I have owned my SP101 for over 2 years, put 4,000 rounds through it (mostly .38spl hand loads) and have carried this revolver with ease in a DeSantis belt holster. I am a big Ruger fan, and most of the things that most people do not like about Ruger revolvers are the very thing that I do like about them-long heavy trigger pull, overbuilt, fit and finish etc. I think that they look and shoot great, and with that heavy .357 magnum on my hip I never feel outgunned when out and about. I recently switched my EDC to the S&W 342PD in the pocket or on a lanyard because that revolver is so, so easy to carry- but if I knew I was going somewhere dangerous I would for sure strap on my SP101, it is my trusted friend. Great revolver in my opinion.

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I like em.....BUUUT!!!!! for me they are neither here nor there. 5 rounds makes it more compact but it's certainly not a pocket gun. When I carry a 5 shot its becouse they are light and easily fit in a pocket. It's a gun for when I can't dress around my daily carry. As an OWB carry a K frame snubby adds one more round. I don't mind the weight of the trigger pull but it wouldn't hurt to be a little lighter or at least just smoother.

Otherwise they are great guns, no question about it. It just doesn't fit anywhere for me

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And those last two words are the operative ones, because for me, it certainly is a pocket gun. Been carrying it that way for over 10 years; no problems, complaints, or desire for a change. I'm sure other guns are more comfortable, but slight discomfort isn't an issue with me. The awareness that it will prove more than capable of doing what I expect of it if I'm threatened is a comfort that more than trumps the discomfort of a little extra weight or bulk in my pocket.

Regards,
Andy

IN some ways the sp101 is an oddball for me because of the above mentioned reasons; it's too heavy for pocket carry and not the most efficient choice for a belt gun. Where it redeems itself is shootability for a compact .357mag and its general toughness.
I use it sometimes for MTB rides into the boonies where dangerous critters frequent. I'm not as concerned about capacity, I just want a reliable delivery of 5 powerful heavy jhps or hard cast slugs. I could tote the glock 20, but it's bigger and doesn't carry as nicely. The sp101 is still overall smaller and thinner in the right places, doesn't catch trees and allows me to maneuver a bit easier in the dirt. It's a great compact powerful revolver that allows lots of shooting without discomfort.

Love my sp101, carry IWB in a DeSantis Inside Heat.

I love mine. But I never carry it. I bought it because its a tank and I can shoot the heck out of it and baby my 442, cobra and DS carry guns . ��

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Thirty characters. Exactly...

The Ruger SP101 is a very good gun. Built like a tank and dependable. Many have installed trigger kits that made a huge difference for the better.
The Ruger GP100 Match Champion 357 has an excellent trigger right out of the box.

I like the SP, but in the three-inch barrel form. In true snub mode, I prefer the S&W M-60-7.

The three-inch full lug M-60-4 is also excellent, but won't take Magnum loads. Late versions (M-60-15) do, but I think the .357 is overpowered for that gun. The SP is just enough larger to make a better .357. The Ruger cylinder release is also a lot easier on the thumb than is a S&W release when firing heavy loads.

And a three-inch barrel makes a lot more difference in .357 than some realize.

My 2.25" Sp101 works well for me as a pocket gun, I usually carry it when I'm wearing Jeans with a 5 Stitch Instructor Belt & Perry suspenders ..... ;o)

Seriously, it does work for me. It fits well in a Carhartt Bib pocket when I ATV & also in my jeans pocket if need be. Normally, my 9mm LCR takes up the pocket space & the SP101 then serves belt duty if I'm wearing a cover garment.

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Retired & Livin' my DREAM :)

The SP101 is my latest acquisition. Really it was a replacement for the one I traded away foolishly 15 years ago.

The Ruger fills an important spot in my collection. A softer shooting, reliable gun that is quite strongly made and reliable. It serves as HD for my wife. As a belt gun, I'd not feel unarmed in all but the most dangerous of urban areas. I tend to avoid those anyway.

As a side note; the factory grips of the SP101 fit my hand better than any other that I've tried. I added some wood panels from a GP100 compact Lett grip to complete the look. My new SP101 is a keeper.

I also have a Ruger SP101 chambered in .357 with the 2 inch barrel and I love it its built like a tank its reliable. I only shoot .38 special ammunition through it though.

^^^^What all of the above said! I just wish there was something the factory could do with that trigger that would not hamper ignition...

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

P.S. Yes, I know about the spring kits; the factory should attend to this.