Author Topic: 3 inch SP101 .357 (Read 4625 times)

gs50401 · « **on:** June 03, 2010, 03:47:38 PM »

I just want to give a shout out for my little Ruger. Accurate,powerful shoots almost all 158 grainers dead on. I love it.

Anyone else have similar thoughts.

Foxfire Rod and Gun · « **Reply #1 on:** June 04, 2010, 05:10:13 AM »

I have been using a Ruger Stainless Steel SP-101 with a three inch barrel in .357 Magnum caliber as my primary carry gun since the mid 1990's. When I originally received it, I immediately took it to a well known gunsmith located in Bacon's Castle, Virginia to have it worked over.

This particular gunsmith did a great deal of weapons work and modifications for the Navy Seals and several other specialized military groups at the time. He took my unfired new in the box SP-101 and really worked it over.

1) Jet nozzeled the barrel.

2) Complete single & double action trigger jobs.

3) Rounded all of the edges.

4) Bead blasted the entire gun.

5) Installed a custom set of slightly over sized Ebony grips which fit my hand perfectly.

6) Chamfered each of the cylinder chambers to facilitate rapid reloads.

I carry this weapon in a small of the back holster and am able to rapidly draw, bring it up to chest level and put all five rounds in center mass at 8 yards most every time. While I am not a crack pistol shot, and it is on the heavy side, this combination has worked very well for me over the years. However, I do tend to carry something a bit smaller and lighter in the real hot & humid Virginia summers.

FR&G

gs50401 · « **Reply #2 on:** June 05, 2010, 10:37:11 AM »

I put a 10 lb spring, Hogue nylon grips and painted a white stripe on my front sight. At 25 yards I can keep all 5 rounds on a prairie chuck target with two hands and no rest.

I have autos but six or in this case fiveguns seem to fit my hand.

Describe that barrel mod a bit more. It sounds interesting.

Foxfire Rod and Gun · « **Reply #3 on:** June 05, 2010, 04:34:58 PM »

The "Jet Nozzles" are two inverted cone shaped holes machined into the top of the barrel. The front nozzle is slightly larger than the rear one. From about 15 feet to the side of the shooter, I have watched someone else shoot this revolver using full house Cor Bon, Winchester Silver Tip, and Federal Hydra-Shok .357 Magnum ammunition. There was a wisp of smoke roughly three feet above the barrel which came out of the nozzles and the rise of the muzzle was roughly 2 to 3 inches. The gases escaping the nozzles counteracted the normal amount of muzzle rise considerably. I happen to like this type of barrel porting much better than ones such as the Magna-Port design.

FR&G

chg · « **Reply #4 on:** June 09, 2010, 05:20:27 PM »

Agree 100% on the 3" SP101. It's a great handgun, small enough to be handy and therefore with you , yet large enough to shoot .357s and be able to accurately hit with it, often to distances far beyond what most people would even consider. Only switched out the factory springs. Tried other grips but went back to the factory grips for better carry. Hogues were the most comfortable but just a little too long for in my vest pocket.

searlock · « **Reply #5 on:** June 10, 2010, 05:31:02 AM »

how is it to shoot without ear plugs as in a fire fight when you can't say to the person shooting at you, hey wait a minute while i put in my ear plugs?

sbhg · « **Reply #6 on:** June 10, 2010, 07:58:59 AM »

You most likely wouldn't even hear it.
When shooting at a deer or other game (except maybe prairie dogs) I can't remember ever hearing the gun fire.
I think your adrenalin would be so high, you wouldn't even notice it.
Many years ago I was out deer hunting and got lost. When I realized I was on another property, I found the trail out and started for the road. After a lil while I spotted a deer and stopped to look at it.
That's when the hunter in the stand that I didn't notice started shooting. The deer was between us, us being maybe 100 yds. apart. The deer started moving from my right to left. I can remember the first shot and seeing the bark flying from the trees as the deer started running towards my left. When the deer was almost at the center, between us there must have been maybe 3-4 shots before I turned around and got down and totally behind the tree that I was already partly behind.
I still can't remember hearing the other shots, only seeing the bark flying from the trees as the bullets hit them.

gs50401 · « **Reply #7 on:** June 11, 2010, 01:38:45 PM »

I have been in a self defense related shootout,my self defense. I did not notice the blast, but it was not with the SP101.

