Your thoughts on the Ruger SP101

Alex · Post by **Alex** » Mon, 19 Mar 2012 20:25:32

I'm looking to pick up a nice revolver in .357

I was in the shop today, and I fell in love with the feel, looks and price of the SP101.

I went online and read tons of reviews on it, which all seem to be positive.

Wanted to see if anyone here has had any experience with this weapon, and can offer any additional insight on it's functionality and durability.

To get you started:
-I have shot .357 before, although in a larger frame revolver. (No issues with big guns/bullets)
-I would like to be able to carry it from time to time. (Concealed, IWB seems to be a likely option with this one, from what I've read/felt.)

This would be my first "wheelgun" and I really like what I see so far. It's extra attractive that I can put .38 special through it as well. Anything else I should know specific to revolvers? Any special tools I should pick up?

Thanks for all the help!

-Alex

CCFan · Post by **CCFan** » Mon, 19 Mar 2012 22:00:38

I have one, albeit in .327 Federal Magnum - so, I can't talk about shooting .357 out of it. The .327 is snappy (up to 45,000 PSI vs. 35,000 PSI for the .357), but the factory grips are fine for me, and I don't think the .357 is going to be a whole lot more worse wear on the hand. I opted for 6 shots instead of 5, and the .327 round just spoke to me...

I ended up having to get my cylinder replaced due to a defect in the metal - but Ruger had it back to me within 2 weeks. That being said, I've shot it and shot it and shot it some more since then and I absolutely love it. The trigger took some getting used to in DA, but I don't think I'd notice it much in a high-stress situation. I don't have a holster for it yet, maybe looking at a Simply Rugged holster for it later... About the only tools I can think of that you might wish to invest in are a couple of speed loaders for it, if you plan on carrying, and a holster to put 'er in, then you'd be all set!

I, like you, picked one up and really liked the feel of it, the looks of it, and the price of it... so I bought one, and haven't regretted it in the least.

Mindflayer · Post by **Mindflayer** » Tue, 20 Mar 2012 08:27:09

SP101 is a great revolver.

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jrswanson1 · Post by **jrswanson1** » Tue, 20 Mar 2012 10:17:16

I had one, sold it, kind of miss it now. It definitely barks when you pull the trigger. The stock grips from Ruger are okay. Being the fatso that I am, it did not do so well IWB for me. If I got one again, I'd stick with 125gr ammo, too much recoil with the heavier stuff. Speed loaders are available, get at least three. If you are going to conceal it, realize it's wider than a single stack 9mm. If you get the 2" barreled version, you can probably pocket carry it. I had the longer barrel version, which was nicer to shoot but a pain to carry.

ratherfish · Post by **ratherfish** » Tue, 20 Mar 2012 11:26:13

I have one with chrimson trace grips in 357.

It's my go to revolver and has never failed at anything I've asked it to do.

Buy it and don't ever sell it. You'll be kicking yourself forever if you do. Ruger actually tells you to dry fire it. I can attest to the fact that it really smooths out the trigger...

Reverenddel · Post by **Reverenddel** » Tue, 20 Mar 2012 13:26:30

I've got a SP101 in .357 with a 2 1/2 bbl. It's my "backup", and it's dependable, you can practice with .38 specials, and when you go full on with .357... it puts out a rather brilliant fireball with certain ammo, so get "low/no flash powders".

Keep in mind, I'm a rather stout fellow, and I like the kick of recoil. So hot loads do not bother me much.

John1 · Post by **John1** » Tue, 20 Mar 2012 18:15:45

I have the Ruger SP101 .357, with 2.25" bbl. It's my favorite, I cc'd it this past few months, with Speer Gold Dots, .357 Mag, 135 gr GDHP, for short barrel. I have not had any issues putting almost 500 rounds through it so far. I have used 38's, but must admit I enjoy .357 hot loads. The trigger has gotten much smoother over time. I felt the original grips were a little small for my hands, so I replaced it with the Hogue grip. I also reload .357's for range use, it helps keep the costs down. I have not regretted my purchase, and I am now considering the SP101 22lr with 4" bbl.

