How do you like your SP 101 .357.

[Badnews Bob]

Been thinking about getting one to pack around, and would like to hear how owners like them.

I really want a .327 mag buy they are like the pin in a haystack to find. Anyone have one chime in on it also.  Thanks.

[Jeff H]

I have the 3" SP101 and it's a comfortable-to-shoot, compact revolver, "just enough."
While it may be a bit heavy as a CCW for some, it's light for something others would pack on the trail.  Mine is also very accurate with a number of powder/bullet combinations, as it has shot well with anything I have thrown at it.  I don't think many of us would be able to wear one out either.  I had quite a number of Security, Service and Speed Sixes over the years and loved the actions' simplicity and ruggedness.  Was not at all impressed when the new GP100 came out but it seems it has "stuck" so it must be OK.  The SP, being similar to the GP and either being close enough to the "Sixes" suits me fine.  Not as easy (for me) to tune, but not difficult either.  I have never been a real big .357 fan, but in the SP101, it's a lot of punch and a lot of versatility in a small package.  I have not owned a .327 and probably won't.  It's cool that someone is always experimenting and I am sure the cartridge is great at someting(s) but, between the .22 LR, .38/.357 and the .44 Special, I don't need another "mouth to feed" when it comes to brass, molds, etc.  Anything a .327 can do, can be done with one of the larger, more common calibers I use.  Don't get me wrong, I have had and enjoyed several .32 mags.  They are interesting, fun and cheaper to shoot than larger calibers but just don't do anything I can't already get done.  In the SP101, if you're curious and want something "cool and unusual," a .327 would be neat, but I prefer being able to stuff the lager diameter round in mine.

[Skunk]

Bob,

My feelings about the SP101 closely reflect the same as Jeff H's above. And like Jeff, I also preferred my Security Six over my GP100, but like a dummy, I sold the Six when my interests in revolvers wained a few years back and I needed some dough for other things. Anyway, back to the SP101. It indeed is comfortable-to-shoot, compact, and seems to be "just enough." It feels more like my old Security Six than does my GP100 that supposedly replaced the Security Six. It is sturdy and rugged. It might be a bit bigger than some of those Air Weight 357s, yet I can easily carry mine in my front or rear pants pocket, holster and all. The trigger pull weights on all my SP101s were a little heavy right out of the box, but a few sessions of dry firings and many rounds of ammo have made the pull lighter and crisper. I also like the SP101s (and GPs) because they can be field stripped right down to the trigger group in about two minutes with nothing more than a small screwdriver.

As a testament to "packing" one around, heres my two cents. My oldest son wanted to take a revolver with him while he was out bow hunting just in case a big old black bear decided to come along and shake his tree. So I let him use my GP100. He used the GP for about a week and then started complaining that it was a pain to carry. So I then offered him the SP101 and he thinks that revolver is perfect for the job. So perfect in fact, that I barely got it back from him. And he already has it reserved for next year's bow season. Kids I'm telling ya.

Overall, I think the SP101 would be a perfect revolver for "packing around"...and plinking...and target shooting...and home defense...the list goes on.

[Graybeard]

I'm gonna toss out a contrarian view as I often do when it comes to Ruger guns.

A whole buncha years back we had an advertiser that didn't like to pay cash for their banners so we always worked out some kinda swap deal with them. One year Matt got a Ruger SP101 3" in payment for their banner. While it wasn't mine I did shoot it a fair bit since it was always my ammo that got used in it. 

My personal observations of that one example alone is that it's boat anchor heavy like most Ruger guns. In comparison to a S&W 60 3" I have it is MUCH heavier and larger and not as carry able. It had fixed sights that DID NOT shoot to point of aim with any load we tried whether .38 Special or .357 magnum. That's not to say some load might not have but none we tried came close enough to be useable for anything but very close range self defense applications and I felt it too heavy for that. So did Matt as he didn't hold onto it for all that long before selling it.

If it had adjustable sights so you could sight it in with your chosen load it would make a decent woods roaming gun if carried in a holster on a wide belt. For self defense carry for me it's just too big and heavy for what it brings to the equation. If I want a compact revolver with only five or six shots I want one light enough to not be a burden. If I'm gonna tote a gun as large and heavy as a high capacity semiauto then I'll carry a high capacity semiauto.

From my limited perspective of it the SP101 is a gun without a useful niche in my life.

