The Down Range Forum

Member Section => Handguns => Topic started by: TSB on January 10, 2009, 07:51:28 PM

Title: Ruger SP101
Post by: TSB on January 10, 2009, 07:51:28 PM
I know this isn't the first time on this subject but, I held this revolver today and it felt damn good in the hand, sighted well and really piqued my interest in buying a revolver again.  Been looking for something small, not too light and sturdy enough to handle a good defensive load and the .357 Mag is all that and more.  It's also quite a good looking handgun and the spurless hammer model may just fill a void in my small collection.

Anyone want to talk me out of spending 400 bucks?

Title: Re: Ruger SP101
Post by: Rastus on January 10, 2009, 07:58:40 PM
...............Anyone want to talk me out of spending 400 bucks?


Nope.  Buy 2.  Get one in .327 Mag with the .357 and tell us what you think!
Title: Re: Ruger SP101
Post by: 1776 Rebel on January 10, 2009, 08:13:56 PM
psssst.....no damm internal lock either.
Title: Re: Ruger SP101
Post by: Rob10ring on January 10, 2009, 08:15:37 PM
I have the 3 inch .357 Mag. It is great and handles the big stuff with a surprising amount of ease. If you can afford to part with the money, get it!
Title: Re: Ruger SP101
Post by: notsobigal on January 10, 2009, 08:30:52 PM
If you're going to buy one check to make sure the cylinder locks up properly. I seen a video of cylinders turning in reverse direction with slight finger pressure. When I was looking at one at a local shop I tried it and sure enough it would turn clockwise with very little pressure in a locked condition. I showed the owner and he handed me another gun with a sequential serial number and it was fine. It appeared that the cylinder stop on the defective gun had too big of a chamfer on it.
Title: Re: Ruger SP101
Post by: Big Frank on January 10, 2009, 09:49:37 PM
Go for it.
Title: Re: Ruger SP101
Post by: nupe on January 10, 2009, 10:52:05 PM
I would say go for the sp 101.  Two good friends of mine each have one and they are very accurate for their size, and they are the type of gun where you could run through one cylinder, throw the gun at another bad guy and knock him out, then reload and keep going. ;D
Title: Re: Ruger SP101
Post by: fullautovalmet76 on January 11, 2009, 12:03:02 AM
If you're not quite sold on the SP 101, try out the S&W 649. I changed the grips to CTC grips. I shoot Buffalo Bore .38 Special +P (158 gr. LSWCHP) in it and it works great. I like the fact it has some weight to it to absorb some of the recoil. But if you're sold on a SP 101, go for it, as I think it's a great revolver!
Title: Re: Ruger SP101
Post by: CurrieS103 on January 11, 2009, 12:49:47 AM
I have a DAO SP and love it.  Very smooth trigger right out of the box.
Title: Re: Ruger SP101
Post by: TSB on January 11, 2009, 07:22:54 AM
If you're not quite sold on the SP 101, try out the S&W 649. I changed the grips to CTC grips. I shoot Buffalo Bore .38 Special +P (158 gr. LSWCHP) in it and it works great. I like the fact it has some weight to it to absorb some of the recoil. But if you're sold on a SP 101, go for it, as I think it's a great revolver!

I did handle the 649 too, I just can't get my head around that ugly camel hump frame on the thing.  I know it shouldn't matter but call me shallow!  I suppose the 640 would do but S&W doesn't give anything away.  It's at least another 200 bucks higher than the Ruger.
Title: Re: Ruger SP101
Post by: Arvinator on January 11, 2009, 02:04:30 PM
I have a 3 inch sp101, and I think they are handy little revolvers. Tough, reliable, affordable. I do not personally like the silly internal locks on several of today's new handguns so this feature NOT on the sp101 is a plus to me.
If I had to buy a couple of revolvers to replace the battery of J frames  I currently own, I'd buy a 2 1/4 sp101 for ankle or vest holster carry, and keep the 3 inch as I already do, as a concealed trail/hiking gun.
Title: Re: Ruger SP101
Post by: Galeth005 on January 11, 2009, 11:27:41 PM
well i'm not a revolver fan but this is the one revolver that i would ever own, its comfortable, small, concealable, and comes in many different options of barrel length and sights
Title: Re: Ruger SP101
Post by: HAWKFISH on January 21, 2009, 06:13:03 PM
Why not? If it feels right in your hand? Your buying it. Make yourself happy.  ;) They are good revolvers with pretty good track record. If you like em' .. I got for it.
Title: Re: Ruger SP101
Post by: Michael Bane on January 22, 2009, 07:07:58 PM
I have a hammerless SP101 that Grant Cunningham overhauled, and it is one of my favorite little revolvers. As you guys know I recommend .38 Specials in lightweight snubs. The little brickbat SP101 is reasonable to shoot with the .357s, and mine is accurate as all get-out.

