Ruger SP-101 Reviews

by **ScaryWoody** » Sat Sep 09, 2006 8:35 pm

I have a 2.25 barrelled SP101 in .357mag. It is a 5 shot revolver that digests any .38 or .357 that you could think to put in there. I purchased mine pre-owned for $335. It came with a Hogue mono grip. So far, it has shot without fail mild to magnum loads. Mine prefers 158g bullets.

It is a bit heavy compared to a S&W airweight but you are buying a very strong and durable pistol. The only modification that I have done and would suggest is swapping out the main spring and trigger return spring with ones by Wolff. It made the trigger much smoother.

This is a great revolver!

by **JPEDONE** » Mon Nov 13, 2006 5:31 pm

I bought the SP101 2 1/4 in a 357 Magnum. The gun is extremely accurate for a short barrel. I have shot .38 148 grain wad cutters and many different .357 loads. The gun prefers 158 grains and is very easy to control. I heard others complain about the recoil, but dont understand why. I am 58 170lbs and felt very little recoil even with the heavier grain bullets. This is my everyday CCW firearm and I would trust my life on it.

by **Mardawg** » Sun Dec 31, 2006 5:02 pm

Mine was in (believe it or not) Rimmed 9mm. I used moon clips with standard 9mm Lugers and it worked fine. No reliability issues but the grips...hated them. They feel bad and should be replaced with anything else. The grooves are awful.

Overall a great handgun. Good luck finding rimmed 9mm ammo though, use the moon clips!

by **jonas_357** » Mon Feb 26, 2007 11:27 am

by **BK12** » Fri Mar 16, 2007 12:08 am

By far, the SP-101 is a much better .357 snubby than ANY other one on the market. Solid, fairly easy to conceal, accurate, eats anything you put in it. (I've used everything from Winchester UMC's to Federal 180 grain cast-core) I have over 3000 rounds through it with not one sign of a weakness.

"CARRY A REVOLVER---IF YOU NEED MORE THAN 3 ROUNDS TO DEFEND YOURSELF YOU'RE PROBABLY DEAD ALREADY"

by **cph8635** » Sun Mar 18, 2007 10:03 pm

This is a terrific CCW gun. I love the feel, the weight, the chromed finish and the powerful punch it packs when firing. My only concern is after having shot about 40 or 50 rounds on my second time out at the range with it seemed to 'gum up'. It still fired perfectly well after locking the cylinder in place, the problem was the locking of the cylinder. It became very difficult to open and close the cylinder. Took it to the gunsmith who said to be sure to shoot premium ammo only and if that doesn't work to send it in for repair. I hope this is not a continuing problem because as I said, I love everything else about this firearm.

by **JPEDONE** » Mon Mar 19, 2007 3:30 pm

CPH8635, it sounds like you need to try another ammo brand. Guns don't just gum up. How much oil do you use when cleaning? CCI, Speer, ans Winchester have never let me down. Good luck and stay safe.

by **BK12** » Tue Mar 20, 2007 12:04 am

The only ammo that will give you a problem would be CCI Blazers. They are non-reloadable, aluminum cased rounds. What happens is the aluminum will expand from the heat of ignition and the casings will get "stuck" in the cylinder. The extractor will not be able to push the spent casings out. You either have to let them cool down---about 10 minutes, or push them out manually with a screwdriver or similar tool. After this happened to me, I threw out the remaining 45 rounds and haven't used them again. Otherwise it still is an amazing firearm.

by **cph8635** » Tue Mar 20, 2007 7:00 pm

Go figure, CCI Blazers just so happens to be the CRAP ammo I was using when I had this problem. That'll teach me to be a cheap a** when practicing at the range! Thanks for the tips; I'll post again once I've shot premium ammo next time at the range. Thanks again!

by **cph8635** » Sat Mar 31, 2007 10:55 pm

Definately going from a 4 to a 5 given today at the range. The ammo cost a small fortune (almost $50 for 100 rounds) but it sure made a world of difference! The 50+ rounds I put through it didn't even blacken up the front and back of the cylinder like all the other ammo I've used has after about 5-10 rounds. Terrific firearm!