Author Topic: How do you like your SP 101 .357. (Read 4150 times)

teamnelson · « **Reply #30 on:** April 30, 2009, 01:24:32 PM »

Quote from: 454Puma on April 30, 2009, 01:18:42 PM

S&W is only offered in 38 SP isn't it? So if you want the power of 357 Mag Ruger is it!

S&W 60, 65, 649 are snubbie (3" or less barrel) .357's. Charter Arms Mag Pug. Taurus 605, 606 are 357 snubbies. I've got the 606, 6x357 ported 2" barrel. Superior for pistol whipping - carries like a cinder block.

Jeff H · « **Reply #31 on:** May 02, 2009, 06:26:13 PM »

Quote from: 454Puma on April 29, 2009, 05:54:14 PM

.....So guess what gets carried? My cast 158 gr !...............

So far, cast 158s have been good in my 3" but I am shooting a cast 168 right now that's just the berries. My Dad sent some Rem. 180 JHPs home with me he loaded for a Blackhawk - within book limitations but obviously on the top end. Not something I would expend a hundred of just for giggles but definitely manageable with the beef of the SP.

Lee Robinson · « **Reply #32 on:** May 03, 2009, 04:27:53 PM »

Greybeard and others...my SP101 shoots very well...and will consistently put shots within a 2-3" group at 25 yards when shooting from a seated rest....OR even freehand while standing at a closer distance of 10 yards. To me, that is pretty good for a snub nose gun. And, it is indeed very tough and well made, and I would have no hesitation using it to pistol whip someone should 5 shots not be sufficient to stop an attack (as if there are multiple attackers).

v-man · « **Reply #33 on:** May 04, 2009, 04:31:05 AM »

I agree about the stoutness of the SP but if you encounter 6 attackers, you're having a bad day.
Unless of course you're referring to just 3 attackers and doing double taps. Then you just need to club attacker #3 for lack of a 6th round.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #34 on:** May 04, 2009, 07:57:46 AM »

Then again they could be like birds on a wire shoot one and the rest withdraw !

Badnews Bob · « **Reply #35 on:** May 06, 2009, 01:45:09 PM »

I think I am gonna get one but I believe I'll wait untill this current buying craze slow down, Untill the I have my security six .357 snubbie to keep me company.

Hank08 · « **Reply #36 on:** May 07, 2009, 05:43:25 AM »

I have both, same size and the Ruger is "ONE ONCE HEAVIER" 1 lb. 10 oz for the smith and 1 lb. 11 oz. for the Ruger. I don't believe anyone could tell the difference when packing them. Just got the Ruger so haven't shot it much but no trouble hitting anything I need to hit with it. Shot the Smith a lot over several yrs. Love it, shoot 200 gr. castGC bullets @ 900 fps from it , super accurate. I have several friends with the Sp101, they love it and wouldn't have anything else. The Ruger looks to be a little stronger but the Smith isn't lacking in strength for it's use. I have a stainless M60 .38 that I've had since 1978 and it's had thousands of heavy +p loads thru it and shows no appreciable wear. The M60 is stronger than it gets credit for being.
H08

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #37 on:** May 07, 2009, 05:48:02 AM »

Hank08 you just started something i bet . GOOD POST

badhop · « **Reply #38 on:** May 10, 2009, 01:10:02 AM »

I have a 3" SP101 that I absolutely love. It goes with me everywhere. It is very accurate for a 3" revolver, soda cans at 25 yards are not was it was designed for, but I can hit them with my reloads if they threaten me

. It's very strong, so it gets shot a lot. It's comfortable to shoot as well. I carry it in a "Simply Rugged" holster, and don't even feel it's there half the time, but know WSHTF it will handle the problem. If you need more than 5 shots with a 357 magnum, your time is up anyways. More rounds can be carried with speed loaders, if you live through the first 5 rounds.

lakota · « **Reply #39 on:** May 14, 2009, 07:12:30 PM »

I love my 2" SP101. Easy to carry and plenty accurate inside 15 yards. Too bad it is back with Ruger right now. Seems that there was a problem with the B/C gap. It was extremely tight and after a few rounds it would bind and lock the gun up. It has been about a month since I sent it in. Sure wish they would hurry up.

Like Badhop I carried it in a Simply Rugged Silver Dollar pancake holster with inside out straps. great holster very comfortable.

All that said, I wouldnt buy one unless I could look it over first.

LouisianaMan · « **Reply #40 on:** June 19, 2009, 05:09:37 PM »

Bob,
I got an SP-101 in .327 last August, and after installing a Wolff spring I liked it so much that I snagged another SP-101 in .357 about a month ago. I put a Wolff spring in it, too.

