Why did the SP101 22LR Die?

[Golsovia]

I know, the obvious reason must be lack of sales and I have spent all the energy I care to bemoaning the fact that out of 23 22 caliber handguns, none are double action. So, now it is time to buy something that will be a suitable stand-in for what I really wanted to get. In thinking about it I can't make any sense out of Ruger's logic on this. Two things do come to mind; one, there must be some other DA revolver which stole cut into their market, and; Ruger doesn't care about brand loyalty so, I guess it will be okay if I buy the Taurus, Smith or whatever gun it was that knocked off the rugged little SP 22LR.

Anyone have any idea which gun that was? I'm in the market.

[dawei]

I know, the obvious reason must be lack of sales and I have spent all the energy I care to bemoaning the fact that out of 23 22 caliber handguns, none are double action. So, now it is time to buy something that will be a suitable stand-in for what I really wanted to get. In thinking about it I can't make any sense out of Ruger's logic on this. Two things do come to mind; one, there must be some other DA revolver which stole cut into their market, and; Ruger doesn't care about brand loyalty so, I guess it will be okay if I buy the Taurus, Smith or whatever gun it was that knocked off the rugged little SP 22LR.

Anyone have any idea which gun that was? I'm in the market.

It's still cataloged & available:
http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/FAProdView?model=5745&return=Y

[Golsovia]

I know they show it on their website but it is not in the 2005 catalog nor is it something that most, if any, wholesalers have. My dealer has not been able to locate one for me. They are history - at least for 2005.

I've looked a bit at what other gun makers have that might have siphoned off Ruger's needed sales volume. I see that Taurus makes the M94 which is about the same size, a couple of ounces lighter, less money, and 9 shots instead of 6. I have never stepped across the line into their territory nor do I feel inclined to but that gun could clearly have some effect for those who are in a market for such a gun, I suppose. I may just go with a 38 in SP101 in spite of the downsides: loading for it and greater weight and bulk for 50 round of ammo........

[dawei]

I know they show it on their website but it is not in the 2005 catalog nor is it something that most, if any, wholesalers have. My dealer has not been able to locate one for me. They are history - at least for 2005.

I've looked a bit at what other gun makers have that might have siphoned off Ruger's needed sales volume. I see that Taurus makes the M94 which is about the same size, a couple of ounces lighter, less money, and 9 shots instead of 6. I have never stepped across the line into their territory nor do I feel inclined to but that gun could clearly have some effect for those who are in a market for such a gun, I suppose. I may just go with a 38 in SP101 in spite of the downsides: loading for it and greater weight and bulk for 50 round of ammo........

Would these work?

http://www.firearms.smith-wesson.com/store/index.php3?cat=293595&item=831377&sw_activeTab=1

http://www.firearms.smith-wesson.com/store/index.php3?cat=293595&item=831378&sw_activeTab=1

[papajohn428]

Get a used Smith 22 revolver.  You'll never be sorry, and if you ever want to sell it, it's worth what you paid for it.  Sometimes they're hard to find, most folks hang on to theirs until it's time to pass them down a generation.  In the world of DA 22's, there are Smiths, and there everyone else's.  The Smiths are a class by themself.  Trust me! :wink:

Papajohn

[Old Griz]

:cb2: The SP101 nicely filled the gap between the 617 and the smaller Smiths. I really enjoy mine. Have a scope on my 617, and the SP101 is for plinking. But if I were in the market for a DA .22 and the SP101 is no longer an option, I'd have to go with the 617. Forget the Taurus junk. Save up and get something really good. You'll be glad you did!

[Desperado]

Get a Brand New .22 Smith. They are outstanding pistols and they will outlast you and yours on up to your great great great grandchildren,and if you ever come on hard times you can sell the thing for what you paid for it,and if you keep the thing in good shape and save the box you'll get more than what you paid for it. They are fine little guns.

[Spencer]

a guy in the classifieds of the smith forum has a model 63 for sale.  It is a 4" j frame.  I have one and love it.  It is a great plinking/woods bumming/trap line gun.  You can't go wrong with it.

[ajj]

Papajohn said it best. There is no reason to buy a new Taurus when you can find a used Smith. Double action revolvers are meant to be fired double action. In that mode there is nothing in the same class as a Smith.

[Old Griz]

:cb2: Of course, don't give up on getting a SP101. It's a great gun. I think that's about how this thread started.

[Dand]

Now what would you guys say about a .22 4 inch stainless Colt Diamond Back?  I shot one once and I really liked it. No way was I able to buy it.

Just curious.

[Old Griz]

:cb2: I hope I never see one, because that would be a HAVE TO HAVE in my book. I ran across one in .22 mag about 35 years ago, but was put off by the price of .22 mag ammo compared with .22 LR. Haven't seen one since.

[sawebbshooter]

One feature lacking in the SP101 is an elevation adjustible sight.  As a plinking/smallgame revolver with an MSRP of over $500, I find the lack inexplicable.  I had S&W J-frame rear sights installed on my pair of 4" '101's (.32 H&R & .22), which required  return trips to fabricate regulated front sight blades.  The results were great in the end, but time, money and aggravation were expended in immoderate amounts.  They will shoot to point-of-aim with what I stuff in them. I own an 617 and would never part with it,  I shoot it as well as any gun I own, but it is on the heavy side for the purposes I got the 101 for.  I have had a mod. 63 S&W, and it was a little light for me to shoot well and even after a spring job, the action was not anything like thet bigger-framed bretheren.  When people ooh and ahh over the actions of S&W revolvers, I'm guessing it usually ain't the J-frames.  I got the offer I couldn't refuse, so off it went. My early 317 was way too light to shoot well back when I bought it; it was traded in on the 617.  I had a 94 Taurus 22 as well as a couple of others; the 94 had similar issues to the 63.  I found that all of them functioned and shot well, but gravitated towards S&W and Rugers over time.  Taurus revolvers cover more territory in calibers, configurations etc, than any three American makers, and if one's heart's desire is off the well- trod path, they might be the one-and-only practical choice.  Their quality is constantly improving, their affordability and value is impressive and their guns all go bang with out being spoon-fed Fed. primers like some over-valued revolvers I have bought that were built right here in 'Merica, dagnabit!  (Dismount from soapbox).  Obviously, some niches in guns aren't being filled (Witness the paucity of 22 d.a. revolver options), and if it is a company in Brazil filling gaps, good.  To get back to the original question, Ruger seems to cycle some of their less popular sellers in and out of their catalogue: out not necessarily the permanent kiss of death.  If they put fully adj. sights on the small cal. 4" S.P.101s I'm guessing they could sell more.                                                                    'Cause the wheelgun is a real gun,                                                                                                          SAWebbshooter

[Jim n Iowa]

If you can't find a S&W k-22 or like just jump up to the 617 ss 10 shot, and you will never be sorry. I wanted a DA 22 to go back to the basic pistol skills, and after much prodding on many boards I ordered one and am very glad I did.
Jim