Author Topic: sp101 (Read 3284 times)

jlwilliams · « **on:** May 17, 2011, 03:58:00 AM »

I'm really hankering for an SP101 revolver. I want a compact revolver with a 3" barrel and an exposed hammer. Something concealable but still capable of some aimed shots. The SP101 being a 357 means more weight than some snubbies, so if I shoot 357 loaded closer to 38+p I should be able to take advantage of that weight to make the aforementioned longer than arm's length shots. The sort of gun I could carry for personal defense (which hopefuly means lots of carry and no shooting) but if I come home and have a critter in my headlights as I pull in (it happens) I can get out and make a shot that's a little longer than typical personal defensive distance. Say, 30 or 40 yards.

Any input? Is this gun going to be what I'm describing? Any particular concearns I should be aware of?

Should I be looking at a S&W in 38spl only? I know they used to make the little 5 shot with a 3" barrel. I'm sure I could find one if it would be a better choise. Any others I should look at before laying out the hard earned?

us920669 · « **Reply #1 on:** May 17, 2011, 04:12:40 AM »

I love mine - something about a little miniature bank vault you can hold in your hand. I got a 2 3/4" hammer model, and I took the time to find one in 38 Sp. It doesn't say +P but just from the heft I think it will digest anything I can brew up. I really ought to have somebody work on it, since as is I can just about shoot it as well DA as SA. I don't shoot it near enough. In fact, I think I'll pop on down to the range today!

schuetzen · « **Reply #2 on:** May 17, 2011, 03:06:04 PM »

I have considered an SP101, but handling them at gun shows, I've noticed the SP101 trigger guard seems to bite into my knuckle of my middle finger. Only one time I found one that felt comfortable and it was with the large Hogue grip.

I decided on a .357 Mag Ruger LCR. It is much lighter weight and shoots .38 Special +P comfortably. The .357 Mag ammo is not painful to shoot with the Hogue grip, but it has quite a kick. I use .38 Special and started hand loading .357 lite loads for practice, but keep some factory .357 Magnum for the 2 and 4 legged varmints.

The trigger on the LCR is pretty sweet. It is a staged trigger and is smooth. I am not sure if the SP101 has a staged trigger. I believe I heard that other Ruger revolvers do have staged triggers.

OleFreak · « **Reply #3 on:** May 17, 2011, 08:15:50 PM »

My 2 ¼” SP101 with just enough Hogue to get your pinky around is very controllable with full house .357 Magnums. It is as accurate as any short barrel gun with sights more suited for ‘in your face’. You will want to get the laser grips to cover your needs with either length barrel. I bought my X the 3” but I still prefer the short one. Mine always goes with me while a 4” GP100 also in .357 and a Glock 30 (.45) stay home.

mjh · « **Reply #4 on:** May 20, 2011, 11:26:12 AM »

I really like my sp101! 2 3/4 bl, regular hammer. I had to do a little polishing on the trigger and around the trigger guard, sharp edges, factory grips do just fine for me, i've settled into 125gr .357 as my general all around carry round. 158gr 38's are a dream to shoot.....

Old Fart · « **Reply #5 on:** May 20, 2011, 11:56:58 AM »

I recently picked up one of them in 327mag.
I really like it, manageable recoil with good ballistics.
Gun is easy to handle and shoots straight.

freetrapper · « **Reply #6 on:** May 20, 2011, 04:04:58 PM »

I recently brought a 101 357, really like the gun. At 40 yrds can place the shot a thumb,s width from the bulls eye with 38s . Have not had time to try 357 yet. Any suggestions for a good ccw holster? freetrapper

us920669 · « **Reply #7 on:** May 20, 2011, 04:23:34 PM »

Mine rides perfectly in my right rear pocket, but I've got a skinny butt.

Bubber · « **Reply #8 on:** May 22, 2011, 04:31:00 PM »

I love mine. 3" with the standard hammer, it rides in an iwb holster daily. Mine still wears the factory grip and while a full house .357s are a handfull I can comfortably shoot them.

As far as what you are asking, depends on what you are shooting at. I have an old 41" acetylene cylender with the bottom cut off hanging from a tree on the hill side behind the house. At 30/40 yards it generally isn't a problem to hit it with my 101.

kinslayer1965 · « **Reply #9 on:** June 27, 2011, 10:48:36 AM »

Have had mine for a number of years and love it. I put the aftermarket grips on it because I have large hands and it just felt better.

picturerock · « **Reply #10 on:** July 01, 2011, 06:02:42 AM »

I love mine. I shoot .38 special out of it mostly, and it is a pleasure to use. Get one.

