Ruger SP101

Johnn Peterson

Johnn Peterson

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I have the opportunity to pick up a Ruger SP101,, 4" in 22LR. I've never had a Ruger double action and was 'thinking' of picking it up as a plinker. Anyone have one and if so, what do you think of it? Comments please.
 
I don't know how many of those things made it into Canada. They were only released in 1993, and the Ban hammer came soon after.

That said I absolutely love that gun and it would probably be my EDC in .357 if we could have CCW and compact guns! The .22lr is discontinued now for awhile now I believe but I have handled, and drooled over the .357 many times down south. The small frame and lighter gun might make it a little more fun even in .22lr.
 
:agree:
As above, I have shot some "full powered" loads through a prohib .357 and actually enjoyed it. Were I looking for a very good quality handgun but could not afford a S&W, the Ruger SP 101 would be THE gun, IMHO.
Cheers!!
 
I'm fortunate to own one, 3 1/16" inch barrel in .357. My favorite revolver, small, yet built like a tank. I highly recommend it.
 
A short time back, one in our old group of shooting buddies passed away. Another in our group took on the responsibility of dealing with the firearms and reloading equipment for the estate. He contacted me to see what if anything I was interested and I said I'd purchase the Anaconda in 44 Mag, Ruger SP 101 in 22 LR and a S&W 4506, 45 ACP. Later, a 'situation' developed with another individual concerening the Anaconda so I let it slide and forgot about it. The original 22 was a SS Ruger Single Six but seeing as I already have an old flat loading gate model, I opted for the SP 101 instead. The other I've arranged for is the S&W 4506 in 45 ACP. A couple of pictures.

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SP101 revolvers are very nice indeed...

Hi Johnn,

I've owned several SP101's, 2", 3 1/16" and another 2" w/ spurless hammer (DAO). All of these were in chambered in .357. I also had a 4" SP101 in .22 LR...I thought it was a beautiful revolver. I adored them all...one of my favorite revolvers, period.

Strange I don't currently own one...I'll have to try to fix that. ;)

Jeff/1911.
 
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Jeff/1911 said:
Hi Johnn,

I've owned several SP101's, 2", 3 1/16" and another 2" w/ spurless hammer (DAO). All of these were in chambered in .357. I also had a 4" SP101 in .22 LR...I thought it was a beautiful revolver. I adored them all...one of my favorite revolvers, period.

Strange I don't currently own one...I'll have to try to fix that. ;)

Jeff/1911.
Click to expand...

The one I've pictured in my previous post is 'cute':). Heavy but cute and I look forward to trying it out. The single action lock-up on it is as tight as that on any of my Smiths. In a 357 Mag it would probably be a real comfortable weight and balance.
 
Doggone it you guys!!! :rolleyes:

I dreamt about SP101's all last night - thanks to this thread. Now I've gone and posted a WTB ad for one on the EE. I hope you're happy!!! Because I am. Now to find one... :)
 
I had one in the early 90s in .22. It was a fine revolver, and I wish I had kept it. The only "issue" was the cylinder gap was so small, it would frequently carbon up from the relatively dirty .22s, and prevent the cylinder from cycling properly. A quick cleaning took care of the problem, but it needed to be done quite frequently.
 
Bowie said:
I had one in the early 90s in .22. It was a fine revolver, and I wish I had kept it. The only "issue" was the cylinder gap was so small, it would frequently carbon up from the relatively dirty .22s, and prevent the cylinder from cycling properly. A quick cleaning took care of the problem, but it needed to be done quite frequently.
Click to expand...

I had a 4" S&W model 18 like that. Great shooter, but needed frequent cylinder/forcing cone cleaning for smooth operation.
 
Jeff/1911 said:
Sounds like a good idea, Johnn. :) I sure hope I can find one...
Click to expand...

Jeff/1911
I had never thought of a Ruger double action let alone contemplate buying one. I've handled a Ruger Redhawk but to my way of thinking, it 'seemed' a little rough around the edges compared to a top line S&W or Colt double action. I do like Ruger single actions and have a few of them.

I have a Colt Diamondback in .22 LR and if I was going to get a Smith, it probably would've been a SS Kitgun. When I was shown the Ruger SP 101, I took a good look at it, played with it a little, and thought what the hell...... The rest is history and I look forward to trying it out.

Bowie
I had a similar tight cylinder gap on a Ruger Blackhawk in 357 Mag. While it did require more effort to keep the gap clear for reliable function, the chrono'd velocities were a little higher.
 
Hi Johnn!
Congrats on your purchases. I think you should adopt me! We seem to have similar tastes in firearms. I have owned several Ruger double actions over the years, and they were all dependable and accurate. Yet for some strange reason I sold all of them. My current plinker is a 4" S&W Mod 18, and my .45 ACP is a S&W 645, very very similar to your 4506. I gave up shooting handguns for quite awhile until I had cataract surgery on both eyes. Now I can see handgun sights again!!!
Cheers - Len
 
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