Ruger SP-101 chambered for the .327 Federal Magnum. I was disappointed that the only revolver chambered for the .327 turned out to be made by Ruger and with the 4.2" barrel. I contacted them (Ruger) asking for a 3" barrel and was advised of none being available. (Neither a barrel or a revolver)
I asked my friend who has an FFL to keep his eyes open for an earlier produced and since discontinued 3" in .327 magnum. After a couple years he found one, says it's the only one he has seen in several years of gun show travels and the gun business. This one has been Magna-Ported and has combat grips replacing the originals although the original grips and a speed loader were included in the box with the revolver. The front sight appears to be the glow in the dark green dot and the rear is a two dot, windage adjustable sight, do not believe its powered though.

I am sorry this is so long but in order to ask my question I feel this preliminary was necessary.

The 3" is more desireable in my view and although some of the modifications would not have been made had this been mine from the start. This is a very fine example of how an effective carry revolver chambered in an equally effective round should look. There must have been a valid reason that Ruger chose to discontinue this barrel length and I am hoping someone here will share the advantages and disadvantages of the 3" & the 4". Am not aware of any RECALLS so thanks for your patience and any information or insight you wish to share.

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Sam
S&WHF 333 S&WCA 2198

Might want to post a photo since your point is this is how an effective carry revolver "should look."

Thanks to KLYDE for the photograph, picture his with the "J"combat stocks similar to those from S&W. I'm completely lost as to how to post photos. Please continue with the responses!

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Sam
S&WHF 333 S&WCA 2198

I'm not sure how ruger figures it out but it's either they manufacture so many of one model or barrel length then it's cutoff. Not popular? I have a snub nose police service six in 357 mag with a 2 3/4" barrel. It's my only magnum snub nose. With stout magnum loads it's not too controllable recoil wise. I like the longer barrels and the bigger frames is a plus. But recently I shot my new to me s&w m58/41mag/4" barrel it's a sweet piece. I like the 4" barrel with the heavy n frame. Now for conceal ability the shorter snub nose is probably better with dress clothes. I can hide up to a 7 1/2" barrel shoulder holstered easily.

I believe the wholesalers order a lot of let's say redhawks in 8 shot with a 4.2 barrel. They probably order just enough so ruger will run the order. The wholesalers probably poll their customers. Using the wholesalers to order guns by the lot is slick.

I don't understand mid size barrels in general. Snubby for ccw, or long for the range. In-between is a compromise to me. I know others love em, but not me.

Even though its a Ruger.

Are there no more shooters who have experience with the Ruger SP-101? Was hoping for more opinions as to the desireability of the 3" over 4" in a carry revolver, also seeking some reassurance that the .327 cartridge is a very capabile and effective self defense round. Anyone?

OK, many THANKS to all who replied, sorry, I sure thought there would have been more interest in these Ruger Revolvers, I wish it or something similar had been produced in larger quantities by S&W!

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Sam
S&WHF 333 S&WCA 2198

I have the 4.2" sp101 in .327. good little gun. As I understand it the 4.2 barrel allows Ruger to sell the gun in Canada (min req there). They also make the lcr in .327. My favorite ruger in that caliber is the GP100 (not in production) and the single 7. I put some larger grips om my SP101 and a minor trigger job and it is a great gun to shoot. Enjoy yours.

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Jim
Many K and N Frames

I'm a big fan of 3" guns (just not Ruger) so I think you made a good trade. I'm also not a big fan of magnaporting defensive weapons because the flash is directed upwards and is dang near blinding at night; but I can't deny the ports add to the coolness factor. All-in-all, good trade!