I mainly use full power 158 grain 357 loads and they are loud. I use plugs and muffs most of the time at the range or sometimes just muffs.

I do not plan on frequent gunfights but I will take the risk of using it without hearing protection if the need arises.

Jeff H · « **Reply #8 on:** June 12, 2010, 11:09:35 AM »

I'll throw in on this one. My stainless NM Bearcat and my 3" SP101 are two of the most useful handguns I have ever owned and I am no longer able to remember what all I have owned, it's been so many.
The .357 is not even my favorite round, but paired with this revolver format and "slow" (950 to 1000 fps) heavy bullets it's a gem. Shoots normal 125 grain and 158 grain stuff extremely well also,

The Bearcat will be getting an adjustable sight treatment as soon as I save a few bucks up for that. It was a worthy expenditure on the SP.

zoner · « **Reply #9 on:** June 12, 2010, 02:05:05 PM »

i really like your 3" sp101 w/adjustable sights.......many a time i've sat around ponderin settin one up exactly like that....who did your sights and what did it cost ya?

gs50401 · « **Reply #10 on:** June 12, 2010, 03:22:05 PM »

Jeff H. That sight setup is real nice. I will second the question about who did the work?

Autorim · « **Reply #11 on:** June 14, 2010, 06:05:15 PM »

Jeff,

That is a nice 101. My 3 inch SP101 is the only handgun I have that my wife likes. It is one that goes on all our road trips. Mine is factory stock and I have never felt the need to change anything.

walks with gun · « **Reply #12 on:** June 15, 2010, 07:46:24 AM »

I carried a shorter one for my bar and fishing gun for a couple years loaded with win,110gr. really cut back on recoil and muzzle blast and shot danged well to.

Dand · « **Reply #13 on:** June 15, 2010, 09:02:14 PM »

I like my 2.25 but sometimes wish for the 3 incher. I rounded all the edges on the trigger guard and frame with very fine emery and crocus cloth. Added Crimson Trace Grips - love them.

Really like this sturdy little gun.

DDZ · « **Reply #14 on:** June 19, 2010, 07:59:11 AM »

The 3 inchers seem to be pretty scarce. At least in my area. I have went to 3 local gun shops and they tell me they can't get one. The one FFL dealer called a large distributor who he gets guns from and they told him they haven't seen a 3 inch SP101 yet this year. If there is as much demand for them as appears to be, why isn't Ruger producing more of them?
I guess the 2 1/4 inch guns are not in as much demand. I would have no problem getting a 2 1/4 inch. I may end up doing just that, if I can't find a 3 inch. As time goes by, I'm getting closer to just buying the 2 1/4 inch.

pastorp · « **Reply #15 on:** June 20, 2010, 05:49:07 AM »

DDZ, check on gunbrober.com there seem to be plenty of them on there for sale. I shoot the 32 H&R mag and bought both of mine off gunbroker. You just need a ffl holder to recieve it for you.

Concerning these SP101's, I've been a S&W fan for 40 years and believed they were the best doubleaction revolvers ever made. However these sp's have won me over. I have 3 actually, 1 22lr, 1 in 32 H&R mag, & 1 in 32 federal. The 22 is a 4". They all shoot very well. The 32 federal was reworked by a ruger expert and is a joy to shoot. I've found that they shoot in very quickly without trigger work though. I do like the softing of the edges & enhansed reloading that chamforing gives. I also paint the front sights with orange nail polish.

Regards,

canon6 · « **Reply #16 on:** June 20, 2010, 07:35:06 AM »

My SP101 , Hougue grips, bobbed hammer(factory) and green optic front sight.Wolf springs and lightly chamfered cylinders.My wife has stolen it for her EDC.