[old gunner]

I have a SP 101 .357, like it very well. shoots cast bullets as good as any.

old gunner

[Badnews Bob]

This is the kind of info I was hopeing for keep it commong fellers.

[burntmuch]

Bob Ive had one for 10 years or so. Solid lttle gun . Not sure what the proper term is but mine has the shaved or bobbed hammer. So you could carry it in your jeans pocket, & the hammer wouldnt snag on the way out. All the police officers in the city I worked in carried them. When the lightweight titanium revolvers came out. all the police officers traded up. So a bunch of us fireman snagged the rugers up Cheap. Like GB said for the weight, Id carry a auto. They must be getting popular again. I watched a guy buy a used one at Gander MTN a couple weeks ago for $500 The weights not an issue for me. Its the wifes. It sits in the safe. The kimber is to complicated for her. With the Ruger its point & pull the trigger

[Autorim]

The SP101 is a great revolver - heavier than most, yes. I'll bet you can run over one with a truck and pick it up and shoot it. I think they are a lot more rugged than a Smith and they shoot well enough. I also have many Smiths to compare, but the SP101 goes on every road trip we make.

[Jeff H]

I'm gonna toss out a contrarian view as I often do when it comes to Ruger guns.......If it had adjustable sights so you could sight it in with your chosen load it would make a decent woods roaming gun if carried in a holster on a wide belt......

I agree 100% with that and failed to mention that mine sports a S&W M60 rear sight with a considerably taller front sight.  No sense in toting all that steel if it won't shoot where you want it to.  I also tend to shoot heavier projectiles at lower velocities than a fixed-sight gun would likely be regulated to shoot from the factory, so the adjustable sight is a boon.  I actually like it so much that I decided another favorite needed the same treatment and just talked with David Clements about doing the same thing to my Stainless NM Bearcat - another little hunk of steel, at least compared to the OM with the aluminum cylinder frame.

Yes, it certainly is beefy for being a five-shot and it's good that someone pointed it out because, it's only "light and compact" compared to certain other larger guns and I personally tend to compare things to .44 and .45 SAs witout thinking.  It weighs almost as much as a 4" Speed Six, as my gunsmith felt inclined to rub in my nose one day.  The SP101 is definitely heavier than a M60 in the same barrel length and cartridge and the M60 is certainly more refined out of the box, but the weight of the SP101 makes it very comfortable for me to shoot a lot.

[SHOOTALL]

like um !

[Badnews Bob]

Being heavy don't bother me so much, I carry a security six or a GP 100 now, I also like the look of the new LCR but I prefer hammers. I will mostly shoot SA anyway.  I think I may go fondle one some more but truthfully if I can find a .327 it will prolly come home with me. Thanks for your replies fellers.

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

Had a 2'' one with bobbed hammer---it was accurate---I got rid of it due to the DAO nature of gun and lack of holsters because of the bobbed hammer.

I picked up a new 3 incher about a month ago--haven't got around to shooting it yet--mainly because of lack of ammo(did manage to get the last---and only box in the case--of Rem 125 grainers at Walmart the other day).

So have been dry firing the heck out it --in an effort to loosen/smooth things up a bit----my trigger fingers(both right and left) are also getting quite strong and its inspired me to take a up left handed shooting to see if I can get good at it.

[tc scout]

I'm gonna toss out a contrarian view as I often do when it comes to Ruger guns.

A whole buncha years back we had an advertiser that didn't like to pay cash for their banners so we always worked out some kinda swap deal with them. One year Matt got a Ruger SP101 3" in payment for their banner. While it wasn't mine I did shoot it a fair bit since it was always my ammo that got used in it. 

My personal observations of that one example alone is that it's boat anchor heavy like most Ruger guns. In comparison to a S&W 60 3" I have it is MUCH heavier and larger and not as carry able. It had fixed sights that DID NOT shoot to point of aim with any load we tried whether .38 Special or .357 magnum. That's not to say some load might not have but none we tried came close enough to be useable for anything but very close range self defense applications and I felt it too heavy for that. So did Matt as he didn't hold onto it for all that long before selling it.

If it had adjustable sights so you could sight it in with your chosen load it would make a decent woods roaming gun if carried in a holster on a wide belt. For self defense carry for me it's just too big and heavy for what it brings to the equation. If I want a compact revolver with only five or six shots I want one light enough to not be a burden. If I'm gonna tote a gun as large and heavy as a high capacity semiauto then I'll carry a high capacity semiauto.

