and put a few rounds down range next weekend.

OTD for $410.00 so I fell pretty good .

Masterbuck54

OK...I'll trade you Gen 4 Glock 23, and I'll even throw in 100 rounds of ball ammo and 20 Critical Defense!

[hangnoose]

I had both the 2 1/4 & 3" in the late 80's, both hammerless. I had no use for a hammer for the intended use, learning a good/smooth da trigger pull won't change your hold between each shot & you can stage the trigger if you wish. The 3" I had worked: ported/ melt/trigger/action job, & it really helped but extremely LOUD indoors, & won't make you friends at the range. A HUGE difference for the better in the 3" IMO. It's as small/light as I'm comfortable with using 357's. Enjoy, good choice, a great trail or s/d gun. If going 38 special I'll stick with a steel J frame (640 stainless or maybe a steel humpback if I can find one), not wild about the air wt's.

[jimmyj]

Hi:
I am a previous owner of one with a three inch barrel.
1. Weight I didn't care for
2. Couldn't get use to the five shot feature for this size revolver
3. Recoil was awesome with .357 loads even after I added Pachimir (sic) grips.
Previously I owned a Ruger Security Six .357 with 2 3/4"barrel which I loved.

[sipowicz]

Originally Posted by Erich

If you should ever pass through Albuquerque, please let me know - we can burn a stick and sip a dram.

Do you have room for the wife and kids?

[Erich]

Can't they stay in the car?

Sent from my VS980 4G using Tapatalk

[baldboy]

I have a 2" SP 101 and it is a great revolver. Mine has a pair of Badger grips, a trigger job and an XS Big Dot front sight. For me this combination turns a a great gun into a fantastic gun. Magnums are very comfortable to shoot, and plus P loads or standard pressure loads are pussy cats. Yes it does have some weight but it really works as an advantage. Don't worry about the weight you get used to it. People carry heavier autos for EDC and don't complain. I don't think you can go wrong with this revolver it has it's place.

[Otreb]

I enjoy my 3" model, it's handy for outdoor stuff like mountain biking away from civilization, and very useable with full power ammo. As others have said, the triggers clean nicely with a little deburring and polishings in spots like the hammer strut.

[wildenout]

It's a great gun! You wouldn't go wrong picking it up for any reason..

[palmetto99]

OK, folks. You convinced me. I brought one home today.

[Otreb]

Congrats, shoot it often. They can take it.