Last year I had been on the hunt for a 3" SP101 to complete my 9mm Ruger collection. Worked a trade deal with a local Forum member and met up. Upon inspection I could tell the gun was tight as a tick and lightly fired. Only issue was that the original owner had done some polishing on it and the front sight black had worn off from obvious holster carry. The polish job on the frame area was nothing too drastic but you could tell the Factory finish had been altered. Seems like the Smiths take kindly to a little Flitz "clean up" but the Rugers tend to get a blotchy look.

Gun is a great shooter and lights out accurate but the blemmed finish was bugging me. My snubby and Speed 9's are both like new. Well with Winter here I decided to roll the dice and I called Ruger. I explained the situation to the Rep and told her I was not the original owner. She gave me an RMA # and said they would like to inspect the gun. OK...sounds good. Knowing I'd never be able to replace the SP if lost, I reluctantly wrote up a work order and $45 bucks later at Fed Ex, it's off to New Hampshire.

A couple days past two weeks and I get an email from Ruger in regard to the gun being shipped back. Figured they couldn't bring the finish back to original and were shipping it back.

The brown truck drops off the SP the other night. I unbox the SP and the darn thing looks like it just came off the production line. Complete with new front sight. Roll marks are crisp with no evidence of a refinish. Probably just gave it a rebrush or however they apply the Factory finish. Invoice listed the work and inspection along with test firing. No charge!! Don't ask me how they do this but I'm not complaining.

The 3" looks as good as its brothers and I'm a happy camper.
Klyde

Now that is a nice lookin' SP101! I like that. Everything you need and nothing you don't need. Looks like Ruger did a great job for you. And for free? Does it get any better than that?

Having had some experience with both, Ruger customer service is top notch. Much better than S&W customer service. JMO

I've had some GREAT experiences with S&W's Customer Service also. My last dealing with S&W CS was three or four years ago. Maybe things have changed. Taking into account my past dealings I have only praise for them also.
Klyde

Nice piece! A 9mm? Mine's a .357.


Do you have to use moon clips in your 9 mm?

That does look brand new! My 9MM SP-101 was like new when I found it so haven't had it refinished, but sure nice to see what kind of work they can do. Over a good many years I've sent 2 or 3 guns back to Ruger. No gripes from me about their customer service or repairs. Good job each time.

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NRA Life, COTEP 640

It has proper chambers with the correct step for headspacing. Moonclips are not needed for firing, only used for ejection.