Author Topic: Ruger SP101 (Read 1773 times)

Dreams_of_Guns · « **on:** June 14, 2003, 03:08:20 PM »

:grin: I recently purchased a Ruger GP100. I have been VERY impressed with the gun. It is well made (as are all Rugers), shoots well, fits great in my hand (with Houge grips of couse

) and quickly became my favorite Ruger (I only have six right now).

I was wondering if anyone has any experience with the Ruger SP101? I am thinking about getting a CCW here in Phoenix Arizona and the SP101 would be my carry of choice.

Does anyone out there have an SP101 and if so, how well does it carry? Is it too heavy? Did you choose the 2 1/4" or the 3 1/16" barrel, and why?

Your thoughts on the subject are greatly appreciated.

deerhunter · « **Reply #1 on:** June 16, 2003, 04:40:21 AM »

I have the SP101 in .357 with a 2.25 bbl. It is a little heavy when compared to the Airweight S&W's but it shoots a lot easier. I can fire full house 125 grains and it doesnt kick any more than my full size Kframe.

I work in an office in a city, and I cannot wear a holster that is visable when I wear khakis and a polo, so I carry it in a pocket holster.

I used to only carry a stainless PPK in a pocket holster, but now I think I am carring the SP101 more. The PPK is flatter and a bit smaller. The SP101 hits a lot harder.

I like the 3" bbl model, and I bet its even easier to shoot, but this is a carry gun, so the shorter barrel makes more sense.

I have a lot of holsters, and I carry a lot of different guns, but unless I am going to wear a jacket, I find the pocket holster the most effective way to carry.

Massad Ayoob had a great article on a 24/7 carry gun in Backwoods Home, and he liked the 2" SP101 the best. You should try to get a back copy of it.

http://www.backwoodshome.com/index.html

v-man · « **Reply #2 on:** July 26, 2003, 11:16:54 AM »

I have to agree. I have th 3" and it shoots so fine but for carry I would prefer the shorter barrel. It handles the hottest loads and still conceals OK but in a IWB holster the extra inch of barrel is somewhat unconfortable. The weight was never a problem till I got spoiled by Titanium.

BlkHawk73 · « **Reply #3 on:** July 27, 2003, 07:35:04 AM »

I've had a SP101 in .357 w/ 2 1/4" bbl for 5 or 6 years now. It's carried in a Mitch Rosen "Workman" holster and find it comfortable to wear for extended periods. The weight isn't a problem.

Grunthunter · « **Reply #4 on:** October 21, 2003, 01:33:04 PM »

I like the SP101 for another very good reason ..... it holds 6 rounds while the others only hold 5 ;-)

rickyp · « **Reply #5 on:** October 21, 2003, 02:51:40 PM »

I have a sp101 with 3 inch barrel in 9 mm.
it doesn't have adjustable sights ( it makes it harder for me to hit anything past 10 yards) and to me it kicks hard. (and I have contenders with very big rounds.)
It is a well made gun , but a little on the heavy side for concealed carry but if you can open carry it is about right.
all and all I will give it a 7 out of 10.

BTW Mine only holds 5 rounds and works best with a full moon clip

Grunthunter · « **Reply #6 on:** October 21, 2003, 03:32:26 PM »

Oh Oh My mistake. Mine is the 'Speed-Six' . I thought the 101 was the same gun.

TOGO · « **Reply #7 on:** October 22, 2003, 01:49:49 PM »

My father gave me his SP101 before he passed on, it has the 2 1/4 " barrel and a nickel plated looking finish, he put some fatter grips on because he claimed the factory grips were to small, I have the grips but haven't tried them yet. Shoots nice tight groups up close. I have a CCW and carry it every once in a while, not to heavy to carry all day, although I have to admit I like carrying a slimmer handgun just tucked in my waistband.

Da bruiser · « **Reply #8 on:** October 23, 2003, 07:34:52 PM »

I carry the sp 101 constantly in a $19.99 belt holster. I do not believe it is too heavy and I have carried 8+ hours a dya. The trigger action,especially on the DA only hammerless version, is a little crisp, but that can be adjusted. Mine was used and had after market porting drilled into the barrel. It has it's + and -. You can but them new for less than $300.00 if you look closely.

Bob_K · « **Reply #9 on:** October 30, 2003, 12:45:51 PM »

I have SP101's in .357 and 9MM, and both are excellent firearms. They are heavier than comparable S&W models, primarily because Ruger over engineers his guns. Where a light weight Smith may be ok in an ankle holster, the 101 would be too heavy. It is not too heavy for carry, however, in a proper fitting belt holster. The advantage to their weight is that they are still pleasant to shoot, and shoot them I do. If I had a carry gun that all I did was carry and never shot, then a titanium gun might be the answer. I've seen titanium .38's that sting like the dickens when you shoot them, though.