Michael B
Title: Re: Ruger SP101
Post by: tumblebug on January 27, 2009, 03:38:38 PM
Mine is a 2 1/4 with Crimson Trace grips .357  ;D ;D ;D factory stock.
Title: Re: Ruger SP101
Post by: m25operator on January 27, 2009, 04:50:49 PM
Most here know I'm a big S&W fan, but the SP 101, is a Ruger DA that I would own, I've slicked a few up for customers and what comes out is completely usable, it's bigger than a j frame, so harder to conceal, heavier as well, compared to an all steel j frame, but that mass and the stock squishy grips, make it very comfortable to shoot. It's size makes me go for my Colt Agent for the extra round, but then again it's a .38 not magnum, the .327 Federal could be the hot deal. 8)
Title: Re: Ruger SP101
Post by: gemurdock on January 27, 2009, 05:03:04 PM
I have a 2.25 inch, and it is okay to shoot, even with full loads, but the muzzle flash can make me flinch, something not even my 10mm does, so I don't shoot it very much.   Probably need to shoot it more at an outdoor range, the recoil seems pretty tame, all things considered.  But it weighs as much as any of my Sigs, and with only 6 rounds, doesn't seem to have any advantages over my P220 compact or P229.  JMHO.
Title: Re: Ruger SP101
Post by: Timothy on January 27, 2009, 05:32:14 PM
Well, no one talked me out of it, in fact, ya'll pretty much convinced me to order it as soon as my year end bonus comes in. 

I can buy the Ruger and if the numbers come in where I expect, still have enough to give my bride a nice share and save the rest for my late fall MO deer hunting excursion with an old Navy buddy. 

Thanks,

TSB aka Timothy
Title: Re: Ruger SP101
Post by: Timothy on April 19, 2009, 03:10:11 PM
Looks like I'm picking up a "wall flower" SP101 in .357 mag tomorrow.  I was trying to order one and was told a few weeks which was a few weeks ago.  Since then, a previously owned, unfired (or so says owner) came into my FFL for 350 bucks on consignment.  I'm gonna go pick it up after work....

When I get some decent grips to "puuuurrrrrttty" it up a bit, I'll post the required porn.

TSB aka Timothy
Title: Re: Ruger SP101
Post by: Hazcat on April 19, 2009, 03:12:12 PM
Sounds like a good deal, Tim.  Can't wait for the pix.
Title: Re: Ruger SP101
Post by: Timothy on April 19, 2009, 03:42:18 PM
The gun will cost me twice the money in the long run as the bride insisted on a REALLY, REALLY, REALLY, REALLY, REALLY nice Mothers Day gift this year...which happens to coincide with my birthday. 

I'm sure I'll get a good return on BOTH investments.... ;D ;) ;D
Title: Re: Ruger SP101
Post by: Timothy on April 20, 2009, 07:17:20 PM
Well guys and gals, it's a done deal....Proud owner of a new, unfired, half price Ruger SP101...in .357 magnum...

Porn will be forthcoming when I find my camera...

Gotta take it apart, clean it, do all the basic safety function tests that my good Uncle Sam taught me and this weekend will see how she runs...

Do have one question for you revolver guys though.  The ejector rod is loose fitting where it meets the front latch, since this is a new revolver, can I assume this is normal...I've not owned a revolver in two decades...can't find anything in the manuals about it.

Title: Re: Ruger SP101
Post by: Hazcat on April 20, 2009, 07:26:06 PM
If'n yer talking about the rod 'jigglin' a bit.  No biggie.  All my revovers are like that.
Title: Re: Ruger SP101
Post by: CurrieS103 on April 20, 2009, 07:28:28 PM
Congrats!  I have a DAO SP and love it!
Title: Re: Ruger SP101
Post by: Timothy on April 20, 2009, 07:32:09 PM
If'n yer talking about the rod 'jigglin' a bit.  No biggie.  All my revovers are like that.

Exactly, figured it was normal but with a magnum, didn't want to find out the hard way...would have had to call Ruger and find out...it's pretty much a local call though! ;D

Thanks curries103, I've done enough research on it and look forward to light'n it up!