Doug

Yes, 357_SIG · « **Reply #17 on:** June 28, 2010, 09:06:43 PM »

If you reload for a 357 mag, use the 357mag brass rather than 38spcl brass, even for practice loads;
in order to avoid “leading up” the forcing cone.

Also, you really should practice with what you carry.
There are recorded incidents of police officers who threw down their revolver because it “exploded” in a gunfight.
They had never fired the full house 357 rounds that they were carrying.
I have personal knowledge of 2 of these instances.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Yes, 357_SIG · « **Reply #18 on:** June 28, 2010, 09:12:45 PM »

For most shooters, the 357mag is the pinnacle of concealed carry handguns that they are capable of mastering.

The terminal ballistics of the 357mag are superb; … king amongst concealed carry handguns.
Nothing else offers the versatility, penetration, velocity, “knock down”, and documented empirical real world results, etc., etc.

The 357mag is far more potent than the 38spcl.
On the other hand, a well placed hit with a 38spcl is far more effective than a miss with a 357mag … or a 300 WinMag.

Especially in concealed carry revolvers, the question is whether the shooter is willing and able to spend the time and $$$ to master the weapon.

Frankly, very few are.
The 357mag SP101 [and LCR] are available for those few who are …
and those willing to try.

DDZ · « **Reply #19 on:** July 19, 2010, 02:44:56 PM »

I just recently purchased a Sp101 .357mag. I got tired of waiting for a 3 incher so settled for the 2.25 inch. After shooting a few hundred rounds, I'm not very happy with it. It prints consistently left of point of aim, no matter what loads I shoot. that includes factory, and hand loads. 125gr. and 158 gr. plinker loads and full mag loads. Shooting on a rest at seven yards under single action fire. It prints around 2.5 inches left of aim. Which I don't think is acceptable. I would not be as concerned if this was at 25 yards, and 2.5 inches left. I have other Ruger revolvers and they shoot to point of aim.
I realize this is not meant to be a 25 yard gun, and I don't need it to be, but at seven yards I would expect it to be pretty close to point of aim left and right.
Can't really see why its shooting left. The barrel seems to be mated to the frame at top dead center. Not turned left or right. Anyone have any ideas as to why its printing left?
I really hate the hassle of returning a firearm, then waiting weeks for it to return. I was sending Ruger a letter with the target. I hope they will do something with it.

Yes, 357_SIG · « **Reply #20 on:** July 19, 2010, 03:54:23 PM »

Try shooting left handed;
try a machine rest ...and / or
find an old time [master class] revolver shooter.

If you get the same results from all of that, then return the SP101 to Ruger.
They have absolutely, hands down, the best customer service anywhere.

However, I would bet that the problem is not with the SP101.

Assuming that you are shooting right handed, the odds are that the root of the problem is trigger control.
Left impact is the characteristic of trigger control issues.

Just keep the trigger moving like you were rolling a heavy full 55 gallon drum [barrel] over a slab of plate glass ...
or a frozen lake surface in the dead of winter ...
smooth, ... smooth, ... smooth.

Do some “ball and dummy” practice.

Practice laser on wall and “wax bullet” drill:

get a laser grip, or … a [LCR-LG] Ruger LCR; …
and / or some Speer plastic bullets, …
[or do like the “old timers” and make wax bullets] …
and practice, practice, practice.

Perfect your trigger control.
{Nothing is more obscenely and embarrassingly revealing than the light weight “snubs”.
Master them, and anything else is a cake walk.}

That is the secret to all handguns.
Nothing else is as important as trigger control.

---------------------------------------------------------
Si vis pacem, para (censored word) ...
“If you wish for peace, prepare for war.”

Semper Preparatus:
Training + Practice =======>>> Safety ... for all.

Thanks,
Chuck

Jeff H · « **Reply #21 on:** July 19, 2010, 05:35:20 PM »

Quote from: zoner on June 12, 2010, 02:05:05 PM

i really like your 3" sp101 w/adjustable sights.......many a time i've sat around ponderin settin one up exactly like that....who did your sights and what did it cost ya?