I won't say I've really tested either for accuracy, as I tend to do most of my shooting rapid fire at close range (7-15 yards). I generally group them in about a hand-size pattern, and that's really about what I expect from myself with a DA revolver in rapid fire. When I slow down and aim at a certain spot of the target, I either hit it or hit close enough to suit me as long as I do my part. Drilled a Coke can with a .327 last weekend and launched it about 20 feet up into the brush at the top of the dry streambed where I was shooting!

I don't have a CCW (I teach JROTC at a high school and couldn't carry there), but when otherwise occupied I put either Ruger in the car with me. Or I take the .357, the wife takes the .327 in her car, and daughter takes the S&W .32 (recoil-shy) in hers. These are secondary houseguns, too; primaries are 4" S&W and Colt revolvers. My point is that I own and like all of these brands. Just got a beautiful used Service -Six because I'm now a big fan of Ruger DAs, and have had 2 Ruger SAs for last 10 years, too. All of the Rugers are the proverbial "bank vault" strength and 100% reliability.

If I had a CCW, I'd carry the Colt D.S. of my current guns, as the Rugers are a bit larger and heavier. On the trail, either Ruger would be fine except that's where the lack of elevation-adjustable sights could prove a problem. I'd have to carefully select the best load for POA=POI.

As always, mileage varies based on (a) what you really want or expect from your gun, and (b) whether you get a lemon or a shooter. Although my Rugers have been completely trouble-free, that no longer seems to be the case for everybody.

Propellerhead · « **Reply #41 on:** August 22, 2009, 01:58:33 AM »

Hmmm,I just picked up a very lightly used 3" 101 in .357 yeaterday. I hope to fire it today. From what I have read here, I hope it's a good one. I have had nothing but good luck with my Rugers in the past. Redhawk,Single Six,Blackhawk. I have a VERY expensive 3" nickle S&W 29 that I just adore! I am loading upper special type handloads for it. Just to avoid abusing the thing. I paid way too much for it, but fell in love with her in short order. The 101 is lined up for back-up and casual service. My primary service weapon is a Glock, but I have a soft spot for wheelguns,lol. I bought the little Ruger for shootin' not just lookin' at, so I hope she shoots where I am looking. I'll let you all know how it works out.

Swampman · « **Reply #42 on:** August 22, 2009, 02:15:34 AM »

Mine was too heavy. I sold it.

v-man · « **Reply #43 on:** August 22, 2009, 04:33:31 AM »

Swampman, it's all subjective of course but I'm confused about the "heavy" statement. It weighs exactly the same as a custom compact, alloy frame, slicked up, light weight 3" Kimber that is one of the best concealment packages available. Loaded it weighs less than the Kimber. Were you serious or just trying to get a rise out of someone?
By the way, after years of begging Fobus has finally got a holster for the SP101.

Swampman · « **Reply #44 on:** August 22, 2009, 04:52:02 AM »

I'm serious, I greatly prefer my Model 36 S&W. Rugers are ok for hunting, but for CCW I'd rather have a S&W.

Propellerhead · « **Reply #45 on:** August 22, 2009, 11:58:13 AM »

Well, I made it out with the new "used" SP101 this afternoon. I think I'll keep her. Not too big,not too small. Not at all hard on the hand. I shot a cylinder full of 240gr XTP from the 29 just to verify that. The little Ruger is much more pleasent to shoot than a 3" 29. I figure after a little load searching, she will do just fine. These targets were shot with 142gr Fiocchi. I think that's how it is spelled,

. The first shot was admittedly a little bit of opperator error. After the initial customary flub, we steadied down and pressed the trigger.

The point of aim for the SA target was the lower tip of the diamond.

These were aimed at the center of the diamond. More or less. After all, everyone knows LEOs can't shoot

Time for a little shopping spree in the ammo dept. I want to see if she will do a little better with some Cor Bon, Hornady or Remmy.

Dand · « **Reply #46 on:** August 24, 2009, 08:23:14 PM »

I like my 2.25 in 101 a bunch tho sometimes wish I had 6 rounds instead of 5 and maybe the 3 in bbl. I don't use it much for concealed carry tho that's why I bought it - don't really carry anything much as there is no need where I live. I do use it for light field carry in a bianchi nylon strong side holster. Compared to the N frames, Bisley and Redhawk I have, the 101 is a dream to carry. And noticeably easier than my 4 inch Security 6. Maybe if I carried it concealed more the wt would bother - don't know. The thickness is more of an issue to me. But when shooting full power 357 I like the wt it has. I also took 400 and 600 emery then crocus cloth to all the frame and trigger guard edges when I first got it. Smoothed the tip of the trigger down too as it bit my finger. Smoothing helped a lot.

As to accuracy, I may get close to what Propeller posted and I'm very happy. I have CT grips on it and once they were on, I was able to chew 2- 2.5 inch holes on a 7-10 yard target - single action - seems plenty good to me. I haven't been shooting it as much lately and need practice with the double action. The iron sights shot a little low so I filed the front down a hair and I'm happy now - left right wasn't a problem for me. I prefer to load the 140 gr Rem hp at moderate levels with Unique for defense situations close to town. For field carry I use full house 158 or even 180 cast core Federals and they all shoot well enough to POA that I feel confident with them. And again the wt is good for these loads - almost wish I had the 3 incher to get more out of the heavy loads.