Ken ONeill · « **Reply #11 on:** July 01, 2011, 12:58:21 PM »

I have 2 very early examples in .38 Special (+P), made before the .357 Mag. version was introduced. They're both really great guns. Both of mine were gussied up a bit by my friend and local pistolsmith, Gordon Logan more than 20 years ago. The single finger groove Goncalo Alves grip was a special order from Hogue, the rubber Hogue is their standard stuff.

jlwilliams · « **Reply #12 on:** July 02, 2011, 03:27:01 AM »

I really like that one with the goncolo alves grip.

3030guy · « **Reply #13 on:** July 04, 2011, 05:08:42 PM »

I had a 3 inch SP101, it carried well and was well built. But I couldn't hit the side of a barn with it, with any load, even mild 38s. I shoot much better with my S&W 637. Other folks seem to shoot the SP101 well, just didn't work out for me.

eastbank · « **Reply #14 on:** July 05, 2011, 02:39:20 AM »

i bought this S&W 686, 2-1/2 inch barrel. i changed the original grips to smaller pacmyers to hide it a little better. it shoots and handles very well for a short .357 mag,i think a sp 101 would be just as good. eastbank.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #15 on:** July 05, 2011, 03:17:01 AM »

Back in 1977 I got a 3in mod 36 and nice holster . Later traded the 36 away but kept the holster. A couple years ago got a SP-101 and it fits the same holster . The 36 had a bull bbl. and I don't notice so much weight difference. As for 38 spl. why ? Go 357 mag and shoot what ya want. I did have SP-101's in both bbl lengths but found I liked the 3 in. better.

pastorp · « **Reply #16 on:** July 05, 2011, 05:49:45 AM »

Folks, I have 3 sp101s. A 4" 22lr, a 4" 32h&rmag, & a 3" 327 mag. They fit my had great. I had elk stag inserts made for the factory grips and Alan Harlton do a trigger job and knock off the sharp edges on the 3". But honestly the triggers wear in on these quite nicely if you just shoot them a lot.

I have quite a few smiths, even pre war smiths but I believe my sp101s are my favorites.

Regards,

Airsporter · « **Reply #17 on:** July 05, 2011, 11:35:10 AM »

SP101 has a good reputation. Trigger may be a bit less refined than S&W (my experience with the medium frames). Suggest you look at the current S&W Model 60 3" in .357 for comparison.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #18 on:** July 05, 2011, 12:02:15 PM »

The J frame S&W has coil springs not flat springs like the S&W med. frames . It seems more like the Ruger . The Ruger is stronger with out side plates the S&W is 3.5 ozs lighter But at 24.5 oz (S&W) and 28 oz (Ruger) is it really that much if you add grips it could not even be an issue? I have had both in 357 mag. and like the Ruger best to shoot . To tote I like the S&W 340 PD due its weighing 12 ozs but it has a shorter bbl and is not as fun to shoot with full house loads. I can say I have never sent a Ruger back to be tightend up where I have a S&W. But that was an airweight not a SS gun.

Land_Owner · « **Reply #19 on:** July 08, 2011, 06:34:24 PM »

My SST .357 Mag SP101 accompanies me every day to work and back. I "never leave home without it". With a Hogue grip and Magnum loads it will still "bite the hand that feeds it", but reloading cast SWC's and WC's in both 38 Spc. and 357 cases over IMR 700X and she is a dream to shoot all day every day.

ratdog · « **Reply #20 on:** September 04, 2011, 12:30:17 AM »

my sp101 is a quality made gun can't hit much with it right now thought. i though was loosing it till i got out my security six what a difference.i also took a fine stone to all the sharp edges then polished with crocus cloth even the knurling on the hammer.nice now but 2'' barreled cannon isn't that accurate certainly no squirrel gun.

OleFreak · « **Reply #21 on:** September 04, 2011, 06:40:24 PM »

I hit as well as I ever expected with a 2 ¼” barrel .357 minimal sights and at distances that would be encountered while used for its intended purpose. If I want to reach out I go adjustable sight 4” GP100. If I want to go way out there I get Contender with glass. Depends on what’s up. I know what you talkin bout on stoning the hammer.

Joe S. · « **Reply #22 on:** September 30, 2011, 06:43:06 PM »

Love mine. Nice n accurate. Mine has hogue grips and a set of badger laminates.