From my limited perspective of it the SP101 is a gun without a useful niche in my life.

Got to agree with GB on this one.
I bought one 3 weeks ago at a "Big Box Store".
Off to the range next day to try my new carry gun.

It had to be the most inaccurate revolver I have ever shot, this gun shot consistently
6" left at 15 Ft.!!! I tried every load I had from 125 to 158, very consistent, 6" left. With fixed sights what you gonna do with that.

Back to the store, fortunately they refunded my purchase with no problems.
I am not anti Ruger, love my 10-22 and SR9.( Even with the recall problems, it is a great shooter and accurate with no function problems.)
I am considering buying their new poly framed revolver, but after this experience,
I am having second thoughts.

Might just get a J-frame instead.

[Graybeard]

Reading the comments of folks about them being accurate I have to believe that accuracy is relative to one's expectations. If your expectations are to be able to hit a five gallon bucket at 25 yards from time to time or a gallon milk jug at 10 paces most of the time then yeah they might be considered accurate.

My expectations are much higher. I expect to be able to hit a soda can at 25 yards MOST of the time and the example I have had experience with wouldn't even hit a gallon jug most of the time at that range. Like most fixed sight guns it shot so far off point of aim it was difficult to figure out how far to hold off to hit the jug. Trying to remember to do that in a self defense situation is gonna get you killed.

[burntmuch]

When I first got mine, I could hit a shotgun shell at about 7-8 yards 3 out of 5 times. Dont know what that equates to at 25 yards The sights were dead on. The way it sounds I was lucky.  I ll take lucky.. Its definetly not the gun you take to the range &shoot a couple boxes of ammo thru.

[SHOOTALL]

guess i was lucky as the 357 mag. will keep all 5 in an inch at 7 yards and 2-3 inches at 15 yards off hand . at 25 a 8 inch plate is hit most shots but not all . the 327 is better on the plates . Both with ammo that shoots to the sights . Had one that didn't like any round i tried so it got sold . I have also had a S&W and a Colt that seemed to have sights set for no round loaded !

[bluecow]

had an sp101 and couldnt hit the ground if i droped it.  was much better with my charter arms bull dog.  sold the 101 to a friend that loved it and could shoot it vary well.  maybe it was the way he held his mouth, had his hat on a tilt, or i didnt?

[SHOOTALL]

that's why used guns are a good deal !

[Dee]

I bought two at the same time, and liked them AT FIRST. Both met GB's qualifications, as I could consistantly hit soda cans and smaller at 25 yards. My beef was the weight for day in and day out carry. I went back to a S&W Model 60.

[NickSS]

I have a 3 inch 357 SP101 and like it a lot.  As for carry it is not as light as either my Taurus 84 2 inch or my Bersa 380 thunderer but is is a lot lighter and more compact than the 1911 colt I normally carry.  I actually bought it to use as a carry gun when out hiking.  In the pancake holster I bought for it I truly do not feel the weight at all and it has accounted for several critters of assorted sizes.  I normally load it with hand loads consisting of a Keith SWC and 7 gr of Unique.  One thing about the ruger I would feel like I was abusing a model 60 or my Model 84 taurus with a steady diet of magnums but not the SP 101.

[kinslayer1965]

I love mine.

Looking at it one way I have a lot lower expectations than it seems most of you have. I do not expect to hit soda cans at 25 yards. Then again I did not buy the SP101 for that purpose. I have handguns for that purpose that do quite well. I got the SP101 because it is a small frame revolver that will handle heavy self defense loads.

Now looking at it the other way. I have very high expectations from my personal carry self defense weapons. I expect them to function every single time. Anything less and they do not get strapped to my body.

I got the SP101 because I can't always recognize a potential threat at 75'. Unfortunately sometimes the threat is not recognized untill it is well with in that range. Here is where my SP101 shines. I know that I can draw my 101 and as fast as I can pull the trigger put every round in a human sized target within 25'. I know that it will funtion in fact I bet my life on it every time I choose to carry it.

As far as concealablity well it certainly is larger than my Keltec but then again I am 6'5" and weigh over 250. So its size doesn't bother me. I use a small of back holster most of the time. During the summer I carry it in an ankle rig.

