deadduck357

Ruger has released another 4 inch barreled SP101 revolver, this model is chambered in .357 Magnum – it was sent to me for T&E review.



With the 5 shot cylinder this revolver maintains a slim profile.

Remington, Winchester and Speer ammunition was accumulated for the test.


Head group is 5 rounds of Rem. UMC 38 Spl. FMJ at 3 yards, offhand.

All torso groups are 5 rounds at 7 yards, offhand.
Left: Rem. UMC 357 Mag – Right: Speer Gold Dot 357 Mag.
Center: Win. USA 38 Spl +P

20 yards from bench

While this is a handy sized revolver it doesn’t let you forget about full power .357 Mag. loads; the .38 Spl. ammo was quite pleasant to shoot. As for just 5 rounds, that should get you out of a bind while hiking on a trail or as a backup when hunting without the unessential weight.

for full review - http://lead-slinger.com/ruger-sp101-357-magnum

Maximumbob54

Nice review. So far the only thing that bugs me is that it looks like the front sight is dovetailed in place. I was hoping it would have the same spring plunger as the GP's. I know the sight would be a different size, but still it would be nice if they were easy to swap out like the GP's. Unless I'm wrong... Am I?

deadduck357

it is dovetailed

jralston78

Just got the email for this one I hate to say it but this might be a strike out for ruger. Why get a 5 shot sp when you can get a 6 shot gp, this one dose nothing for me.

GUNSNGOLD

i have no desire for that gun either, i would also opt for the GP if i were in the market for a 4"

3321sawyer

Sorry, but I have no use for this gun. For general shooting, my 4-inch GP-100 will do everything that this one does or even better. For concealed carry, a 2 or even 3-inch SP101 makes more sense.

DPris

I can see this as a very nice little trailgun, where you might want full 4-inch .357 velocities but don't want the weight of a GP, and you want some sighted accuracy.

Since it conveniently fits the same chest rig I bought for ATV use with the new .22, I can switch back & forth with that rig, depending on my outings & what I expect to do or run into in the wilds.

The .357 SP riding high can be a backup to one of my GPs on the belt (commonality of ammunition), or the Glock I've been toting this past year (more power on hostile critters), in the Rhino.

If I can get a post-surgery body back up to speed, I can see toting it as the only gun along on Spring hikes up the mountain up behind the house here, where we do have a cougar population. Five shots instead of six won't be an issue for me.

It should make a fine little backpacker gun, with the ability to use heavy .357s and dial the sights in to mate with them. On long trail jaunts on foot, ounces add up, and the SP is 10 oz lighter than a comparable GP.

I'm still bugging Ruger for a half-lugged barrel version, and I might very well buy TWO of those.
Denis

teched08

I wish I would have waited for this one. I have a 3" and it is great but I really wanted a 4" with adjustable sights. My fingers are a little smaller and I can get a better pull on the trigger. I is also a little lighter for packing in the woods. It all boils down to appication and preference.

lafflin rand

I know several small handed shooters who would think the 4 inch sp10 is a great idea. Just like in the 80s when many female fbi agents has to sue to be allowed to use 3 inch smith 36s instead of 3 inch smith model 10s. There hand size was too small to adequately control the model 10. they easily qualified with the model 36.

Storm40

If only it were 3"

Shadyw

+1

mesinge2

This would be perfect for a 4" barrel six shot .327. That might just get me to buy a .327.

DPris

I'm thinking the .327 is not going to be around for much longer, so I wouldn't expect to see that coming, but I suppose it's remotely possible.
Denis

deadduck357

It's a shame, but your probably right. Not enough ammo companies on board.

Lone Star

Denis-

I agree about the .327. Hot .32's never seem to succeed. The .32/20 did well many decades ago, but never as well as heavier calibers.

The new SP seems a niche gun, but could serve as an all-rounder for someone who has to conceal, but wants full .357 power from a four-inch barrel.

The barrel looks longer on this frame than I'd expected. The three-inch SP looks about right to my eyes, but I see the need for a four-inch bbl. in a compact .357.

It sort of reminds me of Colt's four-inch Police Positive Special, for years the most compact four-inch .38 Special. You could get even longer barrels on the PPS, and maybe some outdoorsmen did. Women who couldn't handle the larger, heavier Official Police might also have chosen the PPS. The new Ruger is stronger and more powerful. And stainless! I hope it sells well.