Alex · Post by **Alex** » Tue, 20 Mar 2012 19:27:00

Thanks so much for all the awesome replies. Looks like I will be picking up my SP101 in .357mag with the 2 1/2 inch barrel tomorrow afternoon. Found an awesome consignment deal that includes Hogue grips, a leather holster, and more extras for 375$!

jdonovan · Post by **jdonovan** » Tue, 20 Mar 2012 20:38:30

If anyone loves the sp101 Va Arms in manassas had one in the consignment case that was all decked out. Full hybra-port job, hammer spur removed, action lightened IMO one heck of a piece. I think $600ish. a new one with all the work will set you back over a grand.

To the op, I've got several sp101's and a few more of the ruger wheel guns love'em all. No complaints.

ffhounddog · Post by **ffhounddog** » Wed, 28 Mar 2012 09:02:41

SP101 is the gun that I had that my ex wife took in the divorce. The only wheel gun I will replace since she got all the revolvers in the divorce two SW10, SW36, and two Ruger SP101s.

I decided I will buy one after the election since I do not thing revolvers are going to be in shot supply anytime soon except at the cop shops I frequent. Seems to be a trend to go back to a wheel gun from a subcompact auto.

Rich · Post by **Rich** » Tue, 03 Apr 2012 06:56:51

The SP101 is built like a tank. Cant go wrong with one. Plus, it is a little heavier, which helps with recoil.

Dooga · Post by **Dooga** » Fri, 06 Apr 2012 22:30:25

How does this SP101 in .357 compare to the LCR in .357? What're the differences?

OleMan · Post by **OleMan** » Sat, 07 Apr 2012 01:01:28

CCFan wrote:I have one, albeit in .327 Federal Magnum - so, I can't talk about shooting .357 out of it. The .327 is snappy (up to 45,000 PSI vs. 35,000 PSI for the .357), but the factory grips are fine for me, and I don't think the .357 is going to be a whole lot more worse wear on the hand. I opted for 6 shots instead of 5, and the .327 round just spoke to me...

I ended up having to get my cylinder replaced due to a defect in the metal - but Ruger had it back to me within 2 weeks. That being said, I've shot it and shot it and shot it some more since then and I absolutely love it. The trigger took some getting used to in DA, but I don't think I'd notice it much in a high-stress situation. I don't have a holster for it yet, maybe looking at a Simply Rugged holster for it later... About the only tools I can think of that you might wish to invest in are a couple of speed loaders for it, if you plan on carrying, and a holster to put 'er in, then you'd be all set!

I, like you, picked one up and really liked the feel of it, the looks of it, and the price of it... so I bought one, and haven't regretted it in the least.

My wife says "me too". She is a newbie and tried the handling and feel of a whole range of handguns. She liked the simplicity of revolvers, and the SP101 was the best to her. I suggested the .327 since she can shoot any load in .32 Special, .32 H&R or .327 Federal. Now I want one for myself. We did put a set of Hogue grips on it and made if perfect for her (and me).

SherKhan · Post by **SherKhan** » Thu, 26 Apr 2012 16:51:04

I am very fond of my SP101 DAO .357 Magnum. I use it as a kit gun more than an EDC, however. I received it with Pachmayr grips, tried Hogue grips, and have gone back to the factory grips because they're the most comfortable and practical for me just now. I don't think you can go wrong at all with the SP101. They're accurate, durable, and probably will just continue to appreciate in price over the years.

9mmjhp · Post by **9mmjhp** » Mon, 30 Apr 2012 22:34:37

so is the SP101 better than the GP100? i've never gotten my hands on an SP but the GP was pretty sweet. the only differences i see on the website is the SP is available in more calibers and is slightly smaller

ratherfish · Post by **ratherfish** » Tue, 01 May 2012 12:48:28

The SP 101 is more the carry version. I agree though the GP is a mighty fine field and range gun, available in more lengths and with adjustable sights.

You really do need both!

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