The Down Range Forum

Member Section => Handguns => Topic started by: cmhunter on October 25, 2009, 01:49:03 PM

Title: Considering a Ruger SP101
Post by: cmhunter on October 25, 2009, 01:49:03 PM
I'm thinking about purchasing a Ruger SP101. Anyone have any pro's or con's and what would be the best method to carry.
Thanks
Title: Re: Considering a Ruger SP101
Post by: Timothy on October 25, 2009, 02:31:51 PM
I have an SP101 and I carry it every day.  I've written a review for it in that section.

I have no complaints and it's a work in progress.  I continue to smooth the action a bit but it's not really necessary.  Heavier than most small snubs but with .357 loads, the extra weight is an advantage.  I carry either in a front pocket in a kydex pocket holster or inexpensive Don Hume JIT slide behind the hip.

check out rugerforum.net as well.
Title: Re: Considering a Ruger SP101
Post by: tombogan03884 on October 25, 2009, 03:07:41 PM
The only con I have heard about them is that some consider them heavy for their size.
Title: Re: Considering a Ruger SP101
Post by: cmhunter on October 25, 2009, 03:59:24 PM
Thanks, I will check it out.
Title: Re: Considering a Ruger SP101
Post by: tfr270 on October 25, 2009, 04:31:14 PM
I have one with a the 3" barrel. I like it. I added CT laser grips as well. I agonized over 3" and the 2" for a few minutes at the gun shop. Now that I've had it for a while I think I would have gone with the 2" instead. I carry mine in a Simply Rugged pancake holster. It is a good point and shoot revolver. I like the Crimson Trace grips, not only for the laser, but also for the fit in my hand.
Title: Re: Considering a Ruger SP101
Post by: fightingquaker13 on October 25, 2009, 05:13:39 PM
I've shot the snubby several times, and can't think of a reason not to buy it. It ain't light, but it's .357 you can shoot the heck out of. Recoil is also very manageable, but it is loud. You will not be the most popular guy on the range. ;D Survey says, get it.
FQ13
Title: Re: Considering a Ruger SP101
Post by: PegLeg45 on October 25, 2009, 05:32:42 PM
Don't own one (would like to) but have shot several that are owned by friends. Very rugged, shootable guns.
Title: Re: Considering a Ruger SP101
Post by: Wheelgun Dunn on October 25, 2009, 06:17:54 PM
Used to have and carry a "hammerless" model SP101 and loved it.  I switched to .44 Special (long story) so I sold it.  I carried it in a paddle holster, IWB, and in a belly band.  It was a great all around gun as it was DAO, a little bigger than the J-frame smith and smaller than the three inch barreled K frame.  I would strongly recommend it.  A great bug out gun too.  I liked the large rubber factory grips as they provided plenty of padding for shooting the small frame gun.  Don't hesitate, you will not be disappointed.  If you have a significant other in the house and wnat to buy a gun she could shoot too if needed it serves that purpose well too as recoil especially with .38s is negligible.  Good luck

Wheelgun
Title: Re: Considering a Ruger SP101
Post by: Stephen A. Camp on October 26, 2009, 01:24:17 PM
Hello.  I only have owned one but it remains a favorite.  Mine has the 3 1/16" bbl but is very comfortable when carried either on a belt holster be it IWB or OWB.

If interested, here are some observations:

http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/Ruger%20SP101%20Report.htm

http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/range_report%20-%20Ruger%20SP101%20-%20A%20Thousand%20Rnds%20Later.htm

Best.
Title: Re: Considering a Ruger SP101
Post by: jlc on October 27, 2009, 09:24:44 AM
I'm thinking about purchasing a Ruger SP101. Anyone have any pro's or con's and what would be the best method to carry.Thanks

I've carried my SP101 since 2004 when I first got my carry license and this is the best holster I found for comfort and great conceal carry. http://www.activeprogear.com/76.html
Your belt can go over or behind the unit.  I wear mine over and keeps gun very close.. A good sturdy belt is a must..
Title: Re: Considering a Ruger SP101
Post by: cmhunter on October 28, 2009, 07:26:02 PM
Thanks to all for the info. Got my SP101 and am looking forword to taking it to the range. In So. FL paid $450.00, given the times I think it was a fair price.
Title: Re: Considering a Ruger SP101
Post by: tombogan03884 on October 28, 2009, 07:31:41 PM
 Stainless or blue ? And no, that isn't a bad price. Not a bargain, but fair.
Title: Re: Considering a Ruger SP101
Post by: fightingquaker13 on October 29, 2009, 06:28:07 AM
Congrats! Good purchase, and the price was fair. Frankly, if it had been $650 you still would have gotten your money's worth. That gun will outlast you, and your kids. The good thing about the extra weight is that unlike a J frame, you don't need to worry about overshooting it. With the lighter snubbies a lot of folks advise limiting the amount of .357 you fire. I've never heard this with the Ruger. Personally, I'd use .38 for practice, but if you want to shoot .357 there's no reason not to. Looking forward to the range report.
FQ13
Title: Re: Considering a Ruger SP101
Post by: Timothy on October 29, 2009, 08:16:29 AM
Stainless or blue ? And no, that isn't a bad price. Not a bargain, but fair.

Stainless only unless you get a greyed treatment from one gunshop in Louisiana..

This gun is a tank, shoot the hell out of it.....I like lobbing rounds out to 50 yard and more....loads of fun!
Title: Re: Considering a Ruger SP101
Post by: seeker_two on October 29, 2009, 08:13:20 PM

Your belt can go over or behind the unit. 

Was I the only one who felt a little uncomfortable while reading that phrase?....  ;D

Actually, that looks like a pretty good holster. Thanks!
Title: Re: Considering a Ruger SP101
Post by: bestseller92 on November 01, 2009, 07:36:57 PM
The SP101 is a superb handgun!
Title: Re: Considering a Ruger SP101
Post by: Walter45Auto on November 02, 2009, 12:50:40 PM
My cousin's Father-in law carries a Crimson Trace equipped one. Everyone I know that has had one loves them. Some find them too heavy for carry in a pocket, but they say recoil is less than similar sized S&W or Taurus .357's. Ruger makes good guns. The SP 101 is a tried and true gun according to the  SP101 owners I know. I personally have never owned or shot one. But everything I've heard about them has been good, except about it's weight.  If I had one, knowing how heavy it is, I'd probably only carry it in an IWB (Which I'll admit I'm partial to anyways.) or Smart Carry. If I wanted one for pocket carry, I'd go with something a little lighter. Otherwise I say get one.