actionexpress

Hey all, I'm currently without a Ruger of any kind and recently looked at a SP101 with hiviz sight (honestly can't remember if it was a .22 or 357, but I liked it a lot.

Just wanted to see if anyone who owns one has had any issues.. I saw a vid on youtube of a .22 that had some timing issues, but as with all "new" things..

jcohen24

I have 2 SP101s. A .38/.357 with a 2" barrel for the Mrs. and a .38/.357 with a 4" barrel for me. They are fabulous guns and I haven't had any issues with either of them. There are enough variations between caliber and barrel length to fit whatever use you have in mind.

exlogger

I have an sp101, but not with hiviz sights.

The sp101 has proven itself through the years as one of the most reliable small framed revolvers on the market. I've had mine 17 years and it has yet to show any sign of wearing down or need of maintenance. I highly recommend this weapon, for hiking, hunting, packing, SD, HD, CC, you name it, this gun will fit the bill almost anywhere.

ikar

I traded a Walther PPK for my 101 and never looked back. I have had a couple requests for me to sell or trade mine but that isn't going to happen. It's a superior weap;on and I highly recommend it.

The only thing I've done with mine is to paint the upper part of the front sight white and smooth out the edges of the trigger guard after firing magnums, plus added wood grip panels.

MidLife

SP101 .357 mag is my carry peice.
I use 38special +P swc rounds for self defense.

SnakeChief

I have the 3 inch 357 (changed front sight to Metropol night sight) and the 4 inch 22 with Hi-Viz. I love the 357. I shoot great with it. The 22 is the first 22 I have owned and the ammo SUCKS. I am told you just have to get used to this with 22 ammo. Other than that the gun is very nice. i am still getting used to it though. I did not like the grips and changed them out after my first range visit to Hogue's (the 357 has Pachmayr's). All SP101s are nice, but I suggest you dry fire the heck out of it, or get a trigger job. I have found the hammers and triggers (esp on the 357) to be 'stout'.

MILLERTIME

My vote is for the 4.2" 357 SP101. I just Posted a thread a couple days ago looking for SP101 4" fans. Its one sweet handgun . You can't go wrong with the SP101. Brian

jcohen24

SnakeChief is right about the grip and trigger job. Invest some money for a Hogue rubber grip and a trigger job and you'll have a reliable gun that's a blast to shoot.

Dawgface

I bought a slightly used 3" SP .357 and it is great! I reload and today was the 2nd time at the range, this time with some hotter reloads. What fun!!!!
It's accurate for a 3" barrel and recoil is easy. I let a little gal try it and she loved it too!
Buy one!

78CJ5

I own 3 SP101's but not one of the current 4 inch models. All three of them are real good shooters.

ExArmy11b

I love my SP101, an older .38 Special model made in 1990.

I am no fan of snub revolvers, I have two J-frame S&W's from the 1980's that I never got attached to, a Colt Detective Special that is very well made but I don't have the urge to shoot alot............but my SP101 is a gun that I carry all the time, I enjoy shooting it and it will last me forever.

Shadyw

I bought ,357 2,25" recently in a pawnshop. Actually got a good price. I haven't taken it to the range yet, but I had rented one there before and liked it fine, so kept it in mind for when I'd see one in good shape for a good price. I'm sure it'll be very similar to the one I rented and enjoyed. If you can rent one, I recommend that.

terry_p

I bought an SP in 357 mag several years ago and have shot it on most every range trip so have put a few thousand rounds thru it. It is one of two a carry handguns I use and is never far away. It still locks up like a bank vault and I feel you can't go wrong with an SP.

Sal1950

I've got the 2, 3, and 4"s. They're all great guns and which one is best as always depends on what you want to use it for.
That said, seems every basic frame size has a barrel length that make the gun look and feel "just right" in balance.
IMHO the 4" is the one in a GP, a 5.5 in a Redhawk,, and "drum roll" 3' in SP101
Putting peso's in my cookie gar to have on done in a FO front sight and S&W adjustable rear, trimmed down hammer, etc. I can see it in my minds eye and even a few websites since I'm not the first guy to have this idea.
Sal

ExArmy11b

The SP101 is the world's first snub revolver that handles and shoots like a full size holster revolver.

S&W tried to "update" the Model 60 with longer barrel lengths,chambering it for .357, the underlug barrel but IMO it still can't touch the SP101 for durability and shootability.


After owning an SP101, you'll wonder why S&W sells any snubs at all these days......I got mine used for $350, less than a new Taurus and 1,000x more gun............