Just mo .02

CR

[v-man]

I have loved my 3" for years but only recently did I finally deal with the fact that it shoots everything terribly low. I mean good groups but 6" low at 15yds. 2 weeks ago I took a file to the range. All loads tested are now dead on at 10yds. At 20yds the Magnum loads are still dead on and the 38sp loads are 1 to 2" high.  Still very tight groups and I'm happy. While I prefer to carry "flat" guns the weight is not an issue to me. In the proper holster/belt my 15round full size Para Ord P14 is not a weight issue either.

[Graybeard]

I STRONGLY urge you to reconsider ankle carry. Do your own tests to see how quickly you can get to it and put it into action if needed. I think you'll find you cannot do so in a timely manner and that carrying a primary as opposed to back up self defense gun in that manner is almost the same as leaving it at home. The primary exception is if you are sitting a lot and then perhaps it is within easy reach.

A self defense gun you cannot put into action very quickly is almost useless to you when the SHTF.

I love mine.

Looking at it one way I have a lot lower expectations than it seems most of you have. I do not expect to hit soda cans at 25 yards. Then again I did not buy the SP101 for that purpose. I have handguns for that purpose that do quite well. I got the SP101 because it is a small frame revolver that will handle heavy self defense loads.

Now looking at it the other way. I have very high expectations from my personal carry self defense weapons. I expect them to function every single time. Anything less and they do not get strapped to my body.

I got the SP101 because I can't always recognize a potential threat at 75'. Unfortunately sometimes the threat is not recognized untill it is well with in that range. Here is where my SP101 shines. I know that I can draw my 101 and as fast as I can pull the trigger put every round in a human sized target within 25'. I know that it will funtion in fact I bet my life on it every time I choose to carry it.

As far as concealablity well it certainly is larger than my Keltec but then again I am 6'5" and weigh over 250. So its size doesn't bother me. I use a small of back holster most of the time. During the summer I carry it in an ankle rig.

Just mo .02

CR

[v-man]

Bill,
Not wanting to get us off track but not only is ankle retrieval slow (even slower with my rebuilt spine) but I can't find an ankle holster that doesn't eventually hurt and hurt badly on the pointy little ankle bone. (worn inside or out) Please don't anyone tell me to try a better holster. I've got nice ones and even added extra padding and still OUCH !!!
Do I just have tender ankles?

[kinslayer1965]

I understand what you are saying. The ankle rig is my least favorite as far as carry goes. In warmer weather down here in Florida your options for concealled carry are limited. I love the small of back when the weather is cooler. I have been trying the carry shirts as they call them. They are tight fitting undershirts with built in pockets for your weapon but the jury is still out on them. Generally during warmer weather I will have my keltec in my wallet holster in my back pocket. If I have to go somewhere where I would worry about the keltec being enough I will strap on the ankle rig. I know if SHTF the ankle could be a problem but it is usually a backup. I know it sounds funny a .357 for backup to a .32 but it makes the best of a less than ideal situation.

Thanks for your help and concern. I have not been a part of this forum for very long and I know my post have a tendency to wonder off topic sometimes but you guys take the time to answer all my questions. This forum is awesome!!!!!

[helotaxi]

I have a 3" and other than some really light .38 handloads everything shoots right to point of aim.  Typically run 100 rounds or so through it every time I go shoot.  The weight is nice when shooting full house .357 rounds.  I carry it when I'm out in the desert and don't even know that it's there.

[Ak.Hiker]

I like my 3 1/16 inch 357 SP 101 as a light weight hiker. It handles the 180 grain cast loads with ease. I would like to check out the S&W 3 inch model 60 after reading the comments from Graybeard. The model with the high visibility front sight looks like another good option for a light weight shootable 357 Magnum. 

[454Puma]

I have the 2.5" SP 101 and carry it full time during the hotter months! I'll have to go out and shoot some targets as I haven't put alot of time in with this gun as I should have.  I have no doupt I can hit a BG in BG range and I know the 357 Mag will ruin there day quickly! As for what it likes to shoot I've found it doesn't like 125 gr GD's much, the 135gr GD's shoot ok for SD use. Cast 125gr shoot great, 158gr Cast shoot great. So guess what gets carried? My cast 158 gr !  Nice wide nose works just like a JHP!

[teamnelson]

Have a 3" .32 H&R with crimson trace grips. Weight absorbs recoil on 32 Mag SD loads; with 32 long wadcutters only know your shooting because of the sound. It'll hit what you can see the dot on, and I like having 6 in the cylinder. It's of course been claimed by the Mrs.

[454Puma]

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