When I bought this gun there were several competing brands including some Smiths but in quite a few ccw 357 reviews the 101 seemed to be the gold standard to compare to. After firing a rental for 200 rounds I bought one. Fits my smallish hand well with issue grips or the CT grip. Nice solid gun.

watkibe · « **Reply #47 on:** September 13, 2009, 05:14:24 PM »

I have the 3" SP 101, and I put Hogue Monogrips on it. The 3" barrel carries like a 2" and shoots like a 4". It's heavy enough that is holds still when I point it, but not heavy enough to notice when it's on my belt. I have complete confidence in its reliability: if I pull the trigger, it WILL go bang ! At 7 to 10 yards, shooting double action and offhand, I can put every shot into a 12" circle.
That being said, this is my second SP 101, and it's not as accurate as the first one. It shoots everything about 3" to the left. The 125 gr JHPs I would like to use hit 4 to 6 inches low, so I have to use 158 grain bullets so the point of impact is closer to the point of aim.
When it was new, I sent it back to Ruger with complaints about the poor accuracy. They said they replaced some parts, and it was fixed. I couldn't tell any difference.
I didn't buy it, and I don't carry it, to shoot targets with. I have it to shoot double action from Weaver position in a hurry, and it works well for that. Most importantly, I trust it !

poncaguy · « **Reply #48 on:** October 03, 2009, 04:42:09 AM »

I traded my 4" blue GP 100, fixed sights for a new 3" 357 SP100 . Will shoot it today, it's lighter than the GP and more compact,I like the way it feels and the weight should keep 357 recoil reasonable...............

ohiobenito · « **Reply #49 on:** October 10, 2009, 05:53:09 AM »

My sp101 is a sturdy little piece. it is mostly prepared for home defense next to a mag lite. I do take it along on long hikes. I did notice it shoots about an inch or two to the left at 20 yards. but that could be me, it does have a heavy pull to the trigger. What it does well is shoot every time, even hot 357 loads from now until my grandchildren are shooting it. I like it, but would not recommend it for an everyday carry piece.
Ankle carry does have one good point. if you spend a lot of time in a vehicle and feel you may need to draw from a seated position, then the ankle hold out works well.
another note on the sp, I'm having a hard time finding grips that fit my big hands, but don't stand a foot out of my flannel shirt when holstered. anyone have suggestions?

poncaguy · « **Reply #50 on:** October 10, 2009, 08:38:46 AM »

My new 3" 357 shot high left, about 1 1/2 " each way with 357's and low left with 38's the same amount. Shooting left is me, will adjust for it the more I shoot it. Recoil was acceptable with the 357's. Carries really light on my hip..............I really like it, my 4" GP100 was a lot heavier to carry, or so it seemed.............

Hillbilly Jim · « **Reply #51 on:** October 10, 2009, 12:00:10 PM »

While I like my 3 inch 101, my 2 inch S@W mod 60 is more accurate, easier to carry, feels better in my hand and has a heck of a lot better trigger.
The 101 begs for better sights, either adjustable for paper or a big round front sight for self defense.
As mine exists it does not shoot to point of aim with any load. I just shudder at the thought of spending more money to get it where it needs to be for me to be an ardent fan of this revolver.
My 60 is there and needs nothing as it came from the factory pretty much perfect.

Bubber · « **Reply #52 on:** October 11, 2009, 12:59:38 PM »

I just bought the 3" sp about three weeks ago. The next day I crushed my nose at work and ended up in surgery. Had to wait a week befor I could chew crunchy food and another befor I felt comfortable shooting anything.

All I have been able to find in the way of ammo is some mid level .38s and some full house .357s my dad has loaded up for his GP. I went out for a quick and dirty range trip last week. The verdict, I shot 20-38s, they were very comfortable and shot minute of beer can at about 20 yds. First though is that they shot about 2" low at 20 yds but that may have been me. I then shot one of the .357 hand loads and though my nose was going to explode. I never expected the concusion to effect my still tender nose that way. I don't even remember the recoil but belive it to be managable. Anyway, one was more than enough for that trip. I am going to give my nose another week and shoot is SA over a bench at some paper and see what it is actually capable of. I have no doubt that as I gain framiliarity with it my accuracy will be more than satisfactory. I think I will be very pleased. I am seriously considering the wolff spring kit too. DA, the trigger pulls harder than a railroad switch, however I was expecting that, and even then it is my only complaint.

I have been carrying it around the farm everyday for a week in an IWB holster while poisoning gophers and the wieght does not bother me at all. I am about 6' and 185 pounds, it conceals fairly easily and I forgot it was there half the time.