SO sorry it took so long to get back, guys. Mountains of legitimate excuse, none of which will I bore you wilth.
Van Schnieder, Gunworks, in Sandusky Ohio did the sight for me. Quick little milling and D/T job.
He dug through a cigar box of old parts and fished out an old S&W M60 sight and included it with the labor for $100.
I have since fab'd a tall front sight for it as well. Not sure if I was the recipient of a discount because we have traded parts, components, labor and I don't think either of us know "where we're at." The RDO 359190 mould is sitting on my bench awaiting handles. Getting pumped about that one!

He made it a point to rub it in my nose that his 4" Speed Six weighed only one once more than my SP, and holds another round to boot.
All the same, as much as I love and respect the old Speed, Service and Security Sixes, the SP is still more compact and probably just as rugged.

Again, veryu sorry for the late reply.

Jeff H

DDZ · « **Reply #22 on:** July 20, 2010, 12:51:18 AM »

I really don't think its me. I'm not being boastful but I've been shooting handguns for over 30 years and never have I had a problem with shooting left. I have shot groundhogs at 100 yards with my open sighted .41mag Redhawk. Doing this, I think takes some trigger control. After shooting the SP a few hundred rounds, and seeing it print everything to the left. Right now I'd be willing to bet a paycheck its the gun.

Yes, 357_SIG · « **Reply #23 on:** July 20, 2010, 11:44:56 AM »

If it shoots left for everyone / machine rest, etc.;
even in single action;
then I would return the SP101 to Ruger in a heartbeat.
Contact them for shipping instructions.

They have absolutely, hands down, the best customer service anywhere.

I wish that I could get anywhere near that level of service for computer / electronics components.

Frankly, with my old eyes, I would just have a fiber optic [or maybe a Big Dot] front sight installed and regulated.

Tom C. · « **Reply #24 on:** July 23, 2010, 05:14:16 AM »

I love my 3" SP101, but I can't stand the sights. I finally sent mine to Cylinder and Slide Shop for installation of S&W J frame sights. Much better now.

DDZ · « **Reply #25 on:** July 23, 2010, 05:48:29 PM »

Sent my Sp back to Ruger today. First I took it to a UPS store, and the guy working there said that they don't ship handguns anymore. He then said that UPS ships them, but not from there. He said something about being hazardous material, and he really didn't know what I had to do to ship it. He mumbled something about calling around to find where to ship it from.
The Rep from Ruger I was in contact with never said anything about sending a tag so the charges would be billed to Ruger for shipment. So I took the gun back to the dealer who called Ruger and got the shipment charges paid for. Now all I have to do is wait six to eight weeks for my gun back.

Yes, 357_SIG · « **Reply #26 on:** July 23, 2010, 10:04:16 PM »

Both UPS and FedEx can and will ship handguns, but only overnight / express.

An FFL can ship USPS to another FFL.

I have lost count of how many that I have done.

The Ruger Rep probably thought that your dealer would be handling the shipping.

In any event, I will bet that Ruger will get it back to you sooner and with some bonus item(s) added.

shooter6br · « **Reply #27 on:** July 25, 2010, 02:10:03 PM »

I have the 32 mag version with 3 in barrel Any good holsters ?

Yes, 357_SIG · « **Reply #28 on:** July 25, 2010, 02:43:44 PM »

Yep.

Tons.

http://www.comp-tac.com/product_info.php?products_id=46

http://www.safariland.com/DutyGear/product.aspx?pid=567

DDZ · « **Reply #29 on:** August 05, 2010, 03:24:52 PM »

I got my SP back today from Ruger. From the time it shipped which was July 23rd or 24th, until today was less than a two week turn around. I was expecting to have to wait at least six weeks. I have four other ruger handguns and a rifle, but this is the first time I ever had to deal with ruger's costumers service, or send a gun back for repair, and it appears they treat their costumers very well. I don't know about other firearm manufacturers service, but I doubt any are better than Ruger.

There was a note included in the box stating they adjusted the barrel. Which I assume means they turned it a slight amount. As soon as I got it home I took it to the bench, and all five rounds printed dead center to point of aim.