GuitarsAndGuns

Chuck Hawks Review
Ruger SP101, 8-shot, .22 LR Revolver
Mine pretty much matches this one.

SWillis

Thanks for sharing. Are you going to do the modifications they suggest? If so, please let us know the results.

Sal1950

Good overall review but as they say, "beauty is in the eyes of the beholder". His full paragraph comments on "Deleting Ruger's melted-looking version of a full length under barrel lug is an especially good idea, as the Ruger under lug was ugly" could not be further from the truth in my eye. It is the smooth continuous line of the barrel/underlug on the GP's and SP's that make them the most attractive DA revolvers on the market.
I know Ruger was trying to save weight on the new 22 SP, but a top rib level with the frame strap top would have distracted the huge look of the HiViz front sight that I've heard so many negative comments on. And I still think a full length underlug would make the weapon more attractive over all. JMHO.
Sal

GuitarsAndGuns

Yes I am. and I will give a report. I figure it will cost me another $100 or so per Revolver

DPris

I'm one who's never liked the Ruger underlug, on any of their revolvers, and totally agree with Hawks.
Dehorning the hammer spur takes about five to ten minutes, highly recommended.
Changing springs MAY result in misfires.
And, accuracy can be better than what he got. Varies with gun & ammo.
Denis

Storm40

I want a SP 101 .22LR but I am disappointed that it is not a full lug. My GP100 does not have the full lug either. Although I like it , I wish it was a full lug.

DPris

I would not have bought it if it'd had the full lug.
Don't like the looks, don't need the weight.
Denis

James6591

It's on my shortish list.
Like the way it looks.

roaddog28

His review is pretty much what I expected. Poor double action trigger. Other than a S&W model 17 which I rented and with through 200 rounds, I have never experienced a good double action trigger in a 22 LR revolver. I don't understand why any gun maker can't make a double action 22 LR revolver with a good double action trigger without having to spend extra money on either putting a spring kit or having a gunsmith tune it.
I think I will stick with my single six. I am not going to pay $550 for another single action revolver and thats what a person will get with the SP101.
Just does not make sense.
Howard

texagun

I have to agree with Howard. I was hot to get one of these until I started reading the reviews on the various forums regarding it's lousy double action trigger pull. Most seemed to be trying to fix this by swapping springs of variable weights, looking for a combination that would give a decent pull while maintaining reliability. I just don't think you should have to modify the lock-works of a new gun to make it acceptable.

DPris

Just as a counterpoint, I have a Smith 34 & the new Ruger SP, both in .22.
I didn't get either one to use in double-action shooting. In a rimfire, I see no real reason.
It's not a defensive gun, I don't need or want to shoot it fast, and when plinking I get better accuracy from a cocked hammer in SA mode regardless of caliber to begin with, so again I have no personal reason to use a DA mode on a plinker or small game getter.

What appeals to me the most about these DA rimfires is first & foremost the loading convenience. After more than three decades of Single-Six shooting, I just like being able to open the DA up, dump the empties all at once, and reload in an open cylinder.
Quicker, easier, quicker, and easier. Not to mention easier & quicker.

With the Ruger in particular, the adjustable sights were a serious bonus for me, and the 8-round capacity was the clincher.

Is it an "expensive SA revolver"? Sure, for me. But that's perfectly fine, for me.
When plinking or goofing around with any handgun in any caliber, if I want to hit a rock, can, target, or rabbit, I won't be using the DA trigger, it'll be firing from a cocked hammer.
For defensive uses in larger calibers, yes- DA. But again, this little Ruger wasn't bought to be a defensive piece.
I'm perfectly delighted to pay the price for the swingout cylinder convenience, extra 2 rounds, and adjustable sights.
Different trigger strokes for different folks, maybe, but the DA trigger isn't a sole determinant for everybody.
Denis

roaddog28

Denis while I see your point and everybody has their view, I can't bring myself to pay about $600 out the door for a basically a single action revolver that has a swing out cylinder for easy loading and unloading. I know that if I want a single action that is easier to load and unload I can find a H&R Sportsman a cylinder that tips up for loading and unloading or even a 922 H&R which has the swing out cylinder. These to revolvers can been bought for around $350 to $400 tops.
Bottom line for me is I am disappointed that Ruger did not spend more time refining their trigger design so a person can enjoy a revolver with a good double action trigger. At $600 I know I will look for a use S&W model 17 or 18.
Howard

texagun

If you're paying $600 for the SP 101 .22LR you are paying too much. I see them for $499 new in the box at the DFW gun shows.

roaddog28

In California a good price on a SP101 22LR is $529. By the time taxes are added plus background fees your looking at about $600. That is why I want to get the most revolver for the money.
Regards,
Howard

NVcaster

I like it because its close to my 357 sp101 which I shoot mostly double for practice.